60+ Unique Gifts for Men that Don’t Suck: Fresh Ideas for 2024 at Every Price
I love making gift guides. It's like being a personal shopper for you, where I can share all the cool things I've encountered online. I know it can be hard to shop for the grown man in your life; he often owns everything he thinks he needs.ย I think this gift guide has plenty of gifts for men that don't suck.
So many gift guides for men include the same things: whisky stones, ties, and some sports memorabilia. Well, I don't include ANY of these items, yet I have a variety of gifts in a range of price points that are sure to please, whether it's your husband, boyfriend, son, relative, friend, or even yourself!
Not only did I search the internet for unique gifts for men, but I also asked a few guys in my life for their honest thoughts. They nixed a few and suggested some I hadn't known about! I also completely overhauled the list for 2024 with the freshest, most unique yet desirable gifts for men. Organized by fashion (clothes, shoes, and accessories), fitness and well-being, tech, ad fun, and with gifts starting at less than $10, there is likely a gift for most anyone.
I hope you like it, and if you have any ideas for gifts for men that don't suck, please share them in the comments!
Gifts for Men That Don't Suck: 60+ Fresh Ideas
Clothing Gifts for Men that Don't Suck
Clothes, shoes, and accessories he won't mind finding under the tree; many my husband owns or his friends do and really appreciate. From dressing up to enjoying the outdoors, there is a range of style as well as pricepoints.
We got one of these blanket shirts from Outerknown for my husband one Christmas, and it continues to be one of his favorite pieces of clothing. Crafted from a soft, lofty organic cotton twill with buttons made from nuts, this can be worn like a jacket, a layer, or on its own. It comes in so many different prints, plaids, and solids. And Outerknown is a truly sustainable, fair trade, and transparent company started by surfer Kelly Slater!
When my husband said he wanted a bathrobe and one that would cover his legs, I was stumped. I could find long robes for women, but all men's robes seemed to be knee-length. Then I found this one from Lands' End. It's made from 14-oz.ย Turkish terry in state-of-the-art mills by skilled artisans who draw on generations of expertise.
This robe is absorbent, substantial, and feels like luxury against your skin. Has two pockets, a belt and belt loops, a roomy "no-gap" fit, and no need to size up. It comes in four colors and sizes up to 3XL, you can get it monogrammed, and I can honestly say that five years after it is purchased it will still look great and feel great.
If your guy loves his Hawaiian shirts but is ready for an upgrade, check out Tombolo's cabana shirts. Quirky and comfortable yet oh-so chic (check out the brand's press and the celebs that rock these shirts), Tombolo likely has a cabana shirt with a color or style that fits your guy's interests or personality. I bought my husband this shirt last year for Christmas and it was well-received and great quality!
You can't go wrong with a classic, especially when it looks this good! Inspired by watches worn by World War II infantrymen, this rugged leather field watch features Swiss-jeweled movement and date-indicator window to ensure accurate timekeeping. Stainless steel case, water-resistant up to 50 meters, and available in three colors.
I bought these very slippers for my husband last Christmas, and they were the first things he wanted to put on this fall when the temps dropped. Available up to size 14 in six different colors, these water-resistant slippers from The North Face also have a durable ripstop upper and high-traction rubber tread to bring both indoor and outdoor practicality to a slipper lined with PrimaLoftยฎ insulation. The collapsible heel makes it easy to slide on for morning coffee or a dash outside to check the mail. $59.00
The Dude abides. This style debuted in 1972, but when The Dude wore an original in the film "The Big Lebowski," fans clamored for a comeback. Now it's back by popular demand, down to every last color and detail. Available in three colors up to size XXL.
Stylish and versatile, the original Clarksยฎ Desert Boot launched in 1950 by Nathan Clark and was inspired by a rough boot from Cairo's Old Bazaar. An instant hit, it became the footwear of choice for off-duty army officers. Premium leather is teamed with an unfussy lace fastening and our signature crepe sole. Five options to choose from (even vegan options), this is a classic shoe that looks cool with jeans and chinos for a range of personal style aesthetics. $150
I bought my husband one of these years ago and it is always the perfect thing to wear when you're not really sure about the dress code. Not cheap at ALL, but it has saved us from many spring and summer mediocre purchases as this seems to go for so many situations. Untucked with twill or linen shorts, tucked into jeans or trousers, worn open over a plain white t-shirt, and chic under tailored suiting. This vintage-inspired polo is made from a soft and lightweight silk-and-cotton yarn in shades of green, black and sage. The vertical ticking stripes play with the tension in the stitches, and the real shell buttons add an elevated classic vibe. Could totally see George Clooney wearing this at his home in Lake Como! Sizes XS-XXL.
Durable construction, 3 colors to choose from, and RFID shielding make this slim card case a great gift. Slip pocket and four card slots. $35.00
Sneaker trends come and go, but some are eternally cool. One is the Nike Killshot. In leather and canvas (I am partial to the leather), these are a classic, streamlined shoe that looks at home with jeans, linen pants, shorts, daytime suits, tracksuits, and more. Even better, this shoe is under $100. Seven color options available on the Nike website, men's sizes 6-15.
