The ultimate guide to successfully celebrating the men in your life.
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Step away from the tie clip — he doesn’t need another one. And the same goes for grilling aprons or “World’s Best Dad” mugs. Instead of buying the man in your life something that he doesn’t need, doesn’t want, or may very well return — or worse, something that’ll just collect dust in the basement — it’s time to start shopping for men the smart way. That is, by letting us do the legwork for you.
If you find yourself stumped while trying to come up with the best gifts for men for Christmas, Hannukkah, and beyond, we’re here to help. We searched high and low (and asked Molner for advice) to compile a list of the ultimate gifts for any guy in your life. We covered universally appealing options and hyper-specific items for hobbyists who double as husbands, but you’ll also find classic presents that aren’t a bore.
Get him something he’ll love and use beyond the season of giving, with our top gift recommendations for men below.
For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2023 Holiday Gift Guide.
The Very Best Gifts for Men 2023
Whoop Fitness Tracker
Whoop
Whether he’s constantly in the gym trying to track his gains or just wants to learn more about his health, this sleek fitness tracker is the ultimate high-tech accessory. Whoop tracks heart rate, skin temperature, activity levels, sleep efficiency, and more, all of which will be factored into an equation that informs him of recovery and strain levels so he can optimize his workout and rest routines. It’s gunning to be one of the top gadgets of the year, with none other than health and wellness influencer and neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman backing the brand.
Meridian Trimmer
Meridian
Long gone are the days of trimmers that pulled and nicked your skin while removing hair. This smooth, quiet, and gentle trimmer makes a great gift for anyone looking to remove unwanted fuzz from their face, legs, underarms, or anywhere else. The ceramic blades glide through even the coarsest of hair, and they don’t need to be replaced often (usually you can use the same one for a few months before it gets dull). If you know someone in need of a shaving upgrade, this starter kit comes with an electric razor and charger, replacement blade, two trim guide combs, and a convenient brush for easy cleaning.
Reduce WaterDay 2-pack
Costco
Staying hydrated is no joke, and neither are these jumbo water bottles. They may look a little silly, sure, but they hold 80 ounces of water each, helping him meet his daily hydration goals in a snap. The straw will encourage him to sip throughout the day, and the handle makes it easy to tote around, especially in the gym. It’s the product that’ll end all his excuses for not drinking enough water. Pro tip: Instead of wrapping these up in paper, we recommend filling them with healthy snack packs or hydration boosters to create a cute all-in-one gift.
Heated Razor Starter Kit by GilletteLabs
Gillette
Give the gift of a clean, smooth, and soothing shave, which is a rare experience. GilletteLabs’ heated razor can achieve all that and more. If he’s nostalgic for the days where he laid back in a barber’s chair with a warm towel around his face, he’ll be smitten with this razor that has warming bar with four intelligent heat sensors. It heats up in less than a second, and distributes even and soothing warmth to the skin. It also has five precision blades, a flex technology that allows the razor head to easily move around facial contours, and wireless magnetic charging. All that, and it’s still remarkably sleek. Too hot to handle? The heat is adjustable. This set comes with an extra blade, too.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Quince
A cashmere sweater is a classic holiday gift, but it’s far from boring. The practical mileage your recipient will get out of this high-quality crewneck will get him all the compliments, and it just so happens to complement your gift-giving budget. At only $60, it’s one of the most affordable yet durable cashmere sweaters on the market.*
J.Crew Lambswool Fair Isle Crewneck Sweater
J.Crew
Now, if you’re hunting for a sweater with a little more personality (to match a man who loves some flair), consider a Fair Isle pattern. The traditional print is perfectly festive, and he’ll be able to wear it season after season. It’s an added bonus that this style has happy little dogs on it.
UGG Ascot Leather Slippers
Zappos
Buying slippers as a gift tends to be a no-brainer, but as one of our staffers has successfully argued, there are slippers, and then there are slippers. By the latter, we mean the kind that you’ll own for years and that’ll out-perform any style you’ve tried to date; and according to us, you can’t get any better than a pair by UGG. But don’t just take our word for it: One reviewer claimed that they are “literally the most comfortable shoe/slippers on the planet bar none.”
lululemon 2-in-1 travel bag
lululemon
Part backpack, part duffle, this do-it-all travel bag is so much better than the ratty sports tote he’s been using for years. Water-repellent fabric will keep his belongings dry, interior and exterior pockets will help him stay organized, and hidden straps can turn it from a duffle bag to a backpack in a flash. And if he’s the type who prefers a hands-free accessory, lululemon’s unisex belt bag is a number-one bestseller for a reason.*
Nike Sport Band 41mm Cargo Khaki
Nike
For the uninitiated, this may sound like a bold claim, but a smart watch can change your life. Not only does it help you answer calls and respond to texts, but it can also track your health and fitness journey. For those constantly watching their heart rate, a band that suits their athletic lifestyle is necessary: Opt to give them this Apple Watch-compatible Nike band, which is durable enough to withstand a few laps in the pool and has compression-molded perforations to keep it breathable. And if they don’t already own an Apple Watch, go big and buy them both.
