Welcome to the 9th edition of my guide filled with Christmas gift ideas for men. Let’s call it the “late edition”… Em is 20 months old now and running around so that’s kept HK and I more busy than the early days. She’s a great overnight sleeper, but doesn’t love naps, so I happily co-napped with her this afternoon and now I’m writing this. Things are good this holiday season and I hope they are for you and yours.

Every year, this guide gets a little harder because by the time you’re 30+, the guys in your life have probably accumulated many of the “must haves” and the venn diagram of things that light the spark is getting smaller. With that in mind, I’ve decided to refine the list this year you can fill in any “must have” gaps more easily and hopefully spark some joy with some much needed upgrades.

These Christmas gift ideas for men are organized in order of the level of relationships to the guy in your life…but also price.

1. Stocking Stuffers: $1-50
2. Gifts for guys in your life like your boss, neighbors, and acquaintances who you deem worthy of gifts in general (<$100),
3. To your close cousins and close friends (<$200),
4. To brothers, dads, husbands, fiances, boyfriends and husbands. (<$999).
5. For the family – these gifts are definitely for him, but you and the household come out winning in the end too!

How Things Made This Guide of Christmas Gift Ideas for Men

1. Is this something he’d use every day? Men are usually functional creatures. My favorite things in life are items I use every day making my life materially better.
2. Is this something that will last? Guys buy certain things a lot and some things never. For example, I buy a lot of books all the time but I never buy clothes. I want to make sure whatever you get him will be something he doesn’t have to buy again unless it’s lost.
3. Will this make your life better over the next year? This is where books, movies, and other “tools” will not only benefit him but benefit you too. Win-win!
4. Will his face light up? This is the most subjective question. It’s really for you to answer for the man in your life. What do they love? What are their hobbies?

Stocking stuffer Christmas gift ideas for men ($1-50)

We can do better! *For a lot of these, get a big stocking.

Bedside Wireless Charging Station – While I love the speed and effectiveness of charging using a lightning cable, there’s always something so satisfying about MagSafe charging. That magical snap and when the charging symbol turns on. This has stood the test of time for me.

Milk Frother Wand – Whether it’s his protein shake, AG1, or milk for his coffee, this frother wand is used daily in our house and a must have in every kitchen. Gift yourself this stocking stuff.

Laptop Privacy Screen – Like having some tint on your vehicle, this privacy screen is a must-have aftermarket accessory. If he travels, save his seat neighbors from watching the same embarrassing tv show with him.

Ultraslim Bidet – Another one from the “best thing under $100 that changed your life” threads on Twitter that got me on this train. This super simple to install bidet has made a world of a difference. I see why people can’t go back after. Install it on any toilet and transform #1 and #2 this holiday season.

10,000 mAh Portable Power Bank and Charger – After recommending some Anker products the last few years and traveling for work again, I had to dive into power banks. Considering size, capacity, and cost, this is the best power bank, bar-none. Personally, I’ve seen it be able to handle 4+ full charges and it charges much faster than wall plugs. He’ll never be a wallflower again.

Meat Thermometer – Whether he roasts, grills, or BBQs this $12 tool is the best tool to have handy. He could do it by feel or time, but internal temp is the gold standard. He cannot fail a cook with the right tool to quickly measure internal temperature.

Travel Sized 30 oz Tumbler – Immediately one of the best Christmas gift ideas for men. I now have a whole series of these tumblers that we use everyday. Whether it’s keeping my cold brew at the perfect temperature, on my nightstand…not leaving a water ring, or in my car…this tumbler never fails. Personalize it for an extra special touch.

Where Should We Begin Game – I’ve been an avid listener to Esther Perel’s two podcasts: Where Should We Begin and How’s Work. She’s a world-renowned relationship therapist. Grab some friends, have a couple of glasses of wine and prepare to laugh, cry, and learn so many new things about yourself and grow closer with everyone you play with. 

Daily Journal – I don’t think and then write. I write to think. For the contemplative and observant types in your life. Tell them the greatest men listened and took notes when important people spoke. They take it as a sign of respect and active listening. No one feels respected even if you’re typing notes on your phone or computer. I personally use the square for notes, architecture diagrams, and brainstorming. Don’t cheap out on a daily-use journal.

Privacy Screen for iPhone – You know that awkward feeling when you login to your bank account on your phone somewhere random and public? If he does any work outside of the house, gift him a sense of privacy. Anyone not directly in line-of-sight will have visuals obscured.