Consistently rated as one of the best commuter backpacks for men, the Authority Pack DLX will keep one organized and ready to work at home or away. Padded backpack straps, grab handles, and an air mesh back panel keep it comfortable, while a luggage pass-through lets one roll it too. A padded laptop sleeve holds up to a 17" laptop and can be accessed inside or out, and a thoughtful internal organizer keeps key accessories safe and at the ready. Compression straps cinch it all down tight for a clean look that can transition from client A to B and then bar X.
Crafted with durable, better-with-wear suede on the outside and warm, 100 percent cashmere on the inside, these classic gloves from J. Crew will be a welcome present this winter, and worn for many winters to come. Available in four colors and less than $100 (and I've seen them 50% off multiple times this year).
Now that he's a grown-ass man, he should care for his shoes like a grown-ass person! This ten-piece set features a first-class wooden valet box with foot pedal. Includes two tins of Kiwi Select premium paste polish in black and brown, two 100% horsehair brushes, two soft shine cloths, two shoe daubers and one shoe horn. The complete shoe care shine kit for the perfect professional finish.
Stay warm and stylish with this men's lightweight Synchilla Snap fleece pullover, perfect for casual outdoor wear. Featuring a regular fit and Synchilla recycled double-sided fleece, it boasts an anti-pilling and water-resistant finish for long-lasting comfort and durability. The classic Snap-T placket and pocket ensure customizable coverage and secure storage for your essentials. And the prints are so fun; I got my husband one several years ago and it continues to be his favorite from cold winter days to breezy summer nights.
The cowboy boot trend is here to stay. If the guy in your life would like to try cowboy boots without looking like a poseur, the Cartwright from Tecovas is a great choice. With a 12" shaft and rounded toe, it looks like a classic without needing years for a break-in period. Available in a range of colors of goat and cowhide to look great with a suit, a pair of jeans, and will still look great decades from now. Men's sizes 7-15 with wide width options.
A classic that is currently considered cool, this is a functional coat that will be in his closet for decades. Engineered For midrange warmth in moderately cold conditions, this men's sherpa-lined jacket is built to endure cold, wind, and tough days on the job. Rugged without being rigid, it's made with durable cotton duck and is reinforced with Corduraยฎ at wear points along the cuffs. This warm layer is lined with soft sherpa fleece through the body and hood, with warm quilted nylon through the sleeves. Generous pockets inside and out provide plenty of on-the-go storage options. Regular sizes XS-5X and tall sizes M-4XL. Less than $150
Worn for over 50 years by farmers, builders and anyone who needs footwear that can handle hard work, the Blundstone Original Chelsea boots are extra tough and engineered to reduce fatigue. SPS Max Comfort System combines ergonomically engineered toe springs with XRDยฎ technology in the heels to further reduce wearer fatigue while increasing comfort. Available in men's sizes 4-13 and in two colors.
Fitness and Well-being Gifts for Men that Don't Suck
From fishing to functional fitness, power lifting to power naps, and everything in between, these gifts will keep the man in your life feeling good and feeling thankful for a gift-giver like you in his life. In fact, you may want a few of these gifts for yourself!
The Venom Go by Hyperice is a revolutionary heat + vibration wearable with unmatched versatility and customization. Choose from 9 combinations of heat and vibration to soothe sore muscles in an instant. Place the Venom Go wherever your body needs it most and remove with ease.
Highly rated for everyone, athletes and those with arthritis, you can control heat and vibration, and apply this anywhere. Reviewers say they can even sleep wearing it. All that and it's HSA/FSA/HRA eligible so you can get a great gift with the money you need to use or lose before the end of the year. Under $150.
The older we get, the more important it is for us to care for our feet. My husband asked for a pedicure set that was durable and functional and he found this one great. Provided in a brown leather case. this manicure and pedicure set stainless steel manicure tools kit concludes 11 tools: Fingernail Clipper, Toenail Clipper, Cuticle Nipper, Obtuse Push Broach, Nail File, Eyebrow Tweezers, V-Shape Push Stick, Ingrown Toenail Clipper, Beauty Scissors, Cuticle Knife, and Ear Pick all for less than $50.
This is another item my husband has and loves. If the person in your life sleeps best in complete darkness, wants an effective sleep mask but sleeps on their side or stomach, if they find eye masks don't fit their face shape, or can't/don't want anything touching their actual eyes when sleeping, this mask which is under $40 is for them.
You can adjust the eye pads for fit, there is zero eye pressure, it's breathable and comfortable, fits a range of head sizes, and will keep out all light, even in the middle of the day. This is a great eyemask for those who sleep on planes or trains and it's a neutral design that appeals to a range of people.
When asking my husband and some guy friends what they wouldn't mind getting as a gift for Christmas, more than one said Be More Human by Tony Riddle. Riddle is well-known in the fitness and wellness communities, whether it's focused more on being an athlete or just being more comfortable as we grow older. A description of this book:
The bright lights, late nights, and constant hustle of our modern world have detached us from the way humans were supposed to live, connect and thrive.ย Tony Riddle explores how so many of us are actively going against our biology and do not sit, breathe, eat, sleep or move as nature intended. Tony offers practical ways to easily build in change our every day. Relearn healthy natural movement with 6 key posture-enhancing shapes, including squats and heel sitting, to liberate joints and the spine. Be your own breath guru by understanding how to use breathwork as a calming tool in times of stress. Reprogram gut health by learning why and how to eat more intuitively.
