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 100 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 best 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 for Men Under $30
Re-discover your love of comics with these graphic novels that are considered some of the best ever published and inspired the most recent Batman movie.
I would never justify spending $35 on deodorant, but I received this as a birthday gift and absolutely love it – the perfect gift!
The internet's favorite beard grooming line has premium scents and works great. Makes a great kit or stocking stuffer.
Add it to your briefcase, your camera bag, your luggage – heck some even use them on dog collars.
Time Cube Productivity Timer
Simply flip the cube to the amount of time you want to focus and the alarm will buzz when it's time for a break. One of our best productivity tools.
Gift Ideas for Men Under $50
I've had this Victorinox chef's knife for years and it's still as sharp as when I got it. But don't take my word for it, look at the impressive average rating and number of reviews.
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders
If you're a person that hates tourist traps, this book will help you find new destinations.
Wonder Valley Olive Oil
Upgrades to things like cooking essentials are wonderful gifts. I first discovered this delicious (and well-designed) olive oil while in Joshua Tree and have given it as gifts myself.
Catan Board Game
Kind of like Monopoly – but faster, lots of fun, and better strategy – so I guess nothing like Monoply, really. Just don't roll a 7.
Gift Ideas for Men Under $100
60 Foot Extension Cord Reel With Power Outlets
Once you have it, you'll use it constantly. Featured in our 12 Simple Upgrades for the Frustrating Things We Keep Putting Up With.
I get compliments on this camera strap every time a photographer sees it. Beyond it's soft, thick feel and cool pattern, the Slide features Peak Design's patented quick release system so you can take it off or put it on other cameras easily.
Midweight Pocket Sweatshirt
This sweatshirt has all of our favorite features in a retro gray sweatshirt.
Gift Ideas for Men Under $200
These premium room sprays from Aesop will have your home smelling like your favorite men's store. This pack of 3 gives you different scents to stash in different parts of your place. Great, masculine smells that last.
Gift Ideas for Men Over $200
I've gotten really into VR over the last two years and I have put some serious time in with all of these accessories.
Meta Quest 2 / Meta Elite Strap (Absolutely worth it, way more comfortable) / Anker Wireless Dock / Quest USB battery / ProTube VR Stock
The electric pourover kettle from Fellow is the top name in the game with premium construction, a digital temperature wheel, and a sleek modern design you're proud to have on your countertop.
Ultra Short Throw projectors give you the size and fun of a projector while being able to sit it right up against the wall you're projecting it on. The Epson LS300 balances features, price, and trust in a brand name. (Something not common in the burgeoning home projector segment.)