39 pc Starter Toolkit – One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was a tool kit from my Dad. This gift ranks VERY VERY high in the “will this make your life better this year” category and the “is this something that will last” category. I use it almost weekly and bring it to friends who need a helping hand. This covers all the basics for any small project, earning its spot on this list of Christmas gift ideas for men.

($ – less than $100 Christmas gift ideas for men)

The #1 Gift – A framed photo of a cherished moment. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” – Maya Angelou. One framed photo capturing that moment is priceless. If you have it, frame it and hang it somewhere prominent. Honor and celebrate it. He’ll love it. 

Photobook – I was listening to a podcast recently and learned about the concept of “flooding” where you go into your photo album on your phone if you’re ever feeling down. If you scroll, you’ll be reminded of the dinners you’ve had, the friends you’ve laughed with, and other small everyday joys. Bring flooding to life with a photobook for him! There’s even space for a fun time writing notes or captions together to add to living memories.

Cashmere-lined Leather Gloves – You graduate into manhood when you get leather gloves. They go perfectly with a winter coat. He can use his phone with these gloves on as well for a fully modern touch.

MagSafe Portable Charger – I was at a business conference in Oklahoma when a one-man-band type investment banker saw me struggling with the last 10% of my battery. He gave me his in a pinch. I’ll never forget it. One of the best gifts I’ve received out of the blue and continue to use. If you gift it when his phone is below 20% and he’s livestreamings sports on his phone, you may see his heart flutter.

Aerochinno Milk Frother – This is sort a gift for you if he drinks his coffee black. The gift is really the smile you’ll have on your face after he’s made a late with crema and froth on a sleepy Sunday morning. Pair with Nespresso or Keurig and level up your coffee experience.

Secret Wash Classic Button Down Shirts – Lindy (something that becomes more credible with time). These continue to be a staple in my wardrobe and a small refresh every season is well earned and deserved.

Suffield Leather Belt – In the upgrade category, getting a leather belt that should last a lifetime is way up there in the gift category.

Merino Wool Cardigan – Once your man is wrapped in this cardigan, you’ll be ready to be put into a Hallmark holiday movie special!

Athleisure Long Sleeves – For my long sleeved brothers. I personally rock long sleeves as much as possible – whether it’s for warmth or sun protection. Great versatile long sleeves that he can wear to the gym, around the house, or out and about.

Tommy John Boxer Briefs –  Yes, really. Underwear has been off these lists for too long. No more! As a guy who has at times severely underinvested in underwear, take it from me that you want to spend a little extra on a few pairs of underwear. As the most intimate part of his everyday dress, these are a no-brainer on my list of Christmas gift ideas for men. Invest in keeping your man’s parts comfortable and dry. I also love that boxer briefs are comfortable and breathable enough to get a good workout in too. Get him a pair (like 2 pairs hah)

Athletic Long Underwear – If he trains or exercises at all, he needs a pair of long underwear. Getting himself a good pair is probably long overdue. I personally use this during no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and they’re perfect.

Sleek and Modern Winter Boots – A pair of sleek and modern winter boots that I’ve owned for 2 years. They are undeniably good looking, although I wouldn’t suggest doing an entire hike in them. Great for traversing light snow on ski trips and other light winter activities. Best for apres-ski versus hardcore hiking. Fit true to size. If he’s more outdoorsy and needs a true camping boots, you can’t go wrong with the Bean Boot.

Chef’s Knife – I’ve always found prepping and cooking to be therapeutic. This is only true when you have the right tools or it can be a nightmare. This chef knife changed the game. The sharpest blade I’ve ever owned and continues to be so even with daily use. I love that this chef’s knife is made from Japanese steel with cryogenic tempering. The high-carbon inner layer adds strength and weight, while the two outer stainless steel layers keep it durable and sharp. If he’s cooking regularly, this will change his life and I recommend investing in the trio.

Tech Daypack – After an honorable, multi-year journey with my Herschel Retreat Backpack, I’ve retired it to an occasional travel backpack. I’ve replaced it with Herschel’s Tech Daypack. After a decade of remote work, I’ve dialed in my precise needs and this Tech Daypack is full of little things that make it an improved daily driver including better pockets for organization, luggage trolley sleeve, and pocket for my water bottle. If he’s looking for an upgrade, but a messenger bag isn’t really his thing, this is a great gift idea for men.

Carry On Garment Travel Bag – After having a child, I’d say my biggest change is trying to shorten my business trips to 24-48 hours max. Often that means I just need to bring my suit and a change of clothes. This carry on garment bag is the perfect business travel companion. I don’t even want to bring a luggage if I can help it for day trips or overnight, so this becomes my best friend. If y’all goes to a lot of weddings or he goes on short business trips, this is a must have.