If the guy in your life has bought an eBike, he may be struggling to find a bike lock that fits. Enter the SIDEKICK Folding Lock from OTTOLOCK. Superior security, thanks to its 5mm-thick, hardened-steel links in a lightweight, portable design. The virtually limitless shape options of the link design work especially well with the huge variety of e-bike frame designs, but itโs equally suitable for locking any bike. All this and it's less than $80. If you're reading this before 12/1/24, use code FOLDING50 for 50% off!
Another item that my husband owns is the PACE 3 watch from COROS. If your guy is looking for a SmartWatch that will track his fitness but also let him check emails and texts and doesn't cost a lot, this is the best on the market. It's under $250, has 17 days of battery life between charges, and is chock full of really useful features.
COROS watches offer everything one would expect from a GPS Sports Watch, plus some of the most desirable aspects of a smart watch including phone notifications, caller ID, Sleep Tracking and Fitness Level analysis. This version is lightweight, comfortable, and perfect whether it's for tracking CrossFit, running, Peloton, hiking, and a range of other activities.
After my husband completed the Peloton boxing series of classes, he wanted to continue boxing, but we don't have the space or money for a punching bag and we live in a New Deal-era row home with relatively thin walls. Doing research, he came across the Quiet Punch and bought one last year. This is a fitness gadget he continues to use and enjoy, and in fact, my kid also enjoys it!
All you need is a doorway, the Quiet Punch fits right into it, is very easy to set up and remove, and even travel with. The sound is not loud; while I can hear him using it upstairs, it's only a subtle sound and I can't hear it when wearing my headphones or watching TV. You use a free app on your phone to follow workouts and more. $125+ depending on style you choose (the basic, FYI, is really great).
The Wedge Framebag fits on most bikes with the multi-point mounting system with extra long straps. With water-resistant zipper tape, a weatherproof shell and nylon liner, contents will be protected against the elements. A water bladder exit sleeve means you can use this with a hydration pack (and a 2L bladder fits inside with ease!). Available in three colors for less than $60, this is a welcome gift for the casual cyclist or the daily bike commuter.
I'm telling you, if you gift this they will laugh, others may roll their eyes and be disgusted, but whatever bathroom has it will end up the most popular in the home. Even better, this one is under $60 and super easy to install. We got one during Lockdown when toilet paper was hard to find and fell in love and got another for a second bathroom. This version I highly recommend because it has hinges to more easily clean, a dual-nozzle, and two wash versions (one nice for us ladies).
The TRX GO Suspension Trainer helps you create workouts that match your goals anywhere and at any time. TRX Training allows you to use your body weight and gravity resistance. Weighing just one pound, this is easy to travel with. We've taken this exact set on travel and love how it can connect to a hotel or bathroom door. In fact, we have it on the downstairs powder room door to do some workout while waiting for water to boil or a casserole to cook in the kitchen next door. It's something that works for all abilities since there aren't any weights. Under $100.
Tech Gifts for Men that Don't Suck
Without breaking the back, these tech gifts for men or anyone on your Christmas list will surely please and bring functionality and fun instead of junk into their lives.
This 16" screen magnifier is specifically designed to fit most smartphones, so whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone it will work. It also doesn't require batteries and is lightweight and portable. Whether you have vision impairment or just desire the comfort of viewing a larger screen, this is a simple and effective gadget for home and travel and it's less than $20.
A friend got this as a gift and told me it is the best travel gadget. However, I think it would also be great for the office, when working from coffee shops and public places, keeping one's nightstand uncluttered, and more. Take the convenience of wireless charging anywhere with a foldable, baseball-sized Qi2 3-in-1 charger that will charge up multiple devices simultaneously. Available in multiple colors and prices vary but usually this is under $65.
When I went to a chiropractor for a back issue, I started each session sitting in a room with electrodes from a TENS unit on my back, sending pulses to stimulate and warm up my muscles while also providing pain relief. It was the most effective part of each session, and when I realized they carry TENS units for home use, I bought this one. And years later, my husband and I are still using the same unit with great success. After a year or so, you may wish to get more sticky pads, but they're easy to find online and at medical supply stores. Place on the feet, around the knees, the lower back, the shoulderblades... it's amazing how this painless little device can do so much to reduce pain. Great to use while watching TV or reading before bed. And it's less than $30!
My husband LOVES the noise canceling of his AirPods but hates the fit. I'm tempted. to get him a pair of these Beats earbuds with wingtips to keep them in place. With Active Noise Cancelling, and Transparency Mode, and Adaptive EQ as well as Spacial Audio and the ability to use Siri, these are an elevated alternative. Under $200.
While my husband got this for a gift one year, it is appreciated by me as well. Preset the desired pressure level (it's on a sticker inside the driver's side door area) and start inflating. The car air compressor will shut off automatically at the desired level. There is no need to worry about over-inflating, the accuracy of the indicated pressure is +/- 1 PSI. This air compressor has a 20V rechargeable Li-ion battery pack power supply and DC 12V power supply. While great to keep in the car for flats and leaks, this can also be used for balls, air mattresses, pool floats, and more. Less than $60.
