Wellness

Found: 23 Unique Gifts for the Guy in Your Life (When You Have No Idea What to Buy)

The present-searching saga is complete.

By Isabelle Eyman
guys-gift-guide

Holiday miracles come in many forms. Perhaps you discover a foolproof recipe that’ll fit all of your cookie-baking needs, or maybe you find the perfect array of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes to satisfy everyone at your holiday table. However, if we’re being honest, the most miraculous of all is finding the perfect present for any of the guys on your list. Because we get it: shopping for anyone, much less the many-a-man who gives a noncommittal response when asked what he wants for the holidays requires no shortage of skill. So, to help us all out this season, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for men you can find in 2021.

We’ve got gifts for the dad who can’t start his day without a cup of coffee, the partner who’s looking to step up his smoothie game, and the brother who likes his slippers *extra* soft (and of course, all the friends and co-workers in between). Get scrolling and start shopping for the perfect present for any and every guy.

Canyon Coffee Subscription

This is the kind of present you get for the guy who considers coffee both a necessity and a lifestyle. Canyon Coffee roasts and crafts coffee that inspires connection and intentional moments, and their subscription makes it easy to have fresh and delicious beans always on hand. Bonus points if your guy loves beautiful packaging as well.

Canyon Coffee Subscription, starting at $66

Sanctuary Quilted Shirt Jacket

Being out and about a bit more than we were at this time last year means many of us are swapping our loungewear for more tailored cuts. Sanctuary’s just-launched menswear collection features everything from neutrals to prints to pants that bridge the gap between the comfort of sweats and the look of pieces that are a bit more fitted. You’ll easily find his new favorite t-shirt or the jacket he’ll never take off here.

Sanctuary Quilted Shirt Jacket, $149

Beast B10 Blender

Aesthetically pleasing and capable of creating the smoothest blends, the Beast B10 Blender is the beautiful and effective gadget you never knew you needed (but secretly always wanted). Minimalist but full of powerful features, this blender is gaining serious popularity among wellness enthusiasts and the design-obsessed alike. And if you’re getting this for a partner, trust us, your smoothies will benefit too.

Beast Blender, $155

Brightland Olive Oil Duo

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of fruity and flavorful olive oils around here. Brightland is one of our go-to brands for when we’re seeking out the best option for drizzling delicious olive oil on top of nearly anything. This set is a great gift for the guy who eats bread in abundance or loves whipping up the perfect hearty pasta. If keeping a clean and organized kitchen is important to him too, the bottles’ minimalist design makes it so that he can proudly display his collection on the counter.

Brightland Olive Oil Duo, $74

P.E. Nation Fortitude Tee

On-trend but endlessly versatile, P.E. Nation’s menswear collection is made for all day, everyday wear. Their pieces seamlessly blend street and sportswear and evoke only the best parts of 90’s fashion. Launching in Sydney in 2016, P.E. Nation balances timeless basics with fashion-forward looks that are made for performance and comfort. If your guy is in need of a wardrobe upgrade, this is the low-lift solution to buy.

P.E. Nation Fortitude Tee, $90

L.L. Bean Moccasin Slipper

Well-loved and well-used, the best pairs of slippers are those that can be worn daily for years to come. This pair features a luxe shearling lining that’s heaven for your feet plus a durable sole that can take those inevitable times when you have to run outside in your slippers (just us?). If he’s looking for ways to stay cozy and comfy while working from home, add these slippers to your cart.

L.L. Bean Moccasin Slipper, $79

Away Bigger Carry-On

If travel is coming back into your life, this is the suitcase to take on every trip. Perfect for weekend getaways or even longer stays, this lightweight, easy-to-roll option makes being on the go simple. This version is a slightly larger suitcase than their super popular carry-on but has been designed to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines. Stylish and streamlined travel awaits.

Away Bigger Carry-On, starting at $245

The Sill Plant Subscription

This plant subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. Each month, he’ll receive a new plant and ceramic planter delivered straight to his door. And if his thumb is more black than green, don’t worry. The experts over at The Sill have curated a list of plants perfect for any new plant parent who wants a little more greenery without the intimidating upfront effort. They also offer subscriptions that are pet-friendly, so no matter what creatures are already in his home, there’ll always be room for more.

The Sill Plant Subscription, starting at $50

Everlane Cashmere Rib Beanie

We love this brand for their ever-expanding array of beautiful basics and transparency around pricing and production. Soft with just the slightest bit of stretch, this hat will warm any guy up with gorgeous Grade-A cashmere. According to one review, this beanie is the knit equivalent of, here it is: “A head hug.” Consider us convinced.

Everlane Cashmere Rib Beanie, $65

Getaway Cabin Rental

This is the ideal gift for the guy who prefers experiences over things and who’s always craving either an escape in nature or a little quality time with you. The concept is brilliantly-convenient: their cozy cabins are situated about two hours from a whole host of major cities. With locations all across the country, there’s really no shortage of possibilities for a few days of wifi- and work-free rejuvenation. Choose your location, pick your cabin, and get ready to relax and reconnect. They even have a lockbox you can put your phone in—just in case you’re tempted.

