You know your guy pretty well. Is he tough to shop for? If you’ve got a picky shopper, getting him something he’ll love doesn’t have to be rocket science or require a degree in mind-reading.

The best way to start is with what you know he already likes (besides you, natch). We’ve put together a solid list of great gifts that our editors are sure your guy will be glad to thank you for!

FOR THE FASHIONABLE FELLOW

For some it’s all business and for others it’s jeans and tees. But in any case, guys take pride in their appearance. Show them you love ’em all the more for it with these great options…

Raen’s small batch, handcrafted sunglasses have graced many a celebrity face, from Sage Goldnik to Robert Downey Jr. to Wiz Khalifa. There are plenty of options to choose from but The Wiley (shown below) is both a best seller and celeb favorite.

Raen, Wiley in Slate/Vibrant Brown Polarized $184.95

No doubt your man has a hoodie collection, so you know he loves them. So don’t just get him any hoodie, get him one made from super soft, scrumptious French Terry. This pullover by Peloton not only checks all the comfort boxes, it’s also quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and naturally breathable. Comes in three color options, including this go-with-just-about-anything-in-his-closet dark navy.

Peloton, City Sweat Pullover Hoodie $79

(on Sale NOW from $138)

Like our LBD, black jeans are a cornerstone of most guy’s wardrobe. It’s a foundation piece as much as their white tee. The Brixton by Joe’s Jeans made the GQ list of “The Best Black Jeans”, not just because of it’s especially dark hue but also because it’s made from Kinetic Denim, with advanced stretch technology, ensuring superior comfort and uninhibited range of motion. He’ll experience broken in comfort on his first wear.

Joe’s Jeans, The Brixton Straight + Narrow $188

This 100% Cashmere half-zip is about as luxurious as sweaters get. A classic fit keeps him looking warm and stylish.

J.McLaughlin, Tate Cashmere Sweater $448

 

FOR THE SKINCARE ENTHUSIAST

He’s a man who understands that skincare is self care. Celebrities, athletes and CEOs all do it, so why ignore the relatable benefits of preventing premature aging, or poor skin hygiene, or possibly even skin cancer? As far as he’s concerned it’s as respectable a habit as brushing your teeth or working out. And he’s absolutely right.

Oily skin is tricky, especially for guys. Larger pores, and a higher levels of sapienic acid in their sebum can make for a hard time keeping his facial oil under control without resorting to harsh cleansers that lead to over-stripping and damage. Help him break the cycle with Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser. As the name implies, this cleanser starts in a gel that lathers when you add water. The ingredients are a powerful combo of cleansing agents, including fatty-acid-rich coconut-based surfactants that dissolve stubborn oils while supporting a healthy skin barrier, with hydrating glycerin and antioxidant rich cantaloupe extract to help smooth and hydrate.

Drunk Elephant, Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser $34

On the flip side, if your man struggles with the tired, dehydrated, dull looking patches that come with dry skin, it’s time to get serious about moisturization. And that’s definitely what he’ll get with Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream. We’re talking a supercharged ingredient list including Peptide Complex, Vitamins C & E + Hyaluronic Acid and the brand’s famous Cushion + Lift Mesh Technology. Adding this to his daily post-cleansing routine will get him the hydrated, firmer, and smoother looking skin he’s been wishing for.

Charlotte Tilbury, Charlotte’s Magic Cream $100

Finally, let’s talk about sensitive skin, because whether he knows it or not, he’s in good company. According to a 2019 review of survey data, nearly sixty percent of guys have some degree of sensitive skin. For guys like him, it can be doubly hard to find a skincare that won’t leave him feeling itchy, rash-y or just downright uncomfortable. He needs a skincare company that completely avoids triggering ingredients like drying alcohol, silicones, fragrances, dyes and more. That’s exactly what he’ll get when you gift him Drunk Elephant’s Protini Cream. Not only does this cream not contain any of those irritants, it’s clinically proven to increase skin’s hydration, improve the look, texture and tone as well as reduce lines and wrinkles to improve firmness. Bonus – this R&R edition comes with it’s own refill, making it double the present!