A keychain-style charger for your Apple iWatch, this wireless magnetic charger provides about 2.5 hours of quick charging to bring your watch to full power. It could charge the watch 1-1.5 times before needing to be recharged. A great stocking stuffer, this keychain charger is available in multiple colors and is less than $20.
Highly rated by campers, RVers, and coffee lovers in general, ย the Nanopresso is capable of reaching, with the help of your hands, a maximum of 18 bars (261 PSI) of pressure for unparalleled coffee extraction quality. A great gift for the coffee lover on the move (or back at the office), the Nanopresso is easy to operate, simple to use, and easy to deep clean. Multiple colors available for less than $60.
Outdoor chefs from the backyard to the backwoods agree: The thrill of the grill comes from the process. Adding these advanced LED lights to your barbecue illuminates the entire cooking surface for better grilling, day or night. Powerful magnets mount each light securely to any metal surface, while flexible goosenecks let you focus super-bright beams on what's sizzling.
Lenses adjust from spotlight to wide coverage and offer three brightness levels. The durable aluminum bodies are heat- and dent-resistant. Toss the set in their included storage case and take them along for camping, tailgating, and even quick repairs or projects that require extra light. $30
Tested by an independent German quality control institute, this wallet will block the 13.56 MHz band and protect against data theft by RFID scanners. Put your AirTag* into the transparent pocket and never lose your wallet again. This slim wallet's dimensions are ย 4.5" x 3.2" x 0.8" so it will easily fit into a wallet, even holding 11 cards and several bills. Several color options, most are under $30.
This one was recommended by a reader and so I got one for my husband. It is fantastic and used so often! It holds a charge a long time, looks cool, and is great for items you don't want to get as close to as you would with a match or traditional lighter. Four colors available for $30
For the 420-friendly, master the art of herbal infusion with the LฤVO II, the ultimate tool for bringing out the best in your herbs. Perfect for chefs, wellness lovers, and DIY enthusiasts, the LฤVO II makes drying, activating, and infusing your favorite ingredients simple and fun. When it comes to infusing, the sky's the limit. Virtually any item on your grocery list can be infused into oils, butters, honeys, milks, and more. With the press of a button, your LฤVO II will heat, stir, and dispense your infusion for you, doing all the hard work of the traditional method in a fraction of the time. Starting at $299 with a range of colors to match your kitchen or mancave.
A thoughtful gift for the home chef and foodie in your life. The dual temperature sensors on this meat thermometer enable you to monitor both the internal meat temperature (up to 212ยฐF) and the ambient/external temperature (up to 527ยฐF) at the same time. This long range model features Bluetooth 4, open air, direct-line-of-sight. With walls and obstacles like a typical home, the average range is 165ft. (50m). You can easily monitor your cooking progress using the free app, which is available for both iOS (version 12.2.0 and later) and Android (version 8.0 and later) smartphones and tablets.
Fanttik Slim V8 Mate Cordless Portable Mini Vacuum with Flexible Hose and Pet Brush
This is a gift my husband bought for himself after we got a new-to-us car that he wanted to keep looking nice. And two years later, it's still a great buy with strong suction and genius design. The Fanttik Slim V8 Mate Cordless Car Vacuum makes a classic dustbuster look like a dinosaur. It has great attachments, it charges fast, lasts through a car detailing, and it packs up easily in its storage bag. We also love it for quick cleanups in the kitchen and around the house when we won't want to lug out the whole big house vacuum. And it's usually on sale for less than $50!
Travel and Adventure Gifts for Men that Don't Suck
Luggage that will last for decades, gadgets that make travel more enjoyable, tools for hiking, camping, and everyday life. This and more are below, and most are owned and approved by my husband or other men in my life.
Whether your guy is on the front lines or likes to be handy and prepared, this tool from LEATHERMAN is a switch from the traditional multitool but just as valuable. Equipped with 6 essential tools, including folding emergency response shears, a strap cutter, a ring cutter, a ruler, an oxygen tank wrench and a carbide glass breaker with a holster to have it on you at the ready.
Developed with the input of special operations medics, EMTs and fire professionals familiar with standard shears, the Raptor shears were crafted with just the right balance of multipurpose features for emergency response without an overkill of tools to complicate sometimes life-threatening situations. This is a great tool to have in every car's glove box or console. Multiple colors to choose from. I got one in the trim color of our car for my husband last Christmas and he loves it.
This is my husband's favorite bag for travel, and one of mine too! We each have one and have been using them for years. Designed to qualify as a maximum-size airline carry-on bag, the Aeronaut can be carried as a backpack (with its zip-away backpack straps), or with its padded handle can be carried on-edge as one would a traditional suitcase.
