Another pair of socks? A funny tie? Paisley print pyjamas? Unsurprisingly, men don’t share the same enthusiasm women revel in when it comes to Christmas.

If you are looking for a Christmas present for your dad, your brother, your boyfriend or your husband – there is one rule of thumb you need to follow when choosing gifts for the male variety of humankind.

Hard is good, soft is bad!

I know what you are about to say now. ‘But this unbelievably gorgeous Marc Jakobs messenger bag…’ Nope! (Although that’s maybe what you want.) ‘And what about that heavenly soft scarf I knitted with my bleeding fingers?’ Nah! ‘Even not the snug Long Johns my mum has sent for him?’ No, no and nonono!

Ask a man, if you don’t believe me. And maybe try something along these lines to make him really happy…

The Leatherman Multitool. Men love their tools. Even if they are blessed with two left hands. From £31.53

Tickets for ‘the best event of the year’ (Big M’s words, not mine), if your man has even the remotest interest in vintage cars. From £35. And if you yourself are a fan of vintage dresses, get yourself a ticket too and enjoy the dressing up!

Help him to drown out the noise (of the kids?) with these sophisticated Bose Headphones. From £69

Cufflinks with an edge. Go for these Crowned Skull Swarovski Crystal Cufflinks by Simon Carter. From £50

Much cheaper than the actual car: a magazine subscription. The Evo trial is 3 for £1 at the moment.

A laser distance measure (don’t ask…). From £62.95

A classic print of a classic gentleman. From £15.95

Something to lift the spirit. VSOP Cognac from the Petite Champagne from £25.95.

That’s sorted then. Now, what do I want…?