Getaway Cabin Rental, price varies

Pandasaurus The Game Card Game

This is the simple, but dangerously-addictive game that’ll easily slide into any stocking. It’s the ideal gift for the board game-obsessed and all lovers of card game marathons. Simple to learn and appropriate for nearly any age, this game challenges players’ ability to read people, anticipate decisions, and collaborate while also indulging their competitive side.

Pandasaurus The Game Card Game, $12.99

Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners

Innovative and ethically-made, these sneakers are easy not only on the eyes but on every guys’ feet. If dirt-clad sneakers drive him crazy, he can throw these into the wash for quick clean-up. Durable but soft, these cozy treads will feel just as at home on a city walk as they will well, anywhere. They also come in a range of neutrals and brighter colors for plenty of options to fit his unique style.

Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners, $98

Haus New Fashioned

Is there anything better than cozying up to a spicy and citrusy aperitif on a winter weekend evening? We think not. Haus is all about revolutionizing the way we drink with organic ingredients that are anything but artificial. This particular bottle features a warm mix of cinnamon, ginger, and clove to create all the chilly and wintry feels. They recommend pairing it with tonic or prosecco, or if it’s more your guy’s vibe, it’s equally delicious on the rocks. And the aesthetics? Truly on point.

Haus New Fashioned, $40

W&P Porter Bowl

Just because he isn’t going into the office doesn’t mean he can’t eat his lunch in a container that’s sure to be the talk of the (Slack channel) water cooler. This brand is known for its highly-functional, beautifully-designed bottles, mugs, and more, and this bowl is no different. Made of BPA-free plastic and with a one-liter capacity to fit even the biggest grain bowl, this container simplifies meal prep for efficient lunch-making—so all he has to do is enjoy a little time away from his screen.

W&P Porter Bowl, $20

Baxter & The Bear The Films of Wes Anderson Poster

Celebrate his love of everyone’s favorite eccentric and visually-distinctive director with this graphic but minimally-designed poster. Featuring a few of the wonderfully idiosyncratic outfits in Anderson’s films from Bottle Rocket to Isle of Dogs, it’ll be a fun and quirky addition to his home office, bedroom, or really anywhere he wants to show off his film expertise. Has he already seen and fallen hard for The French Dispatch? Include one of these options with your present.

Baxter & The Bear The Films of Wes Anderson Poster, $25

Schoolhouse Arne Jacobsen Alarm Clock

For the guy who’s the furthest thing from being a morning person or just needs a little nudge to wake up on time, this is the analog alarm clock to get. Designed by a Danish architect and designer, this small and whimsical clock is anything but old-school. An LED touch sensor lets him check the time at night and the classic bell alarm can be silenced simply by tapping the top of the clock. Now he’ll have no excuse the next time he’s running behind for your breakfast date.

Schoolhouse Arne Jacobsen Alarm Clock, $149

Filson 1970’s Logger Thermal Socks

Forget what you’ve heard about socks not being *the coolest* and *most thoughtful* gift you can give. Whether he’s wearing them around the house (perhaps inside of the most perfect pair of slippers we shared above) or layering them in his boots on any outdoor adventure, he’ll be thankful you thought of him. If you’re not convinced yet, there are plenty of five-star reviews to persuade you to make the purchase.

Filson 1970’s Logger Thermal Socks, $32

The New Yorker I Like Me Coffee Mug

If he can’t stop sending you New Yorker comics all throughout the work day, this here is the gift. While the debate on candy corn is polarizing even among the most like-minded of crowds, we can all agree that the joke lands perfectly. This mug will be the reason (combined with the anticipation of caffeine) that he smiles every time he pours his morning coffee.

The New Yorker I Like Me Coffee Mug, $20

Merrell X Outdoor Voices Men’s Moab 2 Mid Eco Waterproof Hiking Boot

Whether he picked up hiking as a pandemic hobby or has been an outdoor enthusiast for years, these boots will help make sure he’s prepared for his many hikes to come. A favorite in the activewear world, Outdoor Voices has partnered with Merrell to create these eco-friendly and waterproof boots, so he won’t have to sacrifice style for pure performance.

Merrell X Outdoor Voices Men’s Moab 2 Mid Eco Waterproof Hiking Boot, $130

Egg Press Still Life Greeting Card

Cute, colorful, and often cheeky, these letterpress greeting cards are each designed and hand-crafted in Portland, Oregon. Sweet and sentimental, they’re a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of the holidays—because really, all he wants is a little love note from you.

Egg Press Still Life Greeting Card, $6

Diptyque Feu De Bois Floor Candle

It’s a little steep in price, but if you’re looking for a gift that truly keeps on giving, then this deliciously scented floor candle with five wicks will surely make his day—heck it’ll make his year! Oh, and the beautiful earthenware pot is entirely handmade by a renowned porcelain maker to evoke the crackling of an open fire. Genius.

Diptyque Feu De Bois Floor Candle, $345

Evermill The Counter Top Rack

For the guy who loves to cook or the college grad who’s setting up his first apartment, this elegant spice rack will keep all of his favorites organized and close at hand. All spices are included in the set and are 100% organic.

Evermill The Counter Top Rack, $249

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

If your guy has fallen madly in love with Stanley after watching his show Searching for Italy (I mean, who hasn’t?) then this is the book for him. In this tome, the award-winning actor shares an intimate memoir growing up in an Italian American family that spent every night around the kitchen table. It’s such an easy, fun read complete with delicious family recipes throughout.

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci