Shopping·14 min read

Gifts for Guys Who Say They Don’t Need Anything

the best gifts for guys who say they don't need anything
Design: theSkimm | Images: Quince, Clarks, Belkin
October 15, 2024

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Shopping for the guy who keeps a blank wishlist can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, we found 21 foolproof holiday gifts that he never knew he needed. From practical travel kits to nifty gadgets, these picks are so good, he might admit that he does need a thing or two…or three.

Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out our full list of gift guides for everyone on your list.

Sunday Performance Joggers
Vuori

The insanely comfortable joggers that he’ll wear everywhere…

If he’s the kind of guy who refuses to compromise on comfort, these joggers are a foolproof hit. Thanks to the soft yet moisture-wicking fabric made from 88% recycled content, they can keep up with any activity — without getting sweaty. Plus, the four-way stretch means nothing’s holding him back, whether he’s couch surfing or hitting the gym. Get ready for him to live in these joggers all year long. ($98, Vuori)*

$98 at Vuori
wooden phone speaker
Uncommon Goods

A speaker that doesn’t require any cords…

Designed to naturally boost your phone’s sound — sans charging or batteries — this speaker combines rustic charm with modern function. It’s designed with seven layers of wooden rings that catch vibrations and pump up the volume for any kind of smartphone. Your guy may say he already has everything, but we’ll bet good money that he won’t have this fun, unique gift. ($59, Uncommon Goods)

$59 at Uncommon Goods
LOJEL cubo small
LOJEL

A secretly spacious carry-on suitcase...

If he's a frequent flier, he'll seriously appreciate the Cubo Small from LOJEL. This small-but-mighty carry-on has a deep interior that has plenty of room for his essentials, but it's also expandable in case he picks up a few extra things on the road. It also has interior pockets for small items, super-smooth wheels that rotate 360 degrees, and a magnetic door that provides quick access in transit. Efficency for the win. ($330, LOJEL)

$330, LOJEL
whiskey glasses
Uncommon Goods

Some drinkware dedicated to his favorite city…

Make a toast with one of these elegant etched glasses. Each cup has a detailed map of  an iconic city of his choice, from Brooklyn to Barcelona. This pick is perfect for the traveler who loves to reminisce on his past journeys or anyone who reps his hometown with unabashed pride. ($20, Uncommon Goods)

$20 at Uncommon Goods
rei down jacket
REI

A packable down jacket...

He can deny it as much as he wants, but we all know he needs a winter jacket. This classic down jacket from REI is a foolproof choice. It's lightweight and slim (aka, it'll look nice), but the 650 fill-power down — made of recycled materials — as well as a windproof and water-resistant shell will keep him warm and shielded from the elements throughout the fall, winter, and early spring. It packs down for easy storage during the off-season. Trust us, he'll wear this daily. ($129 at REI)

$129, REI
couch caddy
Amazon

A caddy that’ll upgrade his couch time…

When it comes to giving gifts to stubborn guys, innovation is key. On top of having six compartments and a 360-degree rotation mechanism, this tray boasts a sturdy design with a nonslip base for added security. It's the ultimate upgrade for movie night and weekend relaxation. ($28.98, Amazon)

$28.98 at Amazon
Sunglasses
Quay

Some budget friendly sunglasses under $100…

Sunglasses are one of the easiest ways to elevate an outfit, so it never hurts to contribute a pair to your partner’s collection. Not only do Quay’s chic square frames make a statement, but their polarized lenses also protect eyes from UV rays. ($85+, Quay)

$85+ at Quay
men's boots
Clarks

A pair of practical boots from an iconic brand…

These versatile shoes are fashionable, durable, and comfortable thanks to their weather-resistant leather material and grippy lugged soles. Plus, their Contour Cushion footbeds will keep his feet pain-free for hours on end. If he appreciates both fashion and functionality, these timeless, stylish kicks from Clarks are a foolproof holiday gift. ($150, Clarks)

$150 at Clarks
men's wallet
Rogue Industries

A wallet with a unique shape…

Another buy that prioritizes both style and function, this leather wallet is shaped for front pockets. It will slide compactly into his pockets while carrying up to 12 cards, his cash, and ID. Bonus: It’s backed by a 2-year warranty in case anything goes awry. ($70, Rogue Industries)

$70 at Rogue Industries
black laptop case
Monos

A laptop case that’ll keep his tech protected on long commutes…

Never underestimate the power of Monos’ travel goods. If he’s all set in the suitcase department, get him this luxe laptop sleeve. Not only will its vegan-leather shell and twill lining look great in his bag, but it’ll also keep his tech protected on bumpy rides. Plus, we love that it has a built-in trolley sleeve for sliding over rolling luggage handles. ($90+, Monos)

$75 at Monos
folio kit
Monos

Another travel must-have he’s going to appreciate…

He’ll always thank you for upgrading his tech organization. This one from Monos is crafted from the same water-resistant vegan leather as the previous laptop sleeve, but inside you’ll find a myriad of compartments and slots. It's a perfect organizer for passports, ID, cords, and any travel essentials he’ll need easy access to on the go. ($50, Monos)

$50 at Monos
gamer storage
Uncommon Goods

A storage unit for the gamer who’s always losing his controller…

This retro storage unit will level up his gaming and cut any clutter. It holds controllers, headsets, games and everything he needs for his daily playing. He’ll finally have a spot to place miscellaneous items (like remotes or batteries) in the front catchall tray. Grab it for your favorite gamer this holiday and he’ll secretly thank you every time he presses start. ($48, Uncommon Goods)