Nisolo Mateo Boots
Nisolo
Boots can also be expensive, but ideally they can also take a beating, so you won’t have to replace them every year. Show your giftee you’re in it for the long haul by giving them a pair that can stand up to extra wear and tear: These leather boots will be there for his feet as long as he wants and needs, especially since they’re meticulously crafted. This handmade pair from Nisolo is created from vintage-inspired waxed leather, meaning that just like him, they get better with age.
Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger
Vuori
John swears by pants that look like trousers but feel like sweats, like these elevated joggers from Vuori. A drawstring waist negates the need for a belt (and ensures easy adjustment after meals), and the tapered leg makes them more polished than the average sweatpant.
Coach Blaine Backpack
Coach
Why is it that finding a “grown-up” backpack is so difficult? Snag a style that goes beyond the schoolyard with this minimalist silhouette. It’s made of chic, durable leather, and has interior compartments for his cell phone and laptop. It’s also on sale for 65 percent off — good news for your wallet.
Theragun Mini Massager
Therabody
A massage gun is a popular gift, and we understand why: It’s soothing to tired arms and legs, “fits” anyone, and offers the benefits of a massage without the hassle of going to a spa. This powerful mini-massager is great for athletes or those with tight muscles (which, to be honest, is probably all of us). Theragun in particular has a reputation for making some of the best percussive massage tools out there, so while it has a higher price tag, it’s a high-quality gift that has a long lifespan.
Organic Basics Core Underwear 3 Pack
Organic Basics
We know that underwear is considered a “meh” gift, but considering the fact that many of us wear them every single day and we often neglect to refresh our stash, they’re an extremely practical and often highly appreciated present. Organic Basics makes cotton undergarments that are easy on the planet and your body, as they’re made from organic cotton free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
PXG Golf Balls
Amazon
Is there such a thing as having too many golf balls — at least if you’re an active golfer? (We say the answer is a solid “no.”) If your recipient wants to inspire silently claps after each swing, give them the gift of this PXG set. They’re dimpled 338 times to improve aerodynamics, and the firm core helps increase speed and performance while still adhering to USGA rules.
Peter Millar Crown Comfort Pullover
Peter Millar
John is a huge fan of quarter-zip sweaters because of their versatility, and Peter Millar makes some of his favorites. The men in your life will love being able to layer this over just about anything, making it a fit for chilly evening dinners or long days spent on Zoom.
Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
Uncommon Goods
Why not give the fun guy in your life some fungi? (Sorry, we had to.) This grow-your-own oyster mushroom kit is great for all gardeners, no matter their skill level, since oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest and most forgiving varieties to raise at home — and they’re delicious when sautéed. This log comes with mushroom spores already planted inside, so all he’ll have to do is soak it in water and store it in a cool, dark place for a bit, before the magic happens. He’ll be able to harvest his mushrooms after six weeks, then repeat the process for up to three years.
Chicken Cock Red Stave Whiskey
Caskers
After you’re done giggling at the name of this whiskey, you’ll be in the right mood to enjoy a glass. The brand is a favorite of commerce editor Katie P. not only because it’s smooth and doesn’t burn going down, but because the glass bottles look pretty fantastic on a bar cart. This one is finished in barrels that once held Petite Sirah wine, which imparts a sweet, fruity note to the whiskey’s flavor. Because this bottle is on the pricier side, consider chipping in with others and making this gift a group effort.
H.I.M.-istry Naturals Hydrating Shave & Skin System Set
Nordstrom
Our skincare routines would be so much easier if we could all thank a splash of well water for beautiful skin like Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner does. For those who need a little more self-care, however, a three-part skincare routine might be something to consider. (We know it might sound like a lot of effort, but it’s actually nothing compared to the 7-plus steps some women are devoted to.) This set comes with a vitamin C- and hyaluronic acid-infused shaving cream that’s gentle on skin, a calming post-shave toner with tea tree and ginger to kill bacteria and heal cuts, and a hyaluronic acid moisturizing serum to banish dryness.*
SPGBK Leather Watch
Nordstrom
A watch is one of the most beloved presents of all time (pun intended). And while these timepiece may seem small compared to the high-tech behemoths that some are wearing these days, it’s great for those who don’t want to feel their wrist vibrate with every notification, or who just prefer an simpler analog lifestyle. A gold face makes this watch look extremely luxe, and the leather strap will age gracefully.
