It’s last minute. You’re clutching at straws. Succumbing to the anxiety of it all, you proceed to Google the defeatist search query: “best gifts for men.” Don’t worry. We’ve all been there.
Fascinatingly, studies indicate only half of us leave gift researching and buying to the last minute — I would’ve placed that number somewhere closer to 80%, but what do I know?
So for those of you here well ahead of schedule, looking for something epic for the man in your life: bravo (I wish you were buying for me).
With anniversaries, birthdays, and both father’s and mother’s days filling the calendar, alongside religious events, educational achievements, “push presents,” and plenty more, gifting is a task that seemingly never stops.
For years here at Boss Hunting, we’ve separated all these gift guides into their respective occasions. Now, we’ve put our heads together to curate a list of the best gifts for men, period. Timeless, quality gifts that our team has tried, tested, loved, or lusted over.
Be the type of gifter you’d like to receive a gift from and tuck into our list of recommendations for the best gifts for men below.
For the cool + casual operator
ALD / New Balance SONNY NY Slides
In describing NYC based Aime Leon Dore, I’ll say this: everything they touch turns to gold. Including these regular rubber slides. Whether he’s relaxing by the pool or recovering court side, the SONNY NY slide will ensure he’s doing so in enviable style.
For those who like to enter a room without being seen
CoSTUME NATIONAL HOMME Parfum 100ml
Costume National’s Homme Parfum offers an intriguing mix of sparkling grapefruit-led citrus and captivating spices over layers of balanced, luxurious woods. Perfect for all seasons, all occasions, and all sexes, it’s a absolute winner when it comes to gifting.
For the cinephile
Samsung Freestyle Projector (Portable)
Samsung has crafted a nifty bit of kit in the Freestyle. This incredibly portable projector can be taken virtually anywhere in your house (as well as the great outdoors so long as there’s an adequate power source + internet connection); and is particularly useful for those who don’t have the requisite space to set up a full-blown home entertainment station. What’s even more handy than both the form factor, however, is the software: it comes with all the essential streaming apps installed and ready to go. Meaning you don’t have to tether to another device and so forth. Dare I say it… you might never need a conventional TV ever again .
For the “Iron Chef”
Blenheim Forge Nakiri Knife
While the following statement might be hard to stomach for a $500 knife, in the world of handmade, Damascus steel knives, Blenheim Forge actually represents fantastic value. They’re not quite on the same level as the likes of MD Knives whose books are (unfortunately) full for the foreseeable future, but neither is the price. So you can justify one, or two, for a bloody good birthday or wedding gift.
For those who love an ice cold beverage
YETI Colster Can Cooler
Sure, most of the Yeti catalogue is egregiously overpriced. But you can’t argue that it’s not a cool brand making some great looking, functional kit. The Colster Can cooler is one of their finest creations, keeping your craft brew or cola as cold as you could possibly imagine, for longer. Take it camping, to the beach, to the footy or let it accompany you on your journey to cook the perfect steak.
For those who appreciate the right tool for the job
Gabriel Glas Two Pack
News flash people: you don’t need to drink wine out of varietal specific wine glasses! I’ve flicked them all in favour of one multitalented wine glass – the Gabriel Glas. There’s a reason it’s favoured by the best wine bars in the world… it’s the right tool for the job. And that job is delivering all forms of wine, for superior customer enjoyment. It’s the only glass you need.
For the everyday carriers
Hershan Utility Tote Suede Medium
Much like the Gabriel Glas above, the Hershan Utility Tote – which now comes in suede – offers a sophisticated everyday carry solution that doubles as a beach, gym, shopping, nappy, overnight, or weekend bag. The robust canvas or suede construction means it’ll stand the test of time, and shows its character even more with some wear and tear.
For the designer
Rimowa Aluminium Case (iPhone)
One of the most iconic product designs of all time, Rimowa’s distinctive aluminium grooves made their way onto phone cases 2019. Strangely, it’s not a purchase you think about making for yourself, but it’s a splendid gift for anyone that considers themselves an arbiter of good design.
For those who believe shoes maketh the man
Etymology Utzon Oxford
If I had to choose just one formal shoe, it would be the black oxford. Timeless and unrivalled in wearability, it is the gift that keeps on giving. Australian brand Etymology has just launched their Goodyear-welted range, and their Utzon ticks all the sartorial boxes.
For the long black lover
Alessi Pulcina Induction Espresso Coffee Maker
A well-designed object is something you immediately get a sense of, and this Alessi Pulcina Induction Espresso Coffee Maker is one such example. Designed by Michele de Lucchi, the cast aluminium exterior is a pleasure to interact with as a part of a morning routine, while its interior has been carefully considered to stop filtering just before the coffee is burned. An elevated entry into any day.
