Top 10: Gifts for Men
While we're sure women will enjoy some, if not all of these gifts, the following ten products are things we think the guy(s) in your life would enjoy. From headphones and experience days to smart projectors and spreadable whisky - here are our ten best picks for Christmas 2019.
Top 10: Gifts for Women | Top 10: Gifts for Kids
Spreadable Whisky/Rum
If you're dad, husband, son (insert the relevant man-label for you) likes a tipple of whisky - or rum for that matter - we've got good news for you. From the geniuses at The Proper Marmalade Company, Spreadable Whisky is the surprisingly delicious way to sneak a rich dose of malty goodness onto your toast.
While we wouldn't suggest it before you drive to work, it's the perfect evening treat - plus, it's suitable for vegans and less that a tenner. Booyah.
Aftershokz Aeropex bone-conduction headphones
For those that run, cycle etc - it can be tough to find the right balance between blocking out the world and remaining aware of your surroundings. This is where bone conduction headphones like the Aeropex come in. The newest bone-conduction offering from Aftershokz are the smallest sleekest pair of exercise headphones it's launched to date and, as you've likely, gathered, they don't go in your ears. Instead, transducers push sound through your cheekbones. While that might sound odd, the transducers vibrate as the music plays just like a driver inside of an earbud does.
They offer a great amount of versatility and despite a few gripes - like weak bass and a non-adjustable headband - the wearables are a lightweight solution for anyone who wants to be aware of their surroundings while they're out and about. Or, like us, anyone who hasn't yet found a truly comfortable pair of headphones for running. The £150 price tag is a bit steep, especially considering there's no app to adjust audio settings, but when it comes to a great all-rounder - it's hard not to recommend the Aftershokz Aeropex.
Ring RTC200 tyre inflator
The RTC200 is Ring's newest analogue tyre compressor. It's not the fun or exciting Christmas gift that you might expect, but this budget, no-fuss approach could be a saving grace considering the potholed state of roads in the UK right now. It's a smart idea to buy one - even if you never end up needing to use it.
Ring claims the RTC200 can inflate a 13-inch tyre from 0 to 35PSI in less than 4.5 minutes, powered straight from the in-car 12V socket.
Buy a Gift Christmas Smartbox
Give your loved one the ultimate Christmas present, not having to fake a smile when they open a gift they don't want. We joke... kind of. Buy A Gift now offer the choice of thousands of relaxing, exciting and indulgent gift experiences at locations across the UK with the Smartbox - which is essentially the equivalent of giving someone a gift card so they can choose their own stuff.
Some experiences are for one person, while others, like the dining experiences, are for two to enjoy together. Adrenaline-fuelled adventures on offer include scuba diving, zorbing, indoor skydiving and ziplining, while the more relaxing options include spa days, pampering treatments and chocolate/wine tasting events. The voucher is also valid for 24 months.
Gaming headset
Is your fella into gaming? No? Well, best not to read on then. However, if the answer is yes, then there's a couple of options that worth considering. The Kingston HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is getting on a bit now, but we'd still argue that it's one of the best gaming headsets under £100. Aside from being comfortable, breathable and fairly nice looking for a gaming headset, they also sound great. The detachable mic is a nice touch, although we sometimes misplace it, and they feel pretty durable.
For a less budget option, possibly an upgrade of a current headset, the Sennheiser GSP 600 are fantastic. At about £220, they aren't cheap - but the quality of sound is simply superb, nothing we've tried comes anywhere close to matching it. The clarity and depth mean you hear everything and it will change the way you enjoy games. Compared to everyday headsets, these are in a whole different league.
>> Read our full review of the Kingston HyperX Cloud II
>> Read our full review of the Sennheiser GSP 600
Buy it now
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£63.99 |
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Ring Video Doorbell 2
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 can be hardwired where your current doorbell (assuming you have one) currently sits or with a supplied rechargeable battery pack. The camera automatically records visitors as they approach your house and you can speak with anyone who comes to your front door via a call function. This is very useful for dealing with couriers, i.e. if you want them to leave a parcel somewhere secure rather than taking it back to the depot.
If you want a battery-powered device, then the Ring Video Doorbell 2 is well worth considering. It's quite large and lacks the style and sophistication of more premium devices, but we like it nonetheless. A combination of easy installation, friendly app, clear footage (including night vision) and a solid reputation make this smart doorbell an easy recommendation.
Razor E-Prime e-scooter
With an adjustable handlebar height, a max. weight of 176lbs/80kg (12 and a half stone), max speed of 15mph (24 km/h) and 40-minute battery life - this electric scooter definitely isn't just a children's toy. In fact, electric scooters are all the rage amongst hipsters and city folk alike because they're one of the cheapest, healthiest and environmentally-friendly ways to get around.
If you know someone who's got an urban commute that's become a bit of a chore, even if it's just a last-mile walk to work from/to the train station, then an e-scooter might be the solution they've been looking for. It's definitely cheaper than paying for a Bird scooter or a Boris bike every day...
Marshall Kilburn II speaker
The Kilburn II definitely isn't a wallflower. If you know someone who's looking for a speaker that can proudly stand on a desk, coffee table or bookshelf then this is a great option. The retro unit is reasonably portable, sounds fantastic and definitely has a cool factor to it that many other speakers on the market lack, but all that comes at a high price.
The speaker offers more features and functionality than its predecessor, the best-selling Kilburn, with a more contemporary appearance to match. In terms of practicality, the speaker isn't fully waterproof, but it does offer over 20 hours of playtime on a full charge - which takes around two and a half hours - and it's the loudest speaker in its class according to Marshall.
Buy it now
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Marshall Kilburn II Portable Speaker, Wireless & Water Resistant - Black (UK Plug) |
£232.99 |
Flymo 1200R robotic mower
The 1200R can cut lawns up to 400 metres square and is supplied with a charging station - which automatically goes back to when it's running low on power - as well boundary wires, connectors and security features such as an alarm, lift sensor and PIN code. It's ideal for those that don't want the hassle of mowing the lawn and for older relatives who may no longer be able to mow the grass themselves.
Aimed at those with smaller gardens, it's also considerably cheaper than rivalling robotic mowers - which, in addition to its performance, meant it pipped both the Husqvarna 450X and Honda Miimo HRM3000 to the post at our Kit awards earlier in the year.
Anker Nebula Capsule II smart projector
If you want to host movie or gaming nights outside or you simply want a more dynamic approach to bringing your TV with you on the go - then the Anker Nebula Capsule II is a great option, giving you the ability to project a screen up to 100-inches in size (diagonally across) wherever you take it. Packing Android TV, 720p HD, an in-built speaker and long battery life into a can-sized device - we'd argue that Anker's newest smart projector is one of the best around if portability is your main concern.
The first thing you're likely to notice about the speaker is the huge price tag. However, we think you'd be hard-pressed to find a smart projector that offers this many features in a smaller footprint for less money. After all, it's essentially a television. The Anker brand name is also one we're well acquainted with, having tested all manner of products - from smart vacuums and headphones to Alexa-enabled car devices - so we're sure quality and customer service won't be an issue either.