Every year that familiar sense of dread creeps over us in the weeks leading up to Christmas when we realise, all too suddenly, that we haven’t done nearly enough gift-shopping for our family, mates and partners. It’s not the greatest feeling—and one that we certainly don’t want to dwell on too much during the chaos that is the silly season period. What could be better, then, than a complete, and easy-to-use gift guide to sort out all your shopping woes?
From us to you: consider it our gift this Christmas. Throughout the year, the GQ editors have been busy at work, hunting for the best of the best in every category of the male experience. From wardrobe staples, water bottles and jewellery to the best alcohol, colognes, and skincare, we’ve rounded up the best guides from across the site to give you one easy place to get all of your shopping out of the way without feeling like you’ve done a poor job, or that you’ve just given them something that will collect dust.
So, without further ado, the fruits of our labour. Below, discover GQ’s ultimate practical gift ideas to make sure you have everything sorted this Christmas.
The best Christmas gift cards
If you’re not sure which gifts to add to cart, you could always opt for a gift card. Here, GQ rounds up the best gift cards to shop now.
SHOP NOW: The Iconic gift card
SHOP NOW: Myer gift card
SHOP NOW: Adore Beauty gift card
SHOP NOW: Bonds gift card
SHOP NOW: End. gift card
SHOP NOW: Booze Bud gift card
The best practical Christmas gift to shop in 2024
2/22
The best alcohol to gift this Christmas
For the people in your life who can’t think of anything better than enjoying a nice scotch or craft beer during their sweet, sweet time off. And hey, they might even share with you on Christmas day if you’re lucky.
Check out the full guide here.
3/22
The best sunglasses to gift this Christmas
It might be snowing in the uppermost hemisphere, but here Down Under, Christmas is a sunny affair. Reflect the weather with a meteorologically appropriate gift by slipping a pair of shades under the tree. Aviators, cat-eyes, speed dealers—whatever your poison, you’ll need some specs for the summer.
Check out the full guide here.
4/22
The best luggage brands to gift this Christmas
There’s a good chance whoever you’re gifting—friends and family, a coworker, a partner—will be taking a well-deserved vacation this season. Whether they’re jet-setting to French Polynesia, beaching in Bali or simply driving down to a country town out of state, make sure they’ve got a place to pack their goods by purchasing them a piece of luggage. Gone are the days where luggage was practical, but bulky. Nowadays, with brands like Rimowa, July and Louis Vuitton, you can hop on a plane with a bag that’s both stylish and functional.
Check out the full guide here.
5/22
The best leather bags to gift this Christmas
A leather bag is a staple in the modern man’s wardrobe. Like a pair of denim or a pair of boots, it’s one of those styles that you can never have enough of, really—there’s a shape to suit every sort of occasion. Leather satchels, duffles, backpacks and miniature cross-bodies are the bread and butter of so many designers these days, who craft the silhouettes in a range of leathers, both in natural hues and bright colours.
Check out the full guide here.
6/22
The best watches to gift this Christmas
Who said that buying a watch has to break the bank? Of course, you can save up a pretty penny for a Rolex or Patek Philippe, but if you’re looking to give a piece of stylish wristwear at a price that isn’t astronomical, we’ve got you covered. With brands like Timex, Seiko and Tissot, you’ll be able to make someone very happy this Christmas.
Check out the full guide here.
7/22
The best work shoes to gift this Christmas
What’s your work shoe of choice? A hardy pair of steel-capped R.M. Williams, perhaps, or a pair of dress shoes? Whether your office is inside or outdoors, stepping into your 9 to 5 doesn’t mean you have to put your style on pause. In fact, it might just be the best time to put your best fits on display. Make someone the best-dressed employee this summer by gifting them a pair of work shoes from our curated edit.
Check out the full guide here.
8/22
The best luxury wallets to gift this Christmas
This season, gift a slick wallet that’s crafted to last. A present that’s all-leather and luxury is something that no-one has qualms with. Choose between an array of designs from labels like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, that aren’t just eye-catching pieces on their own, but are made to weather the elements—both essential characteristics for such an everyday piece.
Check out the full guide here.
9/22
The best trousers to gift this Christmas
Trousers are a mainstay in every wardrobe, so even if you’re not completely aware of the ins and outs of your giftee’s sartorial tastes, a straight-legged pair in a neutral shade is a foolproof and great practical gift.
Check out the full guide here.
10/22
The best ski wear to gift this Christmas
We don’t know about you, but ski wear is always a welcome gift. In the summer, it gives us plenty of time to anticipate the snow season ahead, or comes just in time if we’re about to use the end-of-year break to hop on an international flight to a chillier corner of the world—Whistler perhaps, or Jackson Hole. A pair of gloves or a beanie will be easier gifts to wrap, but Christmas isn’t a time to be inconspicuous. Go all out with a pair of boots or skis if you’d like and assume your role as the veritable Santa of your inner circle.
Check out the full guide here.
11/22
The best briefcases to gift this Christmas
Gifts don’t get more practical than a bag you can fit your work life in. This holiday season, go on the hunt for a briefcase that’s as stylish as it is sturdy. Whether it’s made from plain brown leather, or monogrammed to high (fashion) heaven, this is a gift that your recipient will use over and over again, and is sure to be a hit.
Check out the full guide here.
12/22
The best swim shorts to gift this Christmas
If La Niña is kind to us this summer, we might be treated to some golden periods of sun, or at least a handful of days that are warm enough to justify a frolic on the beach or by the pool. In that case, a pair of swim shorts as a gift never goes awry. Patterned, colour-blocked or neutral, this is a piece that every Aussie guy needs—yes, needs—in his closet. Get one in red or green to tap a little extra into that festive spirit.
