With Christmas fast approaching, it’s likely you’ll be doing the rest of your shopping online. We can help. Whether you and your brother spent your childhood going on bike rides or playing endless tournaments on Mario Kart 64, when it comes to his birthday, it’s nice to get him something special. Maybe he’s just moved into his own place, or he’s found a new hobby (like pasta-making or yoga). We’ve got you covered for every kind of brother, from the big brother (who still acts like a big kid) to the little brother who keeps his box-fresh trainers as pristine as possible. Better still, we’ve checked to make sure all these products will arrive before December 25.
For the brother who prefers a starter to a pudding
If he always chooses cheese over chocolate, then this (chef-approved) fancy salt would be a nice gift.
For the brother with a serious sweet tooth
If you always nicked his pick ‘n’ mix as kids, consider this (3-kilogram-sized) olive branch.
For the brother who still uses a manual brush
For the brother who hates clothes shopping
This cashmere scarf is the kind of thing that will suit any person, at any age.
For the brother who puts Sriracha on everything
Open his eyes (and taste buds) to other sauces, like this pineapple habanero, which would be great on anything from salads to scrambled eggs.
For the brother who (still) doesn’t act his age
For the brother who WhatsApps his personal trainer
For the brother who never skips cardio at HIIT
This under-the-desk set of pedals will allow him to get a workout in even when he’s in back-to-back Zooms.
For the brother who just bought his first home
Get those bare walls covered in some tasteful prints.
For the brother who never misses PopMaster
Not only is the sound quality of this Roberts Bluetooth radio excellent, the grey colour and gold detailing is particularly nice.
For the brother who mastered his crane pose in lockdown
For the brother who mastered homemade pasta during lockdown
Even homemade pasta will look restauraunt-quality with this ravioli cutter set.
For the brother who can’t stop scrolling
If his phone is always in need of juice, this sleek, minimalist charger would make a nice gift.
For the brother who checks his phone at 3 a.m.
If one quick check of the time turns into a 40-minute doomscroll, this alarm clock — which can project the time on the ceiling — might help break his habit.
For the brother who doesn’t ‘do’ skincare
This inexpensive gel moisturiser is a favourite among Strategist readers and staff alike.
For the brother who makes his own cold brew
Give him a reusable cup so he can take his brew with him on his Sunday stroll.
For the brother who grinds his own beans
For the brother who lusts after a Le Creuset
Contributor Zhenya Tsenzharyk says this cast-iron pot (while not enameled) is a solid dupe for fancier cookware.
For the brother who manages to lose his keys (even while working from home)
For the brother who takes #fitpics
A popmount will make holding his phone and getting a good angle less perilous.
For the brother who is partial to a mojito
If he’s looking for a way to switch up his favourite drink, using golden rum — like this kind from Cornwall — produces what bartenders call a dirty mojito.
For the brother who is partial to an old-fashioned
These bitters are made from West Indian oranges and would be useful in any home bar.
For the brother who shops on Depop
For the brother who loves trainers (but has quite enough pairs already)
The next best thing than a new pair of Stan Smiths? A book about the man himself.
For the brother who can’t keep his peace Lily alive
This aloe requires minimal fuss — perfect for the brother who isn’t so green-fingered.
For the brother who is decidedly indoorsy
For the brother who says games were harder when he was growing up
The new Super Mario bundle for the Nintendo Switch features three classic games (Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy) for him to get reacquainted with.
For the brother who is starting a new job
A classic Moleskine will always make a good gift.
And how about a nice pen to go with it? This mechanical ballpoint has a satisfying click and a pleasing grip, too.
For the brother who never carries a brolly
This raincoat — beloved by stylists, musicians, and outdoorsy types — will keep him dry instead.
For the brother who gave up meat this year
This vegan cookbook has 250 recipes, including po’boy roasted aubergine and grilled yuca tortillas.
For the brother who gave up takeaways this year
This rice cooker makes fluffy-every-time grains and comes highly rated on Amazon (plus two Strategist staff members own it).
For the brother who is chef-y (but has been using the same IKEA knife for years)
From our look at the best knife sets on Amazon: a really affordable set that will cover all bases.
For the new brother
This book, with plenty of different textures, would be a lovely gift for a little brother.
For the brother who missed Glastonbury this year
For the brother who has trouble tidying up
Give him this highly rated robot vacuum and he can make as much mess as he likes.
For the brother who loves to jimmy and pry
This six-centimeter Swiss army knife is perfect for anyone adventurous.
For the brother who is a top-tier doodler
If his notebooks look like mini works of art, maybe he’d like a new medium. These watercolours came recommended by Strategist contributor (and artist) Natalya Lobanova.
For the brother who doesn’t know what to do with his hair
A spritz of this salt spray in his locks will add volume and texture — but not look gunky.
For the brother who truly has no idea what to do with his hair
The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.