Humanery’s Bulletproof
Gift Guide for Men
Looking for the perfect gift for a guy but don’t know where to start? Lee Kynaston has curated the top 8 'bulletproof gifts' for you this festive season.
Dec 09, 2022
About Lee Kynaston
Grooming Guru Lee Kynaston is one of the UK’s best-known and most knowledgeable male beauty experts, with over 20 years experience of writing about men's skincare, haircare and fragrance.
Male Grooming expert Lee Kynaston draws upon 20 years’ worth of experience to bring you a selection of gifts guaranteed to hit the spot this Christmas. If you find buying gifts for men a nightmare, fear not - it doesn’t have to be an experience scarier than Stranger Things.
If you want an easy ride do it online, seek out some expert advice (that’ll be where I come in) and narrow the field a little by opting for tried and tested best-sellers, award winners and on-trend essentials. So, gift like a pro this Christmas with these failsafe, bulletproof gifting options.
1. THE NO BRAINER BRAND FOR NEWBIES
The Facial Routine Kit by HEATH
Purveyors of no-nonsense, efficacious, reasonably priced skincare for men, HEATH are one of the best British grooming brands there is – perfect for guys of any age but especially ones new to skincare.
Why it’s a bulletproof gift option
You could play ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ with the HEATH brand showcase page and always hit something worth having. Stand outs, though, are the Hand Salve (great for gardeners or manual workers), the clever Shower Mask (an excellent multi-function skin improver), and the fantastic gift sets they do, of which the Facial Routine Kit, housed in a handy wash bag, provides the perfect introduction to HEATH – and to skincare in general.
2. THE ULTIMATE GIFT FOR FACIAL HAIR FANS
The Brighton Beard Company Advent Calendar
Growing a beard is a bit like growing a rose bush – you need to show it love and affection, feed it and prune it if it’s to blossom. And nobody knows more about how to show facial hair some TLC than The Brighton Beard Co – as this product packed Advent Calendar proves.
Why it’s a bulletproof gift option
For starters it’s an Advent Calendar – and advent are calendars big in the world of male beauty at the moment as well as being great fun to open at Christmas. Not only does this set include a selection of nourishing balms and oils (of which The Brighton Beard Co are masters) along with a beard shampoo bar, it also has some cool extras like a Mattifying Moisturiser and a scented candle too. Don’t leave the set near any chimneys though – the man with the white beard himself might well steal it.
3. THE FAILSAFE FRAGRANCE
Dior Sauvage
Already a modern classic (and bear in mind it only launched in 2015) Dior’s Sauvage, created master perfumer François Demachy, is a wonderfully versatile fresh, spicy and reassuringly woody number that walks a tightrope between sexy and daytime-friendly without ever falling off.
Why it’s a bulletproof gift option
To say that Sauvage is a popular is like saying The Beatles were fairly successful. The world’s best-selling fragrance (even outstripping sales of women’s perfumes) it’s a bona fide phenomenon, with a bottle sold every three seconds. Key to its success is its versatility, which means can be worn by pretty much any man in any situation, making it the perfect choice if you’re if you’re buying blind. A more bulletproof fragrance choice is hard to find.
4. THE BEST OF THE BEST SELLER KITS
Jack Black Skin Saviour™ Set
Featuring four skincare essentials from Jack Black – a Face Cleanser, Face Scrub, Face Moisturiser and a Lip Balm – this comprehensive kit features everything for newbies and skincare aficionados alike.
Why it’s a bulletproof gift option
Although it shares its name with a comedian, Jack Black is no joke – it’s the bestselling men’s skincare brand in the US and one that’s now sold in over 25 countries, making it one of the most successful male grooming brands in the world. They’re clearly doing something very, very right, and you will be too if you plump for this edit of their bestsellers. On top of that, the box is a cinch to gift wrap, which is great news for cack-handed wrappers like me.
5. THE AWARD-WINNING RAZOR
Bolin Webb R1 Matte Razor Set
Made in England, Bolin Webb’s razors have become a byword for craftsmanship, style and luxury and are to shaving what sports cars are to driving.
Why it’s a bulletproof gift option
The fact that this razor has collected a host of design awards from around the world, means it’s a sure-fire bet, style-wise. Beautifully weighted, with a sleek matt black chassis and an ergonomically designed undercarriage, it handles beautifully and is the perfect gift for the style conscious man who has everything except the world’s best looking razor. (The magnetic stand is a thing of beauty too.) The icing on the cake is that the razor is compatible with Gillette Mach 3 blades and comes in a range of amazing colours.
6. The SAFE-AS-HOUSES STOCKING FILLER
BARBER PRO Face Putty Peel-Off Mask with Activated Charcoal
Designed to give skin a deep cleanse, this charcoal grey, slap-on-peel-off face mask can be used by guys who are clean shaven or who have facial hair and is especially good for unblocking pores, reducing oil and keeping skin in tip top condition.
Why it’s a bulletproof gift option
Stocking fillers are by nature smaller, quirkier, less expensive items that are usually fun and throwaway, so this face mask, which is both fun and functional, is a no-brainer. Great for scaring kids with on Christmas morning too. Given the price, it’s ideal for Secret Santa gifts as well.
7. THE MILLENNIAL MUST HAVE
Shakeup Cosmetics The Travellers Set
A trio of skin perfecting products for men, including a BB Tinted Moisturiser, dark circle erasing Under Eye Concealer and a moisturising Lip Gel, this set – from leading male cosmetics company Shakeup Cosmetics – includes everything a guy needs to look Insta ready.
Why it’s a bulletproof gift option
Male cosmetics is one of the biggest growth areas in male grooming right now, so if you’re buying for a trend conscious, younger guy who’s really, like REALLY, into his beauty routine (think I’m a Celebrity’s Owen Warner or Love Island’s Davide Sanclimenti types) this gift set is your man. Comes with a handy travel bag too.
8. THE GET OUT OF JAIL CARD
The Humanery Digital Gift Card
Still not sure what to give or left everything to the last minute and missed your delivery slot? Then why not opt for a Humans of Humanery Digital Gift Card?
Why it’s a bulletproof gift option
Gift cards get a bum rap but, rather than being the gift that lacks thought, I see them as the gift that allows for thought. A gift card (and you can gift anything from £20 - £150 on Humanery) allows a man to fill the gaps in his grooming routine in his own time. Think of it as the gift of great grooming, all year round. Besides, maybe he wants to shop in private and treat himself to something from Humanery’s Sexual Wellbeing range? Now, there’s a Christmas present to remember!
Featured 'Bulletproof Gifts' for men this festive season
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