We’re all guilty of it at one point or another–giving the men in our lives the same old, same old holiday gifts that ultimately end up never getting used. This year, however, it’s time to get him a gift that surprises, delights, and quickly becomes part of his routine. Here, you’ll find more than 50 gift ideas, from buzzworthy international favorites and social media darlings to undiscovered gems from small businesses you might not have heard of yet. From a timeless leather duffel that will last for many weekend trips to come, to a smart Bluetooth meat thermometer to perfect his grilling game, we’ve got you covered with dozens of gifts he’ll actually love and use, whether it’s for his next adventure, or for his day-to-day at home.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Find the best gifts for men by category:
For the frequent flier
At Condé Nast Traveler, we spend a lot of time debating, researching, testing, and re-testing the best stuff when it comes to travel accessories, luggage, and more. If you’re looking for the best suitcase to buy your guy this holiday season, look here. But if you’re looking for something a little different, or perhaps a little unusual that will absolutely rock his travel routine for years to come, check out some of the gift ideas below. A cult favorite among skincare enthusiasts, Dr. Dennis Gross’ peel pads are an effortless way to look refreshed and dewy after a red-eye. Small touches like a beautiful passport case or a ludicrously capacious leather weekender are luxurious upgrades he’ll cherish forever. And in case of emergencies, a good ol’ fashioned flask will more than do the trick.
For his closet
Clothes are a tough gift for the holidays. Everybody is different, every body is different, and a lot of guys are just downright picky when it comes to what they get dressed in everyday. That being said, there are a few tricks of the trade to consider here—when gifting clothes, don’t go too big, too outré, or too outlandish. The secret is to select timeless, quintessential pieces that travel well, age well, and can be styled into any wardrobe. That’s how you’ll end up giving a gift that can find a home in literally any guy’s closet (or suitcase). Who could say no to a versatile, eco-friendly jean, or a quarter-zip sweater knit from recycled oyster shells? The smart flannel shirts from Aztech are a stylish upgrade to any ski kit, and work just as well in the lodge at après-ski as they do making turns on the slopes. And a classic pair of folding Persol sunglasses works as well for beach vacations as they do for ski trips.
For the outdoors enthusiast
Lovers of the great outdoors are a funny bunch to shop for. They typically have all of their most treasured gear ready to go in their quiver already, so this is a demographic for whom you need to be on your A-game. Gifts for outdoorsy types need to be the newest of the new with smart details, category-leading engineering, and unassailable durability. Think a lightweight Norwegian cooler that keeps drinks cool without any ice (that’s right—no ice), or a rechargeable glow light that doubles as mosquito repellent. Outdoorsy folks will say that they can never have too many puffy layer-type things (so go ahead and consider a puffer blanket, or the iconic Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoody), and if all else fails you can get them a beautiful Stanley bottle to keep their favorite beverages warm in even the most wintry environments.
For the gadget geek
Here’s the thing about men: There’s a part of us that will always relish having a new toy to play with. This category is for he who will appreciate a wild card gift and savor the element of surprise. A perfect pair of travel-sized binoculars made from the best optical-grade crystal in the world? Jackpot! The latest generation of AirPods with top-notch noise-canceling technology? Bingo! An easy-to-install bidet system? Why not?
For the self-care newbie
We hate to stereotype the genders—but a lot of self-care products out there are marketed more heavily toward women, leaving the average guy in the lurch. He may not know the benefits of investing in a Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare regimen, or how regular use of a sauna blanket can help improve sleep and recovery patterns, or that a properly-used Theragun can promote muscle recovery so he can go that much harder in the gym. There’s a whole world of self-care products out there! Here, we’ve gathered some of the best items to kick-start his journey—and sometimes all it takes is a pair of “Wicked Good” shearling slippers from L.L.Bean to get the ball rolling.
For the foodie
Food is one of our favorite ways to experience travel. If you’re not quite ready to gift someone a trip to sample authentic panettone straight from the oven in Italy, the good news is that the marvels of modern packing and shipping have made some of the world’s tastiest foods closer than ever. A selection of unusual spices has been a thoughtful gift since for several centuries now, and, Flamingo Estate’s Instagram-famous tomato candles and olive oil feel particularly ripe and modern for gifting this year. And a perfectly unassailable upgrade to his go-to sauté pan (if he even has one) is foolproof.
For the homebody
Home gifts can be a tricky gift to navigate—you really need to know a person to make an informed decision. But no matter what the recipient’s sense of style is, there are certain things that show you care and are likely to fit into most any home. In an age when photos live on our phones and are lost to the cloud forever, for instance, a custom acrylic photo block has a nice physicality to it. Beautiful linen sheets are always in style. A seasonal, crisp-smelling candle from a small business in Hudson, New York, warms up any space. And when in doubt, the flourish of a comfortable, colorful blanket adds the right amount of cozy to any bachelor pad.
