Life

50 Awesome Holiday Gifts for Men: Your Boyfriend, Dad and Brother Will Thank You

Whether he’s your father, brother, son, or significant other, the last thing you want to give him is yet another tie — and it’s almost certainly the last thing he wants to receive, too. This year, get him something awesome that he can wear often, use regularly, or even decorate with so he sees it every day. Here are 50 creative gifts dudes actually want.

by Robert Peterson

NIKE Men's Revolution 3 Running Shoe

They’re basic and go with everything, yet constructed of luxury materials and utterly, undeniably cool. Sure, these are technically running shoes, but they look great with any casual outfit.

NIKE Men’s Revolution 3 Running Shoe , $40-$275, Amazon

'The Papa'

If he’s been talking about getting back in shape or wants to reduce his carbon footprint, this is the bike to buy. The rider can switch back and forth between fixed gear and single speed, and the bike comes 90 percent assembled so you won’t be up until 2 am on Christmas Eve. Feel-good bonus: the manufacturer, Pure Fix, donates a portion of its profits to charity.

Pure Fix Cycles “The Papa” Bike, $300-400, Amazon

Cards Against Humanity

This may be the greatest game I have ever played in my life. It’s about time he let his “despicable and awkward” side loose.

Cards Against Humanity, $25, Amazon

Everyman Skinny Tie

If you must buy a man in your life a tie, let it be this can’t-go-wrong one. Dude is bookish? The houndstooth feels professorial. Preppy? It’ll look good with a navy sport coat. Too cool for school? The skinny silhouette says Williamsburg/Omaha/Portland. And the style-conscious guy will love the bright blue twill facing.

Modern Woven Skinny Tie, $10, Amazon

Globe Lamp

Feed his wanderlust with a gift that highlights the array of destinations still left to explore. A good companion for late nights at work.

Orion Relief Globe, $55, Amazon

A Man Bracelet for the Guy Who Likes Man Bracelets

So he enjoys braided jewelry. Giving is about him, not you, right? This one’s classic, made from exceptional materials, and won’t stand out too much. Wrap it up and remind yourself that at least now there is (probably) no danger of him wearing a hemp necklace ever again.

Men’s Black Braided Leather Bracelet, $27, Amazon

Superhero Cuff Links

For the present or former comic book junkie, a way to make black tie occasions or French cuffs a little less serious.

Superhero Cuff Links, $49, Amazon

Canvas Messenger Bag

Clean-cut, casually elegant, and the coated canvas is water resistant. He’ll take it everywhere.

Men’s Canvas Messenger Bag, $17, Amazon

Leather iPad Sleeve

Soft, strong and renewable, felt is the ideal material for housing his tablet. This sleeve’s separate compartment for documents and earplugs makes it extra functional, and the leather detailing (hand-dyed with earth-friendly dyes) makes it a case he’ll want to show off.

Mujjo Slim Fit iPad Sleeve , $100, Amazon

‘Doomed’

If he loved Fight Club enough to read the book, he’s likely a Chuck Palahniuk fan for life. Palahniuk’s 2012 novel Damned was acclaimed for its hilarious depiction of Hell. With Doomed , the author takes on Purgatory. It’s exactly the kind of holiday reading that makes a few days with the fam bearable.

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Burst Boot

I’m not sure if boots ever went out of style, but recently it seems like everyone is wearing them. These matte black leather boots are just the right amount of rugged.

Bed Stu Men’s Burst Boot, $110 - $165, Amazon

iPad Air

One of this year’s hottest gadgets, the Air is 28 percent lighter and twice as powerful as the original. The wifi, camera and display are better, too. If he lives for his iPad, give him the next generation.

iPad Air, $424, Amazon

Apple Watch Sport

A watch that allows him to answer calls, emails and texts all from his wrist? If he’s a gadget geek, this is the timepiece he needs.

Apple Watch Sport, $327, Amazon

Yamaha Guitar Starter Kit

You once caught him standing on his bed, air-guitaring to “Stairway to Heaven,” and he’s a recovering Guitar Hero addict. Help him graduate to the real thing with a starter kit that will actually get him somewhere.

Yamaha Guitar Starter Kit, $260, Amazon

Bottle Opener Fridge Magnet

Sometimes he wants a beer and doesn’t want to root through a packed drawer for ten minutes trying to find a bottle opener. Save him the time and frustration.