$48 at Uncommon Goods
Anthony Bourdain book
Amazon

A travel guide from an expert explorer…

Anthony Bordain was a revered chef and a respected world traveler. In his bestselling guide World Travel, Bourdain curates all the knowledge he gained on his expansive culinary journeys into one cheeky travel handbook. He shares tips on where to eat, stay, and skip. Whether your giftee has some major trips lined up in 2025 or is a fan of Bourdain’s one-of-a-kind charm, this novel will be a great addition for his next in-flight read. ($17.60, Amazon)

$17.60 at Amazon
Leather duffel bag
Quince

The ultimate travel bag…

Dare we say Quince’s Italian Leather Duffle Bag is an explorer’s dream? If he’s constantly jet-setting overseas or hitting the road for a quick trip, its durable leather can handle the rigors of travel. Its spacious interior can carry up to six outfits and the bag has  a refined design he’ll cherish for years to come. ($199.90, Quince)

$199.90 at Quince
cocktail smoker
Uncommon Goods

A cocktail smoker for the DIY mixologists…

This beginner-friendly cocktail tool infuses drinks with rich, smoky flavor in minutes, while transforming his everyday spirits into rooftop lounge-level creations. Just place the hand-carved piece on top of the cocktail, add the smoking chips, give the blow torch a few pumps, and watch the magic unfold. ($38+, Uncommon Goods)

$38+ at Uncommon Goods
charging dock
Belkin

A charging dock for the guy who’s always on low-power mode…

Replace a few of those pesky cords cluttering his desk with the help of Beklin’s 2-In-1 Wireless Charging Dock. It’s an ideal gift for those whose Apple devices are perpetually on the brink of a dead battery. He can charge his phone on the stand at the front and Airpods or Apple Watch on the back. ($119.99, Belkin)

$119.99 at Belkin
set of packing cubes
Amazon

Packing cubes for the man who refuses to check a bag…

If the airline that lost his checked bag inducted him into the Carry-On-Only Club, buy him some luggage cubes this holiday season. This affordable set of six will make packing easy and organized. They’re lightweight, durable, and save tons of space. ($26.99, Amazon)

$26.99 at Amazon
backpack
Away

A reliable backpack for all of his upcoming journeys…

Buy him one of Away’s game-changing backpacks. The travel brand is famous for its stylish, durable, and handy offerings and their Featherlight Backpack is no exception. It’s seemingly low profile, but inside it’s equipped with a zippered laptop sleeve, passport pocket, two water bottle compartments, and more. Pick from five colorways. ($118, Away

$118 at Away
shave kit
Jaxon Lane

A shave prep and repair kit so he doesn’t get annoying razor bumps…

Painful ingrowns or bumps when shaving a beard are uncomfortable for him and eventually, you. This kit comes with an exfoliating powder cleanser, a moisturizer, and four sheet masks. With continuous use, he’ll have smooth, soft skin and you’ll hear less complaining about itchiness and redness. ($84, Jaxon Lane)

$84 at Jaxon Lane
E-reader
Kindle

The Kindle Paperwhite for the insatiable bookworm in your life…

Your bookworm may be Team Paperback, but perhaps he has yet to (or refuses to) experience the wonders of a Kindle. Yes, he’ll occasionally miss the fresh smell of a new book (IYKYK), but having an entire library at the palm of his hands will make it all worth it. The Paperwhite’s high-tech convenience includes everything from adjustable warm-up lighting and 10-week-long battery life to glare-free displays and waterproof design. ($149.99+, Amazon)

$149.99+ at Amazon
foam roller
REI

A thoughtful gift for the fitness enthusiast…

One look and you can tell that this isn’t your average foam roller. The GRID is designed with a multi-density surface to relieve his sore muscles, making it a fantastic buy for post-workout recovery. It’s also a thoughtful buy for anyone whose stress levels are above average — in other words, a man who’s too wound up to realize he needs some major TLC. ($24.93+, REI)

$24.93+ at REI
mini tote bag
Bellroy

This nifty sling bag he can take anywhere…

This mini tote is stylish and easy to carry. We could go on about its versatility for days, but we particularly love the water-resistant fabric and magnetic clasps. It also has a built-in key clip, expandable gusset, and two mesh interior pockets. If his hands are full, he’ll be grateful for this crossbody bag. ($55, Bellroy)

$55 at Bellroy
leather watch band
Nomad

A strap that’ll make his Apple Watch office-appropriate…

Give his Apple Watch a nice refresh with this contemporary leather band. If your pet peeve is when he wears his Apple Watch to nicer events, elevate the band for him. This one pairs well with all his work looks and the quality doesn’t disappoint. Cheers to closing rings while looking dapper. ($48, Nomad)

$48 at Nomad
air tag card
Nomad

A holder for the guy who’s always losing his stuff…

Another creative find he probably doesn’t already own: an AirTag holder that’ll fit inside his wallet. AirTags aren’t bulky, but they also aren’t the most wallet-friendly. To use, he can add his AirTag to the holder, then slot it inside his wallet. If his sanity is dependent on the Find My app, then this will be his new saving grace. ($20, Nomad)

$20 at Nomad
passport wallet
Nomad

A passport wallet to keep him company on his travels…

Airport Dads will never say no to a swanky passport wallet. This one is made of Horween leather and has slots for cards, his Passport, and everyone else's boarding passes. It even has a slot for a SIM card and a SIM card remover tool. Airport Dads have to stay prepared and this gift shows how much you understand that. ($90, Nomad)

$90 at Nomad

*This denotes a sponsored product.

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