The lie of socks being bad presents at Christmas is a terrible one - I give my Father a pair every year and each year he seems all the more pleased. Not only this but I found recently people also need socks for other times of the year - mine have suddenly developed terrible holes (apparently they do this after time) and we're in November so I've been forced to go a-sock-hunting. So it's sorted, sock shopping it is.
If you're going to buy socks as a present (you should) make sure they are nothing like these scary penguin socks from Dorothy Perkins. Frankly, nobody likes these. I don't care if they have penguins, start making friends with people who like the following. Overall, it's safe to say you can avoid Marks and Spencer:
Lurex Turn-Over Ankle Socks
Festive in the shiny sort of way are fold-top lurex socks - a metallic yarn I had to employ Google's help for. They might not be wool, but if I'm easily won over by anything with a ribbed-knit sort of look. They also come in silver or in cream, for people who do not like their socks to shine or reflect the time of year.
Happy Socks
A nice-sounding company called Happy Socks (can't really go wrong with a name like that) make some lovely socks for men and women at the same time - we call it unisex, and it's great. They've got the loveliest, brightest and importantly, happiest socks I've seen so far. For extra points they also deliver worldwide.
Flora Print Ankle Socks
Depending how you stand on ‘80s Aaron jumpers, these are lovely. The flora print ankle socks from Topshop border on distasteful and wonderful, but I'll let you make up your mind on that - five patterns in one sock isn't for everyone.
Stripped Knee High Sock
You can't go wrong with striped socks. American Apparel have some nice striped colours, including this exceptionally cosy grey and red coloured pair.
Red Penguin Sock
Finally, if you must have penguins, do it with taste. I may dislike festive socks a bit but these are lovely, so long as your feet fit the sock and Mr Penguin doesn't get stretched like a Santa.
Alternatively if none of the above suit you, it may seem that kids and guys are getting the best deals. If you have vaguely large feet (like me, UK size 8) then men's socks may fit you. Topman have robots on a pair of theirs, so I'm sold on this.