The best Christmas gifts for men

From Nothing Store

Yes, iPhones and Samsungs may be sleek-looking but their aesthetics leave much to be desired. If the special man in your life loves pushing the boundaries of looks, then the Nothing Phone (1) might just be the perfect gift. It's a decent mid-range smartphone but it's buoyed by one highlight: the glyph interface. These LED strips tucked under glass backing of the phone light up whenever there's a notification – these you can even customise according to who's calling. From message to the music playing to the phone charging status, the glyph interface on the Nothing Phone (1) makes it a novel and visually-arresting addition to your giftee's tech haul. 

Available at sg.nothing.tech/pages/phone-1

At The Lemon Stand

Nothing like a confidence booster when you sling jokes and the audience laughs. And inversely, nothing like a good humbling when they don't. If your man wants to be the next Chappelle or Mulaney, you can help him get started at the open mics (where people test out their material) at The Lemon Stand, or make it a date and take in the jokes together at the regular comedy shows. Check The Lemon Stand's website for upcoming events in December. 

Available at thelemonstand.sg

From Hydragun

Buying a gift meant for a gym bro? Here's something to get those sore muscles sorted. The Hydragrun Atom Mini massage gun is everything that your average Hydragun can do: be quiet and yet different different levels of pulsations – while copping a reduction in size. Housed in its aerospace-grade aluminium body is the punching heart of a SmoothDrive-m motor that delivers 50 percussions per second. Standing at 4.5cm tall and weighing at 550g, the Atom Mini can be easily carried in a gym bag (or man bag). 

Available at hydragun.sg

From Sabi Tattoo

Tattoos are an unusual gift, but if you've a friend who's been considering getting one and just needs a little nudge, then offer to bring him to Sabi Tattoo. Other than the usual tribal tattoos or Classic Americana styles, this studio in Aljunied offers more offbeat creations. Artists like Charmaine (@titfortart) does clean, bold lines in eye-catching ink, while PAYNK (@paynk.tattoo) marks you in playful art that looks culled straight from your dreams. Diversity in art form is the name of the game here, so hopefully your giftee sees something he likes. 

Available at @sabi.tattoo.sg

At Ascend Fitness

Couples (and friends) who exercise together, stay together – but it can get a little trite after a while. To enjoy giving your heart a workout – while spending quality time with him – maybe gamification is the way to go. Try Exergame 4D, which uses state-of-the-art projection mapping and motion sensors for a Tron-like HITT class. Ascend Fitness is the only gym in Singapore to utilise Exergame 4D and is able to combine more than 100 exercises to target anything from burning calories to strength building. 

Available at ascendfitness-sg.com