10 Best Novelty Socks UK 2024 | Rainbow Socks, Happy Socks and More

When the moon hits your... thigh.. like a big pizza pie. That's amore! These quirky socks are brilliant for the Italian-food fanatic in your life. There are four comfy pairs, all reaching your mid-calf. The comfy blend of soft, durable cotton with stretchy elastane makes them ideal winter wear.

This design is available in a generous range of sizes, from 4 to 14, so you can be pretty sure there'll be a pair to fit you, or whoever you're buying them for, nicely. We absolutely adore the fact these socks come in a takeaway pizza delivery box, folded to look like the cheesy real deal. Novelty sock nirvana!

Stick a pony in your pocket... OK we'll leave it there, but we really can't speak highly enough of these pure cotton socks with the classic Fools and Horses catchphrase 'Cushty!' and the matching mug emblazoned with a portrait of DelBoy and his long-suffering brother, Dave – sorry – Rodney. 

For any friend or loved one, young or old who appreciates the timeless characters brought to life by Nicholas Lyndhurst and David Jason, this sock and mug combo makes for a proper pukka pressie. They're simple enough to be worn every day, but also show you've been paying attention!

Landing at the subtler end of the scale are these sweet pup-print socks made from cotton, polyester and flexible elastane, all on a tasteful colour scheme of pale pinks, soft greens and mustard yellows. Choose the polka dot pair or the grid design for low-key looks and the dog pattern for dramatic days!

This five pack of socks sets you back just £4 a pair which we think is a great deal. The socks have a mid-calf cut and ribbed cuffs so you feel extra secure when you've got them on. The branded box means these lovely doggo-design socks will also serve as a pleasing gift to any recipient.

What we love about this range is the sheer variety. From avocado and fried breakfasts to octopuses, sharks and even astronauts, these socks cater to every taste – and that's only this particular pack! They're properly bright and colourful, just right for giving your Zoom-meeting outfit a silly hidden twist. 

Made using a blend of combed cotton, polyamide and elastane, these socks are pleasant to wear, stretch brilliantly and can be machine washed over and over without losing their shape. They are unisex and said to fit those with feet measuring UK sizes 7 - 12. Top-notch socks. 

These socks make a great gift, not just to dads, but to anyone who appreciates the cringeworthy joy of a Dad-style pun or punchline. Featuring an eccentric illustration and a slogan printed in scribbled capitals, these socks have an autumnal colour palette but we think they'll look great all year round, with any wardrobe!

Reaching nice and high to the mid-calf, these socks keep the wearer properly wrapped up, too. They come in sizes 7 to 12 (for men) which is a fairly good range, and contain nearly 50% brushed cotton for a touchable texture. For nine quid they're perhaps a little costly, but we think the quality and humour are worth the price.

Perhaps a fitting choice for the vegan in your life, these fun socks celebrate the importance of duality as well as the general brilliance of farmyard animals. We love the bright shade of green and the design which blends the black and white cowhides into yin-yang symbols. 

These quirky Happy Socks come in several size ranges depending on where you shop, varying from a UK 3 to a 12. As with all socks, you can be a little less rigid with sizes, so the ranges offered mean you'll probably get it right. The high cotton content keeps these socks nice and soft, with just a 2% touch of elastane for stretch.

For the ultimate in 'happy feet', we think these warm toasty socks with fleecy interiors are a superb choice. They have a cheeky fox design, where the happy mammal is peeking its head up from beneath your toes. The colours are vibrant and the acrylic blend is unfathomably soft.

What we also like about these adorable accessories is the fleece around the ankle which will be smashing teamed with pyjamas for cosy nights in on the sofa. The plastic grips dotted all over the soles of these socks mean they're perfect for living room dance routines without too many skids. 

If you know anyone who knows Ross's exact birthday and can name all of Joey's sisters, we think they will go crazy for these cute Friends socks, which come in blacks, greys and a bold shade of red, decorated with classic lines like 'Pivot' and iconic images including the Central Perk sofa and – of course – a lobster. 

This five-pack gives yourself or your loved one the gift of cosy, warm feet Monday to Friday, though the unisex sizes range from a UK 4 to an 8, so they're not the most inclusive for larger feet, unfortunately. They are made from 100% cotton, however, so are breathable even after long walks under 100 winter layers.

Whether for yourself or others, you can't go wrong with a gift that does two things at once. A pen that's also a clock, for example! (And if you get that reference you will love product number 8.) Product number 9 is more aimed at foodies who enjoy taste senstations like maki, sashimi and wasabi. 

The recipient will hesitate for just a moment when they open what appears to be an enormous box of sushi, before they unfurl three pairs of cotton-blend socks, each with a different stripe design. Sadly, they are slightly disappointing in comparison to the striking image they create when folded. It is a case of sushi-style over sock-substance, but they still make a cool present.

If you are looking for novelty socks to serve as a gift, no matter the time of year, we think a personalised pair is a clever choice as it shows your pal or family member that you've taken the time to select something unique, just for them. Selecting a photo of a favourite celebrity, long-suffering spouse or family pet will have everyone laughing on Christmas Day. 

These socks use a blend of cotton, polyester and elastane for stretch and the lesser-known Chinlon, which is durable and cheap. Reviewers say the socks wash well, retain their stretch and have raised a good laugh. Win! They're pretty costly just for one pair though, and the fabric blend won't be as soft as other options on our list.