As we celebrate International Men’s Day it’s time to start thinking about those all-important Christmas gifts for the man in your life. With just weeks to go until the big day, if you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, now’s the time!
William Somerset Maugham said: “The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice.” That might be true, but we’ll hazard a guess that while you might not automatically notice a man’s clothes, you are going to notice how he chooses to accessorise them. From belts to backpacks, scarves to smartwatches and everything in between; accessories can lift a man’s style from every day to the exceptional.
We all know that men can be incredibly difficult (if not impossible!) to buy for. That’s why we’ve rounded up our 7 must-have accessories to buy for men this Christmas.
1. Super smartwatches
Product Inspiration: Charge 4 Health and GPS Fitness Tracker
Smartwatches are an excellent gift idea for a multitude of reasons. Now capable of doing far more than just tracking your steps, they are a practical choice for fitness and health monitoring, as well as sleep analysis and even keeping tabs on your heart rate. With plenty of different brands and styles to choose from, as well as straps and other accessories, the smartwatch is the gift that keeps on giving (and which provides multiple gift-giving options!)
2. Backpacks with class
Product Inspiration: Narissa Leather Cross-Body Bag
While some men do still love a classic briefcase, bags for both work and play have adapted to the times. You’re far more likely to see a businessman on his commute carrying a smart backpack, for example, as such accessories are far more practical and comfortable than a bag or holdall. That’s not to say they’re always the standard sporty rucksack, though; today’s backpacks might still be crammed with all their bits and bobs on the inside, but they are chic and stylish on the outside.
3. Take tie clips seriously
Product Inspiration: Pyramid Rectangle Tie Slide
Ties are back in fashion, and tie clips are the perfect accessory for the man who feels his best when wearing a suit. Slick suit fashion from the ’40s and ’50s is back, with three-piece numbers adorning the shelves of all your favourite high-street shops at more and more affordable prices. For the man who has everything, an elegant tie clip is the perfect finishing touch.
“A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.” — Oscar Wilde
4. Don't go below the belt
Product Inspiration: Saddle Reversible Leather Belt
Whether it’s strictly necessary for holding trousers up or not, a belt finishes a pair of trousers perfectly. There’s no point in accessorising a smart suit or stylish jeans with a raggedy old belt - but these items are, for some reason, rarely replaced until they quite literally fall apart. Treat the man in your life with a classy leather belt that he can wear with everything.
5. Sophisticated scarves
Product Inspiration: Wool Scarf
Whether he prefers a classic neutral or monochrome style or one with bold and bright hues, a scarf is always a good gift idea, particularly if it’s for someone you don’t know very well. So if your sibling’s new boyfriend is joining you for Christmas this year and you’ve no idea what to get him, then a quality wool scarf is a practical but thoughtful choice.
“Dressing well is a form of good manners.” — Tom Ford
6. Wallet's that will stand the test of time
Product Inspiration: Bearstead Black & Red Leather Cardholder
We don’t know about yours, but the men in our lives tend to use the same old wallet until the holes in it become big enough for coins or cards to slip through. Encourage a change this Christmas by gifting a quality leather wallet or cardholder. If you choose one with a plastic window you can even accessorise it for him with a picture of you, the kids, or the dog!
7. Symbolising signet rings
Product Inspiration: Sterling Silver Engravable Signet Ring
Buying jewellery for men can be a tricky business - some love it, some hate it. But the beauty of a signet ring is that its simple design can be upgraded with engraving anything you like, from family coats of arms to initials. These bold, chunky rings can be worn on any finger - in fact, some men choose them as their wedding rings. If you’re searching for the perfect present for the stylish man, give him a bit of bling this Christmas.
These 7 stylish gift suggestions are suitable for any man and are bound to put a smile on someone's face this Christmas. For more festive inspiration, check out Kristabel's gift guide for home lovers over on our inspirational hub.
