Male Christmas Gift Guide 2012...

It can be hard to buy for the males in your life (partner, dad etc), but it's often the easy options we go for, for example: their favourite scent, a game or CD they've been talking about for ages, underwear, t-shirts etc. Sometimes it's nice to find something different to buy and I hope that's where this gift guide comes in. This gift guide is going to be slightly different and not as long as my female one, because I want to focus on a few bespoke items and hopefully you will find something that you think your loved one(s) will like :).

First up is quite an inexpensive item from a website called THABTO (Two Heads Are Better Than One). Buckle Up Key Holder is £14.95 and is a fancy but effective way of holding and keeping your bunch of keys secure and in one place until you need them next. The wall mounted key holder is produced using discontinued car seat belt buckles. When I first saw this I could think of a few people this would be ideal for and it's a little bit different, which I love!

Picture courtesy of Two Heads Are Better Than One.

Next up is a subscription service for men! ScrubBox is a subscription service for men's toiletries and essentials. Most men that I know don't particularly enjoy shopping, especially for those toiletries that run out too quickly like deodorant, toothpaste, shaving gel etc. This service starts from £7.99 per box and allows you to choose a monthly, six-weekly or quarterly subscription and there are a LOT of boxes to choose from, depending on what grooming routine a certain male might have. The subscription can be changed, paused or cancelled at any time (unless you have purchased a discounted annual package), so you don't have to feel like once you're signed up, that's it. You also have the option to include items like underwear, socks and more! ScrubBox try to base their prices on those that you see in shops (but this of course does depend on where you shop) and postage is free, but your loved one(s) have the luxury of not having to walk round shops to keep stocking up on these items. The box that the items come in, is a letterbox sized box, so the recipient doesn't even have to be at home! You can even contact the company to suggest products that they don't currently stock, to be in future boxes. They also have specific gift packages, where you can make some great savings.                        

Picture courtesy of ScrubBox.

A lot of people say that a dog is a man's best friend, well if the males in your life have a beloved pet, be it dog, cat, bird or any animal for that matter, then why not get them a painted portrait of their pet! Andy Bridge is the man behind It's Painting Cats and Dogs. To order, simply email Andy using the email address on the order page and tell him some information about the pet you would like to be painted. He will then get back to you and request picture(s). You can email or post the picture(s) to him and he will hand paint what you have requested and aim to have it delivered within at least 14 days of receipt of the picture(s). You can send one picture or a selection, depending on whether you would like a certain picture painted or want to give him a selection to work from. He can also create more than one of the same painting, but on different backgrounds, which will look great hung together or separately in different rooms of a house. Prices start from £110 + p&p for a 20 x 20 cm painting, painted onto lightweight wood and framed in a way that looks original and can be hung or stand freely. Any size is possible, so any specifications you might have or ideas, just let him know when you first email him and he will strive to meet any specifications/ideas you might have. They also do gift vouchers, but if you have a picture of the recipients pet, Andy can gift wrap any painting and send it on to another address for you, along with a personal message. Take a look at the website, where you can see the average sizes and prices that they do, see how it all works and take a look at the gallery of paintings he has already commissioned amongst other things.

Picture courtesy of It's Painting Cats and Dogs.

Alex Garnett designs a variety of highly unique well produced interior objects, lighting and furniture. I can imagine the items he sells will be right up many men's streets. I love how unique everything is and when I first saw this site, I knew I had to mention it within my male gift guide. My favourite items are the spray cap stool and the cone lamps, but they have lots of other items to choose from including a bollard light and foot (ball) bowl. Take a look, some of the items will make you think "wow"! Prices range from £1 for a sticker, all the way up to £4,000 for a whistle chair/sculpture, but if you're looking for something different and have a good budget to work with, there is sure to be something on this site that catches your eye for a loved one.

 

 

Pictures courtesy of Alex Garnett.

Aswell as unique items, there are some gift ideas for men that could be considered as essentials but have that something a little bit special about them...

You might have a male loved one in your life that likes a particular TV/film/book character or a TV show/film. Well there are some fab bath robes at Boys Stuff that represent such things. One of the bath robes is a Dr Who Tardis for £44.95 and there are many to choose from. Like I said a bath robe could be considered an essential item and many people have them, but instead of them being a plain colour, I think these designs are a lot more colourful and make for fantastic gifts!

                                             

  Picture courtesy of Boys Stuff.

Lastly, why not make an essential casual pair of shoes last a little longer, make the recipient feel more stylish and do something good for others whilst purchasing. TOMS are a high end brand of shoe, with many different designs to suit many different occasions/styles and what's better than when you purchase a pair of shoes, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need! This is their One for One movement! They have so many styles but they have a range of new styles in at the moment that I feel are perfect for the Winter season (aswell as others) and I think a pair of these would make a great gift! They have designs for everyone, whether you want something classic and simple or something that's a bit more jazzier, there is sure to be a pair to suit any male loved one in your life. Prices start from under £45, but vary, so it's best to take a look at the website and see what takes your fancy :).

Pictures courtesy of TOMS.

So, there it is! I hope there are some male gift ideas within this guide that catch your eye for your loved ones. I didn't want to bombard you with the usual male fragrances, clothing, underwear, toiletries and I hope you like the uniqueness of some of the items above :).

Let me know what you like and if you go ahead and purchase anything...I'd love to know!

Gem XxOo

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