Jul 5, 2021

10 best 30th birthday gifts for him: From watches to decanters

 



Know a man who’s teetering on the brink of the big 3-0? Why not get him something extra special to cushion the blow when he finally lands in adulthood proper?

Thirty – it’s the unglamorous gateway to a world of mortgages, boring life-insurance policies and potential parenthood. It’s the age at which, for want of a better phrase, things get real.

It’s also an age by which likes and dislikes are etched in stone. People tend to know what makes them tick by now, which can make gift buying a painstaking and risky business.

But fear not, some things transcend taste. We’re talking timeless, functional, luxurious and thoughtful items. The sort of things he might not think to buy for himself, but that he’ll find himself using every day.

That’s what makes the perfect 30th birthday gift for him. And that’s exactly what we had in mind when we compiled the following selection.

From quality clothing to future family heirlooms, we thought long and hard about what we’d like to have received on our 30th and scoured the shops for the best deals.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Seiko 5 automatic sports watch

Proper automatic timepieces can easily fetch into the thousands and even the tens of thousands, but you don’t have to pay a premium to get a solid self-winding watch. Japanese brand Seiko’s SKX line of watches was that rarest of things: a line of affordable tickers that even horological connoisseurs crooned over. The line has sadly been discontinued now, but the Seiko 5 is its replacement, and with a more accurate movement and refined looks, it’s arguably even better.

It’s inexpensive by “proper” watch standards, but its durability, versatility and timeless appeal go above and beyond its modest price tag. A perfect online gift that is likely to outlast any man who wears it.

Price comparison

A.P.C. urban mac

Every man should have a good overcoat hanging up in his wardrobe. It’s a magical garment that has the power to make almost anything look stylish and intentional. Hoodie and joggers? No problem, throw a beige car coat like this one from A.P.C. on and you could happily blend in at Paris Fashion Week.

This coat is the sort of thing that fashion journos mean when they talk about “investment pieces”. Is £400 a lot for a coat? By most people’s standards, yes. But will he still be reaching for it 30, 40 or even 50 years from now? Again, the answer is a resounding yes.

Admiral Sporting Goods sweatshirt

Simple staples like T-shirts and crew neck sweats form the backbone of the casual wardrobe. They’re fundamental to dressing well, and yet so many men let them fall by the wayside. That’s why some high-quality basics make such a great gift online; it’s something he might not think to treat himself to, but it’ll transform his wardrobe from the ground up.

We really love what the guys at Admiral Sporting Goods are doing when it comes to tees and sweats in particular. This is well-made gear that fits like a proverbial glove and just smacks of quality.

Take this classic crewneck for example. It’s spun from heavyweight, pre-shrunk cotton (no nasty surprises after the first wash) and bears all the hallmarks of premium construction. It’s the sort of thing your grandparents are getting misty eyed about when they say, “they don’t make them like they used to”. Except they do, and here’s the proof.

Comme des Garcons wonderoud, 100ml

Statistically speaking, men are far less likely to buy a fragrance for themselves than women. But that doesn’t mean they don’t like receiving them as gifts. A luxury scent is something special that he probably wouldn’t shell out on of his own accord but that he’ll appreciate nonetheless.

Comme des Garcons’ wonderoud is one of our favourite premium men’s fragrances. It’s a smokey, woody, earthy blend that lends itself perfectly to evenings and special occasions. This is a fragrance he can call on when he wants something more refined than his day-to-day cologne, and with some serious silage and longevity going for it, it might even last him until 31 or 32.


No comments:

Post a Comment