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.
Gift Ideas for Men Under $30
5 in 1 Survival Bracelet (2 Pack)
Wear it on a hike or stash it in your bag or glove box.
Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner
With a brush on one end and a microfiber pad on the other for your screen, up your computer cleanliness.
Personalized Leather Cord Holder
A handsome and minimal holder for stashing your cords in your bag.
I would never justify spending $35 on deodorant, but I received this as a birthday gift and absolutely love it – the perfect gift!
Brushed Aluminum Oil Sprayer
Perfect your grill game.
Werewolf: A Party Game for Devious People
A fun group game where everyone is lying.
Eames Coffee Table Book
A beautiful book celebrating the quintessential mid-century designer.
Universal Socket Tool
A genius upgrade that makes housework easier.
Cocoon Accessory Organizer
Make the commute or work travel organized with this board that slips into your bag.
Firestarter and Striker
Fire is the earliest discovery, and in an emergency, still the most important.
Rothko Coffee Table Book
An exploration of the influential abstract artist.
Vinyl Record Storage Holder
An attractive way to keep your records at arms length with a minimal footprint.
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.
The Kaufmann Mercantile Guide: How to Split Wood, Shuck an Oyster, and Master Other Simple Pleasures
A handbook on enjoying the finer things in life.
The Battery Organizer and Tester
Get your junk drawer sorted.
BBQ Grill Mats (Set of 2)
Grill mats help give you more control over temperature and flareups.
Rechargeable Hand Warmer
A more sustainable and convenient upgrade for keeping winter at bay.
Food52 Genius Recipes: 100 Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
Learn surprisngly simple techniques and dispel kitchen myths to finally make eating at home a pleasure.
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.
Back to The Future Prop License Plate
Where you’re going, you don’t need roads – which is good since this isn’t street legal.
Areaware Brass Contour Key Ring
An EDC upgrade that follows function and form.
Crystal Negroni Tumblers (Set of 2)
A low, wide rocks glass to up your cocktails.
Flint and Tinder Southwest Socks
Made in the USA, these patterned socks add a splash of color to any outfit.
Office Desk Headphone Stand
Give the gift of an organized desk.
Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight
A tiny, powerful flashlight regarded by EDC enthusiasts.
Billykirk Fish Hook Key Holder
A slim keychain, made in the USA of solid brass.
Two-Cigar Travel Case
A sharp travel case for two 54 ring gauge cigars.
Folding Hanging Coat Rack
Give yourself a morning prep station.
Bitter Bottles Set (Pack of 3)
These vintage-looking bottles will look great on your barcart.
Adjustable Bamboo Drawer Dividers
An easy way to add much-needed organization to your drawers.
Custom Cocktail Ice Cube Tray
A personalized gift for any cocktail lover.
Bullet Space Pen
Writes at any angle – even if you find yourself in zero gravity.
GSI Outdoors Halulite Tea Kettle
Designed for hard-traveling adventurers, sharp enough for your kitchen.
Gift Ideas for Men Under $50
Juniper Resin Ring
Real juniper cast in resin for a unique, organic piece of jewelry.
10″ Merino Wool Socks (2 Pack)
Made in the USA of itch-free 100% merino wool.
Personalized Acacia Wood Valet Tray
Every guy needs somewhere to stash his carry at the end of the day.
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.
Marble Pastry Board
A serving board for charcuterie or coffee and cocktail prep.
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.
Mechanix Wear Tactical Safety Gloves
Touchscreen capable and recommended by hard-workers who use their hands.
Rothco European Surplus Style Wool Blanket
A neutral blanket that looks great stashed over the back of a chair.
BedShelfie Wood Bedside Shelf
No tabletop storage near your bed? This neat little shelf puts your essentials at arm’s reach.
Dual Layer Bento Box
Give yourself the gift of healthy, homemade lunches that stow properly with 3 large compartments and room for the included fork.
Mag-Blok
Whether it’s hanging up your EDC at the end of a long day or putting kitchen tools conveniently out of the way, this powerful magnetic block looks great.
KODAK Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera
A small, portable memory maker.
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
Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe
A magnetic sleeve that sticks right to the back of your phone.
WeatherTech Universal Trim to Fit Floor Mat
If your day sees a lot of slush or mud, do your vehicle a favor and make keeping it clean a breeze.
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.
Rocket Salt Shaker and Pepper Grinder
Playful but stylish.
Personalized Pet Bowl Kit
Not all of your gifts have to be for yourself.
Office Desk Mat Organizer
Bring order into your life in the new year; featuring a magnetic cord holder and stowaway document sleeve.
Hasbro Selfie Series Figure
For the child in all of us, get an action figure with your face on it for Ghostbusters, Marvel, Star Wars, and more.
Vinyl Record Washer Complete Kit
Maintain the pristine condition of your favorite albums.
PHAIDON “The Men’s Fashion Book”
A monster of a book, covering 200 years of men’s fashion.
Ring Video Doorbell
Bring your home security into the future.
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
Tiny and super fast, offload your media storage to an SSD.
Gift Ideas for Men Under $200
Glass Topper Cocktail Smoker with Torch
The next step in bringing the fanciest of cocktails into your kitchen.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
Featuring voice control and 1080p, this dash cam even lets you monitor your vehicle while you’re away.
Gorilla Cart
This ingenious little cart isn’t your kid’s red wagon.
Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
Dive into the world of analog.
If he’s anything like you, your pup has great home taste too.
Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle
Read more, carry less.
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.
Philips Hue Ambiance Starter Kit
I converted my place over to Hue smart lights years ago and still love it.
Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbell
No room for a full garage gym doesn’t mean you can’t get a great workout at home.
Motion detection, 2-way talk, and review live from your phone.
Gift Ideas for Men Over $200
Connery in “Goldfinder” Framed Print
An iconic portrait of Connery with the DB5.
Full Grain Leather Briefcase
A simple, attractive design made of full grain leather and brass hardware.
The closest thing we have to tech-driven body maintenance.
Apple Watch Series 8
Stay connected with important texts and notifications without the distraction of your phone.
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.)