Lifestyle
The 13 Best Gifts for Men Who Say They’re ‘Chill with Anything’
Men are funny creatures — mostly incapable of verbalizing most basic needs, let alone communicating what would actually bring them joy during the holiday season. Speaking as a discerning, impossible-to-shop for dude, I have witnessed first-hand the frustration my loved ones experience every year.
To help, I’ve rounded up the best gifts for men who are too picky for their own good — and extremely frustrating to shop for. Whether it’s your happy-to-have-the-family-together dad or the scruffy creature that hangs out on the toilet for hours at a time, the perfect gift (outside of the respect and admiration of his peers) is waiting below.
Best Gifts for Men Who Are Impossible to Shop For
$172
Is there a combination more delicious than a peaty whiskey and large chunks of meat? The answer is no. This is precisely why the Cheers and Chops Box is a brilliant gift. This particular bundle comes with bacon, steaks, pork chops, shrimp and, of course, the Classic Laddie, a crowd-pleasing scotch from the Bruichladdich distillery.
$150
I am obsessed with these comfy suede house slippers from Hari Mari. For the man who values comfort above everything, these easy-to-wear, shearling lined slippers are an absolute delight to wear around the house, especially when palling around at home. Plus, the memory foam footbeds didn’t need long to fully adjust to the shape of my feet.
$32
Gin belongs in every bar cart, thanks to its versatility and flavor. Luckily, great gin doesn’t need to be expensive. One of the most iconic gins around is Hendrick’s, and you can get a 750ml for less than $40, which is a miracle nowadays. Perfect on the rocks, with a splash of tonic, or, my favorite, as part of a Last Word cocktail. For the truly hard-to-shop-for, a bottle of Hendrick’s may be a silver bullet.
$799
For the serious winter outdoorsman in your life, this Obemeyer Klausy Down Parka is worth the investment. There is so much tech built into this insulated, down parka to help you brave especially harsh winters in the city. Plus, it’s a perfectly capable coat for skiing and snowboarding. I love how the relaxed fit lets me comfortably layer without sacrificing mobility.
$250
Breville makes truly exceptional small appliances, and their InFizz carbonator is no exception. Just like the rest of Breville’s lineup, it looks cool on the counter and blends well with nearly every kitchen aesthetic. Think of it this way: fizzy water anytime you want. Better still, you can fizz other liquids, like juice, tea and cocktails or even re-fizz flat soda. That’s a game changer.
You save: 79%
$200$940
I’ll be honest with you, dear reader. This particular jacket is one I’ve had my eye on for months. Despite my best efforts, my loved ones have yet to pick up on any of the hints I’ve left for them. Quince makes some of the best clothes for the price, and this handsome bomber looks as good as jackets 10x the price.
You save: 6%
$330$350
Solo Stove’s Pi Prime Pizza Oven makes it enjoyable and easy to create pizzeria-level pies at home. It’s fueled by propane, meaning no messing with wood chunks. It offers a nice, clean fire without all of the upkeep. For the pizza-obsessed man in your life, I can’t think of a better gift.
$798
Do him a favor and send him out in the cold with this handsome, showstopping coat from Taylor Stitch. Made from a dark brown herringbone, the Astor Coat looks great for work or dressed down with a corduroy hat. Like much of Billy Reid’s line-up, this coat will be a staple in any man’s wardrobe for years to come.
$108
If you’re looking for a more practical gift, Tommy John makes the best underwear I’ve ever worn—bar none. I’ve tried dozens of different brands over the years, and these Second Skin Trunks are so comfortable, they’re easy to forget that I’m wearing them at all. Everything stays in place without ever being suffocating. For those difficult to shop for, these strike the perfect balance of simple, useful and surprisingly luxurious.
$200
Blundstone boots solve all of the drawbacks of Doc Martens. While the iconic silhouette of Doc Martens made them nigh universal in Brooklyn, over the past few years, I’ve become loyal to Blundstone and it’s easy to see why. They’re comfortable without any break in time and, from my experience, they have more readily withstood wear and tear. Blundstone, like my beloved classic Chelsea boot, cost a bit more than other similar brands, but I cannot recommend them enough.
$468
Looking for a splurge gift for the fashionista in your life? This effortlessly chic and incredibly comfortable 100% cashmere sweater from Rag & Bone will delight even the most fashionable among us. In fact, it’s giving quiet luxury.
$298
Ever since I binged The Last of Us, I’ve been obsessed with waxed trucker jackets. Perfect as a transitional weather piece or to complete a layered outfit, jackets like this one from Flint and Tinder are unbelievably versatile. Trust me, every man should have one in their wardrobe. Like the best things in life, it gets better with age, and this piece will last your giftee a very long time.
$3499
For those want a great cup of coffee without all of the fuss, consider The Jura espresso machine. This easy-to-use automatic espresso machine removes greets you in the morning with the perfect latte. It’s pricey, no doubt, but for the coffee lover who’s sick of paying too much for espresso — this is an investment that will make their money back in about a year of use.