The only socks and jocks you should be gifting this Christmas

Men are notoriously hard to buy for (something we've looked at in close detail right here). As Christmas approaches, it can be tempting to go for the simple choices: alcohol, gift cards, socks and underwear. If you're leaning towards the latter two, here's your sign to at least go big.

Forget your department store packs and opt for something fancier with our list of socks, jocks, ties, and swim shorts that men will actually enjoy receiving. With a range of prints, fabrics, and colours on offer, you'll be able to find something for all the men in your life.

Happy shopping, and congratulations on boosting your gift-giving reputation.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Socks

Socks are a popular gift, which makes sense given how rarely most people buy them for themselves. If you're gifting socks though, you want to be original – no white ankle socks or thick black sports socks should be in your sights.

M.J. Bale has several quality socks, which are exclusive to their range. Made in Brescia, Italy from a mercerised cotton blend, all pairs listed feature a traditional quarter length, reinforced heels and hand-linked toes.

Also check out our favourites from Happy Socks, the brand that lives up to its name perfectly – whether it's spots, stripes, or car-themed socks you're after.

Happy Socks Car Socks

Get a pair for $13.95

Happy Socks 3-Pack Classic Gift Set

Now 30% off!

M.J. Bale Engel Socks

Buy the pair for $35

M.J. Bale Garvanni Socks

$24.95 here

M.J. Bale Ploner Socks

$24.95 here for the pair

Carhartt Vista Socks

Now just $20.95

Kathmandu Three-Pack Accion driMOTION Low Cut Socks

$44.98 for three pairs

Ties

Ties can be a boring gift, especially if the person you're buying for wears one every day. But not all is lost – you just need to make sure you're choosing a good one to place under the tree.

When it comes to ties, thinner is definitely in over those wider varieties. We also have it on good authority that textured ties are currently on trend. While that might sound hard to find, anything with an embroidered pattern will have a textured look about it.

We've also thrown in a few designer options for the fancy men in your life, and a couple of timeless silk options, too. These are our top finds:

Ted Baker Kallino Knitted Tie

Buy it now for $99.95

Politix Silk Self Paisley Tie

Get it for $69

M.J. Bale Nicolo Tie

$149.95 here

M.J. Bale Ashworth Tie

Buy it for $89.95

RUMI Saressa Wool Tie

Now on sale for $67.15

Dolce & Gabbana Pointed-Tip Silk Tie

$325 on Farfetch

Ferragamo Singapore Jacquard Silk Tie

Get it now for $325

Paul Smith Embroidered-Design Silk Tie

Buy it here for $210

Jocks

Underwear as a gift also falls into that 'kinda thoughtless but very necessary' category, given most guys don't think to buy nice pairs for themselves. These boxers and briefs have been chosen based mostly on comfort, but also on their funky (and often holiday-themed) prints.

Best of all, the M.J. Bale picks are all discounted to $19. The menswear label is Climate Active certified as Australia's first fully carbon-neutral brand, so you can feel great about buying them, too.

We've also found some options from big-name brands Calvin Klein and Polo Ralph Lauren, in case you want to buy jocks that are a little bit fancy.

M.J. Bale Mazzaro Printed Boxer Shorts

Now discounted to $19

M.J. Bale Gershon Boxer Shorts

Slashed to $19

M.J. Bale Positano Printed Boxer Shorts

Were $49.95, now $19

Calvin Klein Holiday Gifting Modern Cotton Slim Boxer Shorts

$54.95 here

Polo Ralph Lauren 2-Pack Open Boxers

$139 for two pairs

Bonds Guyfront YDG Trunks

Stripe print $28.99Reindeer print $28.99

BOSS Two-Pack Boxer Shorts

Save 30% here!

Swim shorts

Summer is here, and if we're believing the forecasts, it's going to be a warm one. If the guy you're buying for loves spending time at the beach, he'll need a couple of swim shorts to last him the season.

Whether it's this affordable striped pair from Staple Superior or the avant-garde-looking pair from Camilla, there's so much value to be found in these swimmers.

Carhartt Chase Swim Trunks

$119.95 here

Scotch & Soda Mid-Length Printed Swim Shorts

Buy them for $149.95

Staple Superior Bronte Recycled Swim Shorts

Buy now for $49.99

Camilla Swim Shorts

$229 on The Iconic

M.J Bale Matheson Swim Short

$129.95 here

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