20+ Unique Gift Ideas for the Man in Your Life (That Aren’t Another Pair of Work Socks)

Getting a gift for a male-identifying loved one used to mean shopping from one of three categories: sports, booze, and socks. And sure, while a new rocks glass might be what your dad or husband think he wants this holiday season, we promise there are hundreds of other gifts that will impress him. It’s time to think beyond the bottle of crew socks, people! Whether he’s your brother, your boyfriend, your pop, or your bestie, shopping for the dude in your life just got a whole lot easier because we found some of this year’s best gifts for men.

From tech gadgets to stylish wardrobe upgrades, there are endless options that will make him feel appreciated. Think about his hobbies and the activities that make him happiest—whether that’s whipping up a feast in the kitchen, relaxing with a good book, or exploring the great outdoors. No matter his interests, read on to find a gift that he’ll love.

Best gifts for men, at a glance:

For the cook:Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro, $182For the traveler: FYY Electronics Organizer, $13For the homebody: Bombas Men’s Sunday Slipper, $80For the trendsetter: Everlane Men’s Heavyweight Overshirt, $98For the gardener:Sunoyar Heavy Duty Pruning Shears and Gloves (4-Pack), $24For the host with the most: Vacation Royal Deluxe Pine Candle, $36For the tailgater:BrüMate BrüTank 35-Quart Rolling Cooler, $325For the neat freak:Shark Wandvac Handheld Cordless Vacuum, $129

Best functional gifts for men

Away Medium Softside Suitcase — $295.00

Whether he travels for work or just loves a weekend getaway, the newest addition to the Away line is a killer gift for any jet-setter. The Softside suitcase is flexible, yet durable, with compressive interior, tons of pockets, and a wipeable water-resistant shell. He’ll roll it with ease thanks to the 360-degree swivel wheels, and he’ll have quick access to important docs in the case’s two hidden front pockets. Choose from five neutral, trendy colors.

Calpak Luka Hanging Toiletry Bag — $58.00

Another great gift for travelers, the Luka toiletry bag from Calpak will help keep him organized on the go. It has multiple zip pockets, both inside and out, and a plush exterior to keep his products safe. Best of all, it has a retractable hook he can use to hang it just about anywhere. Choose from nine colors, from basic black to neon “celery” green.

Shark Wandvac Handheld Cordless Vacuum — $80.00

If he’s a bit of a neat freak (love that about him), he’ll be stoked to receive this handheld vacuum from Shark. The Wandvac is the perfect size for keeping in the kitchen or office to suck up errant crumbs or dust bunnies. Plus, it comes with an upholstery tool and a crevice attachment to tackle a wide range of surfaces.

AllSaints "Shoreditch Leather" Unisex Fragrance — $65.00

For the man who’s always complimenting you on how good you smell, return the favor with this warm, sultry bottle of AllSaints “Shoreditch Leather” fragrance. Indeed, it smells like a leather jacket—a little refined, a little badass, a lot really sexy. And it’s technically unisex, so ya know, you can spritz it on yourself, too.

Harry's Cooling Eye Kit — $28.00

My husband is really into this de-puffing kit from Harry’s. It comes with a cooling under-eye stick (packed with caffeine, soothing aloe, and menthol) and a sleek, weighted Gua Sha tool. Whether he’s a total beauty noob or a seasoned pamperer, it’ll make a great addition to his routine.

Every Man Jack Amber + Sandalwood Bath and Body Gift Set — $33.00

Looking for a gift that’s both practical and indulgent? The Every Man Jack Body Gift Set is a go-to for a guy who loves a minimalist grooming routine. It features essentials like body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and face wash in earthy scents like sandalwood, crafted without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Made with clean, plant-based ingredients, this kit makes it easy to feel and smell fresh while staying mindful of what’s on his skin. Bonus: It comes in a nice gift box, just add a bow and you’re good to go.

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker — $365.00

Have an aspiring barista in your life? Get him this beautiful, tech-forward coffee maker from Fellow. It produces pour-over quality brews (this former Chemex girlie has converted!) and features a super user-friendly, full-color LED screen that lets you schedule your morning coffee in a snap. Plus, if he’s not yet coffee savvy, the Aiden will guide him through the steps to perfect his process. It’s only available in one color, but the aesthetic is truly sleek and will go with just about any kitchen decor.

