Life

22 Useful Gifts For Practical Men That They’ll Actually Want

I have a really hard time shopping for the men in my life. I'm just not good at figuring out the things they'd really want. So instead, I look for practical gifts for men. You know, things that they can actually use.

No matter who I'm shopping for, I always say that a practical gift is a better gift. Instead of getting your partner, dad, or brother another sweater or tie, get them something that will make their lives easier. I'm talking tools that do double — even triple — duty, or a passport protector that also protects their private information. When you buy someone a useful gift, it won't just sit on a shelf, collecting dust.

To find the type of gift the guy in your life could get the most use out of, just ask yourself what they spend their time doing. Do they love to go outdoors? Are they always in the kitchen? Do they spend a lot of time looking for their keys? Whatever they do, there is going to be a gadget that makes that activity easier, more efficient or more fun.

Whoever you are shopping for, you can find them a gift that they'll use and thus appreciate — so don't give up and give them another gift card. To help you find the perfect present, this roundup features gift ideas for all types of practical men.

by Taylor Fuller

1. A Passport Case That's Also A Wallet

RFID Blocking Leather Travel Passport Holder, $25, Amazon

This dapper leather travel wallet is no ordinary passport case — it comes secured RFID blocking technology to protect your private information from getting compromised. The jet-setter in your life can store their passport alongside their ID and credit cards knowing their identity is safe — and really what's better gift than a little peace of mind?

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2. Keep Tabs On Keys, Luggage, And More

Tile (Gen 2), $33, Amazon

If you know someone who is always misplacing their keys or phone, a Tile is a great gift. It's a tiny GPS tracker that connects with Bluetooth so you don't misplace anything again. If you do loose track of your phone, simply touch your tile and it will ring, even if it's set to silent mode. Place it on your keychain, or in your bag, and if you lose those just check the app on your phone to find out where it was last seen.

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3. A Watch That Makes Your Day Easier

Fossil Q Founder Gen 1 Touchscreen Silver Smartwatch, $204, Amazon

Sure, you could get the guy in your life just any old watch. I'm sure they'd like it. But, why not get them a smart watch instead? For the same price as a mid-rang watch, you can buy a smart watch that receives display notifications for email, phone calls, texts, social media and more right on the face of the watch. This particular model has a refined stainless steel finish that makes it a wear-with-all. So, whether the man in your life is wearing a suit or cargo shorts, this watch will be the perfect, practical accessory.

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4. Keep Gadgets Organized

GRID-IT Wrap For Macbook Air, $43, Amazon

The GRID-IT is a great system for keeping all of your gadgets organized on the go. It's a laptop case that has a strap on the front of it to hold all of your cords, accessories, and tools in one place. It's a really great gift for someone who is tech-savvy and is always traveling. You can purchase it (for an unbeatable price!) in two sizes, 11 in and 13 in.

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5. A Multi-Tool That Can Be Kept In A Wallet

Victorinox Swisscard Lite Pocket Tool, $30, Amazon

If you know someone who likes to Macgyver their way out of situations, then this pocket tool would be a great gift for them. It's super lightweight and includes thirteen tools including a letter opener, scissors, rulers, tweezers, a magnifying glass, a straight pin, a ball point pen, a Phillips screwdriver, and an LED light. It can be slide into a wallet or attached to a keychain.

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6. Always Have A Charging Cable On Hand

NuAns MFi Lighting Cable, $22, Amazon

My friend is always losing his charging cables. He then steals everyone else's and claims that they were actually his to begin with. For his next birthday, I'm going to buy him these lighting cable keychains. They attach to your keys, belt loop, or bag for safe keeping. They are super flexible and durable which means they won't break or get tangled, and the metal ends will live safely in a cover when you aren't using them so they won't get damaged.

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7. Keep Those Headphones Untangled

Rustic Leather Key Chain & Headphone Wrap, $8, Amazon

I'm actually thinking of getting this headphone wrap keychain for myself as I'm always tangling mine. It's handmade from genuine leather and can be used to store your headphones or charging cords. One user said, "Very nice leather keychain. I was tired of going to the gym and having to untangle my headphone cord every time. Now I keep it on this convenient keychain where I can wrap it around and it holds it in place. It's thick leather and handmade."

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8. He Can Take Selfies On All Of His Adventures With A Bluetooth Remote

The Alaska Life Bluetooth Remote, $13, Amazon

If you know someone who loves to adventure and enjoys documenting it, then you should get them this Bluetooth remote. It's almost completely waterproof, weighs less than a pound, and can take photos at a range of 30 foot. That means you can set up your photo and take it from far away. Pair it with a tripod or selfie stick to complete the gift.

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9. An E-Reader For Your Favorite Bookworm

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader, $120, Amazon

Gift your favorite bookworm an e-reader that makes reading their favorite books super easy. The Kindle Paperwhite is a great option because you can read it day and night, in the sun or in the shade. There's no glare on the screen and a battery charge lasts for weeks. Plus, they can buy or check-out a book at the touch of a button, which will come in handy on a rainy day or when their lounging on a far away beach.

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10. A Power Strip That Makes Sense For A Traveler

AGPtek Portable Power Strip, $14, Amazon

What is it about hotel rooms and airports and their lack of outlets? As someone who travels with a lot of gadgets and is always needing to charge something, a tool like this would come in handy. It's a power strip with five feet of cord. It has four USB ports and an outlet section so you can charge everything at once. It's packable, and not bulky which makes it a great addition to a traveler's electronics bag.

