Your Shopping Bag is Empty
Menswear
WHAT MEN ACTUALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
Of all the people you have on your Christmas gift list, men are by far the trickiest to buy for. Unlike their female counterparts (who won’t stop telling you what they want), there is no curated list of luxury handbags, beauty gift sets or show-stopping jewellery to shop from. Instead, you’re left with a dad, brother, partner or friend who insists he doesn’t want anything. So as a Christmas gift from us to you, we’ve consulted the men of Brown Thomas to find out what they actually want for Christmas.
DARREN FEENEY, HEAD OF ART DIRECTION
ON WHAT HE’S HOPING TO FIND UNDER THE TREE…
“PRADA is always on top of my wishlist no matter the season! For Christmas, however, I’m hoping to find this Shetland V-Neck Sweater. Its shade of blue is one of my favourite colours. Also under the tree, I’d love to find a new fragrance. Byredo is my go-to for scents, their travel cases are so convenient.”
ON THE GIFT GUARANTEED TO IMPRESS…
“It definitely depends on who the gift is for but I love designer socks - a little taste of luxury! I also think the Loewe candles are fabulous gifts. But the best gifts are something you wouldn’t pick yourself yet love it.”
ON TREASURED CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS…
“I really enjoy gift giving. But also nearly more, I enjoy wrapping the gifts. When it comes to gift wrapping, a really nice way to make it special I find is to select a colour scheme and add a personalised Christmas decoration to each gift.”
EIDER LEITE, PERSONAL SHOPPING
ON WHAT HE’S HOPING TO FIND UNDER THE TREE…
“Oh, there’s so many! But at the top of the list has to be the gorgeous PRADA Triangle Logo Down-Filled Jacket with a pair of the Monolith XL Combat Boots. Perfect for the winter months ahead.”
ON THE GIFT GUARANTEED TO IMPRESS…
“A great cashmere scarf or a soft wool jumper are always a great gift and so appropriate for this time of the year.”
ON TREASURED CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS…
“As long as I can remember, baking has been one of the biggest traditions my family upholds during Christmas and one of my favourite holiday traditions. But my favourite thing about the Christmas season is definitely spending time with my family and friends.”
JAMES GILLICK, SENIOR ONLINE MERCHANDISER
ON WHAT HE’S HOPING TO FIND UNDER THE TREE…
“This Giant Check Scarf from Burberry is one I’ll definitely have on my ‘gift to self’ list this year. It’s a timeless piece that you’ll have for life. Plus it’s an easy throw-on layer that will elevate any outfit, whether that be a formal look with an overcoat or super casual sweats and puffer on the Sunday morning coffee and croissant run!”
ON THE GIFT GUARANTEED TO IMPRESS…
“I think fragrance never fails as a gift for him to be honest, it’s one I think a lot of men hold back from buying for themselves when they are running low or want to try something new and probably hold out hoping to receive as a gift instead. Always nice to have a range of scents also to suit any occasion or season. Another go-to for gifting, especially for younger siblings, are new trainers. The likes of Comme des Garcons PLAY x Converse or Nike Dunks were always winners with my younger brother and sister. Activewear is also a great gifting idea for a fitness enthusiast. Gym/running gear is permanently going in and out of the wash so stocking them up on Lululemon essentials is a good play.”
ON TREASURED CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS…
“Watching the ‘Father Ted’ box set through with my brother and sister whilst eating as much as humanly possible would be my highlight. It’s also hard to beat catching up with friends who are back home for Christmas, over a pint of Guinness in one of the many pubs off Grafton Street after a long day of scrambling to get the final few bits over the line - the satisfaction and relief of a job well done.”
OLAN BUCKERIDGE, JUNIOR ONLINE MERCHANDISER
ON WHAT HE’S HOPING TO FIND UNDER THE TREE…
“Top of my list this year is the Acne Studios Reversible Bomber Jacket. The duality of reversible jackets is underrated – one side is extremely minimal, good all year round for layering in the colder months or wearing open with a t-shirt in the summer but the opposite side is loud, playful and extremely versatile.
ON THE GIFT GUARANTEED TO IMPRESS…
“Candles and jewellery are my go-to gifting products. We have so many strong luxury candle brands in Ireland and they always warm homes and brighten people’s days. Jewellery can be a little more subjective but is generally a lot safer than clothing purchases for gifting as they can be used as subtle touches to finish off outfits that people often don’t treat themselves enough to.”
