The Men's Gift Edit

Words: Veronica Chessell

Dads, grandads, grown-up brothers (if that even happens 😜), husbands or partners- what do they all have in common? They're notoriously difficult to shop for! Okay, not all of them, but for the most part this is true. I'm sure I'm not the only who asks for ideas only to greeted jokingly with a request for an Aston Martin, money or a boring generic voucher. Not to blow my own trumpet or anything but when it comes to gifting my Kung Fu is pretty good. Also working in beauty, grooming and lifestyle helps. In this spirit I've pulled together a Men's Gift Edit with some of my favs- from stocking fillers to showstoppers there's something for everyone!

1. Musgo Real Pre-Shave Oil, £45

Presented in timeless splash bottles, the entire Musgo Real collection gives off old-school vibes (in a good way). This is particularly true with 'Classic Scent' a woody fougere (French for 'fern-like) that has universal appeal and nostalgic charm. With an array of shave centred products, the Pre-Shave Oil provides extra protection whilst shaving and helps to achieve a close, precise, smooth shave. This is a real ticket to a better shaving experience for any guy, and if you know someone who has sensitive skin or occasionally struggles with razor burn he'll thank you for this one. It's a terrific standalone gift and can be paired with other items from the  Classic Scent collection like Shaving Cream and Aftershave for a thoughtful & gorgeously fragranced hamper. 

2. MÜHLE Razor Set, £61

Comforting, handsome and made to stand the test of time, shaving sets are the ultimate self-care gift for him. This two-piece razor set is one of my favourites because it combines the iconic, bestselling R89 safety razor with an elegant stand which makes for a striking gift at an accessible price. If you haven't tried a safety razor or someone in your life hasn't tried one yet, I have no hesitation in saying that you absolutely should and the R89 is a great place to start. Widely considered one of the gentlest safety razors on the market, it's also pretty handsome. Safety-razors are better for the environment (long-life and free of plastic blade-mechanisms), better for your skin (less blades means less trauma) and better for your wallet (a 10 pack of MÜHLE blades is £3.50), blades are also a universal size so there's no pesky subscriptions to worry about- it's all really, very easy.

For a more lavish gift, go the whole hog and get the 3 piece stand complete with razor, vegan brush and a stand that accommodates both items or if you're looking to be more economical and dip your toe in, the razor on it's own without a stand is £35. 

3. Acca Kappa, Volata EDP, £24 (15ml bottle), £100 (100ml bottle)

Many of us sometimes find it difficult to choose, read or describe a fragrance. We do, however, know for certain when we're drawn to scent because we'll greedily come back for more. For me, a great fragrance also paints a picture or tells a story; such is the case with Volata. 

The official fragrance of Giro d'Italia, Italy's annual multiple stage bicycle race, Volata is grounded with notes of cypress that will transport you to the fresh, lingering pine-like landscapes of the majestic Italian Alps. The eau de parfum combines exhilarating spice with graceful florals at its heart. Beautifully presented in packaging that references the cycling event, it's a fitting fragrance for anyone who loves cycling or Italy and it's awe-inspiring landscapes. 

Available as 15ml stocking filler, or wrap up luxurious 100ml with a big bow under the tree!

4. Triumph & Disaster Road Less Travelled Haircare Travel Kit, £45

I love Triumph & Disaster. "Made from nature, engineered using science" is their mantra and the result is premium skin and haircare products that smell great and perform well without feeling overly manufactured or fussy. They're also nicely presented and very witty.

The 'Road Less Travelled' Kit combines their three bestselling hair styling pucks: Coltrane Clay, Ponsonby Pomade and Fibre Royale as well as their 100% natural shampoo & conditioner, all travel-size with an organic T&D face cloth in an olive green toiletries bag. I could go on about what makes each of these products so great, but for me one big plus is that hair products also consider skin care, for example scalp health and their nature based ingredients avoid nasties!

5. MÜHLE Beard Scissors, £25

Featured on The Guardian's 2021 Christmas Gift Guide, these handy manual trimmers are a bestseller. In addition to keeping beards looking neat their rounded tips makes them ideal for use for nose and ear hairs too. As you would expect from MÜHLE they are manufactured in handsome, stainless steel matt finish and their ergonomic design makes them comfortable to use.

If these top 5 aren't exactly what you're looking for, check out our Men's Gift Edit for more ideas or Beauty Gifts (For Him) and Masculine Fragrances.

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