Gifts for mates, from small ‘saw this and thought of you’ treats to proper birthday presents.
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 wine saver pump
9.4/10
£14.99 RRP
Pumps the air out of an opened bottle so it keeps for a few extra days. Ideal for anyone who likes a glass rather than a bottle.
Why we picked it: The original wine saver: it pumps the air out so an open bottle stays fresh for days. For those rare occasions a bottle isn’t finished.
What owners say: Easy to use and keeps wine fresh for several days.
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 world spice collection
9.2/10
££ £15–£40
A way to try spices they wouldn’t normally buy: sumac, za’atar, smoked paprika, garam masala blends and more.
Why we picked it: Twenty-four spices and blends in a smart box, from smoky BBQ rubs to curry staples. Plenty to experiment with.
What owners say: A lovely variety and great value. The little bottles look beautiful on the shelf.
Heads up: The jars are tasting size, so it’s about variety rather than volume.
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 coffee or tea selection
9.1/10
£11.99 RRP
A consumable treat that doesn’t add clutter. A selection box lets him try something better than his usual without committing to a whole bag.
Why we picked it: Six single-origin coffees from around the world, so he can work out whether he’s a Colombia man or an Ethiopia man.
What owners say: Great variety and lovely fresh taste, and it looks smart enough to give as it is.
Heads up: The bags are tasting size (50g each), so it’s a sampler rather than a month’s supply.
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.
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