For the Japanese whisky expert
Kagami Japanese Crystal Tumbler
Drinking malted liquor out of a Waterford or Royal Doulton tumbler will never be a bad experience, but there’s something a little more special about imbibing a finger of good Japanese whisky from a vessel handcrafted in Ibaraki. The choice of the Japanese Imperial family, Kagami tumblers are known for the clarity of their colour, depth of their cuts, and purity of the sound they produce, making them a perfect gift for anyone who knows their Yamazaki from their Hakushu.
For the literary type
Lamy Dialog 3 Fountain Pen
Most of us take meeting note on our laptops today, but there’s still a rare breed of considered individuals who prefers the tactility and the process of handwriting. To give the gift of a nicely designed everyday tool, the Lamy Dialog 3 Fountain Pen is a great option. Designed by Franco Clivio, the 14ct gold nib of this pen retracts into itself with a twist-action, protecting it from drying and eliminating the need for a cap.
For the man about the house
Dyson Cyclone V10 Vacuum
It’s a gift that’s a little more domestic, but there’s a reason everyone talks about how good their cordless Dyson is and the Dyson Cyclone V10 Vacuum is fantastic. It’s lightweight, charges easily (for a 60 minute battery life), and is powerful enough to pick up anything that might have fallen on the floor. For the bloke who takes pride in his home, study, or shed. Or perhaps the man that needs to take a hint.
For the winter wasps
Drake’s Donegal Ribbed Merino Knit Cap
I’ve owned this beanie for coming on a decade and it is without doubt, the finest “watch cap” a man or woman could own. Made of 100% merino wool it’s simple, classic, and endlessly wearable – pair with clothing of almost any style, from rugged workwear to elegant tailoring.
For the list lovers
Moleskine Classic Large Soft Cover Notebook
You can never own too many notebooks and I’ve never met someone who didn’t love using Moleskine. The obvious choice for anyone who last used a Spirax spiral-bound pad in primary school, there’s a reason Moleskine is so universally enjoyed. From the creamy paper to the gently tactile cover, it’s all in the details.
The wine snob
Best’s Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz
Can we stop talking about Penfolds and Henschke for a moment and recognise Best’s Great Western for the powerhouse that they are? From their entry level Riesling to their top tier releases, the Victorian winery produces some of the yummiest wines in the country. Their Thomson Family Shiraz requires special mention, produced from just 15 rows of shiraz vines planted by Henry Best in 1868. Somehow, it only retails for a little over $200, and with a decade or so of aging, it presents as one of, if not the nicest Shiraz in the country. I was lucky enough to enjoy a bottle of 2007 a few months ago and it almost brought a tear to my eye. Astounding value and amazing gift.
For the king of the coals
Firemade Portico 60
The Fire Made Portico 60 is a simple and versatile South American-style “all-in-one” grilling rig that will allow you to unleash your inner Mallmann. Designed from commercial examples utilised by the likes of Gordon Ramsey, the hand made product enables you to grill, hang meat & pots, rotisserie, and asado. Set it up next to the GOZNEY and be the biggest swinging dick (*dad) in the neighbourhood.
For the cash is king types
Bottega Veneta Slim Bi-Fold Wallet
Smartphones and smartwatches have made paying easier than it’s ever been before, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still carry a handsome wallet. Within the realm of high-quality leather goods, the folks at Bottega Veneta produce some very impressive stuff including this Slim Bi-Fold Wallet, which is available in ten different colours and is crafted from 100% calfskin. A grown man’s wallet.
The silver fox
Patrick’s AM1 Anti-Aging Moisturiser
When only the very best will do, Patrick’s is the brand to reach for. Launching with award winning hair styling products that basically created a new luxe category for men, the brand then set out to tackle (and dominate) skincare. Their AM1 Anti-Aging Moisturiser is a hyper concentrated, rich moisturising cream that is absorbed quickly and hydrates for 24 hours. An essential grooming tool for any man who strives for better skin.
The subtle flexer
Jacques Marie Mage Torino Sunglasses
Wondering what sunglasses Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig, and Jeff Goldblum wear when they know they’re going to be papped? Jaques Marie Mage. Hailing from Los Angeles, JMM specialises in limited run acetate, hand shaped, hand finished, and hand constructed. And I can personally attest to them being the best in the business. If you’re looking for a more traditional shape than the Ascari, the Torino is embodies the very best of the brand. Designs that look familiar with details that make them unique.
For the aesthete
REIN Shampoo & Conditioner
Conceived as a discreet remedy for dandruff, REIN’s Shampoo & Conditioner Duo features Piroctone Olamine which is proven to increase hair shaft diameter and decrease hair thinning while boosting volume and increasing shine. With a striking minimalist design, and invigorating maritime scent, its sure to enhance any morning ritual.
