Perfect (and more importantly, affordable) gifts for the men in your life are out there. No matter how quirky or discerning their tastes, or how specific their hobbies and interests — you can find something to bring a smile to their faces the minute their gift is unwrapped.
Just as we’ve done for the women who have everything and the teens who dislike (almost) everything, we have found unique and surprising gifts that will please everyone from the technophile to the amateur chef to the handyman.
“The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for men is to treat them as individuals with personal interests,” says Joseph Green, executive editor of AskMen.com, “because no two men are the same. The common mistake that a lot of shoppers make is to think of men as simple creatures with simple needs.”
When shopping for men, you should always first consider their general hobbies, lifestyle and personality. Start out with ideas of what men do for fun and recreation.
“Once you narrow down your options by highlighting what makes them tick, you have three key choices: Replace, upgrade, or find something new,” suggests Green. “If you’re going to invest in a product that is completely new to the recipient, you should always research carefully before making a decision.”
You can start that research right here…
Best for Returning to Office: Woodies Clothing Performance Shirts
What You Get: Woodies offers men’s dress shirts (and pants) made from stretchable, quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabrics. But what makes the experience of shopping for Woodies unique is that where other clothing sites offer impractical and convoluted sizing charts (is anyone really wrapping a tape measure around their chest, or checking their inseams?), Woodies has you create a sizing profile based on more realistic questions (such as height, weight, typical shirt size, whether you’d describe your build as “skinny,” “fit,” “average,” or “full,” etc.) that carries through all the products on the site. So you fill out the survey once, and then you don’t have to keep doing it for shirts, pants, jackets, etc.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: The wrinkle-resistant fabric is a huge plus, but so is the ability to customize your shirts. Choose from different collar types (spread, pinpoint, button-down), add a chest-front pocket if you like, select a specific cuff type; it makes these feel like more than just another work shirt and more like a bespoke personal statement.
Price: $125 on WoodiesClothing.com
Best for the Active, Married Fanboy: Enso Rings
What You Get: Comfortable silicone rings with a fandom twist. Enso makes alternatives to metal rings for those with a more active lifestyle, and with licenses from Disney, Pixar, DC Comics, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter, you can find something that’s stylish, functional and cool for the fanboy in your life. Anyone who has had a metal ring give them calluses while weightlifting or playing sports will appreciate how light and flexible the rings are; you almost forget you’re wearing it. They are also easy to take on and off, unlike some metal rings, which can skin your knuckles. They are also priced such that buying a few different looks isn’t out of the question.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: From matching “Star Wars” his/her rings (That say “I love you” and “I know” in Aurebesh, the universe’s fictional written language) in silver or platinum (which, despite being made of silicone, do still have a nice sheen to them) to replicas of the “One Ring” from Lord of the Rings in gold complete with Elvish inscriptions, Enso rings make for great conversation pieces in addition to being endlessly comfortable for all activities.
Price: $49.99 from Enso Rings.com
Best for the Gym Rat: LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle
What You Get: A lightweight, stylish bottle that actually purifies water. Using its proprietary “PureVis” UV-C LED light technology, the LARQ is able to kill 99.8 percent of E. coli bacteria without the need for endlessly replacing filters or worrying about finding “perfect” refilling options. If you know someone who has been wary of using the water fountain at their gym, this is a lifesaver. Available in both insulated and non-insulated varieties, the LARQ bottles are also extremely light and easy to carry in a gym bag or on a hike.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: Who doesn’t want cleaner water? The problem with most refillable water bottles is that while they save on wasteful and harmful plastic they can also be a breeding ground for germs if they’re not cleaned frequently and properly. The LARQ helps reduce bacteria growth by killing the germs in the water, whether from a home tap or a public source.
