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I tend to side-eye all gift guides "for men" or "for your boyfriend" (and "for women" and "for your mom") because most focus exclusively on items that are tied to normative gender roles in a way that I find incredibly frustrating. BUT I also know that people are looking for help finding gifts for men, gifts for boyfriends, gifts for dads, and gifts for brothers, and who am I to turn away a person in need of a great gift?
So! Below you'll find some cool gifts that my coworkers and I love, own, and have actually given men (and women!) we know, not a bunch of gifts "for men" based on dumb stereotypes. (No whiskey and no bacon!) They would also be great gifts for women!
Gender is a construct!!! Let's go shopping!!!
1. A great book about being a good human at work.
This book, published by Harvard Business Review, is one of my favorite non-fiction reads from this year.
Get it from Amazon for $20.40, Barnes & Noble for $27, or your local bookstore through Indiebound.
3. A couple of smart plugs.
I own and love these, and I love giving them as a gift because it's something a lot of people want to try, but aren't willing to pull the trigger on themselves.
Get them from Amazon — a single outlet $16.99, dual outlets for $32.89, or a power strip with six outlets and three USB ports for $69.99.
4. A stylish deck of cards.
Get them from Amazon for $14.99.
5. Some minty-fresh toothpicks.
Just a good lil' stocking stuffer! They also do a surprisingly great job of freshening your breath when you can't brush your teeth.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.36 (also available in cinnamon).
6. A new pillow.
I'm a huge fan of giving bed-related gifts/upgrading people's bedding — it's both practical and intimate.
Get it from Amazon for $49.99.
7. A book of 50 difficult crossword puzzles.
That cover art is 🤩
Get it from Amazon for $9.48, Barnes & Noble for $11.38, or a local bookstore through Indiebound.
8. A nice puzzle and a puzzle mat.
9. A pair of compression socks that are perfect for travelers, nurses, athletes, teachers, and people who work in restaurants.
10. A handheld fabric steamer.
The small size makes it great for frequent travelers (or anyone in a dorm/small apartment).
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
11. An encyclopedia of all things home.
A great book for anyone who owns a home...or who just lives in a dorm or apartment! (Read more about why I love it so much here.)
Get it from Amazon for $15.21, Barnes & Noble for $19.80, or a local bookstore through Indiebound.
12. A blind-spot mirror.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $6.97.
13. A classy and practical dot grid notebook.
I love the navy blue Leuchtturm1917 hardcover dot grid notebook. (It also comes in 14 other colors!)
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
14. A cozy and classic college or team sweater.
Get them from Hillflint (for men and women) for $90.
15. A neck, back, and shoulder massager.
This one has great reviews, a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, an A on Fakespot, and people I know personally have tried it and loved it.
Get it from Amazon for $44.95.
16. Some good knee pads.
17. A shaving cream that feels *Italian chef kissing fingers gesture*.
Seriously — I have this stuff and it's so great.
Get it from Amazon for $25.
19. An organic face oil that reduces redness and breakouts and soothes dry skin.
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
20. A countertop greenhouse that is perfect for anyone who likes to cook or who wants to start a garden.
21. A fascinating book that will inspire more meaningful meetups.
Get it from Amazon for $19.04, Barnes & Noble for $22.40, or a local bookstore through Indiebound.
22. A bamboo Squatty Potty.
23. An unfussy candle.
This one smells very clean, and I love how simple and elegant the candle itself is.
Get it from Williams-Sonoma for $19.95.
24. Some cozy work socks.
These socks are VERY GOOD.
Get a pack of four pairs from Amazon for $19.96+ (available in four colors).
25. A couple of charcoal-infused bath towels.
26. And a book that'll help them connect with the natural world more.
Get it from Amazon for $9.79, Barnes & Noble for $13.56, or a local bookstore through Indiebound.