The Aeronaut converts easily to and carries comfortably as a backpack: the shoulder straps are contoured and padded, and they feature a removable/adjustable sternum strap; the back panel is padded with 3/8" / 10mm thick closed-cell foam as well.ย Thanks to a zipper hidden inside the lining of the bag, the back panel foam is removable (or swappable) if you don't find you need it and want to save the weight/bulk.ย
Tom Bihn bags are made in the USA and have many accessories you can add to customize it (shoulder strap, hip belt, interior frame, packing cubes, etc.). This bag has been all over, has been thrown and shoved and overstuffed and still looks and works great. Several colors to choose from too! $320.00
Say goodbye to tangled cords with the Twelve South AirFly. Listen to audio from in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, gaming devices, or any 3.5mm audio jack to your AirPods, earbuds, or wireless headphones. Enjoy uninterrupted audio for over 20 hours on a single charge, perfect for long-haul flights. Plus, the AirFly can be used while charging with the included USB-C cable, ensuring you never run out of battery life. Less than $35
Not all camp chairs are created equal. Too narrow, too flimsy, too upright, too hard to transport. A good camp chair is a must for camping, tailgates, and hanging out in the backyard. The CGI Freestyle XL Rocker Chair offers a higher and broader backrest for support and an attached side table. With shock absorbers and patented Spring Action Rocking Technology to gently rock on flat, hard or soft terrain, the Atough steel frame holds up to 400 lbs, while durable mesh backing brings through airflow. Super easy to open and close, it comes with a carrying pouch with shoulder strap and it's usually available for less than $70
Whether he's working on the car, repairing the tree house, helping to renovate the kitchen, or working on his favorite hobby, he may really appreciate a magnetic wristband. Embedded with 8 super strong magnets for firmly holding screws, nails, bolts, drill bits, fasteners, wrenches and small tools. A 3rd reliable helping hand helps save time and effort, no more headaches from losing or dropping small items while working. While designed for the wrist, this can be wrapped around a handle, a belt, and other places depending on the project. Under $15
We own this hammock and LOVE this hammock. For over a decade, this hammock has gone with us on camping trips, been strung up on porches at Airbnbs, and hangs in our backyard. Supports up to 400 pounds while weighing less than 20 oz. and spacious enough to fit two people (or one person and their furbaby, or one person who wants to take a comfortable nap) it comes in a variety of colors and packs up in its built-in pocket for easy storage and travel.
Let's face it, the older we get the less we want to camp on the bare ground or on a thin mat. But that doesn't mean we don't want to enjoy an outdoor getaway. I bought this cot for myself this year as I was a chaperone for a Girl Scouts camping trip and didn't want to spend the trip in pain. This cot excelled and I knew I had to share it in a gift guide! It opens and closes like an EZ-up. The padded top is removable and washable (and IMO not good for anything but insulation) and has its own storage bag. The rest of the cot is one piece and fits into a bag with a shoulder strap. With a 1200D double layer construction from oxford cloth, itโs water and dirt resistant. Plus, the 25mm thickened oblate square tubes have a maximum bearing capacity of 450lbs for extreme durability. This could even be a quick place for a guest to sleep over in your home. All that for less than $70.
With the need to find ways to have fun and be active in socially distant ways, my husband bought two sets of these throwing axes in 2020 to enjoy in our backyard. He built himself a target with items around the house (there are plenty of YouTube tutorials on how to make targets and several premade ones for sale online) and the whole family enjoys this activity to this day. It is also super fun to do with friends; we often have some going during a fire pit on the weekend.
We added colorful tape strips to the handles so the throwing axes are easy to find if they are in fallen leaves or in the woods; this is also a great way to distinguish which axes are used by whom. And gosh this is a great way to get out frustration! Under $50
Our neighbor has one of these and is obsessed. He takes it on his boat, brings it on camping trips and tailgates and potlucks. It won't leak even if all the ice inside melts, but it will take forever for that to happen because it's so good at keeping things cold. You can open it and it will stay open, acting like a cooler for easy retrieval. And with Yeti bags you can get all sorts of attachments as future gifts (or stocking stuffers) to trick it out.
From football games to weekends camping, this is a practical gadget that will provide easy and safe warmth. Easy to fill, flameless warmth, this is small enough to fit into any pocket and rugged enough to survive the wildest weekends. Nine colors to choose from. Under $15.
The Ember Travel Mug keeps your drink at your preferred temperature (between 120ยฐF - 145ยฐF) for up to 3 hours on a full charge or all day on its redesigned charging coaster. Pair this temperature control mug with the Ember app to set the temperature, customize presets and more, or use the new touch display on this travel coffee mug to set your temperature without a smartphone. Locate your Ember Travel Mug 2+ on a map using the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or Find Items app on your Apple Watch. The Ember Travel Mug's leakproof, push-to-open lid will keep your hot beverage from spilling while on the go. Less than $175
Stocking stuffers are hard to find for men, but gadgets like this, when high quality, are always appreciated. Small enough to fit in a wallet, this stainless steel multitool is a can opener, flat screwdriver, ruler, beer bottle opener, wrench, saw blade, and more. Under $7
Fun Gifts for Men that Don't Suck
No more gag or humor gifts that become clutter, these gifts are fun but also will be practical (or at least want to be kept).