Price: $99 from LARQ
Best for the Kitchen Magician: Henckels 15-Piece Knife Set
What You Get: Every budding chef needs a great set of knives. This Henckels set gives you 15 essential kitchen tools all collected in a sturdy, handy wooden storing block. Their stainless steel and rust-proof blades make them dishwasher-safe, too, so clean-up is easy even after the most involved culinary expeditions. They are also lightweight and easy to handle, so they’re suitable for every skill level.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: If you’ve ever tried to prepare a meal with a dull knife, you’ll understand. Nothing is more frustrating than having the wrong tools for the job, and the Henckels knives stay sharp and feature professional-grade blades. It actually makes chopping and dicing a pleasure (just watch those fingers!)
Price: $149.85 from Amazon.com
Best for the Handyman: The Bucket Boss HandyMan Rig
What You Get: He may have all the tools he needs, but he still only has two hands. The aptly-named HandyMan rig allows him to strap on and load up everything he can possibly need (and maybe a few things just for show) no matter what the job in question. Made of durable 600d polyester fabric, the Bucket Boss features 11 total pockets, a sturdy steel buckle belt (able to adjust up to a 52” waist), reinforced pouch bottoms, and dual hammer loops.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: Nothing says “ready for the job” more than the feeling of strapping on a work belt and loading up on tools. It’s something primal, and every man wants to have that feeling of being the strong and capable “Mr. Fix-it.” The Bucket Boss looks ready for action, too, which just adds to the overall appeal.
Price: $39 from Home Depot
Best for the Outdoor Entertainer: Fudoni Portable Projector
What You Get: A high-definition portable projector the size and shape of a dictionary, this is a cinematic experience you can literally take anywhere. Capable of stunning 4K projection and 5.1 surround sound, the Fudoni uses Bluetooth to support iOS, Android, and Windows devices without the need for extra adapters or apps. Project it against a white wall or an outdoor screen, and fire up the popcorn.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: Bigger and higher-def viewing experiences will never go out of style. Everyone wants to create the ultimate at-home entertainment experience, and the Fudoni makes it not only affordable, but effortless. You don’t have to be a tech savant to set it up and start using it immediately.
Price: $169.99 from Amazon.com
Best for the Music Aficionado: Crosley Cruiser Plus Vintage Record Player
What You Get: Simply one of the most stylish old-school vinyl record players we’ve ever seen. The Crosley Cruiser Plus is capable of playing three speeds (33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM) and offers adjustable pitch controls. Its lightweight, suitcase-like design means it’s portable, and while it’s a living tribute to retro design, it has the modern ability to wirelessly connect to Bluetooth speakers. It also has a headphone jack for personal “zone out” time.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: Vinyl collectors will love the versatility and portability (why not share some of those rare finds?), as well as the 32 different color and pattern options available. From simple black and teal to basketweave, tye dye, and leopard print, there is a Crosley to suit any lounge decor.
Price: $59.59 from Amazon.com
Best for the Multitasker: MOFT MagSafe Wallet/Smartphone Stand
What You Get: A magnetic wallet that attaches to your smartphone and doubles as a camera stand, the MOFT is both a way to save on precious pocket space while also allowing for quick, easy FaceTime and Zoom chatting from pretty much anywhere. Forget having to be weighed down with a smartphone and a separate wallet in addition to keys, sunglasses, and whatever else, the MOFT can hold two essential cards (and really, do you need more than, say, a driver’s license and a debit card on a given day?), and features a steel hinge design capable of adjusting from 45-degree to 60-degree angles. It’s compatible with iPhones 13, 14 and 15.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: Anyone who has tried to have a video conference or conversation while holding a smartphone knows how nice it would be to simply prop it up, and the MOFT allows for that option without needing cumbersome additional equipment. It also cuts down on unnecessary wallet bulk.