Likes to embrace summer always
Birkenstock Arizona SFB Taupe Suede Leather
If you don’t own a pair of Birkenstocks, it’s unlikely you’ll give them as a gift. Although that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Everyone who owns a pair loves them because they’re comfortable, stylish, and perfect for any time the mercury climbs above 25 degrees Celsius. Specifically, the Arizona SFB Taupe Suede Leather is neutral in design and available in a variety of colours and leathers, making it the perfect choice for the Birkenstock fence-sitter or aficionado alike.
For the bloke who struggles with “smart casual”
Rodd & Gunn Saint Bathans Sports Fit Jacket
Finding the right balance between smart and casual isn’t easy, which is why we wrote a guide to the art form that is smart casual dressing . One of the keys to nailing the dress code is a quality sports jacket, and this number from Rodd & Gunn is brilliant. It’s a lightweight jacket that doesn’t feel too stuffy thanks to its slightly corded Italian fabric, and arrives in a shade of navy blue that goes with everything. Smarter, not harder.
For the entertainer
Perceval 9.47 Table Knife
There’s something deeply pleasurable about the first moment of slicing into a steak using a good knife. It’s effortlessly precise and feels perfectly weighted in your hand, promising an enjoyable mouthful at the end of your fork. In this regard, the Perceval 9.47 Table Knife delivers time and time again. Sharp as a razor, wonderfully proportioned, and unassuming from a distance, you’ll never want to use anything else.
The kitchen connoisseur
Fvrum Cabernet Vinegar 8 Years
The first time I ate at Quay, I bumped into Chef Peter Gilmore on the way out and inquired as to what delicious vinegar he used in his salad dressing. “Fvrum Cabernet Vinegar,” he replied, “Combined with olive oil and salt.” It’s been a staple in my pantry ever since. An affordable but thoughtful gift for anyone who believes the finest ingredients produce the best dishes.
For the traditionalist
Gucci 1953 Horsebit Loafer
2023 is the 70th anniversary of the iconic Gucci Horsebit loafer embellishment, what is arguably the brand’s most important motif. A mainstay in the worlds of fashion and finance, the OG Horsebit loafer is a timeless wardrobe addition that has transcended generations, and will continue to do so.
For the frequent flyer
Sony WH-1000XM5
The single tech device I don’t think I could go a day without. At 30 hours, the battery life on this thing is an absolute beast, the noise cancelling is about as close to perfection as we can get right now, and the sound is deeply immersive. Sony’s class-leading headphones fixed a few issues from previous models, such as call clarity and overly sensitive touch controls, to help justify the punchy price tag for these comfortable cans. Now, it’s the best set of Bluetooth headphones you can buy and a lifesaver on any flight.
For the sartoralist
Anglo Italian Button Down Sport Shirt
A button down oxford is perhaps a man’s most versatile wardrobe item. Be it open necked with a sports jacket, rolled sleeves with jeans, or open chested and loosely folded cuffs with swim shorts, it’s a garment that works across a multitude of formal and casual occasions. For a ripper example made of textured Italian cotton twill, head to Anglo Italian, founded by Jake Grantham (ex The Armoury).
For the couch potato
JBL Bar 1000
Hearing choppers fly overheard and footsteps coming in from behind helps make those big action scenes hit that much harder when streaming content from the home cinema. Being so deeply immersed in film and TV is just not possible with flimsy TV speakers so having such a meaty soundbar serves well for those who like to go bigger. The JBL Bar 1000 is a 7.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos soundbar that handles spatial audio like few others can, coming as an entire surround sound system with the bar, wireless detachable satellite speakers, and a top-performing subwoofer. Read our review here .
The horologist
Delugs Rubber CTS Strap
It’s fascinating just how much a strap change can reinvigorate your interest in a watch once again. Whether it’s a Sinn on a bracelet or a Grand Seiko on a formal leather strap, a touch of rubber can really freshen up and increase the wearability of something in your collection. The Delugs Rubber CTS is Cut-To-Size so you can fit the strap to any wrist size and arrives on a spring 316L stainless steel deployant clasp. Now you just need to decide on the colour.
For the smart home geek
Google Pixel Tablet
Anyone who wants to feel like they’re Tony Stark needs to pull together a seamless smart home. And for that, a hub from which to control it all is essential. Google’s recently released Pixel Tablet is exactly that and then some, doubling as a functional Android tablet that anyone can undock and take around the house, and then magnetically attach onto a hybridised speaker and charging dock once they’re done. In dock mode, this smart display is a gun at leveraging a home’s Wi-Fi connection to control various devices such as lightbulbs, fridges, and whatever else has become part of the ecosystem.
