A gift guide for things men actually want, organized by price.
The older you are, the harder it is to ask for gifts. If you want or need something that’s reasonably priced … you’ve probably already purchased it. If there’s a big-ticket item you’ve got your eye on, you probably don’t feel comfortable asking for it. You’re self-sufficient, and proud of it.
‘Tis the season for gift-giving and receiving, however, and it’s important to remember that gifts are an opportunity for people in your life to express how much they care. It’s gentlemanly to suggest things that will mean something to you.
Don’t expect any help from traditional men’s gift guides. Most are a useless mish-mash of trendy overpriced, unrealistic, and plain weird things magazine editors *think* look cool on a page.
So we’ve created a practical gift guide for practical guys with more than 150 suggestions for gadgets, essentials, apparel, and household upgrades – items you probably don’t have, but could definitely use. Check it out, share it, and even use it for birthdays, graduations, etc. Pretty much everything was selected because it’s useful year-round, not just in December.
Our biggest gift guide ever.
What is Primer Approved?
On some of the gift ideas there’s a small “Primer Approved” badge. This is a classification we've used since 2008 for some of the products we’ve tested hands-on and feel they’re worth the money. Companies can’t pay for this distinction: The product we used must have met both the advertised promises and our expectations.
Jump to Price section:
Gift Ideas Under $30
Saphir Rénovateur Shoe Balm
You’ve invested in great leather boots, now use the right tool to care for them.
American Made
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Tell me this doesn't sound like the most perfect pan ever: It's nonstick properties get better the more you use it. It can be used on a stove, in an oven, or over flame. It's American-made. It'll make an amazing steak with the reverse sear technique. It'll last multiple lifetimes and if you mess it up you can strip it down and start over. And it's only $15. What else do you need?
Grooming Upgrades
Premium hair products work effortlessly, smell better, and last longer – the only problem is they cost more money. Higher priced grooming gear makes a great gift. Find out which hair product is best for your hair and style with our guide.
Watch the Time
Cufflinks are out, but watches remain as one of the only traditional men's gifts that we get excited about. Looking for more? Find all the best watch brands by price in our guide.
Portable Garment Steamer
More efficient than an iron and small enough to chuck in your carry-on, this powerful garment steamer eliminates wrinkles in minutes. Read why this is one of the best steamers we've used at this price.
Wallets Worthy of Your Money
Gift Ideas $30 – $50
Whiskey Rebellion
Upgrades to day-to-day luxuries are the perfect gift idea for the man who doesn't know what to ask for. For more affordable but highly respected options, read our guide The 10 Best Whiskies Under $50 That Don't Start With Jack, Jim, Johnnie, or Jameson. For some bottles that will truly impress:
Hibiki Japanese Whisky, $79.99 / Aberlour 16 Year Old Scotch, $70 / Blanton's Bourbon, $89 / Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, $69
Made in USA
Men's Home Haircutting Kit
Cutting your own hair can be surprisingly doable – this hefty clipper from 100 year old brand Wahl will last you the rest of your life.
Gift Ideas $50 – $75
Gift Ideas $75 – $125
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The best kept secret for easily cooking almost anything, including Primer’s super easy artisan bread recipe.
Eikei Washed Cotton Chambray Bedding Set
A man’s home is his castle, and this soft, sophisticated duvet cover and shams will have you sleeping like a king. One of our picks.
Ghostbusters Plasma Series Spengler's Neutrona Wand
A new casting of our favorite nuclear accelerator, display it on a shelf or add it to your overly-detailed, screen-accurate DIY Ghostbusters costume.
J.Crew Cashmere Hoodie
The ultimate upgrade for every hoodie-loving man, or the perfect style pull for the well-dressed man looking to nail casual a little more comfortably. Read our complete guide to sweater types for more.
Gift Ideas Over $125
Made in USA
Flint and Tinder Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket
Not only do we have and love this jacket, it's consistently super popular with Primer readers as well. Read why it's one of our best field jackets.
Seagull Acoustic Guitar
Seagull is a well-regarded Canadian brand that uses genuine hardwoods in all their guitars for a warm, bright sound. We featured it as the best budget guitar in our buyer's guide.