Glamour Gift Shop

21 best gifts for men in 2026, narrowed down by Glamour's gifting editor

And not a sock in sight.
Best Gifts For Men UK 2026
Photographer: Sophia Cliffe/Prop Stylist: Georgina Issac/Location: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

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Gifts for men FAQs, answered:

What is the best gift for men?

That's entirely dependent on who you're shopping for and the occasion. Some say the best gifts are those that take into account his interests and preferences. For example, if your dad finds a round of golf time-consuming and boring, I wouldn't suggest an indoor putting kit, but if he's an avid marathon runner, new trainers or fitness gadgets will hit the mark. In my experience, personalised gifts are often well-received too, suggesting a certain level of thoughtfulness and effort has gone into getting them.

However, there's not always a need to get a physical present. With experience gifts — concert tickets, great seats to watch their favourite football team, or a countryside staycation — are fairly low-risk. That's because they cater to his tastes but also create lasting memories, making them some of the best gifts for men.

What is the ‘five gift rule’ for men?

If you're still struggling to nail down the perfect present, some suggest using the ‘five gift rule,' a tactic which involves gifting five (often fairly small) presents, one from each of the following categories: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and a special gift that holds personal significance. However, you don't need to splurge on all five — small and meaningful is often best.

What are good gifts for men who have everything?

It's a question I get asked at least once a week — because we all have a lot of stuff already. But that's where a little personalised twist on a classic gift will be appreciated. For example, why not embroider a washbag with his initials, which should also stop it from going walkabout at the gym?

Otherwise, I often think an experience gift is a great shout. A day out together — whether driving sports cars, brewing your own beer or touring his beloved football stadium — offers the chance to get off your phone and make new memories together, especially if your hangouts are often few and far between.

What makes a good Father’s Day gift?

“I don’t know about you, but I think men are notoriously hard to buy for,” says Holly Tucker MBE, plus founder of Not On The High Street and Holly & Co. “At any occasion, in my list of people to gift, the men in my life are always the trickiest! Especially as if you ask them what they might like, the answer is almost always ‘oh I don’t need anything!' … how helpful!”

"So, I think the key to buying the best gift for any dad, grandad (or father figure), is finding something that nods to how deeply you know him. I tend to focus on one of two things: either something that is so unique to them, deeply personal and celebrates their niche passion, perhaps it's cricket, golf, Guinness…

"Or it's a special gift that takes the moment to share the words that so often get left unsaid. Very often, as we grow, life gets busy, and sometimes those you are the closest to and love the most fall to the bottom of the to-do list. Weeks can go past without a proper conversation; life just seems to get in the way. So the perfect gift for any dad is a gift that says, 'I love you. I’m sorry I don’t get to see and chat to you as much as I’d like to, but thank you for everything'."


Meet the expert:

Holly Tucker MBEFounder of Not On The High Street and Holly & Co. She’s the only person in the world to have built two global gifting marketplaces, and for over 20 years has championed small businesses and thoughtful, meaningful presents. During that time, she has directly supported more than 6,000 independent brands.

How I choose the best gifts for men:

Having been a commerce writer for the last three years, and a gift guide writer for almost as long, you can be assured that I'm up to speed on the best gifts for anyone on your list — as well as which fresh launches and viral products are actually worth your money.

But to ensure I'm an authority on all things shopping, my working week involves meeting with PRs and brand founders, quizzing them for their industry insight and gifting tips. Plus, I try to get my hands on as many products as possible so I can review them against the following criteria:

DesignIs it practical, fit for purpose and aesthetic? Does it feel premium and good value?
Price pointWould I be willing to spend that much on a single gift? Is it of good quality?
DeliveryHow quickly did it arrive, and what were the associated costs?
GiftabilityWould this make a suitable birthday or Father's Day gift? Is it something the recipient actually wants, needs and would enjoy? Would I be happy to receive it?

Essentially, you can also be reassured that only products and brands I genuinely love — or my partner and dad, considering I consulted them ahead of publishing this guide — are recommended as part of the Glamour Gift Shop.


Why you can trust me:

Despite starting my journalism career on the showbiz desk of a national newspaper, I pivoted to commerce three years ago — that's 12 months at Women's Health, Men's Health and Cosmopolitan, followed by 19 months at Glamour. During that time, I've reviewed everything from functional fashion (activewear, swimwear and shapewear) to the latest wellness launches and new drops in the sexual wellness space. I've also been a gift guide writer from the very start, liaising with brands and shopping experts so I can recommend considerate gifts for everyone, from your mum and dad to your boyfriend, best friend and their newborn baby.

To ensure I'm an expert in the above areas, my working week involves heading to countless press days and interviewing experts, whether they be gifting pros, sex therapists, or activewear designers. As a result, you could say I am more of an expert on the subject of shopping and gift-giving than your average online shopper.

In fact, I was recently asked to share my tips live on Radio 4, where I suggested we collectively skip a restock of socks in exchange for a DIY gift hamper or bucket list experience gift. So, shall we shop?