First, a confession: this isn’t really a list of the best holiday gifts for men — it’s actually a list of the best and most useful gifts I have received over the last year or two. In other words: I could just as easily have taken a page out of Oprah’s playbook and titled this “Dean’s Favorite Things,” because I’d happily vouch for every product on this list. Let’s dive in.
1. Dignified Fragrance for Men by House of Sillage
Dignified by House of Sillage is hands down the greatest fragrance I’ve ever smelled… Like, seriously. I’ve had people stop me in the street multiple times on the same day to ask me what kind of cologne I was wearing. I discovered it at a Neiman Marcus in 2016, and it’s been my signature scent ever since. It’s formal enough to rock with a suit but casual enough to wear with a t-shirt. Dignified is also a parfum (which means the cologne has lasting power) as opposed to an eu de toillete (which doesn’t). Here’s the fragrance profile—Top notes: Bergamot, Cardamom, Saffron / Heart notes: Clove, Rose / Base notes: Agarwood, Cedarwood, Haitian Vetiver.
$285
2. Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpants
These are not your average sweats. Mack Weldon’s Ace sweatpants are designed to look like a pair of tailored chinos. With a slim fit and buttery-smooth comfort, it’s hard to go wrong with these (no matter the man you’re buying them for). In fact, my brother gifted me a pair of these a couple of years ago, and I loved ’em so much that I bought a pair in every color. My favorite colorways: Grey Heather, True Black, Coal Marl. Pro tip: if the man you’re buying them for is over 6’0″, get them in the Tall length… For context: I’m exactly 6’0″ tall, 31″ waist, 180 lbs. and the Regular length Ace sweatpants feel way too short for me, so I buy them in Small Tall, which fits perfect.
$78
3. Allbirds Men’s Tree Loungers
My wife gave me these last Father’s Day—and wow—can you say comfortable? The first time I slipped Allbird’s Tree Dashers on, the only thing I could think of was that it felt like my feet were wrapped in clouds and cushions. If you’re looking to give him a casual and comfortable shoe, Allbirds are the way to go. Simple, clean, minimalist… and ridiculously comfortable.
$100
4. MANSCAPED™ weed wacker nose-hair trimmer
Nothing hurts like the pull of a cheaply made nose-hair trimmer. That’s not the case with these bad-boys. I’ve tried several nose-hair trimmers over the years. This one is the best.
$34.99
5. reMarkable paper tablet
I received a reMarkable 2 as a gift about two years ago, and I’ve used it almost every single day since. It’s replaced nearly all of my paper-based journals, notebooks, and notepads. I use it for planning, brainstorming, journaling, reading eBooks, drawing, capturing ideas, and more. It’s razor-thin and feels just like I’m writing on paper (scratching sounds and all). Highly recommended for any man—especially those who like the tactile feel of writing with an actual pen and paper.
$599
6. The Daily Gratitude Journal for Men by Dean Bokhari
Part book, part gratitude journal for men, The Daily Gratitude Journal for Men by yours truly is a thought-provoking collection of prompts and inspiring insights designed to help men explore the core components of gratitude―Awareness, Intention, and Action―through short, simple, and insightful prompts. The book/journal includes research-backed exercises to cultivate gratitude, set goals, and make daily plans. If you’re looking for a gift for a man that’s dedicated to self-improvement, look no further than this. But don’t take my word for it, see what hundreds of 5-star reviewers are saying about it here.
$11.99
7. Casper glow light
Casper’s Glow Lights are designed to help you fall asleep and wake up naturally. When it’s time for bed, a warm light dims to lull you to sleep. When it’s time to wake up, a soft light gradually brightens for an easy rise. You can even schedule the lights to brighten and dim via the accompanying app, or you can adjust brightness manually with a simple twist. I was given a pair of these last year and they’re incredible. I keep one on my nightstand, and my wife keeps one on hers. Very useful.
$116 – single
$224 – pair
8. Athletic Greens
For the health-conscious man. Athletic Greens (AG1) is a whole-food sourced greens supplement powder. It’s the most comprehensive of all the green drink powders I’ve tried (and I’ve tried several). It’s also NSF certified, gluten free, vegan and keto friendly—making it one of the best holiday gifts for men that care about their health. AG1 comes in a big bag that contains 30 servings, and in travel packs. I prefer the travel packs.
$100 – $135
9. Smythson Panama notebook
The Panama notebook by Smythson is the classiest notebook I’ve found. Made in England with the finest leather and surprisingly durable “featherweight” paper with gilded edges, it’s one of those luxed-up basics that a classic man would appreciate. It comes as a blank book with lined pages and in an agenda format as well. It’s also very portable and fits perfectly in a back pocket or suit jacket pocket. Before I transitioned to primarily using my reMarkable tablet for writing things down, Smythson’s products were my go-to. I’ve used and enjoyed their notebooks and writing folders too. Details and dimensions—crossgrain lambskin leather, 128 leaves of gilt-edged, pale blue Featherweight paper, Dimensions: W9 x H14cm / W3.5 x H5.5″
$85
10. Custom-engraved pen
I give these to friends and family all the time and it’s always a hit.
$15 and up