Check out the full guide here.
13/22
The best mattress brands to gift this Christmas
A good night’s sleep is a seasonless gift, but Christmas gives you a great opportunity to blow someone away with a brand new mattress. Boxed mattress brands in particular have made it all too easy to purchase a style online, and have it delivered in record time—something that’s invaluable when the shopping rush hits in that November-December period.
Check out the full guide here.
14/22
The best colognes to gift this Christmas
If someone needs a little spritzing, but you aren’t quite sure how to tell them, just gift them one of these excellent summer-ready colognes for Christmas. From under-the-radar picks to your old favourites, there is something for everyone.
Check out the full guide here.
15/22
The best skincare to gift this Christmas
There is nothing better at Christmas than being gifted something that you desperately need, but always seem to neglect buying for yourself. Skincare fits firmly into this category, and as such, buying a little moisturiser, some essential oils or a hand soap for a loved one will never go astray.
Check out the full guide here.
16/22
The best swim brands to gift this Christmas
There’s no better time to re-up your swimwear than Aussie Christmas. Whether you’re gifting for someone sleek or showy, we have an option for you.
Check out the full guide here.
17/22
The best jewellery to gift this Christmas
If you’re after something a little more special and long-lasting, some stylish men’s jewellery is what you need. With an excellent range of locally made jewellery to peruse, you’ll find something here for sure. And hey, if you’re looking to propose this silly season, we also have a guide to engagement rings. You’re welcome.
Check out the full guide here.
18/22
The best summer shirts to gift this Christmas
Even if it doesn’t quite feel like a normal summer this year, you can still gift that summer vibe to your loved one with one of these short-sleeve shirts. Whether someone is after a party shirt or something that looks stylish and cool, but won’t be too warm, we’ve got it covered.
Check out the full guide here.
19/22
The best camping chairs to gift this Christmas
Make someone a very happy camper this Christmas holiday with a foldable chair. Maybe it’s not the chicest of gifts, but if utility is what you’re aiming for it’ll certainly come in handy. Made for all manner of outdoorsy activities—lounging, reclining, or fishing—this is as great a practical gift as you could hope for.
Check out the full guide here.
20/22
The best gaming keyboards to gift this Christmas
We said practical, not productive. There’s nothing like a kitted out gaming keyboard to satisfy someone this Christmas. If you have a PC devotee in your life—and we all do, don’t we—consider purchasing a critical piece of tech they’ll put to use everyday. Go for a Corsair model with rainbow lights, or maybe an all-white G.Skill design if you’re looking to channel old-school cool.
Check out the full guide here.
21/22
The best running shoes to gift this Christmas
Have a sporty loved one in your life? No worries at all, we have rounded up the best footwear for running to make sure they can perform to the best of their abilities.
Check out the full guide here.
22/22
The ultimate GQ Christmas gift guide for him
Still not sure what to get? Check out our jumbo Christmas gift guide that has all bases covered, from helpful tech like phone chargers, power banks, and portable bluetooth speakers, to home essentials and stocking stuffers like dishwasher safe stainless steel, air purifiers, and multi tools for the coffee lover.
Check out the full guide here.
What are some practical gifts I can buy for Christmas?
Practical gifts are the way to go this Christmas season, and with so many options, it’s a guaranteed hit. A wallet upgrade, for example, is always exciting, and Prada has some simple, sleek, and luxurious options that would make the perfect gift for anyone. Smelling good, of course, is an offer that no-one will turn down. Fragrances, colognes and unique deodorants are therefore an ideal choice for an individual gift or stocking stuffer; the Hermès H24, with its fresh notes of sage, is one of those universally pleasing scent that will satisfy anyone, and anything from Aesop is a foolproof hit. When it comes to skincare, opt for their hand soap and body balm duos, which is practical in the most aesthetic way. And finally, if you know someone suffering from wanderlust, a suitcase is the perfect practical gift, especially ahead of the summer holidays. Rimowa offers a stainless steel line that will encourage both their luxurious and adventurous sides.
Where can I buy practical gifts for Christmas?
There are an array of shops, brands and retailers online that offer practical gifts, such as those we’ve rounded up here in the list above. There are several other labels that haven’t been mentioned, however, that are also great options if you’re looking to gift something functional for Christmas. Brands such as Patagonia offer a multitude of robust outerwear and luggage that will last the test of time and weather even the most extreme conditions—along with the brand’s new pledge of all profits to be donated to a global warming fund, that makes them a great place to shop for gifts for the outdoorsy and adventurous people in your life. Clinical skincare from brands such as Aesop and Dr. Dennis Gross will also take anybody’s regime to the next level. Finally, courtesy of the summertime, the recipient of your gift might be looking to indulge in some outdoor activities, so peruse some camping essentials while you’re at it, from shops like Kathmandu, Dick Smith, or Rebel.
What makes a gift ‘practical’ for Christmas?
It’s not just about being useful, but about matching the gift to the person’s needs and interests.
How do you decide what practical gift to give someone?
Pay attention to the little details throughout the year. If a friend mentions they need something or shows interest in a hobby, make a note of it. Home chefs, for example, might appreciate a set of new tools or a spoon rest, while the outdoorsy types would no doubt love camping equipment, or even an activities voucher.
Are practical gifts less thoughtful than other types of gifts? Not at all! In fact, think they show more thought because you’re considering what the person actually needs or will enjoy using, rather than just picking something generic.