Price: $34.99 from Amazon.com
Best for the Mancave: Regal Robot Embossed Metal Indiana Jones Wall Art
What You Get: Posters are fine and all, but if you’re looking to step things up, then this embossed metal wall art is just the thing for the movie buff’s man cave. Based on concept art for the original Raiders of the Lost Ark, the art comes ready to hang without needing additional frames or hardware. Being metal, it also has a longer shelf-life than a typical poster, and won’t fade or deteriorate as readily from sunlight.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: It’s a unique way to celebrate a classic movie, without making the man cave just feel like a college dorm. Elevating the idea of a framed poster, Regal Robot also dives deeper into the film’s history to find something more unique than just the theater lobby art. This particular offering features art from legendary comic book artist Jim Steranko done while Raiders of the Lost Ark was still in its earliest planning stages.
Price: $29.99 from Regal Robot.com
Best for the Home Entertainer: Shark® WANDVAC
Cordless Handheld Vacuum
What You Get: An ultra-lightweight handheld vacuum powered by a high-speed, brushless motor. The WANDVAC cordless vacuum comes with a duster crevice tool to effortlessly clean hard-to-reach places and a multi-surface pet tool specially designed to pick up hair. The fast charging dock with onboard accessory storage also helps to discreetly store the vacuum system and attachments, so it’s perfect for even the smallest homes and apartments.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: This handheld vacuum has the power to easily take on everyday messes, so whether he’s cleaning up from last night’s dinner party or preparing to host the guys for game day, he’ll be able to get the job done with quick maneuverability and the trusted Shark performance!
Price: $129.99 at SharkClean.com
Best for the Creative Cook: Ninja DZ201 Air Fryer
What You Get: This Air Fryer has two baskets that utilize DualZone technology. This allows you to cook different items on different settings and temperatures simultaneously. Or, if you prefer, you can set both baskets to “match cook” and they will cook at the same setting/temperature. The total capacity is 8 quarts (two individual 4-quart baskets), and the machine allows for six cooking functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat and Dehydrate. Two nonstick crisper plates are included as well (and they are very easy to clean).
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: It’s delightfully easy to use and will make him a pretty popular cook in your house. The Ninja turns out some awesome snack food favorites like crispy chicken wings and takes frozen snacks like crunchy tater tots and chicken nuggets to the next level (which is also a huge bonus if the cook is also a Dad).
Price: $180 on Amazon.com.
Best for the Entertainer: Riedel Extreme Martini Glass, Set of 2
What You Get: These martini glasses are from the Austrian Riedel brand and are designed with lead-free crystal glass. The “Extreme” collection was released in 2018. The name evokes the extreme contours, which spread out wide but taper at the top. The glasses are dishwasher safe, although use of a stemware rack is recommended.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: If he enjoys a good martini, it’s a nice idea to class up the experience. Martini glasses make a great gift as they are something that will be enjoyed but not necessarily something he might go out and buy for himself. Riedel is a well established brand that has been producing high end glassware for over 300 years.
Price: $42.41 on sale from $49 at Amazon.com.
Best for the Photographer: Billingham Hadley Camera Bag
What You Get: This British brand makes durable high quality bags. The Billingham Hadley bag is designed to hold and protect your camera (a typical DSLR camera), 13-inch laptop and accessories. The padded inserts are removable for cleaning, and to allow for customization of the bag. The overall bag weighs 3.31 pounds and is 14.57 x 8.66 x 10.43 inches. Available in multiple solid colorways, the bag is constructed with three-layer waterproof fabric (canvas or FibreNyte) and detailed with solid brass hardware and top-grain leather.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: A well-made, classic bag can last a lifetime. While this bag certainly isn’t “cheap,” it’s a perfect gift for a man who loves to take his camera out. Think of this as an investment piece that will be used for years and not fall out of fashion.
Price: $410 at Amazon.com.
Best For the Movie Fan: Yogibo Max 6-Foot Beanbag Chair
What You Get: You get a 6 x 2 x 2 feet bean bag that weighs 19 pounds. The fill is made from micro-beads, which conform to the body allowing for zero pressure points. The chair is offered in a variety of colors and the outer cover is a cotton/spandex blend that can be machine washed.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: This isn’t your kids’ bean bag. This modern-looking large bean bag is big enough to act as a chair, couch or bed. (As a taller person, I can confirm the bed option would only work for kids or petite folks.) It’s light so you can pick it up and move it around with no issues. The material fully conforms to the body making this relaxing and soothing for sore back muscles.