BrüMate BrüTank 35-Quart Rolling Cooler — $325.00

Calling all tailgaters, backyard barbecuers, and campers! My hub and I have this BrüMate cooler and it is, well, cool. Not only is it super durable and brilliantly designed, it comes with some really fun features. From the foam seat top to the built-in 1.8-gallon drink tank (complete with an external tap—how cute!), it’s got just enough bells and whistles to really feel worth the higher price point. Plus, the all-terrain wheels and seven-day ice retention mean it can keep up on any adventure.

FYY Electronics Organizer — $12.00

Organization is a gift. If the dude in your life agrees, get him this tech organizer pouch. It has two zip compartments, each with lots of little slip pockets to keep all his unruly wires and batteries in order. Choose from two sizes (small and medium) and 15 different colors.

Beats Solo 4 Over Ear Headphones — $150.00

It’s time to level up his tunes. The newest edition of the Beats Solo line features a lightweight design but a heavy-duty sound system that includes Spatial Head Tracking (a fancy-schmancy term that means the headphones adjust to your head movements to create a more realistic listening experience). Plus he’ll get up to 50 hours of wireless listening on a single charge. Available in three colors.

Best apparel gifts

Sperry Mountain-Sider Oxford — $139.00

Is it time to retire those boat shoes he’s been rocking since college? Upgrade his Sperrys with the brand’s sophisticated Mountain-Sider Oxford, which will take him to the office, happy hour, and everywhere in between. Don’t let their looks fool you—they’re seriously comfortable and sport a plush insole that cushions feet with every step. And the waterproof leather and hardy lug sole are strong enough to withstand rain, sleet, and snow, even on the crappiest days.

Bombas Sunday Slipper — $85.00

These newer slippers from Bombas are made from memory foam and snuggly soft sherpa to keep his toes toasty warm—seriously, now that it’s cold in NYC my husband never takes his off. They have a slightly raised back so they don’t go *slipping* off (see what I did there?) and a rubber outsole so he can wear them outside if he needs to. Fit tip: if he’s a half-size or between sizes, size up!

Tracksmith Men's Downeaster Quarter Snap — $150.00

Tracksmith is, first and foremost, a running apparel company—but even if he’s not a runner, he’ll appreciate this versatile long-sleeve top. It’s made with Merino wool (which will keep him warm and dry) and has a cute quarter-snap neckline to customize the fit and breathability. Who knows, maybe he’ll finally sign up for that half marathon he’s been eyeing?

Comfort Colors Crewneck Sweatshirt — $29.00

Comfort Colors is the new American Apparel, IMO. The brand’s basics are so soft and perfect for layering (I have a few Comfort Colors washed tees and they’re awesome). This crewneck sweatshirt is made from 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester for a flattering, relaxed fit. Available in 13 pretty, washed colors.

Everlane Men's Heavyweight Overshirt — $69.00

There’s no debate: Shackets are in. This one from Everlane is made from heavy organic cotton twill that can act as an outer layer on milder days or as a mid-layer under a coat. He’ll love the breast pockets, the flattering length, and the versatile colors (like toasted coconut or deep navy).

Sundae School Tiger Mom Fleece — $265.00

My husband is honestly annoyed that my favorite fleece from Sundae School is perfectly oversized for me, but too small for him. It’s so snuggly and warm, there are tons of pockets both inside and out, and the leopard pattern is an absolute head-turner. For real, I get compliments on it every single time I wear it out. Luckily, there are larger unisex sizes available, so Santa might bring my dude a different pattern for Christmas.

Best home gifts for men

Vacation Royal Deluxe Pine Candle — $36.00

If he’s the host with the most, he’ll love receiving a luxe candle. And, in an extremely over-saturated scent category, I have decided that the Royal Pine Deluxe candle from Vacation is *the* perfect pine fragrance for the holidays and beyond. It throws a wintery blend of Balsam Pine, Siberian Pine, and Norwegian Spruce, with notes of cedar, moss, and tonka bean for an elevated burning experience. Deluxe indeed!

Picnic Time Death Star Cheese Board — $50.00

Cue John Williams: If you’re gifting a “Star Wars” fan, this Death Star-themed cheese board will bring a smile to his face. It swivels open to reveal four stainless steel knives (a cleaver, a planer, a spreader, and a fork-tip), and swivels closed so he can display his fromage and his fandom.

Brooklinen Striped Lambswool Throw Blanket — $187.00

This German-made lambswool throw blanket from Brooklinen is a quality gift he’ll have forever. It’s so soft and warm (I own the moss color, pictured) and it comes in three beautiful, tasseled tones that match pretty much any aesthetic.

