Following our recommendations for ‘Her’, Arb stalwarts Ollie and Larry pick out a few choice gifts for the male cadre in the family. From stocking fillers to subscriptions, bottles to board games, there’s something (we think) for everyone and every price range – literally EVERY price range. And if you’ve already got him covered, read on, enjoy, and maybe fantasise a little…
Open the batting with bubbly…The Trouble with Dreams
If ever there was a time to break out a special bottle of bubbly, Christmas is it. We all know English sparkling is growing at a rate of knots, and sweeping up a heap of awards in the process, but now it’s about finding a label that suits your sensibilities. And, indeed, can score you talking points during the festivities. Well, this is it. Sugrue in the South Downs initially began with vines planted to make wine for a monastic order of Catholic priests at Storrington Priory, it’s since grown to larger vineyards 10 miles west of Storrington where chalkier soils have since yielded exceptional fruit for their cuvees.
Around a decade ago the first ‘Trouble with Dreams’ vintages went on sale, rapidly gaining critical acclaim and widely proclaimed as the best sparkling wines in the UK. Every subsequent vintage has had big shoes to fill, and the 2019 ‘Trouble’ is bang on form. In fact, more precise and thrilling than ever, with mineral geology at its core and yeast-complexed fruit providing a dazzling tapering finish. This is one that will raise eyebrows from the moment he sees the bottle to that first sip.
And the name? It comes from the failed 2008 vintage when virtually all the grapes were devoured overnight by birds, “That’s the trouble with dreams”, Priory Father had demurred at the time. Well, we did say it would be a talking point. For more information, including the other releases in the range, and to order, please visit www.sugruesouthdowns.com.
For that definitive pair of socks…Pantherella
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without socks, particularly for Dad, but there’s a great way to make even the most mundane of gifts special; get a brand that spells quality. And that brand is Pantherella. Put it this way, socks are not, simply, socks. There are dress socks, casual ‘no-shows’, crew socks, winter socks; socks made from merino wool, Egyptian cotton, cashmere; not to mention a multitude of designs. Socks, in short, when bought right, can indicate feeling, and demonstrate personality.
Okay, okay, I may be getting out of hand here, but the point is if you’re going to buy him socks as a gift, buy Pantherella. Perfecting socks since 1937, all of Pantherella’s socks are made with their signature seamless toe for comfort, and the best materials for superior quality. What’s more, because they’re socks, they can be that perfect – ahem – stocking filler. Prices start from £20. For more information and their range, visit www.pantherella.com.
For the game aficionado…Aspinal of London’s Monopoly
What self-respecting gent doesn’t crave the gazes of admiration for any quality crafted item they bring out; from a monogrammed silk hanky (more of those below) from a Jermyn Street tailor to an eyebrow-raising label on a bottle of vino. Half of that, of course, is in the recognisable brand name, a mark of quality, style and just splendid good taste.
To wit, enter Aspinal, that hallmark of gentlemanly accessories that raises eyebrows whenever the name is glimpsed – but let’s not be vulgar, one doesn’t need to see the brand name to recognise Aspinal heritage. And our choice this year is less an accessory, more an ode to enjoyment. Their editions of popular board games will turn simple games nights into special occasions. As well as chess and backgammon, there’s scrabble, too, but our choice is Monopoly, for that property tycoon. Handmade in England, this stately playing board is handbound in red and black lambskin leather and sits atop a black hide leather box, lined in black felt and recessed for the pewter playing pieces. The houses, hotels and player counters are all made from pewter, to boot. It’s a classic, elevated. What’s more, it’ll last a lifetime. For more information, and other games and accessories ideas, please visit www.aspinaloflondon.com.
Up his running game with a Strava subscription…
By the time you read this, I (Ollie) will hopefully have hit my running target of running 1,000 miles in 2024 – mainly because, after managing 20 miles a week, every week, my exhausted body needs a bloomin’ break, as Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas might say. Having hit four figures, I can properly indulge in the festive season with a slightly smug glow of achievement. Of course, by January 1, I’ll be ready to reset and pavement pound once more. While at this point in time, I’m unsure whether I’ll set myself another mildly ridiculous target for 2025 – so as not to become a slave to it, as has been the case this year – I will have a new Strava app subscription that could inspire me to extend my record.
If you run or ride, the chances are you already have a free Strava account, and that serves you pretty well. But at only £54.99 a year, this gift – for a loved one, or yourself – could tease out your inner Alex Yee. Why make the leap? Strava subscribers gain access to comprehensive mapping tools for discovering and planning routes, including Heatmaps, Route Builder and 3D maps with offline functionality. The platform offers detailed fitness analysis through features like Best Efforts and Flyover, alongside their new AI-powered Athlete Intelligence Beta for personalised feedback. For those seeking competition, subscribers can participate in segment leaderboards, track their ranking percentages and create Group Challenges for up to 500 participants across various activity metrics. Too much data? Jog on… Hurry up and find out more at www.strava.com.
Make a splash with Randy Cow’s fun father-and-son swimming trunks
Are you looking for something special for a water-loving dad and his little one? These matching father-and-son swim shorts from Dragon’s Den success story Randy Cow are an absolute treasure. The playful designs (think cheeky octopi and colourful sharks) will delight any child, while the dad will appreciate the clever waterproof pockets – perfect for keeping his phone safe during their beach adventures.
They’re surprisingly eco-friendly too, crafted from 90% recycled plastic with just enough stretch for comfort. From £86 for both pairs with free shipping, they’re rather good value for premium swimwear. Plus, imagine the heartwarming holiday photos of their matching moments. If sharks aren’t their thing, the shorts come in plenty of designs – perhaps the charming lobster print or the whimsical jellyfish pattern. My faves are the flamingos. Find out more about Randy Cow’s range at www.randycow.com.