Share a musical memory with your loved ones that will arrive at their door every month, even beyond this holiday season. Recipients can choose from three Track genres: "Essentials," "Jazz, Blues, Funk and Soul," or "Hip-Hop." Whether theyโre new to vinyl or a pro, theyโre collecting and learning something new every month. From $149 for three months up to a full year, this is a great gift for those who love music or want to learn about new music.
For the sushi and Star Wars lovers, combine the two with these fun and functional light-up light saber chopsticks. A great stocking stuffer, a single set is less than $10 and the link offers ways to buy multiples and different colors!
Us Gen X kids have never stopped loving LEGO, and how fun would it be to create your dream car and then have it sitting in your office? Easily customize this model car kit for adults with closed or convertible roof, classic or hideaway front headlights and racing-stripe colors. Model car kit includes a furry dice, a printed tile with an auto magazine, a choice of 2 number plates and the white, grey or red racing stripes. While I have a classic Camaro LEGO set here, LEGO offers plenty of adult-geared kits for vehicles, Star Wars, space technology, historical buildings, art, and much more.
Enjoy your favorite pilsner, IPA, stout, cider and more in this pair of 16 oz. chilled beer pint glasses. The BPA-free plastic construction creates a sturdy beer glass that is great for all uses. An insulated silicone band on the base makes for comfortable handling, perfect for the outdoors! Less than $30 for the set.
This monthly mail subscription service sends detailed replicas of historical documents, like Albert Einstein's correspondence with FDR or Parksโ police report when she refused to give up her seat. Each letter comes with pertinent information to explain any additional context and cultural significance.
Here's how it works: Each month, a team of archivists scours the world for fascinating documents on a given subject, like foreign diplomacy or womenโs rights. Graphic designers replicate themโhandwriting, signatures, and all. A letter is then sent via FedEx to ensure swift delivery after purchase. Each of the subsequent five letters will be mailed via USPS First Class Mail with a historically themed stamp.
Compatible with Switch and Windows, the 8BItdo Arcade Stick can connect via Bluetooth, 2.4g, and wired USB-C and has a 1000mAh rechargeable battery. Customize button mapping and create macros for each game; less than $80
Nothing cooler than the classic, especially when it's so effective. This classic Stanley bottle has vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for 32 hours or iced for 160 hours. The insulated lid doubles as a cup. Made from 18/8 stainless steel it won't rust and is BPA-free.
A gift for him, for both of you, or for the whole family. Gather around the table and piece together a puzzle featuring a curated collection of books written by underrepresented voices, then add them to your reading list. $18.00
Turn your phone into a gaming console! At the link, there are options for different generations of phones, Choose from free App Store games like Call of Duty & Roblox, stream through cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass & GeForce NOW, or play games with Remote Play from your PlayStation*, Xbox or PC. Meticulously crafted to be comfortable and portable, our compact design features ultra wide analog triggers, highly accurate thumbsticks and responsive D-pad and buttons.
A nice break from working from home or a great addition to the man cave, this over-the-door basketball hoop gets great ratings for durability and ease of installation (all tools are included). Constructed with a spring-loaded steel rim and a shatterproof backboard, these mini hoops are built tough and designed to handle dunk after dunk without skipping a beat! This indoor basketball set comes with (1) over the door mini hoop, (1) 5" mini PVC basketball, and (1) air pump included so you have everything you need to play right out of the box
His dog is his favorite hiking companion, but that pup also gets thirsty the trail. This insulated water bottle comes with two dog bowls all in one lightweight, integrated piece thatโs easy to pack and carry wherever adventure takes oneโeven if itโs just a trip to the dog park. Twist off the bottleโs base to reveal two nested dog bowls, one for water and one for food. Stainless steel, double-wall insulation with copper plating keeps water cold for hours. It features a wide mouth opening for easy refills, a leakproof cap, a nonslip rubber base, and a paw print handle/clip for hands-free carrying. 34 oz. capacity.
Protect the lands of Middle-earth from the armies of Mordor with this Monopoly board game inspired by The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Play as Frodo, Gandalf, Sam, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Pippin, Merry, or Boromir. Buy properties to protect the lands from the evil armies of Mordor, and earn money by charging rent and by controlling the Ring of Power.ย
Give him a double dose with this grown-up, just-for-you version of one of childhood's greatest gadgets.ย You're the view master now. Assemble snapshots of your favorite memories and add them to your very own reel using the redemption code included with your viewer. Once you receive your made-to-order reel, pop it in the viewer and marvel at baby's first steps, or your favorite beach at sunset, or... well, whatever else you want immortalized.
Functional and brilliantly designed, this pen writes easily but also is a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver, ruler, bottle opener, phone holder, touch-screen stylus, flashlight, and bubble level. Highly rated and available in different colors, this multitool pen is usually less than $10.
A yearly favorite on this gift guide, the PowerUp paper airplane conversion kit provides a carbon fiber propeller shaft and durable propeller to take a traditional paper airplane to the next level. Also offering directions for various folds of paper airplanes, this fun gadget it less than $20 and fun for folks of all ages.
