Buying for men can be surprisingly difficult. Many will say they don't need anything, and the shops are full of gadgets and novelties that end up forgotten in a drawer by February. The best presents are different: well-made things he will use every week for years, and that get better with age. A waxed jacket that softens with every walk, a leather bag that darkens and creases, a desk lamp that becomes part of the study, a pair of slippers that go on every evening.
This guide groups our favourite country gifts by the kind of man you are buying for, with a few tips at the end on choosing well and getting sizes right.
How to choose a gift that lasts
- Think about his week. What does he do every day or every weekend? Walk the dog, read in the evening, work at a desk, travel? The best gift improves something he already does.
- Replace something worn out. Notice what is tired: slippers with holes, a bag with a broken strap, socks that let water in.
- Choose quality over quantity. One well-made thing is better than three cheaper ones.
- Choose natural materials. Wool, leather, brass, tweed and wood age well rather than wearing out.
For the walker
The Barker Antique Wax Jacket
The country essential, and a gift that lasts decades with care. Our Barker Antique Wax Jacket has an antique wax finish, a corduroy collar, a tartan lining and plenty of pockets, in black, navy and brown. Before you buy, read our waxed jacket buying guide, and tuck a tin of wax dressing in with it.
A quilted gilet
Light, warm and easy to wear over a shirt or under a jacket, a gilet is one of the most used things in a country wardrobe. Our Men's Diamond Quilted Gilet has a full zip, side pockets and an inside zipped pocket.
Good socks
A stocking filler he will be grateful for on the first wet walk. Our Racing Green and Burgundy bamboo boot socks are thick, breathable and reinforced at the heel and toe. For wellingtons, our extra-long argyle lambswool socks come in a pack of three.
For more ideas, see what to wear for a country walk in autumn.
For evenings at home
Slippers
Proper slippers make a stone or wooden floor bearable on winter evenings. Our Men's Suede Moccasin Slippers are real suede, fleece lined, with a memory foam insole and a rubber sole for nipping out to the log store. Sizes UK 7 to 12.
Knitwear
A good jumper is worn all winter. The Mocha Fine Knit Crew Neck is easy to wear with everything, while The Brown Argyle Jumper adds a classic pattern. Read the history of argyle and how to wear it.
A flannel shirt
Soft, warm and smart enough for Christmas Day. Our Men's Flannel Check Shirt comes in blue and navy, sizes M to XXL.
For the man who travels
A leather weekend bag
A leather holdall is a gift that improves with every trip, creasing and darkening into something entirely his own. Our Large Leather Duffel Bag has leather handles and a detachable shoulder strap, and comes with a dust bag. It suits weekends away, the gym or the office.
A leather wash bag
A lovely gift on its own, or with the duffel. Our Buffalo Leather Wash Bag has a water-resistant lining and a carry handle, and wears in with use.
A travel chess set
For the train, a pub table or a rainy afternoon in a holiday cottage. Our Roll-Up Travel Chess Set has a vegan leather board and wooden pieces, and was designed in Wales.
For the study
A desk lamp
A good desk lamp becomes part of a room. The Banker's Desk Lamp, in antique brass with a glass shade and pull cord, is a timeless design. The Brass Desk Lamp with Black Marble Base is weighty and handsome, and the Adjustable Brass Desk Lamp puts light exactly where he needs it.
A notebook
For lists, ideas, garden notes and walks. Our B6 Ruled Notebook in Maroon has a bonded leather cover, 192 cream pages, two ribbon markers and a back pocket.
A leather bookmark
A small, lasting gift for a reader. Our botanical leather bookmarks are made in England, and our engraved leather bookmarks come with a rose, fern, wildflower or mountain design.
For the reader
- The Savile Row Suit: a richly illustrated book on the craft of hand tailoring, for anyone who appreciates how things are made.
- The Nature of Swimming: for the wild swimmer, or the man who has been meaning to try it.
- Cottagecore Gardens: for the gardener, to read by the fire while planning next year.
For the dog owner
For many men, the dog is the most important member of the household. A handsome lead or collar is a gift for them both. The Lincoln tweed and leather lead and the Balmoral herringbone lead are both designed in Great Britain. For colder walks, a quilted tweed dog coat keeps the dog warm. Read how to choose a dog lead and collar.
For the home
- A wool throw for his reading chair. The Thomson Camel recycled wool tartan blanket suits almost any room. See our wool throw buying guide.
- A good chopping board for the man who cooks. The General Store 50cm board is generous and handsome.
- Brass candle holders for the dining table. See the Eclipse candle holder.
A finishing touch
A signet ring set with a semi-precious stone is a quietly traditional piece. Check his ring size discreetly first, perhaps by borrowing a ring he already wears on the same finger.
Getting sizes right
- Clothing: check the label in something he already wears and likes. For outerwear, size up if in doubt, so there is room for a jumper underneath.
- Slippers: go by his shoe size, and check the maker's guide.
- If unsure, choose a gift that doesn't need a size: a bag, a lamp, a book, a lead or a throw.
Wrapping it well
Brown paper, natural string and a sprig of rosemary, holly or fir make even a small gift look special, and suit a country Christmas far better than shiny paper.
Check our delivery information for last order dates before Christmas, and order early for anything made to order.