Some Gifts for a Man That Aren’t Overly Manly

Gender is a construct, and so the gifts you buy for your intended recipient don’t necessarily need to be gendered, either. But the traditional gifts recommended for "men" are always machinery-adjacent, drab in color, and generally the kind of thing your dad would buy for you because it’s "practical." This year, try something different. Here’s some thought-starters.

Okay, this is machinery-adjacent, but very fun and different, so we’ll let it slide.

Pair the above with the below, so that the gift you’re giving feels complete.

This won’t replace the carefully-constructed Sonos arrangement that pipes Steely Dan throughout the home, but it’s a nice thing to have for the balcony.

More candles! Scented ones, which are gender neutral, but smell better than the pervasive scent of protein powder that lingers in the kitchen.

A sturdy cart that’s good for moving anything that needs to be moved, from large bags of dirt to laundry.

Free the recycling bin from the endless stream of La Croix cans.

Sheepskin slippers are good for general use, but terrycloth slippers are perfect for stepping out of the shower.

There’s nothing sadder than a canvas tote bag that’s mostly empty, flapping around on your shoulder, so this little guy will hold all the essentials.

Kayaking is much easier when the vessel in question folds up into a package small enough to fit in the trunk of the car.

Get them a watch and they’ll never be late again, ha ha!

Everyone—yes, absolutely everyone—needs a bathrobe. 

Think of this not as a tool belt, but just a belt that happens to hold tools, should your recipient need immediate access to a pair of pliers.

A chair that goes everywhere, from the park to the beach to the parking lot of a Bob Weir & the Wolf Bros show.

Looking for something else? Check out the rest of our holiday gift guides here.

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