Price: $299.99 at Amazon.com.
Best for Stylish Winter Warmth: Cable Knit Cashmere Throw
What You Get: You get a 50-by-60 inch 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere blanket with cable knit design. The One Quince cashmere throw is both lightweight and luxuriously soft. One Quince, a brand that values bringing affordable quality products to their customers, compares the quality of this blanket to a similar product offered by Ralph Lauren home for $595.00.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: This incredibly soft throw blanket is perfect for cozying up on the couch but attractive enough to display folded over the side of his favorite chair. Made of fine Mongolian cashmere the throw is luxurious, lightweight and a great gift because it’s probably not an indulgence he would buy for himself.
Price: $139.90 at OneQuince.com
Best for the Online Gamer: Backbone One For iPhone
What Your Get: The Backbone One for iPhone features a collapsible and compact design and in its full expanded size is only 3.70 x 10.14 x 1.28 inches. It weighs 4.87 ounces, and the Backbone One uses no battery. Instead it borrows minimal power from your phone. There is a 3.5mm headset jack for headsets and you’ll be able to press and record gameplay, capturing game clips and screenshots. Able to work with any game that supports controllers, this versatile adapter makes game play on the go fast and easy.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: If he loves gaming, he’ll love being able to transform his phone into a premium gaming console. He just snaps this onto his phone, syncs with his favorite console or platform (Xbox, PlayStation or PC), and voila – he can access his entire game library. Backbone can also sync with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for more gaming options.
Price: $99.99 at PlayBackbone.com.
Best for the Stylish Guy: Ray-Ban 63mm Aviator Sunglasses
What You Get: These Ray-Ban shades have a classic black metal frame with a smoke-colored plastic lens. They provide 100% UV protection.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: These are a classic, stylish pair of sunglasses that may come in and out of fashion, but never go out of style. Any guy who appreciates looking good will enjoy wearing these for many years to come.
Price: $79.97 on sale from $151 at NordstromRack.com
Best for the Organized Man: Custom Docking Station
What You Get: A handmade, customized MDF wood docking station, with cutouts and slots for all your basics like smartphone, pens, watch, cards, keys, glasses and wallet. You get to choose the wood color, font/design and customize with their name or logo. The item is made in Turkey and cannot be returned.
Why the Man in Your Life Will Love It: It’s a thoughtful gift that is personalized just for them with their name, which in itself shows some planning was made on their behalf. Beyond that it’s a practical item to help keep their most important everyday items organized.
Price: $42 at Etsy.com
More Tips for Shopping for the Men in Your Life
If none of the gifts above is the right choice, follow Green’s advice to choose a fitting present:
- “Sports guys are obsessive, and your gift should celebrate that,” advises Green. “Do they love the gym? New exercise gear is a guaranteed winner. Do they worship a particular player or team? Find official merchandise that shows off their passion.” If he lives and breathes sport, you can keep your gift simple. “Don’t over complicate it.”
- Fitness enthusiasts might enjoy a stylish windbreaker, or some cool new fitness equipment.
- Tech guys are notoriously picky, and that means they probably already have all the best gear,” warns Green, making shopping for gadgets a challenge. “The best way to impress is with accessories. They might already own the best desktop, laptop and console, but they could probably benefit from a new headset, mouse or monitor.” Or, perhaps they’d enjoy a new smart home device.
- “Stylish guys are difficult to buy for, because style is such a personal thing,” says Green. But you can go ahead and replace or upgrade their existing gear to show that you get their look and give them something you know they’ll wear.
- Fashion forward men could upgrade with a new field jacket or cool baseball hat.
The post The 18 Best Gifts For Men This Holiday Season appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.