Every year, the holidays roll around and the race to find the most showstopping, one-of-a-kind gift for your loved ones begins. But sometimes the best presents — especially if you’re shopping for a boyfriend, husband, dad, brother, or any other guy in your life — are the everyday upgrades that may be a bit unexpected, but surprisingly full of heart. So, this year, skip the gift cards and bottles of scotch because we’re serving up something much better.
In the slides ahead, we’ve cracked the code for finding a present any man in your life will absolutely adore. The trick: He might not even know it was something he wanted or needed until you hand it to him wrapped up in a bow. If there’s one unifying factor among our gift picks this year, it’s a throughline of practicality and function with an elevated twist — think everyday utility gloves reimagined in luxe suede, or a limited-edition pair of trail runners.
Without any further ado, we present the ultimate wish list of thoughtful gifts sure to delight and surprise any guy on your list.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Alex Mill Vinny Sherpa Jacket
Does he already own a fleece? Almost certainly yes. How old is it? If you’re afraid to ask, then it might be time for a new one. We love this one by Alex Mill, which has all the elements of his favorite lived-in jacket — roomy pockets, soft fleece lining, and a comfortable, boxy fit — with interesting details like contrast zipper pulls and patch pockets.
Alex Mill Vinny Sherpa Jacket, $, available at Alex Mill
Warby Parker Weller Sunglasses
Most men we know treat sunglasses as a functional item, not so much as a fashion accessory. Think of these Warby Parker frames as a 2.0 take on the classic Aviator shape, which is flattering on most face shapes. (If your guy wears glasses, get these with prescription lenses to really make his year.)
Warby Parker Weller Sunglasses, $, available at Warby Parker
Kith for Malin+Goetz Vapor Body Wash
We can’t bottle relaxation, but this foaming body wash comes close — and will be a welcome upgrade to any man’s self-care routine.
Kith for Malin+Goetz Vapor Body Wash, $, available at Kith
Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen
Many of us have had a collective waking-the-F-up when it comes to UV protection — which hopefully extends to the guys in your life. Help him keep a good habit going with this new Kiehl’s formula, which has a lightweight serum texture that he’ll love to use, and has good-for-you ingredients to hydrate and pamper his skin.
Kiehl's Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen, $, available at Sephora
Skims Mens 3" Boxer Brief
ICYMI, Skims has the boys covered these days (literally — the brand is the official underwear of the NBA). Leave loose elastic and hole-y boxers in 2024, and help him enter the new year with the soft, breathable undies he deserves. Plus, the brand is a tried and true favorite among R29 editors, so you already know the quality is there.
Skims MENS 3" BOXER BRIEF, $, available at Skims
Suitsupply Brown Gloves in Suede
Gloves are a winter necessity, so treat your giftee to a fancy pair he may otherwise not splurge on for himself. These buttery suede gloves will not only warm his hands, but also his heart. (Aww!)
SuitSupply Brown Suede Gloves, $, available at Suitsupply
Away The Front Pocket Carry-On
We can’t make holiday travel less stressful, but the right luggage can make the journey much smoother. Away’s upgraded version of its OG carry-on features an easy-access front pocket for important documents, a laptop, tablet, or other essentials he’ll want on hand.
Away The Front Pocket Carry-On, $, available at Away
Sephora Favorites Cologne Sampler Set with Redeemable Voucher
Gifting fragrance for anyone is a tricky bet, unless you’re buying the fifth bottle of their signature scent. Luckily, Sephora has solved for the uncertain variable with its Cologne Sampler Set, which includes 11 sample vials (which alone last a deceptively long time), plus a voucher to redeem for a full-size bottle of his favorite.
Sephora Favorites Cologne Sampler Set with Redeemable Voucher, $, available at Sephora
Bombas Men's Marl Calf Sock 4-Pack
Socks may not be the splashiest gift idea, but adulthood is learning to appreciate a high-quality pair. Bombas is known for its three C’s — comfort, compression, and cushion — all of which any guy will want more of in his sock drawer.
Bombas Men's Marl Calf Sock 4-Pack, $, available at Bombas
Nisolo Loreto Messenger Bag
A work or commuter bag is an inherently functional accessory in his day-to-day routine, so why not make it a stylish one? This leather Nisolo messenger is sleek enough to not add unnecessary bulk or weight, and is decidedly easier on the eyes than a backpack.
Nisolo Loreto Messenger Bag, $, available at Nisolo
The North Face x UNDERCOVER SOUKUU Offtrail TR
Trail sneakers aren’t only for those who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors. Plus, he’ll love the extra fashion points that come along with copping this pair (which are comfortable and ruggedly stylish) from the limited-edition North Face collab with Japanese cult label Undercover.
The North Face TNF X UNDERCOVER SOUKUU Offtrail TR, $, available at The North Face
Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag
If he’s still traveling with a free gift-with-purchase toiletry bag (or worse, a plastic Ziploc), give his personal care items a permanent home in the form of this Cotopaxi dopp kit. He’ll love the multiple zippers and water-resistant fabric, not to mention the outdoor essentials brand’s subtle house codes like color-blocked zippers and the signature llama logo.
Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag - Cada Día, $, available at Cotopaxi
The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm
Friends don’t let the guys in their lives walk around with dry, cracked lips. If he hasn’t found a lip balm he’ll actually use regularly, we’re willing to bet that this one will change that. The Ordinary’s first-ever lip product feels like a lightweight serum (i.e. not heavy or glossy), making it an option he won’t mind reaching for.
The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm, $, available at Sephora
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
The right pair of headphones can transform a listening experience, making background music sound like he’s hearing his favorite band live. Beats is a tried-and-true purveyor of all things audio, and the Studio Pro is the ultimate treat for any music lover on your list.
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, $, available at Amazon
Bonobos Hudson Sweater Polo
This short-sleeved, collared knit is perfect for everyday wear, and is all but guaranteed to transform your giftee into a walking compliment magnet. Plus, it will become a go-to for transitional dressing or layering for seasons to come.
Bonobos Hudson Sweater Polo, $, available at Bonobos
Otterbox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather for MagSafe
We say this with love, but men are not always the gentlest creatures with expensive gadgets. If he has the cracked iPhone screen to back up this claim, it’s time to gift him a phone case that will not only look good, but will also protect his device from falls, drops, and other accidents.
Otterbox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather for MagSafe, $, available at Otterbox
Smythson Dreams And Thoughts Panama Notebook
Sure, his Notes app gets the job done, but we’d argue that handwritten notes are becoming a lost art. This elegant Smythson notebook is perfect for jotting down bon mots, grocery lists, spontaneous love letters…shall we continue?
Smythson Dreams And Thoughts Panama Notebook, $, available at Smythson
Aimé Leon Dore Micro Logo Hat
He’ll know a cool dad hat when he sees it. (Aka…right when you give it to him!)
Aimé Leon Dore Micro Logo Hat, $, available at Aimé Leon Dore
The Best Paste Matte Firm Hold Hair Paste
Celebrity groomer Kristan Serafino (whose A-list clients include Ryan Reynolds, Willem Dafoe, Jake Gyllenhaal, and other leading men) is behind The Best Paste — an easy-to-use styling pomade, which is the next best thing to sitting down in her chair.
The Best Paste Matte Firm Hold Hair Paste, $, available at Nordstrom
The Frankie Shop x Barbie Ronan T-Shirt
You’re Barbie, and he’s (still) just Ken. But, he’s your Ken — and that’s what matters. Make him smile with this sweet cotton T-shirt from The Frankie Shop’s Barbie collab.
The Frankie Shop Ronan T-Shirt x Barbie™ - White, $, available at The Frankie Shop
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