There are 17 days to go until Christmas and if you haven’t yet got the man in your life a present or two, fear not. Here are eight gift ideas you can pick up in and around Wimbledon over the coming days.
For the sporty man
Firstly, how about Chris Boardman’s book? I was fortunate see this cycling luminary at last month’s Wimbledon BookFest. Despite not being a huge cycling follower, I picked up his book on the back of his candid, insightful and humorous talk – and I couldn’t put it down. It covers his momentous Olympic Gold, experience of the Tour De France, his role in Team GB Cycling’s world domination and his hopes and fears for the sport now tainted by drug scandals. Pick it up at Wimbledon Books in the Village or online here.
Are there any men you know getting frustrated with modern football? Overhyped and overpaid Premier League stars are hard to identify with so consider a local football experience as a gift this Christmas. AFC Wimbledon, of League One, are based at Kingsmeadow and are a success story all of Wimbledon (and beyond) should be proud of. The Dons take on Southend on New Year’s Day, followed by Blackburn Rovers on January 6. Make it memorable with a hospitality experience from £50, while standard match tickets start from £17 adults and £11 over 65s. Find out more here.
If cricket is more his thing, then treat him to a night at the theatre! That’s New Wimbledon Theatre (obviously), where on January 26 there’s an evening with cricket legends Geoffrey Boycott and Jonathan Agnew. The duo will have just returned from commentating on the Ashes in Australia and, Boycott in particular, is bound to have some forthright opinions on the tour! Tickets can be picked up here.
For the man who loves looking good
If you’re buying for a man who loves his toiletries, then perhaps it’s worth popping into Space NK in the Village. There are mens’ grooming options aplenty from brands such as Damion Barber, Kiehl’s, Shiseido and Tom Ford. It’s the Acqua Di Parma range that you should consider though to provide some genuine luxury. The Colonia Intensa Aftershave Balm serum is formulated with aromatic and hydrating compounds. “Designed to provide relief to those suffering from irritated and sensitive skin, this after shave balm will undoubtedly provide much needed help thanks to its rich resource of natural active ingredients such as aloe vera, almond and wheat germ oil” says the team behind it.
£45 for 100ml.
Swimwear label Orlebar Brown are a few doors away in the Village and stock a fine array of beach and summer wear for fashion conscious gents. There’s tons of stuff that will make a great gift – including shorts, polos, shirts and t-shirts – however, I’ve been drawn to these resplendent flip flops on offer for £35. And if blue/white won’t be to the recipient’s tastes, there are plenty of other colour options to choose from either in-store (34 High Street) or the footwear page of their site.
Visit Debenhams in Centre Court Shopping Centre for more men’s clothing ideas. John Rocha is a range I always keep an eye on as it’s stylish, classy and reasonably priced. This jacket has been designed with the modern gent in mind and is a versatile option for a wardrobe. “Crafted from a luxe wool blend and a smart pow checked design, it is finished with multiple pockets and a lapel pin for added appeal” say the good people at John Rocha! Have a look for yourself in store – you’ll find menswear on the first floor or online here.
For the tech enthusiast
Smartwatches have had bad press since they first arrived on the scene – mainly as they are bulky, ugly and require frequent charging. Samsung Gear S3 watch is set to change this though as it can last days on a single charge; it has a 4G connection for calls, texts and emails; and best of all, it looks great with a traditional watch face as opposed to a digital display, meaning it looks appropriate with formal wear. Pick this up from Currys at 27 The Broadway or online here. And if you’re quick you can get it for the sale price of £246.99.
For the film fanatic
You must have been living on Mars to have not noticed that Dunkirk with its stellar cast including Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Kenneth Branagh, was the summer’s blockbuster, wowing critics and audiences alike. If however you know a man who missed it at the cinema, the DVD and Blu-Ray versions are soon to be released and would make a great Christmas gift. They hit stores and online on December 18 with HMV on The Broadway and WH Smith in Centre Court sure to be selling copies. In fact, it’s so good that even if they saw it, I’m sure they’d like a copy to keep forever!