Want to take that paper airplane to the next level? Instantly put yourself in the cockpit of a fantastic smartphone-controlled paper airplane that does high-speed tricks. The Bluetooth module, which includes autopilot control, connects to your phone to experience the sensation of flying countless paper, foam, and even Balsa Wood airplane models. A 30-minute quick charge gives you 10 minutes of flight time and an incredible range of up to 230ft! Traveling up to 20mph, your plane will spend less time on the tarmac and more time in the air. Connect the included micro USB cable to a charging port and plot out your next journey. On sale for less than $50.
Do you have any tried and true gifts for men that don't suck that aren't on this list? Please share them in the comments! And know that there are comments from previous years, some that inspired a 2024 update. Who knows, your recommendation may pop up in this gift guide next year!
This is the best list ever! So many great ideas I’ll be using over the next year!
Great list! Got something from it my hubs will really use (wrist magnet!) and the cool dog & me water/food bottle for my oldest daughter and grandog.
Alison, thank you for updating this! Iโm getting that multi-tool for my husbandโs stocking & getting my dad one too. Those Nikes are likely going to be ordered for my college-age son. Lots of good ideas!
YEEESSS! I’ve already started shopping from your list; I don’t usually use you clothing links but your guy(though really any gender) list has just the right tone for my family giving. Now I need to start on my charitable donation gift list. Thank you.
Such a creative and fun list every year, Allison! Thank you for the hundreds of hours you put into compiling them for us. I’ve bought more than one thing on here in the past few years. Here’s another fun idea for all on your list: A professional quality, unfinished ukulele just waiting for your creative personal touch. You can paint them, woodburn them, decoupage them…. the options are endless. Plus they sound good too. Check it out: https://www.butterflyukes.com/
Wow! Your gift guide for men is the only one I make sure I don’t miss, so many good ideas over the years. My sons and I have all started taking boxing classes this year, so that doorway boxing pad is perfect for our house. Thank you!
OK, I am immediately suspicious of 90% of gift guides out there, but this is GOOD. I found several things on here that my DH would like. How brilliant is that tool wristband?!
Hi Alison! Once again, thank you for a great list! You helped me back in 2019 find a backpack for my son in law so I thought I’d ask for help again. I am looking for 1) a cordless vacuum cleaner that is good with pet fur, 2) a nice quality knife set, and 3) good pair of headphones to wear on the plane to watch movies on a tablet.
If you or your readers have any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it!
Fantastic gift guide.
Thanks!
(Bought the bidet!!)
Love this list! My husband has one of those Levi’s lined trucker jackets that’s older than our relationship and still going strong. We also have a Tom Bihn bag for every member of the family now that we upgraded our teenagers from their old tween duffles. And I think I remember looking at that Pendleton sweater last year and giving it some serious consideration.
For a gift idea that’s super personal, here’s something my husband discovered this year and has loved: ballpark-style underwear. These are boxers or briefs with a built-in pouch to gently support the balls. That’s not a need I’d ever thought of, but they seem to genuinely make his life better. His favorite are by Saxx (https://www.saxxunderwear.com/), but there are other brands out there.
To get philosophical about underwear, these have also been a good self-care exercise for my husband. These are much more expensive than he’s used to paying for underwear. (They run around $25-$35 per pair, which costs more than a pack of the fancy Hanes from Target.) But I want him to feel the same mix of indulgence and self-care as I do when I put on my expensive, comfortable, well-performing underthings! I love all your pieces on how quality underwear helps us feel better, so I thought you’d like to know about this option for the men in our lives as well.
Thank you so much for this, it was so helpful! I purchased a customized Yeti (son in law), the history by mail (daughter) and a credit card game for each of them.
Thank you for coming through for me when I was blanking out on what to get my brother. The credit card size PacMan and Space Invaders have just been purchased! Men are always the worst for me to get gifts for so this list is much appreciated.
Hey, if those throwing axes entered this house, my husband would have a quick choice to make — it’s either me or those axes. They totally freak me out!
I second your recommendation for Knomo and Timbuk2 backpacks (in the comments) — my son has one of each, and I think both are super high quality and will likely last for years.
PS. I should add that my son considers the Knomo his “dress backpack” and the Timbuk2 his “working backpack.” LOL! High maintenance!
This is a sun gift guide! I haven’t clicked through everything yet, but I’d love it you could recommend some plus size menswear options last year, or mention the size range in what you recommend. My husband is a 3x/4x.
I live & work in a town of actual Rocket scientists. & weโre pretty much all of the age to be the 1st to have played video games. The pocket games would be great for a gift exchange, stocking stuffers, etc.
Another great list! I always look forward to your gift guides and have discovered a couple things for hard to buy for men. Thanks!
Great list Alison, nice and unique ideas. My husband was peering over my shoulder as I was looking at those shirts and immediately pointed to one he liked. Thanks for all the hard work you put into these, much appreciated.
This was excellent! Thank you so much. I ordered three things.
As someone with a husband and son, I support and endorse this list! My guys have several of these items (between them) and love them all!
Hi Alison! If there is a way to make this product get you affiliate credit, it might be worth adding to your list: https://bit.ly/3wwTsOi.I got one of these rechargeable lighters for my husband and it is great. It is great for lighting candles and firepits and since it really truly recharges via USB I feel like it’s better for the environment in some ways, too?! Win/win! My husband has size 15 feet and I have 15YO and 17YO sons who are currently size 14 (please let their feet stop growing soon) so appreciate the slipper recommendations from you and Karl, too! Thanks!