Bottle Opener Fridge Magnet, $14, Amazon

Wireless Sports Earphones

These wireless earphones connect to any device that supports Bluetooth, and they work up to 30 feet away. Because they’re sweat-proof and noise-canceling they’re great for anyone who likes to workout at the gym.

Otium Wireless Sports Earphones, $20, Amazon

UP Band

One of the most popular fitness trackers on the market, the UP band allows users to track their activity, sleep, and diet to optimize health.

Under Armour Jawbone UP3 Band, $114, Amazon

Monday Sweatshirt

Brighten his and everyone else’s least favorite day of the week with a garment that perfectly captures that Monday defeatism we all know so well.

Monday Sweatshirt, $43, Amazon

All-Inclusive Poker Set

If he wants to learn poker, the best way is by playing with friends who don’t mind busting his chops. This set has everything he needs to play casino style poker and practice until he can play with the pros.

Da Vinci Premium Poker Set, $60, Amazon

Fitness Tracker

This fitness tracker can monitor any activity from jogging to biking, as well as their sleep habits. It’s long-lasting battery charges fully in under two hours, and it works with any smartphone.

TwoBeFit Fitness Tracker, $27, Amazon

Hamilton Beach Indoor Grill

This indoor grill gets hot enough to sear meat, fish, or vegetables, and the non-stick cooking surface makes it incredibly easy to clean. It also comes with a removable smoke hood to keep the house from smelling like BBQ.

Hamilton Beach Indoor Grill, $59, Amazon

Battle Scene Watch

Going to work can feel like going into battle. Help him do it with valor with this wrist watch picturing a battle scene from classical art. Perfect for the history buff.

Battle Watch , $95, Fancy

Zombie Bow Tie

Right, another tie. But this is no ordinary tux topper. It looks standard from afar so he won’t look weird in pictures, but up close, he becomes the guy who dared wear a zombie tie to your cousin’s wedding.

The Walking Dead Bow Tie, $26, Amazon

The Original Wayfarer

There’s no replacing a classic. Here’s hoping they’ll inspire him to go all Risky Business on you.

Original Wayfarer Classic , $162, Amazon

NFL Sunday Ticket Package

He’s a huge football fan, but he lives in a city where his home team’s games aren’t broadcast. If he has DirectTV, he’ll never miss another touchdown.

DirectTV NFL Sunday Ticket Package, $60/month, DirectTV

Tarantino Movie Collection

In this writer’s humble opinion, Tarantino is a god. He creates big-budget features without sacrificing his art house influences, usually to huge critical acclaim. Give the gift of eight bloody, sexy and irreverent films from the master.

Tarantino XX, $113, Amazon

Amazon

Handmade Booze Rack

This wine rack is a pricier gift, but it’s so incredible that he’ll never forget it. Plus, if you live together, you’ll both be reaping the benefits.

Wine Rack Liquor Cabinet, $199, Amazon

Homemade Leather Bound Book

He’s a writer, or just a dreamer. Either way, he’ll appreciate this handsome, handcrafted notebook for the ideas and thoughts that won’t wait until he gets back to his computer.

Homemade Leather Bound Book , $23, Amazon

Slingbox 500

This is the stuff dreams are made of: a device that allows you to watch anything on your DVR anywhere you want. A lot of people don’t know this device exists. He’ll wonder how he ever lived without it.

Slingbox 500 , $250, Amazon

Grid It Organizer

This cool organizer can take even the messiest guy’s stuff and make it appear to be organized in a very intentional way. Basically, it’ll save him from his desk clutter.

Grid It Organizer, $19, Amazon

The Perfect Pocket Square

He doesn’t just wear suits, he chooses them with care. Maybe it’s time he added this classic finishing touch.

100% Woven Silk Pocket Square, $12, Amazon

Derby Shoes

These are not your typical wear-to-work shoes, but he’s not typical either. The canvas material keeps these light weight, and the bold laces give them edge.

Original Penguin’s M en’s Derby Shoes , $40-170, Amazon

Microsoft Lumia 640 Phone

Some people are iPhone people and some people are foolish. Just kidding, but if you happen to be anti-Apple, this is a phone worth looking into. Designed for those who want an upgraded camera, this phone takes crystal clear photos, and it’s ideal for folks who prefer a Windows operating system.

Nokia Lumia 640 Phone , $97, Amazon

'VOLT ink.'

Since the Voltaggio faced off on Top Chef , they’ve been on a straight path to culinary domination. For the chef who likes pushing his own limits, this cookbook offers a wealth information about specific foods and ingredients – buckwheat, citrus, mollusks — and how and why the Brothers do what they do.