Long Sleeve Essentials – There’s a new kind of office wear that demands the flexibility of going from the home office zoom call, to the office, to a cocktail party. This new black long-sleeve is a must-have addition to his wardrobe. Extremely comfortable and lightweight, it’s hard to imagine a better “all-purpose” workwear shirt. My general feeling is this is the ABC Pants of workwear. Athletic feel, but professional trim that allows him flexibility in every setting. 

Slim Fit Dress Pant Essentials – Similar to the black long sleeve, as he ventures out into the world, he’s going to want some pants that are nicer than jeans, but not necessarily dress pants. These slim-fit pants from AG are especially good if he’s got an athletic build. 

Books

The Alchemist – You always remember your first. The first book I ever read front to back in one sitting. It was the book that Hoang-Kim recommended to me in college that completely flipped the switch for me. I hope it can open up the door in his mind too. Transformative reading makes it one of the best Christmas gift ideas for men.

Money For Couples – It’s no surprise Ramit graduated to writing Money For Couples. Having listened to his podcast religiously, it was clear the most interesting dynamic to work on is not individual personal finances, but what happens when you need to consider a household. I expect this to be powerful and actionable. It’ll be something Hoang-Kim and I read together in 2025.

I Will Teach You To Be Rich – Journal – To get beyond reading, you have to document and then act on your plans. We’ve done and acted on these the exercises ourselves. Take the time to do it. It’s funny that most couples don’t even know how much they make collectively, let alone how much they’re investing, saving, or spending monthly. This journal will bring you through a specific journey to fill out your Conscious Spending Plan and get you to automate all the right parts of your financial life.

Play Nice But Win – Michael Dell – I love books written by the main character. If he likes the gory details of business, he’ll love this book. Michael Dell talks in great detail about dealing with Carl Icahn while leading Dell, handling the take private, and navigating the capital markets to setup Dell to go public again. It’s a wonderful story of transformation, both personal and business, and tells the inside tale of building a near $80B+ juggernaut.

Expecting Better – If you’re starting your pregnancy journey, this is a fantastic book to read together. Emily Oster takes a data-driven approach to debunk many of the myths and wives tales we’ve traditionally heard. Having the men in your life read it will rid you of some immediate problems…like when you can eat sushi safely without being judged as a “bad mom.”

Skin in the Game – Just finished this book. Nassim Taleb does a great job reframing ancient principles into a modern framework. You probably know the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Or, treat others the same way you would like to be treated. But it’s very difficult to know exactly how you’d like to be treated at all times. That’s what makes the Golden Rule difficult to follow.

He advocates for a different kind of rule – what he calls the Silver Rule.

The Silver Rule is basically the “Negative” Golden Rule. Taleb writes it as follows: “Do not treat others the way you would not like them to treat you.”

Stated another way: if you don’t want “X” done to you, don’t do “X” to someone else. This rule is far more useful.

Elon Musk – No matter your politics, this inside look at one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time will make you appreciate the courage and perseverance required to bring renewable energy to the masses and make humanity multiplanetary. While it appears to be a beast of a book, it can be digested in easy to read, short chapters.

Reboot – The second book I re-read every few years along with The Alchemist. I feel so seen reading it. What I love most is that it’s interactive. There are 9 interactive chapters that ask critical questions that force introspection. If he reads this and is honest with himself, I promise he’ll learn something new and profound by the time he’s done.

Psychology of Money – People love great stories and Morgan Housel is a tour de force on finance sharing 19 stories that make you reframe most of your money life. You can join the 1M+ people who have now read these powerful short stories. Because this book is at the intersection of psychology and money, it should hook him immediately and I believe this will go down for the next decade as the best gift for men.

Adventure Challenge – 50 Scratch Off Date Nights – Got this after seeing a truly amazing video ad of strangers going on a date using this, but obviously great to keep the spark alive. We love that you get a little surprise with each date!

($$ – less than $200 Christmas gift ideas for men)

Weekend Bag – Squarely in the venn diagram of things he won’t buy for himself, but he needs. Having a great weekend bag that he can pack in a pinch for a weekend with the family or the boys is something you’ll be thankful he’s carrying over an old bag he used in high school or college in a pinch.

Paddock Diamond Stitch Vest – The key to handling days that go from 30 degrees to 75 degrees is layers. Having a great thin puffer vest is the perfect layer to stay warm in all climates. Depending on the circle he runs in, I’ve found it to be a very business casual friendly accessory that’s easier to manage than a sports coat.

