We’ve shopped for a lot of hard-to-gift individuals in our lives — our picky sister; the colleague who you only see on Zoom; the “I don’t need any gifts” mother-in-law — but the greatest head-scratcher of them all has got to be The Guy. Whether it’s your S.O., fantasy football buddy, or just your impossible-to-buy-for-father, he is, without a doubt, the “cool dude” in your life — the one who seems to be on the next thing before everyone else is.
No matter who this cool guy is, his mile-high standards and sixth sense for the latest gear make him impossible to shop for. But don’t worry — if you’re determined to defy the odds and knock it out of the park this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. We observed some of the coolest guys in our own lives for inspiration for all the best Christmas gifts for men. With items that range from a silly loaf pillow to a pair of luxury loafers, everything on this list should pass muster with your hard-to-please fellow.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Holiday Gifts For The Guy Who Loves To Cook
Omsom The Try 'Em All Set
Send him on a global culinary adventure without ever leaving his kitchen with this sampler box of Southeast and East Asian starter sauces — each one offering hard-to-get quality ingredients and complex flavors that are normally pretty tricky to conquer unless you travel to a ton of specialty stores. All are vegan and gluten-free.
If you've been keeping up with our kitchen recs, you know that we're all about the easy-to-use pots and pans. But, so often, a chef can't get by on stovetop wares alone — they also need the proper tools. Enter: The ultimate 12-piece utensil set from Goldilocks — all for under $100!
Goldilocks Utensil Set, $, available at Goldilocks
The Snuk Chili Crisp Gift Box
If he already knows what he wants (chili crisp!) then indulge him with a quartet of beloved jars, including Fly by Jing, Blank Slate Sichuan Chili Oil from Brooklyn, Lao Gan Ma, and Don Chilio Habanero chili crisp from Mexico. He’ll appreciate getting a gift box from the global bazaar brand Snuk, which stocks some of the best specialty ingredients from all over the world.
Anova Precision Sous Vide Cooker with WiFi, $, available at Williams Sonoma
Holiday Gifts For The Fashion Guy
White Mountaineering x Uniqlo Hybrid Down Oversized Parka
The last major fashion collab of the year might have to be White Mountaineering's collection with Uniqlo. The capsule includes outerwear, fleeces, and tops — and if you had to grab just one item for gift-giving, this under-$150 parka is what we recommend.
J.M. Weston 180 Moccasin Leather Penny Loafers, $, available at Mr. Porter
Sandy Liang x Target Floral Print Sherpa Jacket
This is technically found in the "women's" section of Target but I am recommending this for men because this is so clearly genderless and it has looked fire on every guy I've seen wearing it.
Sandy Liang x Target Floral Print Sherpa Jacket, $, available at Target
Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace
When the Hulu series Normal People dropped, the internet rightfully freaked on Connell's chain — because, doye, men wearing jewelry is hot. If your stylish guy is in need of everyday bling, this chain is golden.
Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace, $, available at Mejuri
Warby Parker Winston Glasses
When it comes to specs, classic tortoiseshell is always a solid choice (though these Winstons from Warby Parker also come in an array of other colors). Consider a new pair of glasses for the guy whose eyewear could use some fine-tuning.
Warby Parker Winston Tortoise Collage I, $, available at Warby Parker
Salomon Trail Running Shoes
In addition to HOKA, the sneaker brand of the moment is Salomon. Famous for their bungee cord laces and hard-sole traction (which are ideal for trail hikes and walks around the neighborhood alike), Salomon shoes are sure to gain some traction this holiday season.
Everyone could use a baby-soft cashmere sweater this winter, and that includes the guy on your holiday list. This brand-new knit from Everlane is priced at a cool $140 and is offered in that crowd-pleasing neutral palette that the brand is known for.
Levenkeness 3D Simulation Bread Plush Pillow, $, available at Amazon
Dyson Outsize Vacuum (Nickel)
When it comes to "luxury" vacuums, no brand does it better than Dyson. And, since its products are not cheap, it's likely that your guy hasn't thought about shelling out for such equipment — which means it's bound to be a gift that'll sweep him off his feet.
Dyson Outsize vacuum (Nickel), $, available at Dyson
Fantastic Walls Tony Soprano & Pie-Oh-My Wall Art Canvas
Okay, this is a deep-cut Sopranos reference — but, IYKYK, it's a really good one. Considering how much the HBO series blew up during the pandemic, there's bound to be a Sopranos guy in your life who is going to be simply dee-lighted by this stunning piece of art.
