15 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
21 Valentine’s Day gifts for him – that he’ll actually want and appreciate in 2026
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For a day that’s meant to be all about love, Valentine’s Day can cause a surprising amount of stress – especially when it comes to finding a gift for him.
Chocolates feel predictable, socks feel like a last-minute panic purchase, and as for Valentine’s Day cards… do people still do those?
If you’re determined to give something that won’t end up forgotten in a drawer (or politely smiled at), you’re in the right place. From thoughtful upgrades to genuinely useful treats, these are the best Valentine’s Day gifts for him that he’ll actually want and truly appreciate.
Before you jump in, we have got the likes of luxe candles to build a zen atmosphere, a snazzy new pair of trainers, an experience from the Wowcher X Metro Deals, and the top grooming set to get him upgrading his skincare. We’ve got all of the basics covered, so what are you waiting for? Jump in and add these must-have buys straight to your shopping baskets in time for the big day.
Shop The Best Gifts for Him 2026:
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Theragun Relief by Therabody
If he has jumped on the fitness bandwagon or strained muscles doing handiwork around the home, then this is the ideal piece of tech to invest in.
Aiding in quick recovery from injuries or aches, it comes with three different attachments to target specific areas from the lower back, all-over body, and even sensitive areas.
Why not ask him to treat you to a massage as a thank you?
Glenfiddich 16 Year Old, Single Malt Scotch Whisky
An easy gift idea is always a bottle of his favourite tipple.
Glenfiddich 16 Year Old Whisky is perfect for the whisky lover.
Its rich and smooth flavour is enhanced with tastes of oak, honey and spices that make it a great option to slowly sip served on the rocks.
Diptyque Feu de Bois Medium Scented Candle
Who says you can’t treat men to a luxe candle?
Light up date night with Diptyque’s Feu de Bois, which smells like a cosy campfire in the comfort of your own home.
Warm, smoky notes create an inviting atmosphere that’ll transform your space into something extra special.
It also makes a sleek statement on its own when not lit.
Beats Solo Buds In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds
If he’s always on the go with playlists, podcasts or workouts, Beats Solo Buds make an excellent gift.
These wireless earbuds deliver crisp sound, comfy fit and hands-free convenience.
They’re the best kind of everyday accessory he’ll actually use – whether commuting, exercising or zoning out watching sport on his device.
Rockett St. George You Look Cool Black & White Art Print (Unframed)
Give his space an artistic upgrade with this “You Look Cool” print from Rockett St. George, whilst giving him a little ego boost.
It’s a playful way to show appreciation and make him smile.
The minimalist and effortless design will look superb whether it’s hung in the bedroom, office or living space.
REHAB. Men's Complete Collection Gift Set
Remove the fuss of skincare for him with this three-piece git set from REHAB.
The set is made up of the brands Hair & Beard Grooming Oil, Shower Milk, and Hair & Body Cologne to create the perfect all-you-need collection to keep his complexion looking nourished, cleansed and hydrated.
Aspinal of London 8 Card Billfold Wallet
A classic wallet never goes out of style, and the Aspinal of London 8 Card Billfold will feel extra special.
Crafted from quality leather with thoughtful storage for cards and cash, it’s a gift that’s both practical and elegant.
Make it even more special by choosing to have it monogrammed with their initials.
Philips Series 7000, 14-in-1 Multi Grooming Trimmer for Face, Head, and Body
Have him looking sharp with the one device every man needs in their bathroom cabinet, an electric razor.
Philips have been leading the way with their grooming tech, which is why this option stands out from the crowd.
It comes with plenty of attachments to assure his desired look, and it’s straightforward to use, so you don’t have to worry about him accidentally messing up.
SKIMS Boxers (3 Pack)
Just like socks, boxers will never go amiss.
Upgrade his basics with supportive options from Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS.
They’re made from soft, breathable fabric to ensure no overheating and maximum comfort.
These are the kind of underwear he’ll thank you for – not just on Valentine’s Day, but again and again.
Gymshark Running 4" 2in1 Shorts
Gymshark is the go-to brand that is perfect for the guy who loves to stay active.
Lightweight and designed to stretch in whatever direction he moves, they make workouts (and jogs with you) feel that much better.
