Mirel Zaman's Holiday Gift Ideas For the Man In Your Life
I've Bought My Partner Hundreds of Gifts — and I Know Exactly What to Get Yours
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Buying gifts for men can be the worst, even when you're shopping for the best man in the universe — your partner. In my experience, men either have no idea what they want, they've already bought what they want for themselves, or they want something so specific or exclusive that it's impossible to get your hands on or outrageously expensive (or both). Sometimes they have all three problems at the same time. What's a person looking for the perfect men's gift to do?
I certainly don't consider myself an expert in men, but I have been with my partner for over 16 years now. That's nearly two decades of birthday, anniversary, holiday, and just-because gifts that I've given this man — a generous and luxury-loving Leo, no less, so you know the bar is high.
After buying all those gifts over all those years, I've managed to develop a pretty solid arsenal of gift ideas for men. And while I shop with my husband's character, interests, and needs in mind, my shopping list still offers up plenty of inspiration for people who are looking for unique gifts for the men in their lives and want to move beyond the clichéd whiskey rocks and wallets. Here's what's on my husband-approved list (save for one gift, which I can't post publicly lest I spoil the surprise).
Best Watch Gift
Casio Calculator Watch ($22, originally $25)
My husband is a big watch guy and his dream watches cost way more than I'd want to spend for a regular gift (sorry, love). But I know he'd be totally obsessed with this throwback Casio calculator watch, and I bet most millennial guys — horology-heads or not — would feel the same way. These watches were so cool back when we were kids and you know guys love to relive their youth.
Best Button-Down Gift
LL Bean Men's Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt, Traditional Fit ($50)
I've never bought this for my husband, but I've gotten it for my dad — twice. He loves it because it's super soft, warm, and easily layerable for cold winter days. It also gets perfectly worn in and molded to your body as you wear it, and comes in 13 colorways and a slim-fit option. For an elevated alternative, I'd opt for this Filson Moleskin Seattle Shirt ($195).
Best Jacket Gift
H&M Wool-Blend Jacket ($75)
The perfect jacket is my husband's Moby Dick. I've accepted that he enjoys the journey too much to ever actually find "the one," and I'd be happy to add this H&M jacket to his overstuffed closet. I know he'll love the felted fabric, the trendy bomber-like silhouette, and the fact that there's a two-way zip (so he can sit down without having to fully unzip his jacket — it's the small details).
Best Home Goods Gift
Parachute Resort Stripe Organic Cotton Towel ($59)
We need new towels. How would I convince him that this is a gift for him and not us? I'd buy extra-large towels and say that I'd noticed our current towels are too small to wrap around him as cozily as I think he deserves. If they're soft enough, he'll let me get away with it.
Best Sneakers Gift
Nike Killshot 2 ($90)
These Killshots are basic, yes — but in a classic way, not a lame way. He already has the plain white, so for a gift I'd get him the colorway of my choice. And then I'd get myself a matching pair.
Best Hoodie Gift
Lululemon Steady State Pullover Hoodie ($138)
I suspect that many men who don't already own Lululemon are quietly intrigued by the brand but are too intimidated to pull the trigger for some reason. Gift them their first pieces — I suggest getting this hoodie and the matching Steady State Relaxed-Fit Pant ($118) to create an approachable but elevated sweatset. Don't be surprised if you see the brand suddenly popping up more and more in their wardrobe.
Best Running Gift
Adidas Adizero Evo SL ($150)
A few years ago, my partner took up running so we could enjoy weekend jogs together. (Picture the happy tearful face emoji here.) That thoughtfulness deserves a nice pair of running sneakers. I'd pick these Adidas, an adaptation of the Adizero Adios Pro 4, which are designed for maximizing runners' speed on race day. The Adizero Evo SL bring some of that tech into a shoe that's designed for everyday runs and everyday runners, which is more my husband's speed. I'd fully get myself a matching pair — imagine how cool we'd look while out on our runs!
Best Bedside Table Gift
Hatch Restore 2 Bedside Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock ($170)
Everyone at PS loves these clocks. The Hatch Restore 2 is a sunrise alarm clock that wakes you up naturally, and also features a sleep light and noise machine. At the moment, TBH, our 1-year-old is our alarm clock, so I doubt my husband will be using the sunrise feature that often — but someday! I also like this Cloudnola Railway Alarm Clock ($38) for a more retro look.
Best Ski Gift
Columbia Powderkeg II Remastered Interchange Jacket ($280)
My husband doesn't ski, but if he did, I'd absolutely get him this Columbia Powderkeg jacket. It's a three-in-one style with an inner liner that doubles as a reversible bomber, and an outer shell that keeps you warm and dry when out in the snow. I also love the retro style of the jacket, which is part of Columbia's Icons collection of updated archive styles.
Best Skin-Care Gift
Sulwhasoo Cult Classic Skin Care Set ($180)
My husband already likes this particular brand and travels a lot, so he'll love the minis. But if your guy doesn't have a specific beauty routine established, this is a great place to start. Sulwhasoo products are mild with luxurious — but not fussy — packaging and an approachable scent. Plus, of course, they work, so he'll be hooked after just one or two nights.
Best Sleep Gift
Lunya Washable Silk Set ($278)
Lunya makes the best PJs, hands down. This silky set will keep your partner cool and comfortable at night — and it'll feel great to cuddle up against, too.
Best E-Reader Gift
Kindle Colorsoft ($280)
Everyone is obsessed with the Kindle Colorsoft, and with good reason. It finally brings a full-color display to the Kindle's signature paper-like cover. A single charge lasts up to eight weeks, it's waterproof, and the brightness automatically adjusts to your surroundings. My husband will load it up with nonfiction (his preference), and I'll sneak in plenty of romance and fantasy picks so I can steal it away as needed.
Best Bracelet Gift
David Yurman Streamline Double Wrap Bracelet ($395)
If your partner is the type to layer on the bracelets, this David Yurman double-wrap style is the perfect subtle-yet-classy addition to his stack. If he's not (mine isn't), this is a great, understated starter style he can try out. And if you really want to splurge, it also comes with gold hardware at a higher price point ($1,350).
Best Recovery Gift
Therabody Theragun Prime Plus ($399)
Significant others are always asking for a massage — as they should be (why do we date if not to get massages on demand?). Make it a little easier on your hands with the Theragun Prime Plus, which offers the classic percussive massage therapy of a Theragun plus heat for even greater pain relief.
Best Tablet Gift
Apple iPad Air ($499, originally $599)
My husband has dropped plenty of not-at-all-subtle hints about wanting an iPad of his own. He travels a lot for work and wants one so he can answer emails and complete work while on the go, without having to break out his entire laptop. I suspect he'd also use it for online shopping, watching videocasts, and listening to podcasts while at home.
Mirel Zaman (she/her) is the health and fitness director at PS. She has over 15 years of experience working in the health and wellness space, covering fitness, general health, mental health, relationships and sex, food and nutrition, spirituality, family and parenting, culture, and news.
