Checklist · 13 picks · 5 categories
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Husbands are hard to shop for because they buy what they need and skip what they want. The trick is an upgrade to something he already does: a wireless thermometer for the grill, a fire pit for backyard nights, headphones for the commute, a second controller so you can play together. These picks are grouped by where he spends his time, from the kitchen to the couch. The fire pit and the Switch 2 are the splurges, and the socks and travel mug are easy add-ons. Every pick is already on another list of mine, where I explain why it made the cut and name the outlet when one recommends it. They work for Christmas, a birthday or an anniversary.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you're dating; the boyfriend list fits better.
means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEATER Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer | mid | $100+ | the one in charge of the grill | Limited evidence |
| YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler | mid | $25-50 | coffee in the truck, water at the gym | Limited evidence |
| Zojirushi SM-SC 16 oz Travel Mug | budget | $25-50 | a commute coffee that's still hot at lunch | 1 outlet |
Best meat thermometermid pick · Gift-box
Best for the one in charge of the grill
A wireless probe that sends the temperature to his phone, so he can hang out instead of hovering over the grill.
Heads up. Bluetooth range is limited through walls
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$100+
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mid pick · Gift-box
Best for coffee in the truck, water at the gym
A nearly indestructible insulated tumbler that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.
Heads up. Lid isn't fully leakproof
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$25-50
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Gift-box
Best for a commute coffee that's still hot at lunch
Coffee was still hot after 8 hours in reviews. Leakproof enough for a work bag.
Heads up. Not dishwasher safe
1 outlet. Wirecutter top pick.
$25-50
View on AmazonAffiliate link.
Best fire pitsplurge pick · Big box
Best for fire-pit nights at home
A low-smoke portable fire pit. The design burns wood so thoroughly there's almost no smoke.
Heads up. Pricey
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Gift-box
Best for music on the patio or in the garage
A budget speaker that sounds like a pricier one. Waterproof for shower concerts.
Heads up. Distorts at max volume
2 outlets agree. Wirecutter budget pick. WIRED 8/10.
$25-50
View on AmazonAffiliate link.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | splurge | $100+ | flights, commutes and a quiet house | 1 outlet |
| Garmin Forerunner 165 | splurge | $100+ | training for a race or just tracking runs | 2 outlets agree |
| Kindle Paperwhite | splurge | $100+ | reading more and scrolling less | 1 outlet |
Best headphonessplurge pick · Gift-box
Best for flights, commutes and a quiet house
Noise canceling for flights, commutes, mowing the lawn or a little peace at home.
Heads up. Pricey
1 outlet. Elle gift pick.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Gift-box
Best for training for a race or just tracking runs
A GPS running watch with a bright AMOLED screen and daily suggested workouts that adapt to his recovery.
Heads up. Overkill for non-runners
2 outlets agree. T3 best for beginner runners. NBC Select pro runner gear pick.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Gift-box
Best for reading more and scrolling less
A glare-free e-reader that fits in a back pocket. Great for the dad with a growing book stack.
Heads up. Books cost extra
1 outlet. Business Insider best e-reader.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
Best game consolesplurge pick · Gift-box
Best for Mario Kart nights for two (or the whole family)
The gift that makes you their favorite person. Mario Kart nights in the dorm, guaranteed.
Heads up. Games cost extra
1 outlet. Business Insider college gift pick.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Gift-box
Best for a second controller so you can play too
A safer bet than a console. Also works with PCs and phones. Check which system they play on first.
Heads up. Make sure it matches their platform
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$50-100
View on AmazonAffiliate link.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) | splurge | $100+ | sore legs and desk-job shoulders | 1 outlet |
| The North Face Borealis Backpack | mid | $100+ | replacing the work bag he's had since college | 1 outlet |
| Bombas Calf Socks | budget | $15-25 | an add-on he'll wear every week | 1 outlet |
Best massage gunsplurge pick · Gift-box
Best for sore legs and desk-job shoulders
Pocket-size muscle relief for sore backs, gym days and long drives.
Heads up. Expensive at full price
1 outlet. Business Insider top 10 college gift.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Big box
Best for replacing the work bag he's had since college
The most popular backpack on campuses right now. Perfect if they're still using their high school bag.
Heads up. Not fully waterproof
1 outlet. The Strategist student favorite.
$100+
Search AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
Best for an add-on he'll wear every week
The upgrade from the socks he's had since 2009. Bombas donates a pair for every pair sold.
Heads up. Pricey for socks
1 outlet. Business Insider top 10 college gift.
$15-25
View at BombasStore link, not an affiliate link. I don't earn from this one.
An upgrade to something he already uses every day, like a better travel mug, nicer socks or headphones for the commute. Or something you do together, like a second game controller or a fire pit for the backyard.
Something you share: a fire pit for nights outside, a game to play together, or a watch if you run together. The traditional anniversary list is a fun starting point, not a rule.
USPS's recommended last send dates for December 25 in the contiguous US are December 17 for Ground Advantage, December 18 for Priority Mail and December 19 for Priority Mail Express. Retailers set their own order-by dates, so check at checkout.