Worried about what to buy the man in your life for Christmas? The perfect gift may be more modest than you think | Joel Snape

If you really care, get us an upgrade of a bargain-basement product you’ve spotted us using. Our gratitude will be eternal

When I was a small boy, socks were the inverse of a Platonically ideal present – the last resort of a tragically unimaginative relative, correctly derided in the Beano as the worst possible gift. Now that I’m a 45-year-old dad, though, I’ve done a 180 – few things make me happier on Christmas morning than the tell-tale crinkle of a floppy, foot-shaped gift. Maybe this is what being a grownup really means.

I think it’s because, as you age, you tend to invest in fewer luxuries for yourself. Fine, I’m not above a subscription box of IPAs or some nice fineliners, but when it comes to the essentials of life, I buy … the basics. A set of AirPods? You can get a set of Bluetooth headphones for less than £20. Designer glasses? Not when I look so stylish in my nerd-frames. A six-pack of white athletic socks? Yes, please — throw in a pack of plain T-shirts while you’re at it.

Topics

I have finally mastered meditation – with the help of my tiny new puppy | Joel Snape

I’ve learned to ignore distractions and focus on one thing, even if it is ensuring the little fella doesn’t wee, or worse, on the carpet. Last week, our family got a puppy. Not for Christmas – I’m ...
The Guardian - 11h
Electric Cars Could Last Much Longer Than You Think

Rather than having a shorter lifespan than internal combustion engines, EV batteries are lasting way longer than expected, surprising even the automakers themselves.
Wired - 3d
Why Your Company May Buy OpenAI’s New $200 a Month ChatGPT Pro Subscription

Access to the best features of a leading product often comes at a premium, which the market leading AI system has set at 10 times the price of a regular subscription.
Inc. - 5d
I love Christmas, especially making edible gifts – even for the grinches in my life

In this week’s Feast newsletter: Everything about the holidays makes me happy, even light-up earrings. But my favourite thing is whipping up treats for loved ones. • Sign up here for our weekly ...
The Guardian - 6d
The Best Gifts for the Beverage Enthusiast in Your Life (2024)

Our favorite WIRED-tested giftable gadgets for everything from water and coffee to wine and cocktails.
Wired - 6d
Tariff Man’s superpowers are weaker than he thinks

Donald Trump’s obsession with import taxes belies their limited effects
Financial Times - 6d
You could score a tax break by gifting crypto to charity — but there may be some pitfalls

There's been a surge of crypto donations to charity. Here's what to know before transferring digital currency.
CNBC - Dec. 4
Why Trump’s tariff threats will hit stocks sooner than you think

Trump’s trade team could be even more hawkish this time around.
MarketWatch - Dec. 4
Gamers May Spend More Time Watching Games Than Playing Them

Over the last decade, streamers have taken on greater prominence in the gaming landscape and some have even attracted significant fan followings. Now, a new report suggests that players are ...
GameSpot - Dec. 3