Gifts for brothers of every age, from useful gadgets to things he’d never buy himself.
Best fits first, then by Picked Rating, from all our lists
A party card game
9.6/10
£9.99 RRP
Something to play with friends that isn’t a screen. Quick, loud games are best.
Why we picked it: A fast push-your-luck game that gets louder with every round. Teenagers and adults get equally hooked.
What owners say: Brilliant fun for all ages, easy to learn and perfect for trips and holidays.
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker
9.5/10
££ £15–£40
For their room, the shower or the park. Waterproof ones survive being dropped and rained on.
Why we picked it: Waterproof, so it’s as happy in the shower as it is at the park, with big bass for its size.
What owners say: Excellent sound and more than loud enough for its size, with a solid Bluetooth range.
A quick card game
9.4/10
£5.99 RRP
Small, cheap and perfect for the Christmas break with family. Quick games that play in 15 minutes get used the most.
Why we picked it: All the scheming, stealing and gloating of Monopoly, in about 15 minutes. Office lunch breaks will never be the same.
What owners say: A great take on Monopoly: quick, easy to pick up and hours of fun.
A precision screwdriver set
9.2/10
£ Under £15
For glasses, toys, battery covers and small electronics. One of those kits everyone needs a few times a year.
Why we picked it: Thirty precision bits plus spudgers and tweezers: it opens phones, glasses, laptops and kids’ toys.
What owners say: Everything you need for small fiddly jobs, with solid build quality for the price.
A portable power bank
9.2/10
£18.99 RRP
Phones die at the worst moments. A slim power bank in a school bag is a gift parents appreciate too.
Why we picked it: Slim enough for a blazer pocket, fast-charging, and backed by a three-year warranty. The end of the “my phone died” excuse.
What owners say: Charges fast, fits in a jacket pocket and can fill a phone about twice.
Fun patterned socks
9.1/10
£ Under £15
Socks with a bit of personality are the rare “fun” gift that also gets worn. Food, animal or Christmas designs all go down well.
Why we picked it: Lots of designs, from book lovers to dog people, in a gift box. Pick the one that fits the person.
What owners say: Cute, comfortable and soft, and they always get a laugh.
A rechargeable head torch
9.1/10
£17.99 RRP · for two
For the loft, the fuse box, under the sink, walking the dog on dark evenings. It’s one of those things he’ll reach for constantly once he has one.
Why we picked it: Wave a hand to switch it on: handy when both hands are full in the loft or under the sink. Two in the pack, one for the house and one for the car.
What owners say: Owners rave about how bright they are for the price, and the wave-on sensor is a hit when your hands are full.
Heads up: On full brightness expect a few hours per charge, not the 30 on the box. Blukar has also launched a 2026 Gen 2, but it costs more and has far fewer reviews so far.
Wireless earbuds
9.1/10
£49.99 RRP
They lose them, break them and wear them constantly, so a new pair is always welcome. Mid-range pairs are very good now.
Why we picked it: Proper adaptive noise cancelling and hi-res sound for far less than AirPods, from Anker’s audio brand. Great for the bus, the gym and revision.
What owners say: Phenomenal sound for the money, with a secure fit that stays put at the gym.
A quality multi-tool
9.0/10
££ £15–£40
Pliers, knife, screwdrivers and bottle opener in one. It lives in the kitchen drawer or the toolbox and gets used for every small job around the house.
Why we picked it: Pliers, knife, saw and a set of screwdriver bits in one pocket-sized tool, for the dad who fixes things with whatever’s to hand.
What owners say: Solid in the hand, sharp blades and genuinely useful tools, with great value for the price.
Heads up: It’s a chunky tool, better in the car or toolbox than a trouser pocket.
A gaming headset
9.0/10
£29.99 RRP
If they game online with friends, a headset with a decent microphone is a big upgrade.
Why we picked it: Turtle Beach is one of the biggest names in gaming audio, and this lightweight headset works across PS5, Xbox and PC.
What owners say: Great sound and very comfortable for the price.
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