Practical, stylish and perfect for Valentine’s – especially if shared motivation is your thing.
Marshall WILLEN II Portable Speaker
This portable speaker is a fun and thoughtful gift for music lovers or anyone who loves good sound on the go.
Compact but powerful, it delivers clear audio with over 17 hours of playtime, making it perfect for parties, travelling or even cosy nights in.
It’s also waterproof and dust-proof, as let’s face it, they aren’t always the most careful.
Giuliana Pimenta Tasting Experience Chocolate Box
If you are going to go down the route of chocolates, then do it with luxury in mind.
Swap Cadbury (not that there’s anything wrong with that) for the likes of masterful treats created by São Paulo’s chocolate atelier Giuliana Pimenta.
The Tastine Experience Box is a brilliant choice for those who love to indulge in the likes of Salted Caramel, Crunchy Nutella, Banoffee, Whispering Orange and more.
Guess Saffiano Milano Backpack
Send him off on his travels or to work looking smart and ready for the day with a suave backpack that instantly adds smart points to his outfit.
It’s large enough to fit all of his daily essentials without compromising on style.
Classic British Car Driving Experience
An experience is always a winning gift in our eyes. Nothing says “I’m thinking of you” more than a special day out that you know they (and yourself) will enjoy.
Whether you’re after the best UK staycation deals or want something more tailored to their interests, like this brilliant British Car driving experience, you simply can’t go wrong.
Prada Paradigme Eau de Parfum Spray
Prada Paradigme Eau de Parfum is a sophisticated scent he’ll reach for again and again, and one you’ll become obsessed with.
With a mix of fresh bergamot, airy musks, and deep ambery woods, this is a blend that’s both elegant and confident.
A fragrance that will bag him compliments every time he wears it.
Lovehoney Ignite 20 Function Vibrating Love Ring
If you’re looking to spice things up in the bedroom, then why not choose to add a non-intimidating toy into the mix?
This is a small gift with a big impact. With multiple vibration patterns and a comfortable fit, it’s designed to boost pleasure for both partners.
Easy to use and discreet, it’s a fun, flirty Valentine’s Day present that turns a romantic night in into something a little more exciting.
Abercrombie & Fitch Diamond Stitch Crew Sweater
Have a subtle say in what he wears by treating him to a fit that already has your approval.
This Diamond Stitch Crew Sweater from Abercrombie & Fitch is ultra-soft, classic and effortlessly cool; it’s the kind of layer he can dress up with chinos and boots, or down with jogging bottoms and trainers.
Every time he throws it on, he’ll think of you (and how good he looks in it).
WHOOP Smartwatch
WHOOP is a fitness and health wearable designed to track your body 24/7 without distractions.
Unlike traditional smartwatches, it focuses on sleep, recovery, and strain insights to help you optimise workouts and overall wellness. It offers personalised data, cycle and pregnancy tracking, and even calculates your 'WHOOP age.'
Memberships start at £169/year, and you can try it with a one-month free trial.
Lacoste Run Set in Black & White
Every man should have a trusty pair of smart trainers that he can always rely on when he doesn’t know what to pair his outfit with.
The Lacoste Run Set is an effortless mix of both smart and athleisure, maximising their versatility, making them suitable for a range of occasions.
Callaway Golf Warbird 2.0 12 Golf Ball Pack
One for the golfer in your life. This is a simple but seriously useful gift.
Durable, high-flying and designed for great distance, these balls will keep him smiling on the course.
Practical, affordable and perfect for Valentine’s.
T.M.Lewin 5-Pack Cotton Pocket Square Set
Something small, but will make a difference, is a pack of cotton pocket squares from T.M.Lewin.
Add a touch of polish to his wardrobe that makes it easy to elevate suits, blazers or even smart-casual outfits.
It’s a small detail, but one he’ll actually use – and it’s a sweet way to say you notice the little things about him.
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15 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
I got on top of my screentime addiction with this nostalgic phone hack
I’m 28, and my phone has formed an intrinsic part of my life.
When I was little, I loved playing Snake on my mum’s Nokia. As a teenager, I distinctly remember being bought my first BlackBerry for Christmas. I’d stay up hours into the night on BBM or Tumblr, and text under my desk during lessons.