Puzzles are so 2020 winter pandemic (yeah, I said it). LEGOs, on the other hand, are very 2021 winter. And I can't think of a better way a person can while away the cold months than hunkering down on this 1,326-piece kit that assembles into the Seinfeld TV set.
LEGO Ideas Seinfeld 21328 Building Kit, $, available at Amazon
Birkenstock Boston Genuine Shearling Lined Clog
Behold: The perfect winter house slipper. It's easy to slip on for the indoors, substantially soled for quick outdoor errands, and completely lined with shearling for toe-wiggling coziness.
plntrs Nike Swoosh Mini Basketball Planter With Stand, $, available at Etsy
Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart
If you aren't familiar with the hilariously poignant novels of Gary Shteyngart, just know that all of his stories are excellent. His very latest, Our Country Friends, is set at an upstate house during the pandemic (file under: relevant), and it's occupied by a pack of guests who unleash the kind of chaotic drama we love to read about. This book is certainly bound to be a literary hot ticket for the holidays.
Random House Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart, $, available at Bookshop
Holiday Gifts For The Guy Who's Hard To Shop For
Cactus Leather Key Organizer
For those familiar with the uncomfortable pocket bulge (get your mind out of the gutter) created by a clanging mess of keys and a too-big metal ring, this sleek, earth-friendly key organizer is an upgrade. With its secure locking system, his keys will stack up neatly and twist out when needed, and stay in place quietly when they are not.
Huckberry Cactus Leather Key Organizer, $, available at Huckberry
Chrome Bullet Space Pen
As you can see, this is no ordinary pen. This is a Space Pen, which was invented in 1948 by Paul C. Fisher for astronauts. Yes, that's right — this pen works upside-down and in zero-gravity, and it also writes underwater and in both below-freezing and hellscape temperatures. Now, I don't know why anyone would need to be writing a memo in those aforementioned conditions, but the important thing to know is that this pen can do it all. And it can also be engraved.
Space Pen CHROME BULLET SPACE PEN, $, available at Space Pen
Apple AirTag
If a guy in your life is always misplacing his things, these nifty AirTags are sure to be a savior. The mini discs help people keep track of things they might lose, like a travel backpack, bikes and scooters, or even a wandering off-leash pet.
This one is particularly useful for the guy who travels a lot or for the guy who is constantly commuting between his home office and the office-office. This tech case zips to fit in one hand but is roomy enough to organize all the essential tech accessories, like cords, a wireless mouse, chargers, earbuds, and more.
You thought that you were a product junkie until you met this guy. He gives you a run for your money when it comes to knowing about — and spending money on — all the latest in natural deodorant, exfoliating scrubs, and beard oils. Aesop is his Achilles heel, so why not surprise him with a manly SLAB of soap for the holidays?
If you're like me, I never think about how often some people have to shave. But, I can only imagine how annoying it must be! So, this holiday, consider getting your stubble guy a supremely nice electric shaver kit.
Philips Wet & dry electric shaver, Series 9000, $, available at Philips
Merrell Hydro Mocs
You want to get him a summer-ready shoe in honor of all the adventures you’ll be embarking on in the next few months, but Crocs are a little too ubiquitous for this discerning fellow. (Pfft.) Merrell’s ghostly, vaguely Yeezy-ian foam water shoe offers the same ease and comfort as its kid-friendly competitor, but with a design that matches your man’s style.
The man is a stand-up fiend, and can quote routines from all the greats, from Richard Pryor to Bill Hicks to Mitch Hedberg. Help him add to his encyclopedic knowledge of the comedy canon with the gift of Jerry Seinfeld’s career-spanning retrospective of jokes and anecdotes.
Ledgle Rechargeable Hands-Free LED Book Light, $, available at Amazon
Tetra Portal Lighter
This Japanese-made flame lighter looks like it arrived directly from a Frank Stella fever dream. Lighters start at $22, but if you want to add these to an aesthetically pleasing toker’s bundle, the Pantone-ready motif mimics high-end smoking-accessories brand Tetra’s colorfully cased hemp rolling papers.
No cracked screen for this fastidious fellow — he keeps his precious iPhone 12 safely shrouded 24-7. Of course, only a minimal leather case will do for his minimal tastes — it will break in beautifully with age and doesn’t detract from the phone’s slim profile.
Bullstrap Calfskin Leather iPhone Case, $, available at Bullstrap
Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler
This man WILL be grilling with his usual crew this summer, pandemic be damned. Prepare him for safe and socially distant outdoor gatherings with Yeti’s top-of-the-line, highly-rated cooler, for stashing whatever beverages he prefers to knock back while preparing steaks the size of his head.
