This holiday season, skip the beard oil and whiskey stones and go straight for the gifts that count–ones that the frequent traveler in your life will carry with them on many journeys to come, or will enjoy during their precious time at home. Here, we’ve hand-selected 50 gift ideas for men, including buzzy international favorites and undiscovered gems from small businesses you might not have heard of (yet). From a timeless leather duffel that’s perfect for weekend trips to at-home accessories that will enrich any guy’s routine, we’ve got you covered with dozens of gifts he’ll actually use and love. Read on for all of the best gifts for men or jump straight to the section you think will interest him most.
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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 and luggage. 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 flight. Small touches like a beautiful passport case, a ludicrously capacious leather weekender, or a luxurious Italian notebook are smart upgrades he’ll cherish forever. And in case of emergencies, a good ol’ fashioned flask will more than do the trick.
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 those 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! A smart watch that can track his steps on the go? Perfect!
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, feels-like-a-blanket shirt from Outerknown or a super-soft, wear-it-everywhere tee from Vuori? Fleece jackets from Nobis as well as quilted jackets from Barbour are both durable, stylish investments (that can be easily stowed in the overhead bin on a plane). 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 comfortable running shoe that can handle endless wear and tear. 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 hoodie. And if all else fails you can get them a beautiful Stanley bottle to keep their favorite soups and beverages warm in even the most wintry environments.
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 an Omnilux LED mask can help slow visible signs of aging. 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 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) or the investment of a proper stand mixer are 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. 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.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.