Every year, a lot of men receive a gift that goes straight into a drawer. The novelty mug. The “World’s Best Dad” apron. The gadget that needs an app, an account and a firmware update before it does anything.
The best gifts for men are simple: something he’ll use often, made well enough that he’ll think of you when he does. Here’s our list, by budget.
Under $50
A really good pair of socks. Merino wool socks from a brand like Darn Tough or Smartwool. It sounds boring. He’ll wear them weekly and be quietly grateful for years.
A quality pocket notebook and pen. A Field Notes pack, or a Leuchtturm notebook with a Pilot G2 or a Uni-ball Jetstream. For the list-maker.
A cast-iron skillet. Lodge makes good ones at a sensible price. It’ll outlive both of you.
A good bottle of something. A bourbon, rye or Scotch he wouldn’t buy himself. Our list of whiskeys under $50 has ten we’d happily receive.
A shaving or beard kit. A proper soap or oil, from a decent brand, beats the drugstore gift set.
More ideas in our full list of gifts under $50 for him.
$50 to $150
A leather wallet that lasts. Slim, simple, full-grain leather. It should age, not fall apart. See our pick of leather wallets that last.
A cashmere or merino sweater in a neutral color. Navy, gray or oatmeal. He’ll wear it all winter.
A pocket knife or multitool. For the practical type. Check local laws on blade length. More in our guide to EDC gear that’s worth carrying.
Home bar basics. A shaker, jigger, mixing glass and a couple of good glasses. Our home bar starter kit explains what’s worth buying.
Wireless earbuds or a portable speaker from a known brand.
Kit list
- Merino wool socks$25
- Cast-iron skillet$30
- Full-grain leather wallet$60–$120
- Merino sweater$80–$150
- Bar tool set$40–$80
$150 to $500
An everyday watch. A well-made automatic or solar watch he can wear with anything. Seiko, Hamilton, Tissot and Citizen all make excellent options. Our guide to everyday watches under $500 has our favorites.
A good pair of boots. Classic leather boots in brown, from a brand that can resole them. A gift for the next ten years.
Noise-cancelling headphones. For the commuter or the frequent flyer.
An experience. A cooking class, a golf lesson, tickets to a game or a weekend away. Often better than a thing.
Over $500
A classic overcoat. Wool, in navy, charcoal or camel. The kind of thing he’ll keep for a decade.
A quality grill or smoker. For the backyard enthusiast.
A weekend trip. Booked, planned, and handed over in an envelope.
The Gent’s Verdict
BuyConsiderSkip
Buy one thing of quality over three things of novelty. A good wallet, sweater or bottle beats a stack of gadgets every time.
What to skip
- Novelty gifts that are funny for a minute and clutter for a year.
- Gadgets he didn’t ask for, especially smart devices that require setup.
- Clothes in the wrong size. If you’re not sure, choose accessories instead.
- Cologne you picked at random. Fragrance is personal. If you’re set on it, a discovery sample set is safer.
The best gifts are things he’ll use often, made well enough that he’ll think of you when he does.
The Everyday Gent
Planning the next decade? Read our career and money moves for your 30s. Buying online? The FTC has tips on shopping online safely, and the CPSC recall list is worth a quick check for gadgets and chargers.
How to choose
Think about what he does every day. Commutes, cooks, works out, reads, travels. Then find a better version of something he already uses. That’s the formula for a gift that doesn’t end up in a drawer.
Shopping for a father who claims he wants nothing? Our list of gifts for dads who have everything is made for him.