Great ideas here! The throwing axes, โpaperโ airplane, and CBD lotion will be hits with my DH! Also wanted to add that his favorite gift EVER was the bidet you mentioned in this post https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/things-i-bought-on-quarantine/
Hi Allison,
Thank you for the great gift suggestions. I just received a wish list from my son-in-law. Do you (or Karl) have any suggestions for a work backpack for men? Preferably under $200.
Thanks so much!
Karen
A few good ones:
This one from North Face: http://bit.ly/2NMfhV7
This sleek one from Herschel, though any from this brand is a wine: http://bit.ly/2XdHeZc
I think KNOMO London makes super elegant yet practical backpacks for men: http://bit.ly/2XbFcca
I also love this one from TIMBUK2 and it gets rave reviews: http://bit.ly/33Y0zjT
All of these are under $200 also!
Thank you so much for such a quick response. I really like the TIMBUK2. It is very tricky buying something like this for someone else but at least Nordstrom has free returns. I love all of your posts. Thanks for being real and relatable!
My pleasure! <3
Alison, your gift guides always kick ass and this was no exception – thank you!!
Thank you!
Ha, this list surprised me! There are more things on it i would buy for myself than anyone else. I love it!
Oh I’m so glad!
I was tickled to see the shoe care kit in your list. We have the one just like this that my FIL used all the time. When he passed away, it was something of his I wanted to keep. Not sure when he got it but I joined the family in ’81 and it already looked like it was used regularly; I know he used it frequently.
My dad had a similar kit, I think they’re great and need to come back in style!
I always look forward to your gift guides, as they’re some of the only ones I find actually useful! This one sorts my brother and nephew – please please tell me you’re doing another teen list again this year!!
Yep I hope to have one!
I rarely find gifts for DH on shopping guides BUT there are at least 2 on here I will be getting for him. He has no interest in fashion, so a few weeks ago I mentioned heโd look great in some chukka boots and he told me he doesnโt โsee the point of themโ?!?!! He will be getting these for sure! Those outdoor gloves will be great too- our new house is requiring a lot of outdoor work! And of course the Bluetooth paper airplane.
Yay I’m glad you found it helpful!
Every member of my family has a pair of Clarkโs desert boots. My daughter and I got them first and the boys followed shortly after.
Great list BTW!
Some great ideas here! I think every man in my life will get one of those multi tools this year. Like others have said, I appreciate the early gift guides as I try to do all of my Christmas shopping by the end of November. And I especially appreciate that this guide is one of the first as my father is almost impossible to buy gifts for! He is that terrible combo of buys himself everything he wants/has quirky taste/is not at all into clothing. Thankfully, my husband is MUCH easier to buy gifts for and is delighted that I enjoy doing all of his clothing shopping for him. ๐
Awesome, I’m glad you liked it!
Just purchased a 5 pack of the multi-tool. I went to buy one just for myself, then figured I could give to my father and brother in law as well. Since the 5 pack was cheaper than the 3 pack, my husband will get one, too, and I’ll have an extra. Thanks for the great suggestion!
I thought it looked pretty awesome! Glad to help!
Many great ideas here. I have a terrible time buying my husband gifts, because he just goes out and buys himself whatever he wants. Maybe something here will be just right! For instance, that multi tool that fits in a wallet is something unusual that he would appreciate I think. (But BTW, the link doesn’t work.)
Sidenote: I know I am not the only woman who has this situation where the husband buys himself whatever he wishes for right away! The related piece is that I dither and dither about buying myself anything new most of the time, so the imbalance in this situation is an “interesting” dynamic. You would think after being married for 38 years we would have figured this one out!
Grrr here is a replacement link: https://amzn.to/32uoSUS
My husband does the same thing, shopping for him is hard. I end up finding things when doing guides like this, hence the Ember mug last year.
yes, I have same situation exactly and also married 38 years!
I’m so relieved that my partner and I don’t ‘do’ Christmas (and since we are in the UK certainly not Thanksgiving), because he wouldn’t want any of these. Not that they are bad gifts. But, for example, why would he want a holdall when he has a perfectly good one that he bought 25 years ago? Or a cashmere jumper, when he has one he bought 15 years ago? Etc. The only gift giving we do is on birthdays and I usually buy a couple of books and a tshirt with a penguin on because he loves penguins and some of his favourite tshirts are past their best after 20 years or so (especially if bought secondhand). Anybody else have a partner like this? I must add that he is a wonderful man.
See, we don’t do birthdays! I think every couple and family is different.
As we all accumulate more and more stuff over the years, I really prefer to give and receive nice dinners and drinks out instead. Or else, get people magazine subscriptions (If theyโre not hoarders) and ebooks.
The one exception is gifts for kids, of course!!
Thank you for posting these before Thanksgiving. I know you explained your timing to use in a previous post. I love to begin thinking about holiday gifts in early November, so that I have my shopping plan ready by the time Black Friday deals begin. I do not shop well under pressure, starting early keeps it fun for me. Great ideas on you list, too!
I’m glad you liked it!