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11. A Stainless Steel "Soap" That Gets Rid Of Bad Smells

Amco Rub Away Bar, $8, Amazon

If you know someone who is a chef or they just love to cook, then a stainless steel bar is the perfect gift. The bar gets rid of odors that can linger long after you're done cooking (like onions, fish, or garlic). One buyer said, "I was skeptical but I read a lot of good reviews for these and just had to try it out for myself...I had cut up onions, green peppers, and garlic, so this was going to be a true test. The first washing I was like, 'Wow! The smell is gone!'"

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12. A Pair Of Reading Glasses That Can Attach To Your Smartphone Or Tablet

ThinOPTICS Stick Anywhere, Go Everywhere Reading Glasses, $20, Amazon

Do you have a friend or family member that always forgets their reading glasses? If you do, then you should think about gifting them a pair of ThinOPTICS. They are super thin, lightweight, and durable and come in a case that can attach to the back of anything. I would suggest sticking them to a phone, phone case, tablet, laptop, or e-reader, so they're always on hand.

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13. A Mini Blanket To Take On The Go

Matador Mini Pocket Blanket, $20, Amazon

A super compact blanket is a great gift for someone who loves to go on adventures. It can be taken on a picnic, camping, or even on a plane. This small blanket is big enough for two people to sit side by side or for one person to lounge. It's water repellent and puncture resistant, so it won't get damaged if an adventure gets rained out, or it's placed on a rocky surface.

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14. A Backpack For The Traveler

TRAKK Vigor Durable Backpack, $100, Amazon

This is the ultimate travel backpack. It's waterproof and shockproof, it has a built-in power bank so you can charge your devices on the go, it has RFID anti-theft security pockets, and its detachable laptop compartment makes going through airport security a breeze. It's the perfect backpack for a travelers and is comfortable and durable enough that you can take it camping or hiking.

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15. A Wireless, Waterproof, Sand-proof Speaker

NudeAudio Super-M Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, $60, Amazon

If one of the guys in your life enjoys entertaining with music wherever they go, then they need a Bluetooth speaker that can endure the elements. Take this one to the beach, to the pool, to the next backyard BBQ, or even just put it in the shower. It's completely waterproof and sand proof and even has a side bumper to keep it safe from drops. The battery stays charged for up to eight hours before you need to plug it in.

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16. A Thin Wallet For All Of His Cards And Cash

Herschel Supply Co. Charlie Card Holder Wallet, $20, Amazon

I recently asked a friend of mine if he preferred to carry a regular wallet or a card holder. He recommended a card holder because it isn't as bulky but still allows him to carry his necessities. This one has multiple card slots and a top access storage sleeve for cash. It comes in 29(!) different styles and colors, so you're sure to find the prefect one to suit their style.

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17. A Keyring That Keeps The Rest Of His Things Safe

Premium Leather Orbitkey Gray With White Stitching, $40, Amazon

This unique key holder is made from genuine leather and is designed to do more than just keep your keys together. The locking mechanism inside the keychain keeps the keys covered to protect your keys from snagging on fabric or scratching your phone. You can also add a bottle opener or USB to the keychain if you want. The key ring comes in seven different colors.

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18. A Portable Shovel Tool Perfect For Outdoorsmen

IUNIO Military Portable Folding Shovel, $33, Amazon

Bringing the right tools on a camping or hiking trip is important. This portable folding shovel is a great one to throw in your pack just in case. It's sturdy and durable and can be used for several things. The multifunctional shovel can be used to dig, trench, chip, saw, open, shield, hang, raise, cut, hammer, climb, make fire, and more. The best part about it is that you can also use it at home as garden shovel or snow shovel when you aren't off adventuring.

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19. A Shaver They'll Love To Use

Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series, $60, Amazon

This shaver came recommended to me by a male friend of mine who loves a super close shave. This model has a 3-D pivoting head, rounded blades, and attached combs for a close and comfortable shave on their face, neck, chest, back, underarms, legs, groin area, and abs. They can choose from five different length settings to get the look they want wherever they want.

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20. The Perfect Ice Cube For A Whiskey Drinker

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge, $18, Amazon

Whisky connoisseurs and design enthusiasts alike will love this unique glass that chills drinks without watering them down. All you do is fill up a glass with water, place the silicone form inside, and put it in the freezer. When you remove you can easily remove the wedge, leaving the ice-y triangle intact. It looks cool and will leave you with a deliciously, chilled glass of whiskey.

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21. Help Him Take Care Of His Beard

Billy Jealousy Beard Control, $20, Amazon

If your brother, dad, or partner really embraces their beard, then help them take care of it. This beard conditioner helps control hair, but leaves it looking natural. Aloe leaf juice and jojoba seed oil work to condition, protect, moisturize, and add shine to the beard. One buyer said, "I love this stuff!...It gives me excellent hold and tames the flyaways all day long!"

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22. A Ten Piece Bar Tool Set So They Can Make Cocktails For Everyone

Oggi Pro Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cocktail Shaker And Bar Tool Set, $29, Amazon

Do you have any amateur mixologists in your life? If so, get them set up with a cocktail shaker and bar tool set so that they can mix up the best cocktails for all of their friends and family (and you!). This one comes with a double jigger, lemon/lime slicing knife, bottle opener, cocktail strainer, stirrer, tongs, cutting board, and a two piece shaker set.

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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