Material Kitchen Knife Set – This adds two new characters to accentuate the chef’s knife in the $ section. The trio set includes a 6” serrated knife and 4” paring knife for very controlled slicing and dicing. Made with the same Japanese high-carbon steel, the full-tang design makes for an amazing balance that creates a very comfortable slicing and chopping experience.

Therabody Mini Massager – After a day of skiing, a friend let me borrow this. Wow! Totally helped my legs with muscle soreness and recovery. The percussion is so satisfying. Help your man relieve some tension.

SmartSleep Lamp – We’re sleep junkies in this household and this lamp will complete our setup. Some people talk about waking up and having no problem getting up immediately. I’ve felt that after naps, but not as often after sleeping overnight. Lighting and timing for when you’re woken up can play a big role in that rested feeling. The lamp’s sensors and capabilities will level up his sleep cycle. 

Lululemon pants that pass for work pants – As a long-time ABC pants customer, I know some of their pants can almost pass for dark chinos, which is a beautiful thing. These pants have fewer seams and give him a pseudo-professional look depending on his workplace and obviously, he can jump straight into the gym by just switching his shirt and shoes. Isn’t life wonderful with little miracles like this!

Stylish, Timeless Peacoat – If he doesn’t already have a peacoat in his collection, this one by J. Crew is a great start. Premium style without breaking the bank.

Legendary Air Fryer – After many years of daily use, we’ve upgraded to a dual zone air fryer. A worthwhile upgrade for something you’ll use daily. It needs to be awarded right up there with the microwave as one of the best inventions ever. Whether it’s a quick toast, cooking up some chicken nuggets, or re-frying takeout tempura, the air fryer rules supreme. He will be very happy to have crispy reheated pizza and fries. They keep previewing a whole roast chicken and I can’t bring myself to do it, but please send pics if he’s brave enough.

Whole Home Wifi– I run an internet service provider day-to-day and I can’t tell you how much this system has made our customers’ lives easier. I’m one of those people. This eero 6+ system is what all our customers get and everyone at the company uses at home. It’s a super quick install and blanketed every corner of our house with wifi and then some. It’s a must have if you have a home bigger than 2000 sq ft. This is one of the best Christmas gift ideas men because it can literally turn your house into a high speed oasis! The app is seamless and you can sign up for eero Plus that has bundled MalwareBytes, 1Password, and a VPN.

Airpod Pros – Hoang-Kim gifted me a pair of these like the wonderful miracle that she is and I haven’t been without them since. Another Christmas season and this still holds true. They are life changing. What’s unique to me is they are noise cancelling, but really smart in allowing certain ambient frequencies in so when a car passes by or someone is urgently talking to you, it comes through much more clearly at seemingly the right times than traditional noise cancelling headphones. Most importantly, they will survive a wash cycle or two. When technology is nothing short of magic like these, I crown it one of the best Christmas gift ideas for men.

Surround Sound Bar – This is a audiophile’s starter kit. I have the Bose Surround Sound system listed below if you’re looking for the all-out package, but this one by Samsung is how you start transforming your entertainment experience. You’ll never go back to flat sound.

Subscriptions

Wall Street Journal – One of the only publications I subscribe to. It helps me quickly get a 10-minute view of the world as I scan headlines and dig into any news stories. I always feel like it gives me a good sense of what everyone else is reading topically. WSJ is generally a good BS filter and a publication I still hold in high regard. Their crossword puzzles also aren’t to be trifled with! Make sure to take advantage of any new subscriber specials!

Audible – After polling several friends throughout the year, I’ve gotten over the fact that while I don’t like audiobooks, many many more people “read” books now that Audible is easy and accessible. The subscription comes with a large library and book credits that can be used for best sellers and the extended selection. Perfect for anyone with a commute.

Youtube Premium – It took me a while to finally cave, but being able to close out of the Youtube app while on my phone made this a no-brainer. There’s so much content from music playlists, podcasts, and presentations on Youtube that having easy, universal access makes it easily worth the $11.99/month.

YoutubeTV – The streaming wars are mostly over and YoutubeTV has earned its annual subscription. Get all the lives sports and local channels you may be used to from your cable bundle with the best user experience. If you’re looking to cut the cord, this is your home’s best bet. 

($$$ – Christmas Gift ideas for men that’re less than $999…with two exceptions)

Working man’s messenger bag – Ladies…look at that man go. I have a Ted Baker messenger bag I invested in during my first internship in NYC. I’ve never received more compliments consistently over the years. If he takes care of this bag, it’ll take care of him for a lifetime.

Meta Ray Bans – I’ve seen so many friends get them and enjoy them for capturing more candid moments while on vacation. Now that I’m a dad, I want them to do the same.

