The best Christmas gifts for men

With Christmas gifts, often it’s the small thoughtful things that make a difference. For example, last Christmas my wife bought me a monogrammed leather wallet. “Who’s N.K?” I asked when I opened it. She is dyslexic, and I was grateful that she’d got at least half of my initials correct.

When looking for the best gifts for men, there are a few rules. Getting names right is high on the list. Beyond that, many of us struggle. Walk into any gift shop and you’d assume that men only had three interests; golf, alcohol and cars. Subsequently every man has “the drawer of gifting despair” full of things we’re too polite to throw away.

This year, to help you make the right gifting decisions, we asked Telegraph readers to share their tips. The good news is that men aren’t that difficult to buy for after all – as long as you get to know us. Otherwise, you’ll end up like reader Tim, whose sister-in-law buys him cufflinks every Christmas. “A nice idea,” he tells us, “but I have never worn cuffed shirts, so they all sit in a drawer.”

I’ve shared a selection of reader comments below, followed by a guide to this year’s best gifts. For each type of recipient, I’ve suggested gifts that have been tried and approved by Telegraph editors, plus a gift that’s trending – meaning it’s generating buzz on social media or a surge of online searches.

I’ve also noted the fastest delivery time, in case you’re shopping at the last minute. Here’s a look at our top five.

The best Christmas gifts for men: At a glance

Nick’s do’s and don’ts of gifting for men

Beware of being lured in by shops professing to offer male-centric gifts, as reader TJ from London explains: “I hate receiving tat that I feel I have to hang on to!” He has a point. No man’s Christmas was ever ruined because he didn’t get a box of penis-shaped biscuits.

Yasmin from London takes a quixotic attitude to gifting: “The best gift to give the man in your life is your time and something in the bedroom.” Quite right, Yasmin. What man doesn’t appreciate a new reading light?

Indeed, practical gifts always land. Even socks can work, provided they’re elevated and fashionable, perhaps merino wool or cashmere. Men don’t ask for much. As the adage goes, it’s the thought that counts – provided there’s an actual thought involved.