Le Creuset Lever Corkscrew with Foil Cutter (LM-250)

Le Creuset's lever-model corkscrew (the Screwpull-derived LM range) pulls a cork in one smooth downward-and-up motion, far easier than a waiter's friend for anyone who opens bottles regularly or struggles with grip. The LM-250 gift set pairs it with a foil cutter and comes in a presentation coffret, and Le Creuset backs it with a 10-year guarantee - which is why it scores so well on reliability. Pricing varies: it's widely available from around £85 at major retailers, though it lists higher direct from Le Creuset, so shop around. It ranks just behind the Coravin because it does one job rather than transforming how they drink, but it's a more universally useful gift and a near-permanent fixture in the drawer. The main trade-offs are heft and bulk, and that it's overkill if most of their wine is screw-cap.