Whether you have been together for years, just made it official, or maybe you’re just shopping for your brother, one thing remains certain: he is going to claim he doesn’t need anything. The special guys in our lives often default to what they’ve always used and loved, from threadbare T-shirts to melted spatulas.
This season, give him the gift of novelty. Introduce him to a new gadget he hasn’t thought of for his man-cave (yes, our respondents still have those). Show him that it’s OK to cry with a personalized keepsake commemorating your shared history. Introduce a little color into his life if his year has been a bit bleak.
We tapped several guys to hear about the unexpected gifts they now couldn’t live without – and we heard from some of the givers, too. From headphones to keep him plugged into his favorite podcast to personalized artwork that tugs at his heartstrings, here is exactly what to get the lucky guy in your life this holiday season.
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Plufl Human Dog Bed
Whether he’s a family man or a dog dad, the Plufl human-sized dog bed is about to take center stage in his living space. Not only does it feature deep bolsters and orthopedic foam to support his joints and give his pup a soft place to rest, but it’s a breeze to store when not in use.
“I didn’t expect to love this human doggy bed as much as I do, but honestly, it’s become one of my favorite spots in the house,” says Amir A, a software developer. “My dog curls up in it, my kids join him, and half the time I end up climbing in there with them too. It’s so comfortable that I’ve actually fallen asleep in it a few times. This bed was supposed to be for the dog, but now we’re basically sharing it.”
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Ridge Wallet
If his wallet is currently disintegrating in his pocket, with cash and cards peeking out from under its frayed edges, it’s time to upgrade him to the Ridge, made of near-indestructible materials and RFID-blocking technology that defies chip readers. “I had been complaining about my slim wallet for a while, so my wife got me the top-of-the-line one with an AirTag attachment so I never lose it,” says Jamie Gewurz, a financial planning associate.
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Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds
He’s got to tune out the world somehow. Let him do it in style with Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, which pair effective noise-cancellation with crisp sound quality. “I listen to music and podcasts all the time. When I’m engaged in a project at work, they help me lock in,” says James Anderson, a structural engineer. They can also double as hearing aids and allow live translation when paired to newer iPhones.
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Custom ‘Met, Engaged, Married, Live’ map print
Matthew K, an e-commerce manager, recently received this puzzle from his wife to commemorate his first-year anniversary. It depicted exact pinned locations of their first date, their engagement spot, wedding venue, and honeymoon. “I thought it was a cool way to remember our history. It was definitely an interesting way to present our relationship milestones on paper, which happens to be customary for the first anniversary,” says Matthew.
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HexClad 4.5qt deep sauté pan with tempered glass lid
Robert Hartry, an architectural designer, received this HexClad pan from his partner for Christmas last year. “Its side walls are higher than a normal sauté pan, so it makes it very versatile,” says Hartry. “I also love that it’s fairly indestructible. Emily has tried, and this pan has yet to fail.”
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Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool
With 18 built-in tools from scissors to pliers, any guy with a knack for DIY projects will start to consider this Leatherman an extension of his hand. “I got it for my brother for Christmas,” says Elizabeth Tomaras, a quality manager. “He’s always outdoors for work and even for play, and I knew he had [a multitool] but definitely not as nice as this one. I don’t think he would necessarily spend that much on a tool for himself. He likes its sleek design and that there are so many options. It’s not just the basic model.”
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Saxx Stretch Cotton Boxer Briefs
Noticing his underwear could use a little TLC? Run this thoughtful errand for him with this pack of three supportive cotton-blend pairs. “A classic gift Jamie has gotten for me, and something no guy actually buys for himself, is Saxx underwear,” says Lukas Snyder, a trader. “I get all of my underwear over the holidays, and only from the women in my life.”
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Jumbo playing cards
Snyder’s girlfriend got a standard deck of cards and kicked it up a notch for serious sentimental value. “She bedazzled a deck of cards into a ‘52 things I love about you’ gift. She cut out small squares of paper and glued them on to each card and wrote on it,” says Snyder. “She also drew on the cards, then put a keychain around the corner to bind it all together.”
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Crocs clogs
Crocs are a lot cooler now than they once were, making them a practical gift for your brother who’s hard to shop for. “When they first came out, I thought they were ugly and I didn’t get the hype,” says Shawn Thicke, a children’s musician and performer. “As I performed for more and more kids, they started showing me their Crocs and some even told me I should get some. Funny enough, a parent let me try theirs and I was immediately sold. They were so comfy.
“My sister remembered how much I enjoyed them, so she surprised me with a pair. I now wear them all the time! I love them. So comfy! I even wear them to gigs.”
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Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch
For a guy who values fitness but doesn’t want all the distractions of an Apple Watch, this Amazfit smartwatch is a smart alternative. “It’s really good quality and has a lot of features you don’t need to pay monthly for, unlike other smartwatches,” says Reza T, an IT specialist. That includes GPS run tracking, more than 140 workout modes, AI fitness coaching and more.
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Meater Pro Duo Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer
Jennifer Orleans got her grill-enthusiast brother this heavy-duty wireless smart meat thermometer, and there is so much your favorite carnivore is going to love about it too. “He likes how it enables a perfect cook every time,” says Orleans, a project manager. “He can go inside and will get a notification on his phone when it’s ready.”
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Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs
Chantal Stafford-Abbott, a model, considers these viral reusable earplugs the ultimate gift for a guy who might need a little extra shuteye in less-than-quiet circumstances. “They actually work, you don’t have to buy loads from the pharmacy, and they come in the cutest little case,” she says. Four tip sizes in a comfortable, flexible silicone material ensure he finds the perfect fit, and there are no batteries to charge or replace.
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Target Darts Corona Vision Dartboard Lighting System
If you know a guy trying to recreate his favorite watering hole at home, there’s a gift for that. When they were just dating, Matthew’s then girlfriend gifted him this ringlight for his dartboard to increase visibility and up his game. “It gives you that professional at-home setup, illuminating your space if you’re playing in the dark,” says Matthew.
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Custom family trading card
Jacqueline Hopmeyer, a marketing director, gifted her husband this custom trading card as “a super cute Father’s Day present that could double as a holiday gift”. You can customize the sport, number of kids, hair color, jersey and more. It’s set in transparent acrylic that stands upright on its own, ready to display proudly on his shelf. “He was so moved by this,” she says.
