Gifts for men that 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 editors *think* look cool on a page. I don't know about you, but I'm not in the habit of spending a grand on gifts for every man in my life.
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. Many are cheap, cool, or practical, but all of them great to have. 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
This isn't just any magazine – LA-based The Motoring Journal is a coffee table essential, striking a delicate balance between magazine and book, filled with beautiful photography and an appreciation for taste. If you're in Los Angeles, enhance your experience by visiting their complementary coffee shop, a unique space where the passion for vehicles is as rich as the coffee served. It's a classy, small gift idea for any man who digs machines on wheels and artful shots.
Crafted by the masters of Japanese minimalist design, Kinto mugs aren’t just about function; they’re a statement in style and sophistication. Perfect for the man who appreciates the blend of retro elegance and modern functionality, this mug is an essential upgrade for a refined daily coffee ritual. And if he's like most men with mugs, this under $30 gift idea will stay with him for life.
Negroni Cocktail Glasses
Low, wide, and handsome, your favorite cocktail just got an upgrade that looks much more expensive than it is. Read why we use different cocktail glasses.
Anonymous Ism, a distinguished Japanese brand, excels in creating socks that you'll actually want as a gift. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and use of premium materials, these socks are a perfect blend of durability and style.
Just like a power drill revolutionized screwdriving, Drill Brush does the same for cleaning – effortlessly blasting through grime and dirt. These tough, drill-mounted brushes are available in different stiffnesses and are a game-changer for any cleaning task. It's a cheap gift idea he didn't even know existed but will find himself using over and over.
Hardshell Gadget and Travel Organizer
Upgrade your travel dopp kit per our recent guide with this clever repurposing of a gadget organizer.
Gift Ideas for Men Under $50
My go-to notebook and workhorse pen, both from Leuchtturm1917. I upgraded to a larger Moleskine-style notebook over a year ago and love the space for teasing out thoughts, being able to connect ideas, and keep projects in sight within a page spread. The Drehgriffel No. 1 gel pen is solid and minimalist without caps or pocket clips to get in the way, plus it's great as a gift since it can be personalized.
Refine your grooming with Beardbrand Trimming Scissors, a tool I've relied on for years for precise clean-ups and trimming. These scissors, featuring Japanese-made stainless steel blades, are perfect for detailed work on beards, mustaches, eyebrows, and sideburns. Compact and exceptionally sharp, with a hardness rating of 55–56, they're your go-to for maintaining a well-groomed look, effortlessly trimming those pesky hairs with precision and ease.
Gift Ideas for Men Under $100
Something consumable that's nicer than what you normally get for yourself is one of the single best gifts for men who have everything. Green Spot is an Irish Whiskey with a high reputation among aficionados yet still flies under the radar. If you're a fan of Redbreast, give it a try. Read our complete modern man's guide to Irish Whiskey or our list of the best whiskey's under $100. (Spoiler, this one is on it.)
Weighted Cooling Blanket
I've had my generic weighted blanket for years, and rave about it to anyone who will listen.
The Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 is where aesthetics meets swift charging. With MagSafe technology, it powers up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods rapidly, all while sporting a sleek design that enhances any desk or nightstand. It's the perfect blend of function and style, ideal for the tech-savvy who appreciate both efficiency and elegance in their everyday gadgets.
Timex Harborside Coast Watch
A budget-friendly watch makes a great gift for a guy. Read our full review of this handsome dive-inspired timepiece.
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Watch holds a unique place in horological history as one of only two watch brands ever worn on the moon – and unlike its Omega counterpart, it's surprisingly affordable. This timepiece is a tribute to the Apollo 15 mission, offering a blend of celestial history and precision engineering at a fraction of the cost. Shown here on a third party gray strap, it's an ideal choice for watch enthusiasts who value both the story behind their wristwear and the practicality of a well-priced, high-quality timepiece.
Gift Ideas for Men Under $200
Jumping into Pickleball or upgrading your game? The Vatic Pro Carbon Fiber 16mm is your ideal ally, blending control and power with its unique thermoformed technology and carbon fiber surface. And for the aspiring pro, the Volair Mach 1 Julian Arnold Signature Paddle, with its pro-developed design and bi-directional carbon fiber, ensures top-notch performance and spin. Both paddles are a surefire way to elevate your game, whether you're just starting out or aiming for the pros.
Upgrade their everyday wear with the Flint and Tinder 10 Year Hoodie, an ideal gift that combines practicality and style. It's a long-lasting, American-made staple, featuring a durable cotton-poly blend and backed by a 10-year repair guarantee, making it a thoughtful and lasting gift. Read and see more in our review.
Gift Ideas for Men Over $200
Oura Smart Ring
One of the most discreet smart wearables you can get, and impressively tracks sleep stages (including light, deep, and REM sleep), heart rate variability, body temperature, activity levels (including steps and calories burned), and readiness score, which assesses your overall readiness for the day based on sleep and activity data .
Apple Watch Series 9
The Series 9 features a brighter display (up to 2,000 nits from 1,000 nits), a new S9 chip with 30% faster performance, improved on-device Siri processing, a faster Neural Engine, and increased storage capacity (up to 64GB from 32GB), making it a substantial hardware and functionality upgrade.