Football fan and Shopping Writer Meghan has written a list of the exact things she’ll be buying her dad this Christmas, with top picks for any Arsenal supporter
It’s the dreaded time of year when we all start considering what to buy our loved ones to gift over the festive season. My dad is notoriously difficult to shop for, so I’m going down the easy route this year. My dad’s a die-hard Arsenal fan, so I strolled through Arsenal Direct’s online store to see what football goodies I could pop under the tree for him this Christmas.
Whether you’re shopping for a fellow Gunner or are keen to nab some inspiration for what to gift a footie fan in your home, I’ve compiled a list of the five things I’ll be buying my dad this holiday. Putting a smile on his face on Christmas morning and outdoing my brother as the best gift-giver, like every other year.
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1. Arsenal Watch
Shop here for £32 (down from £40)
Not quite ready to accept the modern age of smartwatches, my father still swears by an analogue on his wrist. So what better way to keep his beloved football team close to hand (pun intended) than with this versatile and meaningful gift?
Boasting points for comfort, thanks to its sleek silicone design and effortless style with its black colourway, as well as all the practical benefits of your standard watch, this is a great buy for anyone eager to gift a football fanatic this Christmas without buying the full kit or committing to something in Arsenal’s iconic red shade. Plus, it’s set to be their new go-to for time-keeping in the long run, so you can also score gift-giving points for longevity.
2. Arsenal Wallet
Shop here for £25
If I’ve noticed something about my male family members and friends, men will not buy themselves a new wallet until the last one has fully disintegrated. Having watched my dad’s old wallet fall apart every time it was retrieved from his pocket, I thought this Christmas would be the perfect opportunity to get him a new one above and beyond your typical card carrier.
With an understated and sleek design, this leather wallet offers all the benefits you’d expect from your average wallet but with the bespoke Arsenal emblem in pride of place, serving as a practical and not-over-the-top piece of merch that any Arsenal fan can reach for time and time again. And it comes with a handy keyring.
3. Arsenal Dressing Gown
Shop here for £40
With the weather getting colder and heating bills continuing to rise, staying warm through winter without spending a fortune is difficult. That’s why something cosy and convenient, like a dressing gown, is a great Christmas gift.
But this Arsenal robe is the one to grab for football fans keen to keep toasty for the big match without popping the radiators on. Why settle for something boring, like your typical blues, greys, and blacks, when you can proudly represent your favourite team and keep away the chill while you kick back in front of the telly—just in time for the Boxing Day matches?
4. Arsenal Sweatshirts
Shop here for £60
Much like the previous pick on this list, with temperatures remaining low for the next few months, we’re securely in the season of layering to fend off the bitter cold. While my dad would not crown himself a ‘fashionista’, he is partial to a slick design – especially if it means he can sport his team’s logo.
Armed with the practicality of a hood, especially useful during winter and spring showers, this jumper is simple, suave and versatile. Set to be your loved ones’ next pub-staple look or for lounging around the house, the possibilities with a stylish hoodie like this are endless.
Or, for those eager to check out alternatives, you can grab this simple black Cannon hoodie for £55.
5. Arsenal Mug
Shop here for £12
Finally, an option that could do no wrong is to gift your dad the gift of endless brews with this gem. Though mugs are a relatively traditional gift, this beauty comes with the added Arsenal flare a Gunner can appreciate all year round – and won’t break the bank.
Though it’s worth mentioning, they have similar mugs with Boyfriend or Husband instead, depending on who you’re shopping for this festive season.
For bonus points, as the weather is getting chillier, I’m also popping to Marks and Spencer to pick up a new hat for £15 from the recently launched collaboration with Arsenal icon Ian Wright.
If you’re not an Arsenal supporter like my household, Everton also has some gems on offer as we approach 25 December, including this Everton Fairisle Christmas Jumper in the club’s colours, currently available for £21.
And for those seeking a collab with a football legend without any ties to a specific team, don’t miss out on the just-released collaboration between Lionel Messi and Stanley, where you can pick up one of the iconic Stanley Quencher Cups for £60 from Leo’s new range – still winning with football fans but without any club affiliation specifically.