Yes, dudes love a T-shirt gift. And yes, dudes love Carhartt. (Actually, ladies love it too.) The heritage workwear brand has been in the throes of a “moment” for several years now, but there’s a reason why — they really do make sturdy, heavy-duty, well-designed basics for guys who abuse their clothing. We love a henley-style long-sleeve shirt as a stylish alternative to the classic tee.
Carhartt Workwear Pocket Henley Shirt, $, available at Amazon
SmartWool Larimer Sock
Merino wool is seriously a miracle fiber, and its moisture-wicking properties make it the perfect material for socks. SmartWool’s rugged hiker-style has just the right combination of aesthetics and function for someone who is picky about everything he puts on his body — even socks.
Pioneering industrial musician Genesis P-Orridge passed away in 2020, but they left behind a memoir describing their singular and highly influential journey through a variety of creative worlds. The music nerd in your life will really appreciate the deep dive into the artist’s life.
Abrams Press “Nonbinary” by Genesis P-Orridge, $, available at Amazon
Buffy Eucalyptus Sheet Set
Make sure he’s literally a cool guy with this luxe, sustainable set of 100% eucalyptus fiber sheets. These cool-to-the-touch, breathable sheets help keep sweaty nights at bay. He can also rest easy knowing he’s not breathing in anything toxic — even the dye is plant-based and all-natural.
Buffy Eucalyptus Sheets Set - Queen Size, $, available at Buffy
Heston Blumenthal for Everdure Charcoal Grill
The guy loves to cook, and has seared some amazing steaks on his 3-foot square apartment patio with the help of a miniature Smokey Joe. This year, he deserves an upgrade that matches his skill set — something like this sleek, porcelain-enamel charcoal grill co-designed by knighted British chef Heston Blumenthal; complete with an interior food tray, bamboo chopping board, stay-cool handles, and safety latches for easy transport.
Everdure Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Portable Charcoal Grill, $, available at Amazon
Kinka Konro Charcoal Grill
A pricier, slightly less portable, but infinitely more awesome small-space searing companion is a Japanese konro grill — a rectangularly-oriented box that’s open at the top and typical used to grill yakitori skewers. They’re best used with a clean-burning wood charcoal like sumi or binchotan, and are a must-have for any enthusiast of al fresco cooking.
Kinka Konro Charcoal Grill, $, available at Amazon
Jean Dubost Laguiole Steak Knives (Set of 6)
If the grillmaster in your life is already equipped with enough smoking apparati to start a restaurant, he might appreciate the addition of some new cutlery that will help him enjoy the fruits — er, meats — of his labor. Laguiole’s sturdy stainless-steel steak knives are made in France and come in a foncy wooden storage box.
Dubost Laguiole Steak Knives, Set of 6, $, available at Williams-Sonoma
Hedley & Bennett Crossback Apron
He’ll appreciate feeling comfortable while enjoying his craft. This durable 100% cotton canvas apron has been road-tested and approved by many a chef. It can also be customized for an additional cost. Aprons at Hedley & Bennett start at $85, and we also suggest checking out the cook’s bundle for a sharp gift.
Hedley & Bennett The All Day Crossback Apron, $, available at Hedley & Bennett
“Home Style Cookery” by Matty Matheson
Last food thing, we promise! But this is a really good one. Beloved Canadian home chef Matty Matheson’s (long-awaited) second cookbook is written in his trademark intimate and funny tone and filled with recipes that are just plain good. Whether your dude is a devoted home cook or just starting to tinker with pickling his own vegetables, this book will be a welcome addition to his arsenal.
Matty Matheson “Home Style Cookery”, $, available at Amazon
MasterClass Subscription
These engaging and beautifully produced online courses taught by a wealth of luminaries and experts (David Sedaris, Bob Iger, Stephen Curry, Timbaland, Aaron Franklin, to name just a few) are well worth the $180 annual subscription fee — there’s a class for every one of your man’s varied interests.
Masterclass Masterclass Subscription, $, available at MasterClass
Nike Air Max 270 Sneaker
Sneaker nerds are very, very, very hard to shop for — especially since the goods they covet the most are usually only available via raffles or hyper-inflated secondary market pricing. If you do decide to go this perilous gift-giving route, it’s best to choose a classic, perennially available style that can go into the giftee’s backup rotation, like the forever-cool Nike Air Max.