Cowboy Boots – From Yellowstone to Landman, Western is in! Every man needs a pair of good cowboy boots. End of story. If he doesn’t have a pair, get him a pair. He and everyone who sees him in them will thank you over the next few years.

Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones: Indispensable. My travel and office life have never been the same since. If he works in an open office floor plan and can wear these, get them for him ASAP. They are a staple for weekly or bi-weekly travelers. Pair with Dolby Atmos on Apple Music (you get a 6 mo. free subscription) and he will be L-I-V-I-N.

Herman Miller Sayl Chair – 25% off right now! I always say your most expensive tool is your cheapest tool. It doesn’t get the job done and worse, it can hurt you over the long term. Gifting the Sayl chair means buying comfort that lasts 8+ hrs a day. Hoang-Kim and I have sat in ours for an embarrassing number of ours and have no back issues. It’s truly incredible how comfortable, reliable, and supportive this chair is. It’s one of the most iconic office chairs for a reason.

Premium Surround Sound Bar – The sound is better than what I get in IMAX theatres in my opinion. Now if only my screen size could match. If you have a media room and are serious about your in-home cinema experience, this is the fastest way to get surround sounds without the entire home-theater install. This is really for the audiophiles. If he has streaming subscriptions or movies with spatial audio, he’ll never go back. Everything sounds flat after experiencing the Bose difference. Invest in the best or the only.

An alternative if y’all love a “feel it in your bones” bass and still keep the system under $1k, consider a combination of the lower end Bose Soundbar and add a Bose subwoofer

GIFTS FOR THE HOME & FAMILY:

Portable Jump Starter with Air Compressor – Every year I want to kick this off the list, but this gift continues to deliver. This year it was my mom’s car that needed a jump. Keep it charged up and never have an issue with low tire pressure or a dead battery…the two highest likelihood reasons you need to make “the call.” Especially good for road trips since it can help fill up balls and bicycle tires too. My favorite feature is that the compressor hose can screw onto your tire nozzle securely before turning on the compressor. This is one of those Christmas gift ideas for men that isn’t just a luxury, it’s a need.

Leather Recliner You Won’t Hate – It’s between this and the Lay-Z-Boy. If he’s been asking for a recliner, and you’re obliged to get him one that isn’t an atrocity for your living room (or any space for that matter), this is it. It’s a bestseller every month. The version we have doesn’t have a place for your head if you’re taller 5’11, but this version does. That sink-in feeling and support is so worth it. Note: you will need to plug this into an outlet or this battery pack.

Traeger – Is there anything this thing can’t do! If you haven’t been welcomed to the Traegerhood, let me be the first to do so. This bad boy grills, smokes, bakes, roasts, and everything in between. We’ve tested turkey legs, steaks, pork ribs, shrimp, and more. We’re well on our way to making a full smoked turkey for Thanksgiving. He will be cooking up a storm if he isn’t already with this – definitely one of the best gifts for men. It’s the YETI of grills. Hat tip to all the other owners out there. If you want to read our full review, you can read it here. There’s a WiFi enabled version that’s worth looking at if you want the convenience of connecting it to your phone or turning off the grill upon reaching a desired temperature. True dummy proofing!

Garage / Media Room Refrigerator – Someone once told me that the happiest people in the world are the kind of people who have a second refrigerator in the garage. It means you have enough to have it and fill it with drinks and have enough friends to come over and enjoy it together. Getting one has been on my list since we closed on the house. This is one of the few beauties that’s even available that you’d be proud of when you’re spending a day with the garage door open.

Vacuum that makes you feel like a certified Ghostbuster – I have a weird relationship with vacuuming. Namely, I love it. Something about vacuuming is uniquely soothing to me. Maybe it’s that there’s an instant result. Maybe it’s the sound. I’m not sure what it is, but like all the things I love in my life, I invest in the best tools. This vacuum is tiny, powerful, and doubles in making me feel amazing because of the shape and user experience. It’s one of a kind. We recently got this for a friend as a wedding present and his wife said she hasn’t seen him light up like that since the wedding hah! The Outsize+ is top-of-the-line. The V15 Detect is more reasonably priced with many of the same features, but half the runtime.

Tesla Model Y – Get up to $2000 off and 0% APR before December 31. I recently got mine after demo driving FSD and being absolutely blown away. I know I’m living in the future. Doesn’t hurt that 3-5 neighbors have one too. With the $7500 EV tax credit, you’ll be surprised how affordable the new models can be and easily compare to an outfitted Honda Accord or Honda Pilot, which would’ve been my alternative for a new car. I’d put it up against Hoang-Kim’s Lexus any day and I absolutely love Lexus.