The sports watch lover
TIssot PRX Powermatic 80
In a world where everything feels like it’s getting too expensive (because it really is), the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a good reminder that great value still exists out there. Available with an affordable, entry level quartz movement, in a 35mm case or a 40mm case, in a range of great colours, there’s a PRX for all wrists. Whether it’s his first or fifth watch, he’ll be stoked to unwrap it. Read our review here .
For the content king
iPhone 14 Pro
From seamless ProRes video to an incredibly fluid 120Hz display, the iPhone 14 Pro is Apple recognising that in order to keep customers, it needs to provide value. Despite refine its phone year-on-year, the 14 Pro is an execution that will be be hard to surpass due to it’s intuitive software, captivating display and most impressive camera yet. Check out our review here .
For the daytripper
Mulberry Heritage Day Clipper
Whether he’s off for the day, the night, or the weekend, a suitably sized holdall will be a vital part of his arsenal. Crafted of 100% Eco Scotchgrain leather, the Mulberry Heritage Day Clipper is also an elevated office or gym companion that will form it’s own unique patina over time.
For the music obsessive
Sonos Move
Sonos’ love of minimalism has given us some of the most attractive Wi-Fi speakers over the years, but the way they deal with the bulk of the Sonos Move deserves some major props. Despite its rather rotund appearance, the Sonos Move is a major win for aesthetics, presented as a hybrid Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker that’s powerful, portable, and a smooth operator when it comes to that sweet balance between rumbling low-end, natural mids and clear, expressive highs.
For the tin shifter
Bose Sports Earbuds
There are endless amount of options out there for sports-focused earbuds and I’ve found myself using Bose’s underrated entry the most. They don’t have those overly obnoxious wingtips like a few other competitors have yet are designed well enough to sit firmly in the ear during workouts. Although you’ve only got light water resistance, these things push through those sweatier gym sessions really well and present sound that is well-balanced with a tight focus on that sweet low-end rumble.
For the coffee snob
Breville Barista Express Impress
An espresso machine with a faux manual tamping system? Surely it’s a gimmick. Well, I reviewed with the Breville Barista Express Impress and found it to be brilliantly engineered, and was astounded by the consistently delicious coffee the machine was able to extract. The best part? It’s not even $1,000.
For the perfectionist
Loro Piana Vest
Existing in the rarefied atmosphere lightyears above Patagonia et al, is a gilet beyond compare. Made by the kings of quiet luxury the Loro Piana Vest in technical Storm System fabric is a reversible outerwear garment that looks the part layered with a sports jacket or protecting your Anglo Italian button up from the elements. It’s expensive but it’s also the best gilet money can buy. If you like the style but can’t stomach the price tag, our friend REMY does a similar one, made-to-measure.
The lycra legend
Giant Contend AR1
You can’t consider yourself a real thirty year old until you’ve considered taking up cycling. Whether he’s on the fence or keen to upgrade his 2011 Cannondale CAAD 8, a capable all-rounder with upper mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes should get his bib shorts bulging. The Giant Contend AR1 is one of the best packages you can by brand new for sub $2,500.
For the pizzaiolo
GOZNEY Dome
I’ve been using the GOZNEY Dome for a little under a year and can hands down say it’s one of if not the most impressive consumer product I’ve ever tested. Available in a wood only or a wood and gas variant – that latter of which I would highly recommend – its ability to churn out stunning home cooked pizza, beef, bread, vegetables, and anything else you can think of is astonishing. It’s also a lot of fun, which is why I use mine weekly. Check out my comprehensive 12 month review of the Dome here .
For the games enthusiast
LINLEY Mayfair Backgammon Case
Founded by David Linley – the son of Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II – in 1985, LINLEY is a name synonymous with exemplary craftsmanship. Their hand-stitched leather backgammon board is the ultimate luxury for any games enthusiast featuring Palladium locks and an engravable sterling silver plaque to personalise what is a truly extravagant gift. They also make chess boards fit for a grandmaster.
For the man who has everything
Fliteboard Pro
If you’re looking for the coolest gift on the planet, go no further. Designed and built in Byron Bay, Flite produces the most awarded e-Foils money can buy and their Fliteboard Pro is the pick of the bunch – unless you’re looking to take it to Jaws with Kai Lenny – in which case you should consider the Ultra. Easier to ride and more fun than you could ever imagine, it’s an unforgettable gift the whole family can enjoy.
For the patriarch
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5205R
For the grand daddy, you need the grand daddy of manufacturing horological complications: Patek. The 5205R is a release that flys under the radar, featuring a practical annual calendar calibre, and striking green dial, encased in rose gold. This is the sort of watch you’d see on titans of industry… Logan Roy, Twiggy Forest, Jeff Bezos, the list goes on. A timeless heirloom (you might actually get allocated).