For the sartorial savant…a Turnbull & Asser pocket square
Every chap likes to dress to impress when the occasion demands, whether that be a ‘casual’ lunch or a night at the opera. Equally, every chap worth his salt owns a decent jacket in his wardrobe, whether it comes out once a year or is part of the daily routine. However, not every chap knows how a simple accessory can elevate that look to immediately denote style and class. Well, with one simple trick, that can be achieved; the pocket square.
A staple of modern menswear with roots in the ancient world, handkerchiefs and pocket squares first became popular in the 1400s among the well-known gentlemen of the day. With the 19th century came the two-piece suit and the pocket square truly found its home in the left breast of every distinguished gent. A further resurgence in the noughties cemented its place as a menswear mainstay, and they are now more popular today than ever as the definitive accessory of the dapper chapper.
And if you’re going to get a pocket square, there’s only one place you should go. The silk pocket square has a coveted place as a Turnbull & Asser icon, with their earliest silk squares dating back to the 1930s. It’s a canvas on which their designers have unleashed their creativity for decades, such that they’ve even become something of a collectors’ item. Neatly folded or scrunched into a breast pocket, and even tied around the neck, the versatile accessory finishes any look with a flare of confident self-expression. Hand-printed in England, each pocket square carries the Turnbull emblem with an air of pride. And pride will be on your chap’s face when he receives his gift-wrapped this Christmas. Available in an array of colours, Turnbull & Asser silk pocket squares are £75. For more information, visit www.turnbullandasser.co.uk.
If money’s no object, then it has to be the Foilone Pegasus…
The Arb’s gift guide would not be the Arb’s gift guide without that completely out-there suggestion. The one that at once makes you chuckle that it even made it in there, and yet when you think about it, you think ‘one day, perhaps…’. Even if, for some, that day’s already here.
This year, it’s a boy’s toy that pushes the boat out. Literally. The Pegasus from Foilone isn’t simply a boat, however, it’s a Bond gadget. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it appeared in the next film. The Pegasus is a 100% electric hydrofoilingboat. With its feather-light carbon fiber hull, the boat doesn’t just ride the water — it flies over it. With its hydrofoil, the Pegasus slices through air and water, like a fighter jet through the sky, giving you a smooth, adrenaline-pumping ride that’s unlike anything you’ve felt before. It’s wakeless, bank turns like nothing else on the water, and because it’s 100% electric, it eliminates the annoying sounds of conventional combustion engine.
See? Now you’re interested, aren’t you? Go on, admit it, we all want a go. Well, like I said, if money’s no object, this is the definitive gift for him this Christmas. What’s more, the team can personalize it in various ways including hull and molding colors, cleats, cockpit seats, handlebar shapes and grips, and screen/interface options. The Foilone Pegasus starts at €139,900. For more information, visit www.foil.one.
For the single malt man…Yellowstone American Single Malt whiskey
So, the meal’s over, the parlour games are done, the evening has set in and you’re craving something that just helps wind down proceedings. Time for that splendid, special dram. But this time we’ve gone a little off piste. A single malt, sure, but an American one? You betcha, particularly when it’s come from one of the masters of bourbon.
Part of the latest innovative wave of single malts, Yellowstone American Single Malt whiskey is ready to challenge the staunchest of Scottish single malt fans, benefitting from the freedom afforded to single malt production across the pond, which provides a whole new versatility of flavour ready to be discovered. But this is no young pretender. Yellowstone is the creation of Limestone Branch Distillery, under the baton of Master Distiller, Stephen Beam. Recognise the name? Stephen is the seventh generation of the legendary distilling Beam and Dant whiskey families. Well, haven’t we been talking about pedigree in these pages?
Enjoyed as a sipping whiskey, Yellowstone is made from 100% malted barley and perfectly aged for four years in new charred American Oak barrels. It offers notes of cereal malt and honey on the nose, with a sweet, medium body that carries notes of pear, stone fruit and dates. With a finish of hints of cinnamon, walnuts and a touch of nutmeg, there’s also something suitably festive about this one. Of course, a good whisky is not just for Christmas. This is one that will make those cold, dreary winter nights just that little bit more cosy. Beautifully bottled, featuring the brand’s iconic Lower Falls artwork, Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey, 54% ABV (70cl) is available from Master of Malt, £59.99.
Finally, the one that, quite literally, keeps on giving…
Do you know what the best thing about ‘money can’t buy gifts’ is? Money can buy them, thanks to the new philanthropic gifting website, A Noble Gift. This ingenious online gift auction enables discerning shoppers to bid on unforgettable items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, with every penny raised going to charity.
Thankfully, philanthropic gifting is no longer limited to fairtrade frocks and sustainable socks – currently up for grabs you’ll find everything from sold out Oasis tickets in aid of War Child to a 5* Austrian skiing adventure for two, hosted by Mike Tindall MBE – all in the name of funding research into spinal cord injury.
While these may be ideas for ‘him’, our current favourite pick from their stupendously impressive haul will let one lucky little Chelsea FC fan become the next team mascot, walking out hand-in-hand with the world-famous players in front of a 40,000 strong crowd at Stamford Bridge! It includes two additional companion tickets as well as professional photos – oh, and yes, you will skip the usual 7-year waiting list. It’s fair to say these really are the gifts that keep on giving, literally. To check out the current items up for grabs on this innovative online auction platform, visit www.anoblegift.com. 100% of the winning bid goes to charity.