And now that I’m in my late 20s, my phone continues to be an invasive side-character.
I’ve removed both Instagram and TikTok from it, because without any self-restraint, I can lose hours to doom scrolling, day and night (I have ADHD too, so I’m prone to seeking out a quick bit of stimulation).
So, at the start of this month, I vowed that 2026 would be the year I finally stopped wasting so much time on an inanimate object.
But of course, I’ve tried to reduce my phone time before, and all too quickly fallen off the bandwagon. This time, I was going to have to get inventive.
The ‘analogue bag’ concept
Siece Campbell went viral for her ‘analogue bag’ concept — a tote filled with physical items for phone-free hobbies. Think turn-pager books, colouring or crafts.
As she says, the aim is to ‘replace the habit’ of picking up her phone, ‘rather than going cold turkey’.
Siece rotates the contents of her analogue bag each month. For January, she’s packing a subscription to The New Yorker, a news source that she can ‘thumb’ rather than scroll through.
She’s also got a sketchbook, part of a 100-day art project, a Polaroid camera, and her knitting.
‘How would I call 999 without a phone?’
Leaving the house with my analogue bag I felt liberated. I’d packed a copy of Wuthering Heights, a colouring book, my Polaroid, and some knitting.
If I still had my iPod Classic or Sony Walkman from the 2000s, I’d stick those in there too, but alas, they’re both long-gone.
On the bus, I reached for the Brontë classic, and with no phone to check, I was focused, racing through the pages of Cathy and Heathcliff’s romance.
At no point was the story interrupted by the buzz of a notification or the impulse to start texting.
There were, however, times when I was stood at the bus stop when grabbing my colouring pencils would have been, well, weird — and I’d have enjoyed a few minutes of scrolling to pass the time.
The downside of an analogue bag, though, is that I felt a little unsafe.
How would I call 999 without a phone? Plus, my friends and family can usually track my movements on Find My Friends.
The fact I have type 1 diabetes also adds to this sense of unease. My phone is connected to an app that monitors my blood sugars. If I’m not within eight feet of it, it loses the connection. And while a brief period of separation (for 30 minutes or so) is fine, I can’t wander around the centre of London for hours without it.
Overall, the analogue bag reminded me what it was like to feel a bit of mindless boredom — and with it, some proper thinking time. But unfortunately, it’s not practical enough for me.
Faff-factor: 5/5, takes a lot of pre-planning
Effectiveness: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
The ‘landline’ concept
Another TikTok technique, all you have to do for this one is hang up your phone, land-line style, like we used to in the old days.
Creator @livingmadly went one stop further and made a’phone dock’ out of clay. She wrote: ‘I’m convinced a phone docking station or some way to “hang up the phone” would do wonders for our mental health.
‘I throw my phone up in here when I get home from work, and it’s been lovely to know exactly where it is… and to not have it on me.’
‘I felt like a mother crying out for her child’
While battling a serious hangover, I chose the location of my phone dock:in the hallway, on top of a stack of books.
Desperately hungover and tired, it was easy to ignore it, and I was soon fast asleep. The days that followed, though, were a different story.
I decided not to have a hard and fast rule for the exact time I would part ways with my phone, but 8pm was the limit. It had to be docked, and put on silent.
At first, I felt like a mother crying out for her child, but a dinner with my mum changed that.
Having a physical separation between me and my device did something to my brain chemistry. I felt more engaged, and Mum and I had the most connected, in-depth conversation we’ve had in a good while.
I quickly realised just how difficult it is for me to relax when there’s a phone in front of me. Usually, when I’m watching TV or reading a book, I’m multi-tasking: scrolling on Instagram at the same time.
But I realised this was creating a sense of overwhelm, attempting to do too many things at once. Without my phone right there, I could just focus on one thing, and was able to fully relax.
I seemed more able to completely switch my brain off, and leave the worries of the day behind me once I sat on the sofa.
Since then, while I haven’t docked my phone every night, I finding myself place it onto that stack of books more and more. I think I could be onto a winner.
Faff-factor: 2/5, easy af to do
Effectiveness: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
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14 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
Outdated fashion trends that won’t work in 2026 – and the styles to replace them with
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The Traitors star Rachel Duffy’s colourful private home in Northern Ireland with her 3 kids
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