Drunk Elephant, R&R (Relax + Refill)™ Protini Edition $88

(a $129 value)

FOR THE SNEAKERHEAD

Sure, they may scratch their heads in wonder over why you love a ‘kitten heel’ over a ‘block heel’ but make no mistake, guys are just as picky about their sneaks. Whether it’s because they fit into his style idiom, or because he likes to collect, or…just because they’re damn comfortable. Maybe it’s all these things. Here’s some great gift options to consider…

If you’ve got a Collector on your hands, it pays to do a little research. This one is so hot, only a select number of retailers have them. The iconic Air Jordan 11 is back in Chicago Bulls colors (limited release). O Lucky you, we just happen to have the link down below here, all ready for you.

Jordan, Air Jordan 11 Retro Varsity Red $225

Got a Minimalist Loving Man for whom the white-on-white sneaker is all he ever wants? Surprise him with pure Italian leather sneaker goodness. Clean and streamlined, these are handmade in Tuscany.

M. Gemi, The Palestra Uomo $248

If your man is into Vans and doesn’t already have this one in his collection, you’re about to make his holiday. Handsome charcoal and white makes this a standout shoe.

Vans, Knu Skool Sneakers $107

Ah, Chucks. Forget popularity, Chuck Taylors are eternal. You really cannot go wrong getting your guy a pair but this new version of the classic All-Star hi-top will put him in his happy place.

Converse, Chuck Taylor All-Star CX $38.98

(on Sale NOW from $78)

 

FOR THE HUNK WITH HOBBIES

There’s no lack of hobbies out there, but for this list here we’re going to focus on more mainstream. While it can seem like a contradiction, finding good gifts can be challenging, even in these more general areas. Here are a quick few that could be exactly what your fella is looking for…

Starting with the work out warrior. Whether it’s bootcamp to biking, running to rowing, or lifting to yoga – if it makes you sweat, he’s there for it. And that’s exactly why he’s going to love a shirt designed by a company that knows a thing or two about working out. The Tech Mesh tee by Peloton is a multi-tasking monster with plenty of stretch and breathability, yet maintains a cool, tailored fit from start to finish. Comes in an impressive seven color options, including this universal black.

Peloton, Tech Mesh Short Sleeve $34

(on Sale NOW from $68)

Got a guy who’s a serious Gamer? Whether he’s into wired or wireless games (be sure to check which he uses with his system), you can impress him with a headset that has made “The Best” lists across the board with reviewers and gamers. The USB sound card that’s included comes with THX Spatial Audio, giving it powerful surround sound, and its excellently clear microphone is perfect for when he’s ready to trash talk his competition. All in a lightweight, comfortable over-the-ear headset he can wear for hours.

Razer, Blackshark V2 Headset Wired $34.99 or Wireless $99.99

Does your guy get giddy as a kid when the powder starts to fall? Blenders has put together a great gift selection of goggles. One of our favs is the popular Aura in Dallas Alice, which includes their scratch-resistant, anti-fog snow goggle, a zip-around travel case, and a bonus, low-light lens that snaps on easily, courtesy of their Easy Swap Magnetic Lens system (so he’ll be able to easily swap in a spare lens on-the-fly). The arctic blue snow lens and monochrome checkerboard strap will give your guy plenty to flex about, on and off the slopes..

Blenders Eyewear, Aura Snow Goggles in Dallas Alice $99

For the gentleman well on his way to becoming a coffee connoisseur, let’s talk about what the experts say – Pour over coffee is the best. Surprised? It’s literally a matter of chemistry. Pour over starts with much hotter water temperatures and freshly ground beans, combined when both are at their absolute peak. How’s that? Well, hotter water extracts more of the oils from the beans. Beans, when just freshly ground, have the most amount of available oils. Science, yo! And perhaps the best part of it all lies in its simplicity. No foaming, frothing, expresso’ing or, well, anything (unless of course you want to).

Grosche, Amsterdam Pour Over Coffee Maker & Goose Neck Stovetop Kettle Bundle $104.99

So that’s our list. We hope you liked it, and really hope you found something your guy will love.  From all of us at SLHer, Happy Holidays!