Sunoyar Heavy Duty Pruning Shears and Gloves (4-Pack) — $21.00

Gardeners are always losing their shears, so if the guy you’re gifting has a green thumb, get him this four-pack of heavy-duty cutters. Each pair is made of durable stainless steel and features a safety lock for, ya know, safety. The set also comes with a pair of grippy and protective gardening gloves.

Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro — $135.00

You may know the famed Always Pan from Our Place—but did you know there’s a titanium, non-stick version? Well, I did, because W+G Commerce Editor Francesca Krempa reviewed it herself. It’s just as sleek as the OG Always Pans, but ramps up the performance with fully clad, triple-ply aluminum and titanium construction. It also comes with the brand’s classic nesting wooden spoon and a bristle brush for easy cleaning. Yes, Chef!

Takeya Glass Cold Brew Coffee Maker — $26.00

This cold brew maker from Takeya is another W+G editor fave and a great pick for the coffee-loving guy. It’s a durable BPA-free glass pitcher that uses a fine mesh filter to keep grounds out, but let flavor in. The pitcher comes in two sizes (1-quart or 2-quart), both of which will fit in his fridge without taking up prime real estate.

Best food & beverage gifts

Fly By Jing Zhong Sauce — $9.00

Noodle dishes, scallion pancakes, grilled cheese—We. Put. This. Stuff. On. Everything. Fly By Jing makes an assortment of Sichuan spices and sauces, but the brand’s sweet and spicy Zhong Sauce is the favorite in my household. If he loves to cook (or loves to dress up take-out), it’s a great stocking stuffer.

Bero Brewing Variety Pack — $34.00

Full transparency, Tom Holland is my absolute biggest celeb crush. But that’s not the only reason I’m spreading the good word about his new N/A beer company, Bero—I also think it would make a great gift for the beer lover in your life because it’s darn good. The variety pack includes four of each of the brand’s three zero-proof styles: Kingston Golden Pils, Edge Hill Hazy IPA, and Noon Wheat. Hangover not included (thanks, Tom!).

Levain Holiday Tin Cookie Assortment (8-Pack) — $64.00

If you’re gifting a real cookie monster, he’ll squeal over an assortment of Levain’s beloved, oversized treats in an adorable holiday gift tin. Choose the assortment he’d like best (stick with the classics or opt for more seasonal flavors) and decide between an 8- or 12-pack, both of which come with free shipping. Hot take: my Levain order is actually the vegan and gluten-free cookie, even though I am neither vegan nor gluten-free. It’s that good.

Best game gifts

Sequence Classic — $15.00

Sequence has been around since the ’80s, but my husband and I just discovered it last year and we’re fully addicted. When we don’t feel like watching a show after dinner, sometimes we’ll just put on tunes and play a few rounds (loser does the dishes). It’s a strategy game that uses cards and chips to create five-in-a-row patterns. You can play with anywhere from two to six people, and it’s fast enough to not feel boring, but slow enough to have a little convo during the game.

Supernatural for Meta Quest

If he has the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, “Supernatural” makes an awesome gift. It’s a gamified fitness app that will get him moving and grooving in the comfort of his home. I tried it myself and it’s sort of like if Peloton and “Just Dance” had a baby. The workouts don’t require any equipment, just a subscription (which costs either $10 per month, or $100 per year).

Snakes of Wrath — $50.00

As I mentioned above re: Sequence, my husband and I love strategy games. This year, I’m getting him this tabletop tile game called Snakes of Wrath (shhh don’t tell!) that not only sounds really fun to play but forms a really pretty design during gameplay. I’ve not played it myself yet, but I do know that you and your opponent take turns laying tiles, and the goal is to decapitate the other person’s snake—yes, I’ve watched some preparatory YouTube tutorials, I’m very competitive! Each game lasts around 15-20 minutes, which is the perfect time for a two-player game IMO.

AstroBot for PS5 — $50.00

I included this in a gift guide for teen boys, and I know it looks like a kid’s game, but believe me when I tell you: my husband is in his late thirties and we both giggled like six-year-olds playing through this adorable and hilarious PS5 platformer. In fact, it was reported that Team Asobi (the makers of AstroBot) started development on the game by asking one simple question: “What would be fun?” Well, they figured it out, because AstroBot is hella fun.