Problem Presents - perfect little gifts for when man flu strikes

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We know, it's highly unlikely the man in your life has ever had a cold. Third degree flu yes, but never just a cold. But if you want to help him get over a bad case of the sniffles, and stop feeling so sorry for himself, then here are our dozen best tried and tested cure alls for a miraculous recovery in no time.

First stop, a quick whiz through the pharmacy for some basics to make the cold more bearable. Things like Lemsip, throat sweets, paracetamol, jar of Vicks for his chest, and a stack of balsam enriched tissues. Talk to the pharmacist, but we imagine if it says max or high strength it's going to make him feel a lot better about it! Super high strength Vitamin C, here you come. If you can't get there, Boots do a next day delivery.

He'll be needing more fluids than normal, aside from the Lemsip. We'd suggest some cordial or squash that can be made up hot or cold, and something with plenty of flavour. We particularly the Organic Ginger Cordial from Belvoir Fruit Farms, it has a slight kick to it, and ginger is renowned for it's health properties. If you think he might be in for the long haul, then order in the mixed case of all their delicious flavours.

No doubt he'll be needing to feed a cold. If he's got a sweet tooth, then pop down the newsagent for a selection of choccie, or order some in from A Quarter Of. You'll find all his old favourites (including Wispas any time now), from Curly Wurly to Crème Eggs, or you could treat him to something cute like these Sweet Talk Neopolitans. He'll get to know that even with a streaming red nose, you still think he's pretty great.

He might be spending a lot of time sleeping and, there again, he might not and might be going mad with boredom. We suggest a stop by the newsagents and buying up all the latest trashy, lads mags and something a bit more substantial like GQ or Motorcycling Shed Keepers Steam Engine Weekly (ok, we made that one up, but you get the idea, something he is interested in), for him to while away the hours with. War and Peace they're not, but likely to be much appreciated.

If he's more of the visual type, then this is the time for him to catch up on, or revisit, his favourites. Every episode of Sopranos or 24, Blade Runner, Star Wars, Bridge Over the River Kwai...you get the idea. If you can't choose, how about the Spaghetti Westerns Collection from HMV, 6 films, all perfect for this occasion.

Music might well be the food of love, but right now it could be the gift of peace, quiet and relaxation. Treat him to something suitably soothing, like Simply Karma, he gets to be all relaxed and the body gets to get on with fighting bugs. And it's probably slightly better than the Best of Iron Maiden if he's got a headache!

With a red, dry nose, and probably cracked lips, he's not going to be looking his best. So treat her to something manly that will help sort out that chapped skin. Badger Balms were invented by a carpenter from New Hampshire, so they don't come much more manly than that. Badger Healing Balm is perfect for chapped noses, not to mention dry hands, feet and elbows.

Give him something decent to get cuddled up on the sofa with, other than you. A cashmere and merino blanket feels like heaven, even if he doesn't. This is an amazing gift, just be careful he doesn't get too cosy under there, he may never want to come back out!

Give him something to do with his hands whilst he's stuck in bed. Our suggestion is Word Scramble, it's like Countdown without Carol Vorderman, the bad puns and terrible sweaters. It'll get him thinking, and at least fill in the time until Carol puts in an appearance.

If he's going to be lounging around for a few days, then he could at least lounge semi-stylishly! We love these brushed cotton pull ons and t's from Bonsoir, who also do some pretty snuggly long sleeved tops too. Which have sleeves that are perfect to hide all the snotty tissues up.

Out of the stick and carrot, we've always been carrot people. So how about a little bribery to help him recover? We're sure adrenalin is good for post cold recovery so how about a day's sphereing? Hurtling down hill, in a plastic ball, going top over bottom, at speed. Well, that should clear his sinuses. Or they do some nice river cruises with lunch

Depending on your boy, we think there are three final things absolutely guaranteed to cheer him up: beer, beer and more beer. Possibly lager. Get those nice chaps from Last Orders to pop round with everything from Stella to Asahi, and even regional beers like Fiddlers Elbow. We're not sure if it's what the doctor ordered, but bet even the thought of beer makes him perk up!

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