T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a...well that is not true, usually on Christmas Eve, I am found running around like a mad woman buying Christmas presents for all the men in my life. So, last year I made a resolution to streamline my shopping techniques and since then I've gained a lot of information about buying Christmas presents for men.
Ladies, I am happy to share those pearls of wisdom with you. Are you ready? Drum roll...no more socks or slippers. That's it. Seriously, don't buy them unless you want to see the New Year in on your own. But in case you were wanting, oh, I don't know...something a little more comprehensive, I've carefully selected the best gifts for 2010.
This compendium of indespensibles runs the gamut from gadgets and accessories to music and food via trainers and books (with a little more in the middle) and will cater for every genre of man (or men) in your life. Just call me Santa's Little Helper...
Come Christmas, let's face it, Tom Ford sells itself. But this Tuscan Leather set really is a cut above. This limited-edition grooming arsenal contains a hefty decanter, scented candle and a pocket-sized atomiser, all presented in one of Tom Ford's archetypal Makassar-style trays. And look at it this way, the scented candle is the perfect way to remove the odour of his feet from your home...
Fit is the new rich and nothing says fitter than these cool runnings. Surface to Air is a French design collective specialising in turning the drab into fab. Here it has teamed up with Asics to create trainers that will not only look after his feet but his vanity. The all-black scheme will set him apart from the herd of other runners in the gym in January.
If your man is nostaligic for the days of his vinyl collection, then this retrofit Gramophone iPod dock will be music to his ears. Apparently the gadget trend of the future is all about the past.
This futuristic wallet features an ingenious electronic security system that can only be released by the fingerprint of the owner. It's also alarmed and, when linked via Bluetooth to your mobile phone, will alert you if the two become parted by any more than five metres. He'll never be able to use the excuse he's forgotten his wallet again...
This computer game - the sequel to Modern Warfare 2 places it's emphasis on stealth as you expose Cold War cover-ups from the Fifties to the present day. It's more cinematic than ever, with motion capture technology. It'll win you hundreds of brownie points and will at least keep him quiet until the New Year...
They say you can always judge a man by his shoes and if he is wearing a pair of berlutis, you've hit the jackpot. The Triptych offers men an eternally elegant two-tone shoe. One look at the impossibly luxurious finish and you'll be putty in his hands - just make sure he doesn't wear them without you...
So ladies, buy them anything I've recommended and I guarantee you'll get more than a mince pie for your troubles...