VOLT ink.: Recipes, Stories, Brothers, $22, Amazon

Kitchen Tablet Mount

If he loves to cook, get him this brilliant tablet mount that allows him to use his iPad or Microsoft Surface without worrying about it getting sticky or spilled on in the kitchen.

Kitchen Tablet Mount, $30, Amazon

THE Headphones

Are these not the most gorgeous headphones you’ve ever laid eyes on? But don’t give them for their looks, do it for the craftsmanship and superb sound. This foldable pair features a rechargable battery and a comfy, lightweight feel he’ll love.

Plantronics Backbeat Sense Wireless Headphones, $138, Amazon

FU Loafers

The ultimate statement loafer. No one he knows has shoes this cool.

YRU Lavish Statement Loafers, $75, Amazon

Champagne Sabre

You will forever be the sister/daughter/girlfriend/wife who gave him a sword for Christmas or Hanukkah. How will he ever repay you?

Laguiole Champagne Saber , $250, Amazon

Stance Guadalupe Socks

If there’s a skater guy in your life, who’s also not afraid to rock bold fashion choices, he needs these socks. Don Pendleton’s artwork has decorated skateboards for years – now your recipient can have it underfoot even when he’s not on wheels.

Stance Guadalupe Socks, $14, Amazon

The Art of Shaving ‘Royal Shave’

Getting a shave is one of those things that you don’t know you love until you finally get to experience it. It’s amazing how relaxing having someone hold a sharp blade to your neck can be.

“Royal Shave”, $55, The Art of Shaving

Exotic Car Club Membership

He’s always dreamed of driving a Lamborghini or Ferrari. Now’s his chance. This experience will put him behind the wheel of a car that’s more expensive than some houses and allow him to drive as fast as he wants.

Imagine Lifestyle Exotic Car Driving Experience, $150, Imagine Lifestyle

'Dark Knight' Poster

This is no dorm room movie poster. The graphic print captures The Dark Knight’s timeless themes in a striking, unforgettable representation of the film.

“Dark Knight” by Brandon Schaefer, $15-$80, Inprnt

Ceramic Speakers

These speakers are gorgeous, but that’s just the beginning. Made from simple materials — porcelain, cork, birch, sheet metal — they deliver nuanced sound, whether he listens to mp3s or is a vinyl geek. If you don’t want to spring for the whole system, you can purchase just the speakers and amp or just the subwoofer.

Joey Roth Complete System, $1,195, JoeyRoth

Classic Duffel

Rustic and luxe at the same time, this classic, take-anywhere bag will get compliments for years.

Tommy Bahama Canvas & Leather Duffel Bag, $350, Nordstrom

Beer and Cheese Class

If he’s NYC based, this class will teach him how to pair his favorite brew with a cheese that brings out all of the flavors of both. The session concludes with private, after-hours shopping at Murray’s at a 10 percent discount.

Murray’s “Harmony of Beer and Cheese” Class , $75/person, Murray’s Cheese

A Message from Walt

He can’t quite let go of Breaking Bad, and now he doesn’t have to when he wears this straightforward Walter White, “I Am The One Who Knocks” sweatershirt.

I Am The One Who Knocks Sweatshirt, $32, Amazon

Bacon of the Month

For the meat lover, this is a no-brainer. He’ll get a new variety of bacon delivered each month, and for extra, you can throw in a “Bacon Jerky Sampler” and something called a “Bacon Pancake Pack.” Prepare to score major. points.

Bacon of the Month Club Membership, $50/month, Bacon Freak

Round of Golf at Pebble Beach

This is the course that most golfers dream of playing someday. It’s almost impossible to become a member (not to mention financially prohibitive), but if you land a tee time, he’ll start the story with, “Want to know the best gift I ever got?”

18 Holes of Golf, $495, Pebble Beach

Bombfell.com Membership

Bombfell won’t just send him designer duds every month, although that in itself is cool. Based on his answers to a few questions and his social media activity, the startup’s algorithm chooses clothes tailored to his body, taste and lifestyle. Then a personal stylist makes the final selection. And if he doesn’t like it, he can send it back.

Bombfell Membership, $69/item and up, Bombfell

Perfect Pushup

The Perfect Pushup makes a great gift for fitness enthusiasts of any level. This tool will help them maintain proper form and engage more muscle groups to get the most out of their pushups.

Perfect Pushup, $30, Amazon

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle’s editorial and sales departments.

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