8 of the best male grooming buys to gift this Christmas

'Tis the season of giving, after all

While once upon a time men may have only concerned themselves with shaving and getting the occasional haircut, it's safe to say the world of male grooming has taken off in the last few years. Nowadays there are probably just as many male grooming products out there as there are female. With this in mind, we've rounded up some of the best men's skincare and grooming products that we guarantee any man you know won't be able to live without. So, whether you're looking for a gift or simply something to recommend to a friend, we've got you covered.

So, where do you start? If someone you know wants to get into taking care of his skin but is pretty clueless, Clinique For Men Essentials Kit, £30, fabled.com is a must buy. This is the perfect gift set if you want to introduce the man in your life to the skincare essentials, complete with four miniature products: A gentle Face Wash, a quick-absorbing Moisturizing Lotion, an Anti-Ageing Eye Cream to tackle . They all have a very light scent that's not too overpowering. Once your chosen recipient has tried them all out, he'll then be able to upgrade to the full sized version – also giving you an idea for what your next gift should be!

Elemis Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel, £22.50, fabled.com. Not only does it help to cool the skin before shaving so that discomfort is minimised, but it helps get a really close shave, too. With a very fresh scent thanks to Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel, it'll liven up even the least morning person guy you know first thing in the morning. Top tip: You can (and should) borrow it to shave your own legs, as the cooling effect works brilliantly to stop post-shave rash. Now there's a double incentive to gift it this Christmas!

For the designer-loving man, look to Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme After Shave Balm, £34.50, fabled.com if you want to treat him to a new after shave. Enriched with the popular YSL scent, light citrus notes are undercut by stronger, woody ones for a rich and indulgent scent. Its gel formula moisturises and refreshes the skin well after a shave, and absorbs quickly with a fragrance that will last.

For men who really struggle with sensitive skin, particularly post-shave, we recommend Origins Fire Fighter, £18, fabled.com. As Origins do best, this is a whole host of plant ingredients in one bottle: It has a strong scent of fresh cucumber blended with peppermint, eucalyptus and chamomile for the ultimate invigorating natural scent. This one does exactly what it says on the bottle and fights the burn brilliantly, even preventing itching and irritation the day after shaving. The tiniest amount stretches very far, so it's a real investment that'll last ages.

If you want to give the gift of smooth skin, allow us to point you in the direction of Murad Man Face Defense SPF15, £32, fabled.com. Thick, but not claggy, a little goes a long way and it'll leave his skin feeling super soft after the first use. It's a common misconception that SPF is only necessary in summer, but you do need a little protection all year round, so this moisturiser will also ensure that his face is safe from the elements, too.

Gentlemen's Tonic Gentle Body Wash, £13, fabled.com is another great grooming buy. Soft on the skin, it easily foams up into a gentle lather to ensure he feels squeaky clean without stripping away any of the skin's moisture. It also has a very zingy scent thanks to ginger and menthol, and really helps you to get going in the morning.

Dating a guy who likes to make sure his hair is perfectly coiffed? Look to Aveda Men Grooming Cream, £20.50, fabled.com. This styling cream will be well placed in his bathroom cabinet. Not too sticky or heavy, it holds hair in place without looking like he's overdone it with product, and has a refreshing, spicy scent. Plus, the conditioning formula will keep hair nourished and healthy looking. You really can't go wrong with this one.

Looking for a grooming gift that's bang on trend? Beard Oil is has become one of the most popular male grooming products this year, so if your partner likes the facial fuzz it's a great buy. Try Skin & Tonic Beard Oil, £16, fabled.com for an aromatic and truly nourishing oil. Packed with organic ingredients and essential oils, it'll calm any itches and strengthen facial hair for a perfectly groomed beard. You're paying for quality here.