Christmas is still the only time of the year people think about buying magazine subscriptions as presents. It’s also a shot in the arm for publishing companies, as fewer and fewer people pick up magazines in newsagents. A subscription is not only incredibly cheap, but it’s quite literally the gift that keeps on giving, reminding the recipient what a lovely person you are. Even if you actually aren’t.
The Spectator
The best political magazine in the country, full of contrary wisdom and quirky opinion. It’s where Rod Liddle reigns supreme.
Digital and print subscription from £2 a month for the first three months. spectator.co.uk
Apartmento
Widely acknowledged as the coolest and most unvarnished interiors magazine, featuring the houses of oddballs all over the globe.
From 14.50 Euros per bi-annual issue. apartamentomagazine.com
Harper's Bazaar
Now that Edward Enninful is leaving Vogue, this seems like the most appropriate top-end fashion magazine.
From £9.99 for six months. hearstmagazines.co.uk
i-D
Recently acquired by Karlie Kloss, this is the first street style magazine, one that has been mercilessly copied for 40 years.
£26 for four issues. i-d.vice.com
Eco Kids Planet
This award-winning magazine is for 7 - 11 year-olds who love nature and animals. It’s completely plastic and ad-free!
From £11.90 for three months. ecokidsplanet.co.uk
Esquire
Under Alex Bilmes’ guidance, Hearst’s men’s magazine is a lone voice in the gents’ sector, a title that remains committed to long-form journalism.
Print and digital subscription for six months from £9.99. hearstmagazines.co.uk
Mojo
One of the few music magazines remaining, featuring both legacy acts and new boots and panties. The alternative is Uncut, which is like Mojo’s non-pejorative B-side.
Six issues from £19.99. mojo4music.com
The Economist
Does what it says on the tin, effortlessly. Has been driving towards the left for some time, so is probably looking forward to a Labour government.
Digital and print subscription £265 for a year. subscribenow.economist.com
Strong Words
Simply the best mainstream literary magazine in the country. If you want to know which books to buy as gifts, buy this.
£40 for a year of issues. strong-words.co.uk
The Art Newspaper
Regarded by many in the industry as the first port of call for art gossip and prevailing winds, it is fast becoming indispensable.
Digital and print subscription £88 for a year. theartnewspaper.com
The Rake
A magazine for dandies and boulevardiers, full of all the things you may have once found in your favourite men’s titles.
£45 for a year of issues. therake.com
The Gentlewoman
If The Gentlewoman were a newspaper supplement it would probably be the Financial Times magazine. Very serious, very worthy, very smart.
£45 for a year (issues are bi-annual). magculture.com
The Oldie
Very funny, very dry, and guaranteed to send you scurrying back to old black and white movies of the 1950s, almost certainly starring Terry Thomas.
From £43 for a year of issues. oldiegiftsubs.co.uk
The New Statesman
The voice of the left has become a far more exciting proposition since it started focusing on culture under editor Jason Cowley.
Print and digital subscription £139.99 for a year. newstatesman.com
New Scientist
Still the world’s most popular science, tech and boffin publication. Popular with the Audience departments of media organisations.
Print and digital subscription £198 for a year. newscientist.com
Perfect
Katie Grand’s latest venture is a creative agency as well as a magazine, which has helped it become the best fashion magazine in Britain.
£45 an issue. theperfectmagazine.com
Private Eye
It’s never much fun being in it, although the industrial skewering is at least dispatched with a certain egalitarian spirit.
£121 for a year of issues. private-eye.co.uk
Racquetâ¨
An idiosyncratic tennis magazine that tells stories about the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat. A genuinely interesting sports magazine.
$20 (£15.90) an issue. shop.racquetmag.com
Kinfolk
A lifestyle magazine aimed primarily at young professionals, it focuses on home, work, play, food and community through photo essays, recipes, interviews, profiles, personal stories and practical tips.
Premium subscription, 80 Euros (£68.50). kinfolk.com
The Leopard
A limited-edition annual magazine which examines the queer discussion spanning generations.
