Gifts for Guys Who Say “They Don’t Need Anything”

Just not by you. NYC’s premiere bakery of Instagram acclaim — Levain — can be shipped straight to his door in four, eight, or 12-packs. Flavors include Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and Two Chip Chocolate Chip. Basically an instant crowd-pleaser in cookie form, one that works equally well for one lucky recipient or an entire office crew.

Organizing your tasks is usually a dreadful chore, but this Part-Time Adult planner keeps it light without sacrificing usefulness. It’s intentionally undated, so he can pick it up now or years later and still be on track. Sprinkled throughout are celebrity birthdays and random holidays that make even the most tedious lists feel entertaining.

For the guy who’s constantly losing his. These prescription sunglasses are specifically made to be worn for sports and workouts, thanks to an extra-lightweight frame, slip-resistant temple tips, and tinted lenses that block out glare. Choose from several lens colors and types.

The gift of music is one that will never not be appreciated, and this under-$50 JBL speaker ensures it won’t be re-gifted. It’s waterproof, compact but powerful, and comes with an attached clip so he can take it anywhere. A small-but-mighty crowd favorite that does exactly what it promises.

If his drawer is overflowing with socks from better days (permanent stains, holes in the big toe), this upgrade from Bombas will be extremely welcome. These quarter socks have arch support, ankle cuffs that stay firmly in place, and they actually get softer with every wash. Honestly, can you believe as children we were once frustrated when receiving socks at the holidays? How upsetting.

Part of the reason we’re all desperately scouring vintage racks is for the fabrics: soft, durable, and built to last. This Huckberry vintage tee was designed with that exact feel in mind. Available in a handful of neutral hues, it’s the definition of a wardrobe staple, an everyday classic that can be worn on repeat without fraying or losing its luster after a single wash.

For the bibliophile, the aspiring Stephen King, or anyone nostalgic for analog. This pen comes in brass, stainless steel, and vapor black, and turns jotting down to-dos into an act of calligraphy. A small luxury for anyone who likes to romanticize the mundane.

Our theory: Coasters are only used if they look cool enough. These definitely qualify. Made from reclaimed vinyl records, each coaster has its own bit of history baked in before getting sealed to prevent moisture damage. They’re functional, yes, but they also double as mini conversation starters: a nod to retro nostalgia that protects tables while showing off a little personality. A gift for the music buff who owns more records than placemats.

If you’ve gotten one too many “Have you seen my wallet?” texts, this is the gift he’s been waiting for. Slimmer than a credit card, it slides right into his billfold and pairs with an app to track down wherever it’s wandered. It’s subtle enough that he’lll forget it’s there…until he misplaces his wallet again.

Here’s the truth: Pockets are overrated, especially when they can’t hold everything. Enter the crossbody Dagne Dover sling. Compact but roomy, it’s perfect for stashing dog-walk gear, phones, headphones, or whatever he usually crams into the back pocket of his jeans. A gift that proves once and for all: The fanny pack isn’t just back, it never should’ve left.

For the guy who has opinions about the best era of rock and roll. This Creem subscription is half time machine, half discovery platform. He’ll get four issues of the legendary magazine in print, a tote bag for hauling vinyl or groceries, and full access to the digital archive, which includes every single issue from 1969–1989. That’s decades of riffs, reviews, and interviews at his fingertips, all while he can discover new artists sans TikTok’s algorithm.

This is a controversial gift because about half the population prefers the thrill of a physical book. But we want to reiterate: half. The Kindle Paperwhite is beloved by thousands for its ease of use — a vessel that unlocks an entire library, without taking up shelf space. It’s glare-free, lightweight, and can hold a charge for weeks, making it perfect for the guy whose phone battery is perpetually at 9%.

Animal Crossing, Zelda, and Mario Party doesn’t stop for vacations (or long train commutes). This Belkin case keeps his precious console safe from scuffs and damage, with a hidden AirTag compartment to track it down if lost. There’s even room for game card storage, because why not keep options right at his fingertips?

Clarks is a heritage brand synonymous with craftsmanship, and these boots are proof of that decades-long dedication based on Nathan Clark’s 1950 design. The Desert Boot is as classic as it gets: leather-made, lace-up, and finished with a durable sole that can handle hours-long walks, cross-country trips, and days (weeks/months/years) of everyday wear.

When it comes to travel, whether transatlantic or a subway ride to work, the most functional products are the ones that take up the least amount of space. This folio kit from Monos understood the assignment. It folds flat and wide, slips perfectly into a front pocket of any bag, and still manages to hold a passport, cards, and even the ever-elusive charging cable. In other words: the opposite experience of rummaging around at airport security in search of his boarding pass.

Who says snail mail isn’t cool? Every quarter, History by Mail sends an envelope featuring a snapshot of the past: a letter, memorabilia, illustrations, and more that bring history to life. Perfect for the history buff whose cable channel of choice will always, always be The History Channel.

We love our phones, but the problem with thousands of digital photos is that most never see the light of day. Plus, one wrong drop (and not enough back-ups) and years’ worth of memories can go poof in an instant. This Papier photo book keeps memories tangible, bound in print as a keepsake he can actually hold. Both a thoughtful gift and sentimental time capsule, it’s the kind of thing that gets an instant “aww.”

If morning smoothies and dinner purées are still being blitzed in the same blender from college, it’s time for an upgrade. The Beast blender is compact, oddly chic, and powerful, with a motor that slices through frozen strawberries and raw carrots in seconds. Pretty enough to leave on the counter and functional enough to use daily.

This marigold baseball cap is already great. But the “bread” slogan? That makes it iconic. The only thing that would make this better is an actual loaf (preferably Tartine) and a vat of butter to go around.