ON TREASURED CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS…
“Traditions in my family have evolved as the family has gotten older, my siblings are often scattered across the globe so Christmas is very important to us. Every year, my sister hosts the family once everyone has made it home for Christmas Eve where we have dinner and exchange gifts. Then, once it’s time for the kids (nephews/nieces) to get ready for Santa, we get to go for a drink to celebrate the family being back together and grab a bag of chips on the way home for Santa!”
MARLON HIRALDO, PRESS COORDINATOR & STYLIST ASSISTANT
ON WHAT HE’S HOPING TO FIND UNDER THE TREE…
“The Acne Studios Zip-Through Down-Filled Jacket is at the top of my list. A stand-up collar, long sleeves, zip fastening, and padded lining: makes the jacket a key piece to have this winter. Also, Acne Studios is a leading brand member of the Fair Wear Foundation, committed to achieving supply chain transparency. Also on my list this Christmas is the Balenciaga Logo Billfold Wallet. 100% Calfskin with card slots and bill sleeves - the perfect everyday wallet. Last but not least on my wishlist are the PRADA Monolith XL Chelsea Boots. Elasticated side panels, round toe, polished, treaded sole: perfect for day and night.”
ON THE GIFT GUARANTEED TO IMPRESS…
“Skincare is always a good option for gifting at Christmas. Instead of agonising over which are the best serums, you can get a gift set with Vitamin C + hyaluronic acid that can be used for most skin types. Another fail-safe gifting option for Christmas is the UGG Scuff Sis Slipper: the feeling of sliding your feet into a pair of sheepskin-lined slippers is unrivalled. From bright colours to the classic UGG chestnut, there’s a style for everyone. Designed with a statement fluffy collar and premium suede and leather, these slippers are built to last.”
ON TREASURED CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS…
“Part of the joy of the season is reminiscing with my family so spending time together as a family is very important to me. Sharing stories, traditions and values defines our family and is a great gift to each other. My parents shared what they had with our neighbours when times were tough and the last two years should remind us how important it is to think about what matters to you and your family. Help an elderly neighbour put up her tree or just spend the afternoon sipping tea with her. Donating to a local charity organisation is also another tradition I learned and treasure from my family.”
AIDAN CORCORAN, HEAD OF BEAUTY PERSONAL SHOPPING
ON WHAT HE’S HOPING TO FIND UNDER THE TREE…
“My birthday is in December so I always like to treat myself with a self-gift of something really special. Top of my list this year is the Dyson Purify Humidify + Cool Auto React Air Purifier Fan. This specific one has a HEPA filter which is really good for cleaning out any dust in the air and modifying the air’s condition. Also on my list is the Dr Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro. It’s an LED face mask which gives a three-minute treatment in which a combination of 100 lights in red mode and 62 lights in blue mode work together to smooth wrinkles, diminish discolouration, and clear acne for a beautiful, youthful complexion. Last but not least, I’m also hoping to find the PRADA Casual Corduroy Pocket Logo Shirt in navy. It’s simple, it’s clean, and it’s one of those classic staples I just know I’ll own forever. I love it!”
ON THE GIFT GUARANTEED TO IMPRESS…
“When it comes to buying a gift for someone else, I always like to give something they may not buy for themselves. For example, with fragrance, people will generally be able to justify paying the money for their favourite perfume because it’s for themselves, they’ll use it every day - but they’ll rarely treat themselves to the matching body cream or the hair mist or the shower gel. So they’re the real ancillary items that you wouldn’t really ever think to buy for yourself so I always think they make for a great gifting option for somebody else.”
ON TREASURED CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS…
“One of my personal favourite traditions that I love doing each year is having a Christmas dinner with friends. At the start of December, before it gets crazy busy for everyone, I always host my friends for Christmas dinner. It’s really nice: all my friends come over, I cook dinner and it gives us all the chance to catch up. One of my favourite things to do at this is to get Christmas crackers that you fill yourself and I include a beauty treat and a little funny joke or story which always go down so well. It’s a personal touch that they really appreciate.”
MORE TO READ
Now that you’ve safely secured a gift for the man in your life, what about something for the little ones? Discover the best gifts for kids in Santa-Approved Gifts For Little Stars.