‘I’m a Peloton Instructor and I’m Begging You to Include Walking Meditations in Your Weekly Routine’
Here are five tips to help you get started.
Whatever you call them, getting the best gifts for boyfriends, partners, lovers, or situationships can be tricky. There’s a lot to overthink; relationship length, seriousness, budgets, if you’re even exchanging gifts at all… it can all get super awkward super fast. And that’s before you even account for personality.
Sure, there are masculine classics like whiskey and cologne, which can be quality and oh-so-appreciated when done intentionally, but you can also get creative with what gifts he unwraps this holiday season. Maybe you’re upgrading something he uses daily (cough cough, that T-shirt with the holes in the armpits, or the sheets with the mysterious stains on them…), opting for a product he’d never buy himself but he secretly wants, or scheming a gift that benefits you both, like an experience or activity y’all love to do together. Trust—you don’t have to get him another dopp kit this holiday season.
Scroll to shop the best gifts for boyfriends (or whatever you call them!)—from gym bags to culinary must-haves, our ultimate picks for your dude this holiday season are sure to bring him comfort and joy.
Retro Apothecary Vinyl Wall Mounts, $35
Cuisinart 13-Piece Bamboo BBQ Tool Set, $55
Fly By Jing Sichuan Starter Set, $75
Berkshire Retro Plaid Plush Throw Blanket, $22
CampSnap Screen-Free Digital Camera, $65
Beast Mini Blender, $99
Gifts for boyfriends under $25
You can never go wrong with a comfy blanket for the couch, and all the cuddling it implies. You know the cliché about men and their navy bedding? This blanket has a thick weight and softness to make it feel quality, plus a stylish plaid pattern that’s quintessentially boy apartment or man cave. Plus, crucial—it’s machine washable, so no extra TLC required.
Stock up his bedside table stack! For the hikers, readers, wanderers, and dreamers—if he hasn’t yet read and loved Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail is a funny, entertaining read that’ll captivate even the most casual of outdoor enthusiasts.
Gifts for boyfriends under $50
We’re a little convinced that a multifunctional keychain is the perfect boyfriend gift, BTW. It’s small enough to be a lil’ thing if you’re not entirely sure how big to go for the holiday, but he’ll use it daily—and be grateful for it too. It fits an AirTag (for the man who can never find his keys) but also includes a Phillips head screwdriver, hex wrench, bottle opener, and even a bicycle tool. Oh, and it’s even TSA-compliant. For $30, it feels like a steal for functionality and payoff.
For the guy who lives and dies for his weekday bar trivia, this nostalgic bookshelf game is sure to be the new winner of game night with friends. It’s whimsical, funky, and convenient. Plus, if he’s in a cramped apartment or living space, it’s obviously easy to store (and looks good on the shelf.)
Whether he’s always outside or simply always adding to his hat collection, this retro flat brim from Vacation Inc. is seriously collectible. The pastel “Jazz Palms” 90s motif on this 100 percent cotton chino twill hat is beachy-cool. Plus, it has a braided rope detail and adjustable snapback closure. Double plus: You can always throw in a sunscreen or candle to *jazz* up the package even more.
<!– –>
Although we’re the shopping experts, we did cave and ask some men in our lives for their wishlists, and this handy headlamp was a weirdly immediate response. For any campers and backpackers you may be shopping for (or in this writer’s *undefined man’s* case, a literal Navy SEAL), this ultra-functional headlamp is packed with convenient customizations including red and white color options, multiple levels of brightness, flood and spot modes, and even multiple methods of charging. Plus, it’s even waterproof, with a 200-hour battery life.
Is he always on the green? If so, this golf ball match striker is a kitschy (yet delightful) pick for his home or office he’s sure to love. And yes, it does come with the matches.
For the guy who’s always queuing up the record player or talking about “the greats,” (or even just looking to spruce up a blank wall), give him this shelf set to display any record covers in his collection. You can even go the extra mile and pick out one or two records to go along with—like his favorite artists or albums, or sentimental ones that have special meaning to your relationship.
<!– –>
Who amongst us has never envisioned themselves perched in a swivel leather armchair, sipping whiskey in the olden days of a Mafia movie? Sure, the whiskey gift is a bit cliché, but clichés exist for a reason. The right glassware is stylish, timeless, and indulgent, and this clever stackable decanter (which includes gorgeous Art Deco-inspired glasses as part of the set) is sure to thrill him with every sip.
Gifts under $75
Dating a grill master? Upgrade his tools with a Cuisinart set complete with bamboo handles and durable stainless steel, all encased in an attractive carrying case easy to tote around to the park, the tailgate, or just the backyard. Yum. We’re hungry just thinking about it.
