Shopping for any man in your life, whether it’s your father, boyfriend, husband, or brother, can prove to be a legitimate challenge come holiday season or birthdays. There are few things more frustrating than searching through stores for hours on end with no ideas in mind. Even for the man who is almost too easy to please, finding a present that will excite him can feel next to impossible. You don’t want to go for something he already has and you don’t want to opt for a knick-knack that will go unused— so what should you be looking for?
Fortunately, we’ve come up with a genius list of 9 clever gifts for the man in your life that will get you at least one step closer to coming up with the perfect present. Not only will these 9 unique gifts impress the dudes who didn’t even think they wanted anything, but they’ll earn you well-deserve brownie points for years to come.
1. Custom socks
The older you get, the higher you value receiving socks as a gift—we don’t make the rules! Socks make fashionable and functional gifts that will definitely see life outside of their initial unwrapping. That is, as long as you pick out the right socks for him. For the basketball lover, a pair of NBA socks is a smart move. For the outdoorsman, a pair of insulated wool socks is pure genius.
2. Luxury bathrobe
When it’s time to wind down after a nice, warm shower, he’ll absolutely love the idea of lounging around in a luxurious bathrobe until bedtime. If you’re working with a bigger budget, a satin bathrobe should be your top consideration. For those looking for an inexpensive buy, opt for a terrycloth bathrobe.
3. Noise-canceling headphones
Whether he’s a music lover or just loves his daily dose of peace and quiet, a pair of noise-canceling headphones are sure to make for wonderful birthday or holiday presents. And fortunately for you, noise-canceling technology has become more popular, meaning it’s also become less expensive. Whatever budget you’re working with, you’ll be able to find a suitable set for the man in your life.
4. Insulated water cooler
If he’s a beach lover, avid camper, or frequent griller, an insulated cooler may be the key to his heart. Not only can he stock up on all of his favorite beers and beverages, but he can tote a cooler around wherever life takes him next. For the heavy-duty man, consider a spacious hard cooler. For the occasional indulger, a soft cooler is more compact and portable.
5. Heated shaving cream dispenser
Ask any man—there are few things more luxurious than the feeling of a warm shave. Bring the fanciness of the barbershop right into his master bathroom with a heated shaving cream dispenser.
6. Waterproof Bluetooth speaker
For the man who always has a playlist readied for any occasion, whether it’s a kickback with friends or a cross-country road trip, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker is a great way to let him showcase his impeccable taste in tunes everywhere he goes.
7. Slackline
For the man in dire need of a new hobby outside of his ultra-comfy man cave, a slackline may be the answer he never knew he was looking for. While they’re incredibly easy to set up, they’re not as easy to get the hang of. He’ll love the challenge and it’s the perfect excuse to get him immersed in the great outdoors.
8. Whiskey subscription box
For the many who loves to indulge in the finer, darker liquors in life, gifting him a monthly whiskey subscription box will have him looking forward to the first of the month. Consider these three fan-favorite subscription boxes:
9. Paddleboard
Take his love for the waves and turn it into a gift he’ll appreciate. A stand-up paddleboard is the perfect excuse for him to get lost at sea without any of the wear and tear that comes with surfing or swimming. Though most paddleboard can put a pretty dent in your wallet, inflatable paddleboards are significantly more cost-efficient.
With these clever gift ideas, you’re just one purchase away from a toothy smile and a genuine “thank you” from the man in your life.
