Is there a ‘difficult male’ in your life? Difficult as in hard to buy for, rather than generally problematic - though he might be that as well.
Related: The best men's summer fragrances to keep you smelling sweet
We've come up with a shortlist of gift ideas that'll have you covered for whatever type of celebration your planning. The key is to buy a gift that’s more premium than his regular bathroom cabinet essentials. Something that can be regarded as a little luxury - or an item that he may not buy himself.
Here are some bath, body and grooming products that will have you pegged as the most thoughtful gift-giver of them all.
The best male grooming gifts 2021
1 of 9Braun Shaving Series 5
This Braun shaver is one of the best at this price point and comes with three flexible blades that adapts to facial contours for a close shave. The 'EasyClean' system delivers a fast clean without the need to remove the shaver head. The set also features a precision trimmer attachment for moustache and sideburns trimming. The Series 5 is 100 per cent waterproof, so can be used dry or in the shower/bath.Review: "Very pleased with this shaver, it is just as described. My dad has memory and sight issues and the large on / off button is particularly useful. He especially likes that the shaver is kind to his sensitive skin, and easy to charge. I like that it is very easy to clean and would highly recommend. You need to purchase a 3 pin adapter as it is a 2 pin."
2 of 9Aesop Moroccan Serum and Cream
If you're looking for a gift for someone who has to shave regularly, why not allow him do it in style with this premium offerings from Australian brand Aesop. It will leave him with smooth, calm, hydrated and soft skin. The set contains Moroccan neroli shaving serum and Moroccan neroli post-shave lotion. Real luxury from skin specialists Aesop. Look out for its fantastic fragrance range too.
3 of 9Baxter Of California Grab & Go Kit
The perfect introduction to the no-fuss, high quality US range Baxter of California is the Grab & Go Kit, featuring four of its best-selling formulas in one collection. The four pieces are travel sized and encompass everything he needs to upgrade his shower and skin care routine - from a shampoo to a moisturiser via a face wash and exfoliating body bar. It's not featured here in the set, but the Baxter solid deodorant is well worth checking out and is one of its hero products.Review: "Liked the products, but expensive for travel size. I have since purchased other full size products from the brand."
4 of 9Noble Isle Fireside Duo Gift Set
The perfect gift for the man who likes his products warm and spicy is this Fireside Duo Gift Set from Noble Isle. The fragrance features spicy aromas cinnamon and cypress oil, comforting vanilla and vitamin-rich organic beetroot extract. The set comprises of a bath/shower gel and a body lotion.Review: "From the moment I smelt Fireside I knew it was my favourite in the collection. The warm sexy notes really stimulate your senses and put you in a great mood. My boyfriend loves it too, a true unisex product. The body lotion is divine and the sent lingers subtly all day."
5 of 9Thomas Clipper Travel Safety Razor
This collapsible solid metal safety razor from UK firm Thomas Clipper has a travel-friendly, minimalist design and weighted handle designed for the perfect shave, home or away. The handle is aluminium steel for perfect balance. To show how little space it would take up in a wash bag it comes in a matchbox-sized gift box and also includes five Shark razor blades.Review: "Happy with my mini travel razor, precision made lovely size shaves as good as anything I've ever used."
6 of 9Jack Black’s Most-Wanted Travel Bag Set
A great way for the man in your life to up his grooming game is to sample the wonders of U.S brand Jack Black in this 'Most Wanted Travel Bag'. It contains face cleanser, face moisturiser with SPF, body and hair cleanser and a body lotion. It all comes inside a Jack Black wash bag made with recycled, vegan, cruelty-free materials.Review: "I sent this to my grown son. He loves it. Quality products."
7 of 9Phillips Body Groomer
There's been an increase in the last few years of grooming gadgets that can handle hair that isn't just on the face. The Body Groomer from Phillips is 100 per cent waterproof so can perform in or out of the shower. It allows you to confidently shave or trim all body zones as the hypoallergenic foil and rounded tips protect the skin while shaving, even in sensitive areas. It has a 50 minutes cordless run time.Review: "For the money this product is fantastic, exactly what's required and it doesn't catch your skin like some I've had in the past - very gentle on the skin."
8 of 9King C Gillette Gift Set
King C. Gillette revolutionised modern day grooming in 1901 when he invented the world's first ever safety razor, and 119 years later Gillette has introduced the King C. Gillette line of premium grooming products inspired by its founder. This gift set consists of a single blade razor designed for edging sideburns and strong beard lines. The long-lasting sharp blades give precision and the closed comb head allows for better control. The set also includes a non-foam transparent shaving gel with white tea and argan oil.Review: "I bought this for my two sons who both have beards. they are very happy with the razor and they smell great too. Well worth the price."
9 of 9Gillette Heated Razor
A real innovation from Gillette is this heated razor. It has the feeling of a hot towel shave and has continuous and adjustable warming bar technology. There are five blades and the razor is completely waterproof for sink or shower shaving. I've seen the future and it's heated.Review: "I have seriously sensitive skin and was keen to try this 5 blade Gillette razor with the heat bar to see if it would help. The box it comes in looks classy and modern and taking out the razor you can tell straightaway this is a quality razor by the weight and how comfortable it feels in the hand. The first port of call was to stick it on its futuristic wireless magnetic base and charge it."
Top tips for male grooming
An often overlooked part of grooming is beard/stubble cleansing. This part of the cleaning regime stops the facial hair smelling of last week’s dinner and also prevents the build-up of oil and dirt, which can lead to beard dandruff and spots.
As well as the cleanser, the beard should be nourished with beard oil or beard conditioner. This will condition the hair from the inside and look after the skin beneath. It can also help the beard smell fragrant - which is a GOOD thing.
What is ‘manscaping’?
Manscaping is a familiar term these days, referring to the removal or trimming of male body hair and there are a variety of methods. Shaving requires preparation and can cause irritation, especially in sensitive areas. Waxing and vegan-friendly sugaring is initially painful (though less so over time) and gives a longer-lasting smoother look.
Laser hair removal is the most expensive and the only permanent solution to unwanted hair. For those who want to keep things tidy and trim, rather than gone all together, a body hair trimmer is the easiest solution. Especially good are products like the ones above that are hypo-allergenic and safe to use in the shower.
What to read next:
Haydn Williams is a self-confessed fragrance addict. He consults for a number of brands, as well as running his own website on the subject. Follow his olfactory adventures on Instagram****.