Whether we’re shopping for birthdays, Father’s Day, or holidays, we’re always on the lookout for the best gifts for men that aren’t just sports apparel or beer-themed tchotchkes (read: stuff the guys in our life will actually like). Quite frankly, we think we’ve nailed it. Along with some classic fitness, outdoors, gaming, tech and practical gifts that lots of giftees tend to love, we’ve gathered dozens of less expected options, like a sleek pickleball paddle, a DIY mushroom growing kit, and a print of his favorite restaurant.
Read on to find the perfect present that’ll most definitely delight your dad, brother, boyfriend, husband, father-in-law, and best bud.
Our top picks
In a rush and just want to shop the highlights? Here are our favorite gifts for guys this year.
- Best Gift for Dads: New York Times Custom Birthday Book, $100
- Best Gift for Boyfriends and Husbands: Cozy Earth Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set, $205
- Best Gift for Brothers: Lego Icons Tiny Plants Building Set, $50
- Best Tech Gift: Oura Ring 4, $499
- Best Wellness Gift: Theragun Prime, $320
- Best Useful Gift: Matador Pocket Blanket, $34
- Best Kitchen Gift: The Chili Lab Homemade Hot Sauce Kit, $50
- Best Sexy Gift: Lelo Tor 3, $159
- Best Subscription Gift: Atlas Coffee Club, $55
- Best Luxury Gift: Mejuri Black Onyx Pendant Necklace, $578
In this article
Best gifts for dads
If your dad gave you a spiel about how he “doesn’t need anything but your love”—but you still need actual gift ideas—we recommend going with a useful present that’ll make everyday tasks easier. Some of our favorites: A speaker that can blast his go-to podcast while he’s in the shower or loafer-style slippers he can wear outside. For a truly personalized present, pick up the Custom Birthday Book—it pulls the front page of the New York Times from the day he was born every year and binds them together into a stately keepsake.
For more: Best Father’s Day Gifts, Best Gifts for Dads on Amazon, Gifts for Dads Who Want Nothing
Best gifts for boyfriends and husbands
Sure, your husband, boyfriend, or SO may say they love whatever you get them—but to make sure they really mean it, opt for something undeniably comfy, like a Nike hoodie that comes in a bunch of cool colors or high-quality pj’s to replace his disintegrating sleep T-shirt. You could also consider getting your partner something more specific to their interests, like a retro video game console or an outdoor loveseat (for the guy who camps, tailgates, and barbecues).
For more: Best Gifts for Husbands, Best Gifts for Boyfriends
Best gifts for brothers
We’re willing to bet your brother will enjoy a pair of cushy slides, a leather AirPods case (a cool solution if he’s always mixing up his earbuds with yours), or a sturdy stainless steel travel cup for his favorite beverage. If he’s a budding plant parent or a big fan of puzzles, give him Lego’s Tiny Plants set—once he sets it up, it’ll serve as some cute home decor too.
For more: Best Gifts for Brothers
Best fitness and outdoors gifts for men
Level up their next workout or adventure with these gifts, including an expert-recommended yoga mat and an Outdoor Award–winning fire pit. For the guy who can never be too prepared, a durable digital camera, an easy-to-pack camp stool, or a multitool with 14 implements could all be winners.
For more: Best Fitness Gifts, Gifts for Runners, Best Hiking Gifts, Best Camping Gifts
Best tech gifts for men
There’s likely a tech present that can speak to your giftee’s interests, even if they don’t consider themselves a gadget geek. Standouts include a smart bottle that tracks their water intake while nudging them to hydrate and Healthy Home Award–winning smart plugs that let them operate appliances and electronics from their phone.
Willing to splurge? He’s bound to love the newest edition of the Oura Ring, which can help him track his sleep, stress, and workouts.
For more: Best Tech Gifts
Best wellness gifts for men
If you’ve ever lived with a man who has stolen your good shampoo or face cream, then you know a lot of guys skimp on self-care stuff for themselves—but still appreciate nice products when they’re around. So, gift them some pampering items they wouldn’t normally spring for, like a sleek water flosser, a delightful-smelling beard oil, or a knot-busting massage gun.
For more: Best Wellness Gifts
Most useful gifts for men
These gifts might not look special at first—but in the right hands, they can be game-changers. Case in point: a pocket blanket they can throw in their bag for impromptu outdoor lounging, a metal money clip that can hold up to 12 cards, and a headlamp they can bust out while reading or puzzling.
For more: Best Useful Gifts
Best kitchen gifts for men
If the kitchen is their happy place, consider these culinary gifts, like a DIY hot sauce kit, an artisan pour-over kettle, or an espresso machine. You’ll also have a present for yourself in the Ooni pizza oven—once your giftee becomes a pie expert, that is.
For more: Best Cooking Gifts, Best Gifts for Foodies
Best sexy gifts for men
You can also go the spicier route for presents this year, with a cock ring or butt plug. If a sex toy isn’t really the vibe (pun intended), consider a candle that turns into a sensual massage oil or an extra flirty card game.
For more: Best Sexy Gifts, Best Sex Games
Best subscription gifts for men
Pro tip: Subscription gifts make excellent last-minute presents, since they’re usually delivered as an emailed gift card. With these boxes, your favorite guy can discover new products and experiences that match his hobbies and interests. Our top picks include coffee subscriptions (like the SELF Fave Atlas Coffee Club); Sakuraco’s snack boxes (which feature Japanese treats and teas from local makers); and Nomadik (for regular shipments of outdoor gear and hiking inspo).
For more: Best Subscription Gifts, Best Subscription Boxes for Men
Best gifts for men under $50
You can totally get a thoughtful gift for the guy in your life (or two) without breaking the bank. For less than $50, pick up a cool tool that’ll help him comfortably hold his e-reader (so he never has to worry about dropping it) or the ultimate soft t-shirt that goes with everything (beloved by one SELF writer’s boyfriend). There’s also a Yeti mug with a locking lid—perfect for keeping his coffee or tea hot while he’s on the go.
Best luxury gifts for men
Looking for something special to celebrate a big birthday, engagement, or anniversary? Any outdoorsman would flip for a carbon fiber road bike that can handle both long distance rides and racing. Or, if he’s been complaining about his home office situation, a minimalist electric standing desk could be the perfect solution. One SELF writer swears by Herman Miller’s because it doesn’t shake at all when she uses it with her walking pad, and she can preset her preferred sitting and standing heights with the press of a button.
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