For the foodie always seeking his next favorite pantry staple, introduce him to Fly by Jing. Crafted in Chendgu, China, this ultra-giftable chili brand summons the flavor of street stalls with 100 percent all-natural and non-GMO sauces and spices. Warning: once he tries the Sichuan Chili Crisp, you’ll need to keep it stocked up forever.
For the photo bois and Y2K enthusiasts: this screen-free digital camera—meant to mimic the convenience of a disposable—is taking Instagram by storm. Whether he’s deep in the hobby with a collection of DSLR lenses or just wants a more casual way of snapping, this throwback-lite, screen-free digital camera is so easy to use on a night out or adventure. Just plug it in to a laptop at the end of the night and retrieve the vintage-style photos. Plus, it’s pretty rugged so you can throw it around without worrying too much: perfect for the guy who’s always in the elements (or always comes home from a night out with a wild story.)
Gifts under $100
Okay, this one might be a little selfish. Who doesn’t love relishing the cologne of the man they’re crushing on/dating/in love with/etc,.? Scent can be so personal, too. The link between the sense and memory is so strong (so he’ll think of you now when he uses it, lol). Ranger Station’s Santalum perfume has notes of sandalwood, amber resin, iris, and leather, and let’s just say it has an obsessive-level following for a reason. Each bottle is hand-mixed to order from essential oils and natural fragrances.
Nobody does activewear like Vuori, the soft-to-touch athletic performance brand. He’ll absolutely live in these gray sweatpants (joggers, technically.) Start his collection of Vuori pieces, or add to an existing one.
Whether he’s always hitting the gym or just loooooves a liquid breakfast, this seriously aesthetic (and small-space friendly) mini blender makes the best protein shake every time. He can also make dips, dressings, and more for gameday if that’s more his speed.
<!– –>
You really can’t do much better than a flannel robe he wants to spend every lazy Sunday in. The knee-length robe design is a classic—and is beloved by the British Royal Family, FYI—and the fabric is specifically treated to resist fading and wear over time. Bonus: you can monogram for the preppiest men.
Gifts under $175
A gift for him or for you? Upgrade his bedding with this temperature-regulating eucalyptus set sure to improve his sleep. Available in 34 colors across sizes ranging from a twin to a California king, this bedding was made for hot sleepers (but is also cozy for everyone) and holds up amazingly well over time. (And if you want more options, we have a ton of editor-approved luxury bedding recs that double as dreamy presents here.)
Slippers are a staple for a reason. These indoor/outdoor shoes from Olukai feature premium nubuck leather, a drop-in heel, and soft, ahhh-inducing shearling. Fun fact: the Hawaiian brand actually designed its footbed to mimic the sensation of walking barefoot on the sand so uh: find your beach?
The right cooler can go a long way in maximizing his hike, tailgate, beach day, or even just a backyard hang with the boys or you. This hearty, four-pound cooler has plenty of space to stock up on beverages and will keep them cool for up to two full days. You could even pre-fill it with some of his favorite brews for a wink.
<!– –>
This spacious, sleek gym bag is sure to be his new BFF to cart to work and back—or to use as an overnight bag to head to yours or a weekend away (because it comes with a pass-through trolley sleeve too.) Made in a sling style, the pack features yoga mat straps, an interior key clip, anti-microbial lining (to avoid the yuck), separate shoe compartment, and even an interior strap that can secure the protein shake he had to pre-make.
For the reader who hasn’t yet made the switch, this world-famous eReader is sure to keep him entertained with thousands of books (and library books, so he doesn’t have to commit to buying!) on the go. On this slim, compact device, you can adjust features like font, font size, backlight, and more that make it especially convenient. Bonus: it’s great for reading in bed without disturbing someone asleep beside you, so would be a fab gift if you have mismatched snooze schedules.
Best splurge gifts for boyfriends
This smokeless fire pit is the unsung hero of the backyard—or the beach, or the camping trip, or anywhere else. He’ll love it for its wood-burning flame, portability, and convenience; you’ll love snuggling up around it on a chilly night with friends and a bevvy or two. (How romantic!) The Essential Bundle comes with the Ranger fire pit and stand, an ash pan, a lid, and a carrying case.
Listen—is a Leatherman multi-tool the sexiest gift? Probably not. Is it the most handy? Abso-freakin’-lutely. Leatherman’s tools are like having a toolbox in your pocket, and if he’s always looking for the screwdriver or losing his pliers, he’ll love the Arc. It has 20 steel tools in one, compact unit he can bring on the go. Even better, you can customize it for a few additional bucks; add his name, a pattern, or even a custom upload to make it even more “him”.
If he’s always sending you another Spotify link or comparing speaker specs, he’ll die for these noise-cancelling, wireless, over-ear headphones, whether blissing out on the couch or listening to his favorite podcast during his commute. The 30-hour battery life, dynamic head tracking, and seriously impressive audio capabilities make this pair a standout of an investment he’ll reach for daily.