Drift Car Freshener
Drift
Cars see a lot (perhaps too much) of our lives, from embarrassing coffee spills to ugly cries after a hard day to muddy pets and humans after long hikes — all of which can lead to a funky-smelling interior. While many of us just suffer through the stink, he doesn’t have to. This tiny gizmo releases the perfect amount of fragrance from a scented oil-infused stone that clips onto the car’s sun visor, and your recipient can buy refills of subtly scented stones to keep those unpleasant odors at bay.
DIY Hot Sauce Making Kit
Uncommon Goods
If Hot Ones has taught us anything, it’s that fiery sauce has impressive power. Instead of buying whatever they sell at the local supermarket, go gourmet in a way that would impress Sean Evans: With this kit, anyone can make their own spicy concoctions, with heat levels ranging from mildly mouth-tingling to full-on melting your face off. Each box comes with ingredients to make six bottles of hot sauce, so the whole family can get in on the fun, too.
Marshall Acton III Speaker
Nordstrom
Let’s face it: Most speakers aren’t cute. This stylish option from Marshall doesn’t compromise on sound quality or aesthetics, making it near-perfect for any audiophile. It seamlessly connects to a phone via Bluetooth for easy enjoyment, but you can also hook it up to a record player or another device with an aux cord, so vinyl lovers and song streamers alike can enjoy crisp, clear sound.
Porter Road Subscription
Porter Road
Grill masters and home chefs agree that buying fresh, high-quality meat is a first priority when making a juicy steak or burger. To save him from hunting for a decent butcher (or searching for a “meat guy” like a character in The Bear), gift him a Porter Road subscription. He’ll be able to pick a box of 8 to 10 pounds of meat — ranging from breakfast-themed boxes to dry-aged beef boxes — that he can cook all at once for a dinner party or freeze and save for later.
Bushnell Wingman Golf Speaker
Amazon
We don’t know about you, but playing 18 holes of golf in silence certainly frays our nerves, and while there may be some stimulating conversations happening on the green, a speaker offers some relief from the tension of chipping out of a sand trap. This one from Bushnell attaches to golf carts with an incredibly strong magnet, so it’ll never get accidentally left behind at the last hole. There’s also a removable GPS remote that can share the front, back, and center distances of your course at the push of a button.
Quince Halston Polarized Stainless Steel Aviator Sunglasses
Quince
He may not be Tom Cruise, but he can live out his Top Gun dreams in a fresh pair of aviators. Truly timeless specs for a great gift for anyone, and this pair is built to last: They’re made from stainless steel that won’t warp or rust if they get wet, and the lenses are glare- and scratch-resistant.
Apple AirPods Max
Amazon
A lot of us have invested in AirPods only to lose a pesky earbud when it takes an unexpected trip through the washer. If he’s searching for a pair that’s much harder to lose (or accidentally wash) and is also infused with classic retro charm, the Apple AirPods Max should meet his needs. They’re compatible with all Apple devices, of course, but also hold up to 20 hours of use on a single charge and have noise-canceling abilities he can turn on and off.
Good Man Brand Edge Sneaker
Nordstrom
“Walking shoes” conjures up images of bulky quasi-sneakers that are comfortable, sure, but woefully un-glamorous. Fortunately, that’s no longer the reality, and there are plenty of shoes that offer support, comfort, and style simultaneously. These supple leather sneakers straddle the line between “office-ready” and “bar-ready” — making them essentially “day-to-night” gear for men.
Bean Box Coffee Subscription
Bean Box
Encourage your guy to ditch bland, grocery-store coffee and celebrate some bean variety. This coffee subscription sends the recipient four new, carefully curated samples of artisanal coffee beans per month, starting at $72 for three months. And if you don’t want to commit to a subscription, a single box is available for $24.
Chris Collins Long Kiss Goodnight Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Buying a full-size cologne or perfume for someone else can be tricky, which is why we recommend starting small. Bigger than a tester but smaller than a full bottle, this romantic scent is mysterious, yet approachable, with bursts of passion fruit that mingles with bittersweet coffee bean. You may find yourself wanting to steal this fragrance after you gift it.
For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2023 holiday gift guide.
*Denotes a paid placement.