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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.