Today I’m sharing a list of gift ideas for men.
Men are notoriously hard to shop for and, from my experience, generally fall into one of two camps. First, we have the guy who buys everything for himself. On the other side of the spectrum, we have the man who “needs nothing” but has gaping holes in his underwear and has been wearing the same hoodie since college.
My goal with this list is to address both types, lol. I tried to share a mix of basic necessities that most guys could use and some razzle-dazzle type of ideas for men who are already stocked up.
I’m hoping this is helpful! I also tried to share a range of prices to fit every budget. And at the end of the list, I’m sharing a bunch of stocking stuffer ideas.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out my list of gift ideas for women here, a list of stocking stuffer ideas for women here, and a list of gift ideas for kids here.
Gift Ideas For Men
Weighted Plate Carrier
I’ll start with what I got Tyler this year for his birthday later this month. He has mentioned wanting a weighted vest, I don’t know, 500 times over the last few years. The options are a little overwhelming, so I asked him to send me the *exact* link to the one he wanted. He sent me this plate carrier from Rogue Fitness, so that’s what I got him. I ordered him the weight carrier and the 20 lb plates (Warning for those who do order this: the package says “WEIGHTED CARRIER PLATE” in huge letters on the front, so take care to intercept it before your husband sees it like mine did).
Away Luggage
I always think luggage makes a wonderful splashy gift. Tyler and I have three Away suitcases: two of the Bigger Carryons and one of the Large suitcases. We have dragged these all over the world over the last 7 years, and they have held up beautifully. (If I was to splurge again, I would get the Aluminum!! So cool.). I’m going to include this on my women’s list too.
SALE ALERT: Away is offering 25% off the entire website which I can honestly say I have NEVER seen them do. This is a great time to invest in luggage.
Portable Cold Plunge
Another perfect gift for the Huberman Husband. My sister drew Tyler’s name last year for our family gift exchange. She got him this portable ice bath from The Pod Company, and it has been a huge hit. During the winter and spring, we used it a few times a week. Since you have to fill and chill the water yourself with this type of pod, it’s a bit harder to get the water super cold over the summer. However, I think it’s totally worth it for the price, and we have loved using ours. Looks like the one we have is on sale at Dick’s
right now!
Standing Desk + Walking Pad
This would be such a thoughtful gift for someone who works from home. When I worked at Google a million years ago, I’d spend hours each day at the walking desk in our office. I felt I always did my best work on that thing, lol. This simple desk from Amazon is adjustable, so you can either sit or stand. I’d pair it with this highly reviewed walking pad which brings the total to under $250 for the full setup.
Cast Iron Skillet
Nothing says “Yes, Chef” like a massive black cast iron skillet. We do not have a cast iron skillet, but every single person in my life has been raving about theirs and I think it might be time. I have heard great things about Joshua Weissman’s cookbook which would be a fun item to pair with a skillet.
Ninja Creami
Back to the fitness bros. Tyler asked for a Ninja Creami ice cream maker for Father’s Day last year, and he uses it to make protein soft-serve. And despite the fact that he’s made it his entire personality, I have to admit it does taste really good. Don’t forget to grab a pack of the pint containers for the freezer.
Ember Mug
I gave Tyler an Ember Mug for Christmas last year, not really knowing if he would end up using it or not, and I’m pleased to share that he LOVES it and uses it every single day. As a matter of fact, as I sit here sipping my own lukewarm coffee, I think I actually might need one myself now too…
RinseKit
This is kind of random, but it is one of Tyler’s most prized possessions. The RinseKit is a portable water tank/shower setup designed for camping, beach trips, etc. Tyler is one of those guys who “loves the beach but hates the sand” which I can understand. We use this to rinse off at the beach before we get in the car, and I have to say it’s been a lifesaver with small kids. This is super handy and makes going to the beach much more enjoyable for NorCal types.
Hatch Restore 2
I felt kind of silly buying what is, essentially, an overpriced alarm clock and sound machine for Tyler last year, but the Hatch Restore 2 has become a huge part of our routine now. The feature we love most is the sunrise alarm clock which gradually brightens your room in a way that mimics the sunrise. The process starts 30 minutes before your “wake up” time, so then by the time your alarm goes off, your body is naturally more ready to face the day. Apparently, this is great for the circadian rhythm. Our goal last year was to start waking up before the girls to have coffee, reading, and journaling time in bed together, and this product played a major role in us forming that habit. I also love the sound machine function at night. Highly, highly recommend it.
Travel Gear
My top travel gear picks for men this year are Dagne Dover’s Large Dakota Backpack (review here!) and CALPAK’s Stevyn Duffel bag (review here!). We have both and love them. And I have to say that our Away luggage has held up amazingly well–going on year 8 for our carry ons I believe!!
Cozy Earth Loungewear
We have had our Cozy Earth bamboo sheets for five years now, and they still make me so happy every time I get in bed at night. I was recently introduced to their loungewear, and everything is SO soft and luxurious. I want to get Tyler this bamboo jogger set because his current loungewear situation is unspeakably grim. I also have my eye on this cute quarter zip sweater for him too. (He exclusively wears Vuori and Lululemon, so it’s always fun to find a new brand he might like, lol). And I’m so excited because Cozy Earth gave me a 40% off code!! Use CE-RUTHNUSS for 40% off your purchase.