This top-reviewed pedal is a solid gift for the guitar player in your life who may not be crazy advanced yet but starting to experiment. What's so great about this gadget is that it makes repeat beats easy by stripping away all the complicated non-essential tech and leaves you with a 24-bit uncompressed high-quality audio and 5 minutes of pure looping.
TC Electronic Ditto Looper Guitar Effects Pedal, $, available at Guitar Center
Apple AirPod Pro
This devoted headphone user deserves an upgrade this year, and he’ll really appreciate the sleek designer and supreme sound quality of the “Pro” AirPods.
With his unrivaled green thumb, he’s able to keep even the most high maintenance sprouts thriving, and his apartment is filled with unusual specimens that he’s collected from cuttings over the years. He’ll appreciate a rarer plant baby like this spotted begonia.
wishlistland Angelwing Begonia, $, available at Etsy
Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whiskey
Recently, he and his boozehound spirit-nerd friends have all been freaking out about Japanese whiskey. A more delicately-flavored alternative to the bolder, sweeter American varieties, these grain-based spirits are selling out everywhere, with prices of available bottles skyrocketing into the thousands. This expertly crafted blend from Hibiki is a delicious and much more reasonably-priced option.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky, $, available at Drizly
Casa Dragones Tequila Blanco
If his whiskey bar is fully stocked and he’s looking to try something new, he’ll appreciate the gift of a top-rated tequila. While Casa Dragones’ premium Joven “sipping” variety can run you a few hundred dollars, the brand’s Blanco blend is a delicious option that’s ideal for mixing or drinking on the rocks — and it usually clocks in under $100.
Casa Dragones Tequila Blanco, $, available at Drizly
Dorset Crystal Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
If trying to guess his taste in spirits is a fruitless endeavor, just get him some nice drinking equipment instead. It doesn’t get more classic than a cut-crystal Old Fashioned glasses, and a set of two will only set you back about $40.
Dorset Crystal Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, $, available at Williams-Sonoma
Helinox Chair Zero
This top-rated camp chair is nothing short of miraculous; measuring no larger than a water bottle when packed up and weighing a single pound — but still supports up to 265 of human when unfurled into sitting formation. If the man in question is a fan of the outdoors, he’s definitely got his eye on this chair.
We will never stop hyping Cameo. It is an unforgettable, totally personalized, and — if you know where to look — affordable gifting option for the guy who has everything. (If you’re unfamiliar with the app, it contains a database of celebrities who will record personalized videos for the recipient of your choice. Fees and lead times vary depending on the celeb — a video from boxer Floyd Mayweather will run you a cool $2,000, while numerous 90 Day Fiancé participants will record a message starting around $30.) Only you know the talent that will please the man in question, but right now we’re considering personalized vids from iconic supporting characters onThe Sopranos or Tiger King’s John Reinke.
Cameo by James Garretson of “Tiger King”, $, available at Cameo
Driftaway Coffee Customizable Coffee
Subscriptions to this sustainable, farmer-supporting coffee bean company start at $60 for two months, and you can customize the deliveries to fit your giftee’s preferences and your budget. For caffiene-lovers who want to dive even deeper, the brand also offers expert-guided virtual coffee tastings.
Driftaway Coffee Customizable Coffee Subscription, $, available at Driftaway Coffee
Haden Dorset 1.7 Qt. Stainless Steel Electric Tea Kettle
If he’s more of a tea drinker, he’ll feel honored to receive this top of the line stainless steel electric kettle. It offers a temperature scale, convenient water gauge window, light indicator during boiling, auto shut-off (safety first!), and a spare filter. He’ll also definitely approve of the high-end design.
Haden US Dorset 1.7 Qt. Stainless Steel Electric Tea Kettle, $, available at Wayfair
Baboon Mini Go Bag
We are kinda evangelical about Baboon’s colorful, super-sturdy luggage and handbags. The company’s website — which is a trip of its own, resembling an acid-tinged graphic-design funhouse — carries durable products that will brighten up any trip with an eye-catching palette of every shade from fluorescent orange to a subtle eggplant. Their signature Go-Bag is a roomy, double-stitched duffle with convertible straps so it can be worn as a backpack.
We love the throwback vibes of this color-blocked North Face down shirt. Not only will it remind the cool dude in your life of his grade-school style — we’re sure he was on the verge back then, too — it will keep him seriously warm.
The North Face Unisex Down Mid-Layer, $, available at The North Face
Art Of Tea Wood Box + Sampler
Add in this handsome pine wood box of Art of Tea's pyramid teabags filled with its most popular sampling of teas.
Art Of Tea Wood Box Tea Sampler, $, available at Art Of Tea
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
No comments:
Post a Comment