Buying gifts for whisky lovers can be surprisingly tricky. Whisky drinkers tend to be… let’s say particular about what they use, and for good reason. Unless you’re buying them an actual bottle — which is always appreciated — the world of whisky accessories is full of products that look appealing on the shelf but never get used in real life.
This guide breaks down the common whisky-themed gifts you should avoid, why they often miss the mark, and what to choose instead. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned connoisseur or someone just discovering whisky, these tips will help you choose a present that won’t end up gathering dust on a shelf.
Why Whisky Gifts Are So Often Hit or Miss
At this time of year, so many whisky accessories are marketed not to actual whisky drinkers, but to people who don’t know much about whisky. That’s how well-meaning gift-buyers end up gifting novelty items that whisky lovers politely thank you for… and then quietly never use.
This article is your shortcut to avoiding those missteps — and choosing something thoughtful, practical, and genuinely enjoyable.
Gifts to Avoid (and What to Buy Instead)
❌ 1. Whisky Stones
Whisky stones are one of the most heavily marketed “gifts for whisky lovers” every Christmas — and one of the least used. They don’t chill the whisky effectively, they take ages to freeze, they usually only come with enough stones for one drink, and because they don’t float, they have a habit of smacking you in the lip when you take the last sip.
✔️ What to buy instead: A clear ice ball maker
If your gift recipient uses ice, a clear ice ball maker is a huge upgrade. Large, slow-melting ice spheres minimise dilution and elevate the experience, especially for cocktails. Even whisky drinkers who prefer neat drams can enjoy using them in mixed drinks.
❌ 2. Hip Flasks
Hip flasks may seem like a classic gift, but they’re really more suited to sneaking cheap booze into places rather than appreciating good whisky. Enthusiasts rarely use them — they’re impractical, unromantic, and totally miss the point of sharing and enjoying whisky properly.
✔️ What to buy instead: A whisky travel flight kit
A travel kit with small, secure sample bottles is far more useful. It allows whisky lovers to take a few pours to a mate’s house and share properly, rather than drinking out of a tiny metal flask. Brands like Aged & Ore create high-quality kits designed specifically for this kind of sharing experience.
❌ 3. Cheap or Novelty Whisky Decanters
A good decanter can be beautiful — but many of the “gift sets” out there are poorly made, not airtight, unbalanced, or made from lead crystal (a big no for long-term storage). Plastic stoppers are another red flag. There’s actually a lot to know about whisky decanters.
✔️ What to buy instead: A lead-free crystal decanter with a proper glass stopper
Choose a high-quality make with proper weight, clarity, and an airtight seal. If the person already collects whisky, a nice decanter can be a genuinely thoughtful gift they’ll use often.
❌ 4. Fake or Decorative ‘Whisky Barrels’
Those miniature whisky barrels you see in gift stores? Many are wooden only on the outside, with stainless steel or glass interiors — making them nothing more than oversized, awkward decanters that are difficult to clean and offer none of the flavour benefits of real ageing.
✔️ What to buy instead: A genuine charred-oak ageing barrel
If you’re buying for someone curious about whisky maturation, a real charred-oak mini barrel is a fantastic gift. Fill it with whisky and it will continue to age and develop, allowing the drinker to taste how the spirit changes over weeks or months. It’s educational, interactive, and genuinely fun.
❌ 5. Inappropriate or Low-Quality Glassware
Glassware is a great gift — when chosen correctly. But buying someone a generic tumbler when they only drink neat whisky from a Glencairn will fall flat.
✔️ What to buy instead: Glassware that suits how they drink
Think about how they drink. Glasses are often designed for how people enjoy their whisky. For those who like whisky on the rocks (over ice), think about a nice tumbler or crystal rocks glass.
For those who drink their whisky neat, consider a crystal Glencairn glass, a Norlan glass, or for someone who really considers themselves a connoisseur, a 1920s Blender’s Glass.
❌ 6. What else to avoid
Whisky-flavoured chocolates rarely taste like the whisky they advertise, and smoker kits overwhelm the whisky’s character like drowning a fillet mignon in ketchup. Gimmicky t-shirts with phrases like “whisky made me do it” will probably only get worn the day it’s received out of politeness.
These gifts might work for novelty value, but they’re not something serious whisky drinkers appreciate — or use.
When In Doubt… Just Buy Whisky
If you’re ever unsure, a bottle is always a safe and well-loved choice. There’s no pressure to keep it forever, and the whisky lover gets something they can actually experience. Even if it’s not their style, it becomes a new dram to explore.