High quality basics
Tyler wears his Vuori Tuvalu Tees and their short sleeved and long sleeved henleys constantly. He has also worn his Ace button down a TON this last year. It’s so soft.
I have heard great things about Rowan’s t-shirts. They come in so many great colors.
This pocket crew pullover from Vuori looks really nice. Tyler loves his Smooth Spacer Hoodie from Lululemon so much that he immediately replaced it when he spilled bleach on it last year (He was cleaning the rafters in a panic before we had company over. The most husband move ever, LOL).
And this La Jolla Aviator Nation hoodie is so fun. Their stuff is unbelievably soft.
You can’t go wrong with Vuori Kore shorts–Tyler has like 4 or 5 pairs that he rotates through each week. He also loves these shorts from Lululemon for running and working out.
Elevated Outerwear
I love this bomber jacket from Lululemon, this low-profile puffer jacket from Vuori, and this heavyweight parka from Vuori for cold temps.
Tyler just tried on this cute vest from Vuori and their new cord jacket which is sherpa lined and so cozy.
Also, I am very intrigued by this suede bomber jacket from Quince?? The black one is so cute. And I love this brown overshirt from Everlane.
Shoe game
And now for some rapid fire shoe picks:
Tyler and I both wear the Hoka Cliftons for running and walking. We have not yet ventured into the land of Oofos recovery slides, but as we are both plantar fasciitis prone, I do see them in our future.
Tyler has worn his RedWing boots into the ground. They are timeless, sturdy, and look good with everything, if you ask me. **SALE ALERT: You can get these 20% off this weekend here. You just have to make an email account with Back Country and you will automatically get the discount at checkout on one item.
His Thursday Leather dress boots took several months to break in, but he loves them now. I also got him the matching belt! So cute.
I love these olive Sambas.
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with the black Ugg tasman slippers. Tyler pretends like he doesn’t care about his but wears them every day.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men
My friend David Manning, the authority on all things adventuring and photography, collaborated with Kondor Blue on this multi tool. This is a TSA-approved everyday carry tool/key ring that has an AirTag carrier, bottle opener, flathead, box opener, interchangeable bit storage. Basically, it’s the perfect nerdy boy toy. This is 10000% going in Tyler’s stocking this year.
And while we’re at it, AirTags are the perfect “useful” gift, especially when paired with the multi tool above. We also always put AirTags in our suitcases and backpacks when we travel.
I got this Away toiletry bag for Tyler a few years ago, and it’s the perfect size. It also comes in a bigger version and a hanging version which would definitely come in handy.
I always get Tyler a box of Vice Golf Balls in his stocking.
These Manta sleep masks are amazing for travel because they are 100% blackout but don’t, like, squish your eyeballs–do you know what I mean?
We LOVE Raen sunglasses in our family. They are incredibly well made with Carl Zeiss lenses and super lightweight compared to other high-end sunglasses. Also, they are based in San Diego! The Remmy style looks good on everyone and comes in a bunch of fun colors. Tyler also has the Wiley style in black.
Sticking with sunglasses for a minute…I highly recommend Goodr’s line of running/sports sunglasses. I love these for running because they don’t bounce up and down or slide off my face. I’m going to get a pair for Tyler’s stocking this year (maybe this all-black aviator style?). These are great for golfers, pickleballers, cycling, and more. Best of all, these run between $25-35.
Tyler is a big Hat Guy, and his favorite brand discoveries of the year have been Siegelman Stable and Huega House. These look great on me too, so it’s a win all around lol. (Huega House gave me a code! Very exciting. Use RUTHNUSS for 15% off your purchase).
I just went into the Vuori store the other day with the specific goal of checking out their beanie selection for this guide. The waffle beanie ($28) is super lightweight, while the Cardiff beanie ($48) is a wool-blend and more substancial for cooler temps. I loved them both.
I think this is the year we finally try out Bombas socks. I want to get Tyler a pack of their running socks–I have heard they are the best.
At the risk of stereotyping, there is nothing dudes love more than an app-based tool. Tyler has been casually mentioning this wireless meat thermometer once a week since last March.
Not everyone is married to someone whose day revolves around protein intake, but some of us are. Tyler has been obsessed with David protein bars this year. These have 28g of protein and 0g of sugar. My flavor picks are the Fudge Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
Another protein packed favorite in our family are the sustainably sourced venison meat sticks from Maui Nui. This is such a cool company. Tyler loves the Peppered ones, and I have a code for these too. Use RUTH20 for a discount at checkout.
Random things that your husband might need but never buys for himself: hand warmers, lip balm, a no-nonsense skincare duo, Working Hands, and leather care wipes.
I’m also adding in this cologne sampler set from Sephora because I think it’s genius (and a good value! You get a voucher for a full size cologne with the set. The set costs $95 and many of the colognes on the list cost well over $100).
I’ll end the roundup with books. First of all, if we have a reader on our hands, a Kindle makes an amazing gift.
Here are a few of Tyler’s top nonfiction reads from this year: The Psychology of Money, The Ten-Day MBA,and Never Enough. I’ll add Habits of the Household and Mindset here too. His fiction picks are Trust and Demon Copperhead (he is a man of taste after all).
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out my list of gift ideas for women here, a list of stocking stuffer ideas for women here, and a list of gift ideas for kids here.
