New York Times | 2026 Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts for Dad: The London Sock Exchange Is in the New York Times

Finding the right gift for dad has a habit of going the same way. You ask what he’d like. He says he doesn’t need anything. You buy a tie anyway.

So we were delighted to spot The London Sock Exchange in the New York Times’ Wirecutter guide to the best gifts for dad. It’s a round-up for dads, granddads and other important father figures, promising “nary a striped tie in sight”. The picks range from cord shorts to a Japanese pocket knife to a book about everything.

What the New York Times said about our socks

Our socks made the list for anyone whose style is a little preppy, or who could use a bit more pep in their work wardrobe. The editors singled out our organic cotton blend and what they called “cheeky embellishments, like puffins and F1 cars”.

That’s The Puffin and The Grid, and we’re rather fond of the description. The guide also mentioned our golfers, hot sauce bottles and white terriers, which are The Golfer, The Sauce and The Westie. Our designs tend to start from something a person loves, whether that’s a sport, a pet, a favourite condiment or a bird they once drove two hours to see.

Why socks make a great gift for dad

If you’re shopping for a dad, granddad or father figure, socks tick a surprising number of boxes:

– They’re useful, which 'he doesn’t need anything' can’t argue with
– They suit the golfer, the coffee obsessive, the Bond fan and the bird-watcher alike
– They feel personal without being over the top
– They arrive in a gift box, so there’s no wrapping disaster to worry about

Quality gift socks, made to last

Every pair is knitted on 200 needles from sustainably sourced organic combed cotton, with hand-linked seamless toes, for a finer finish and a more comfortable fit. That makes them a gift that gets worn, not left in a drawer.

 

Shop gift socks for dad

To find a pair that matches his interests, browse our full sock collection. It includes golf socks, sports socks, animal socks, foodie socks and our official 007 collection, and plenty more.

Whether you’re after gifts for dad, gifts for granddad or something more original than the usual clichés, a thoughtfully designed pair of socks might just be the perfect fit.

After all, the best gifts are the ones that get worn. And our socks, you’ll find, get worn rather a lot.