DesignDash Gift Guide: Holiday Gifts for Men with Style and Substance

Whether birthdays or winter holidays, the men in our lives are notoriously difficult to shop for. Are you shopping for a husband, brother-in-law, or father figure this season? Regardless, our gift guide has ideas for everyone on your list. From the best travel gifts to luxury additions to his wardrobe, read on for our top ten men’s gift ideas for the 2023 holiday season and stay tuned for further gift guides published on the site.

Great Gift Ideas for the Men in Your Life

Therabody Theragun PRO

First on our list of the best gift ideas for men is the Therabody Theragun PRO is a high-quality, high-intensity percussive massage device known for its quiet motor and ergonomic design. It features built-in near-infrared LED light therapy, which can be used in conjunction with other therapies. A notable accessory for the Theragun PRO is a cold therapy attachment, sold separately, that reduces inflammation, pain, and swelling. This attachment offers three temperature levels: 5, 10, and 15 Celsius (41, 50, and 59 Fahrenheit)​​.

The Theragun PRO has received positive feedback from users. It has been rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,023 reviews on Best Buy, with customers appreciating its ease of use, price, and design. Key advantages include its ease of handling and the quality of its build​​. The 5th Generation of the Theragun PRO is particularly praised for its effectiveness as a percussive massage device, featuring Bluetooth and app-enabled functionality, along with 6 attachments and a force of 60lbs​​.

Moreover, the Theragun PRO is known for its long battery life, which ranges from 2 to 5 hours depending on the model. The device’s ergonomic grips make it comfortable to use, enhancing the overall user experience​​.

Overall, the Theragun PRO stands out for its quality, functionality, and innovative features, making it a popular choice among percussive massage devices and a great gift for men in your life. It’s a no-brainer self-care gift. If your partner or parent struggles with aches, pains, or soreness related to workouts, it’s a gift he’ll love.

Shop it here.

Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Next on our list of the best gifts for men this holiday season is the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 is a highly regarded portable Bluetooth speaker, known for its exceptional design and sound quality. Key features of the Beolit 20 include the following.

Design and Build Quality

The Beolit 20 is described as an exclusive product with a stylish and timeless design, featuring metal and leather in the right places. Its design, originally conceived by Cecilie Manz in 2012, has undergone modern updates over the years. The speaker is fairly large and not suitable for hand luggage, making it more ideal for use on special occasions or as a stationary piece on a bookshelf​​.

Functionality

Notable for its functionality, the Beolit 20 includes a 5-watt Qi wireless charger on top, capable of charging mobile phones or earbuds. It has a long battery life, with a 3,200 mAh battery providing up to 37 hours of background music playback or eight hours at louder volumes. This is significantly more than its predecessor, the Beolit 17, due to a larger battery and more energy-efficient technology. The speaker uses USB-C for charging and comes with a 45-watt charger​​.

Sound Quality

The Beolit 20 maintains the sound profile of its predecessor, noted for its surprisingly loud bass. It excels at bringing electronic pop music to life, while also delivering clear vocals and well-rendered acoustic guitar sounds. Classical music also plays well on the speaker, but care should be taken with the volume to avoid compression effects. The speaker setup includes a 5.5-inch woofer with a long stroke length, three 1.5-inch full-range elements, and two 4-inch passive drone units, contributing to its rich and detailed sound​​.

Midrange and Bass

While the speaker is generally praised for its sound, there are some critiques regarding its midrange, which is perceived as slightly thin. The bass can also become overpowering if the speaker is not positioned correctly. Ideally, the Beolit 20 should be placed at ear level for optimal sound balance​​.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared to other speakers like the JBL Boombox 2, Ultimate Ears Hyperboom, and Sonos Move, the Beolit 20 offers cleaner and more open sound. However, it is not as powerful as some competitors, and it lacks features like weather resistance certification. Despite this, the Beolit 20 is appreciated for its beautiful design, wireless phone charging capability, and overall sound quality​​.

Specifications

The Beolit 20 is a portable and wireless speaker, featuring Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity (supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC codecs), with an output power of 2 x 35W. It also supports stereo pairing, but it is not IP certified for robustness against elements like water or dust. The speaker’s dimensions are 13.5 cm x 23 cm x 18.9 cm, and it weighs 2.7 kg​​.

Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 stands out for its elegant design, quality build, and impressive sound performance. It’s the perfect gift for men in your life who love podcasts, music, and more.

Shop it here.

Wolf Viceroy Double Watch Winder

The Wolf Viceroy Double Watch Winder is a sophisticated and elegantly designed accessory for watch enthusiasts. This luxury gift is crafted to exude an understated elegance, featuring a smooth pebble exterior, a silver textured silk lining, a locking glass cover, and chrome-finished hardware.

The winder includes two winding modules, offering functionality and style in one package. Key specifications and features of the Wolf Viceroy Double Watch Winder include the following.

Dimensions

The winder measures 13.25 inches in length, 8 inches in width, and 9 inches in height​​​​.

Patented Innovation

Unlike other winders that estimate the number of rotations, every Wolf winder counts the precise number of rotations, ensuring accuracy in the winding process.

Rotation Options

It offers a 10-second start delay and can be set between 300 and 1,200 Turns Per Day (TPD). Additionally, users can double the amount of TPD by selecting a bi-directional setting.

Directional Settings

The winder supports clockwise, counter-clockwise, and bi-directional settings.

Power Reserve Setting

It includes a 6 and 72-hour power reserve setting to accommodate watches with a power reserve, allowing the watch to release stored energy before the winding program begins.

Battery Option

The unit can be powered either by AC power (with a universal adapter included) or D-Cell/Lithium batteries, which are not included in the package.

Storage

The winder comes with two winding modules, three-piece watch storage, and a travel case. The patented lock-in cuff ‘locks’ the timepiece into the rotator drum for a secure fit and accommodates all wrist sizes without putting pressure on the bracelet.

Material

It is made of vegan leather, contributing to its elegant design and durability​​​​.

Overall, the Wolf Viceroy Double Watch Winder is a great gadget gift designed to offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Its advanced features and meticulous design make it an attractive choice for those seeking a reliable and stylish way to maintain their automatic watches.

Shop it here.

Dior Essentials Black Grained Calfskin Card Holder

Next on our list of Christmas gifts for that special guy in your life is the Black Grained Calfskin Card Holder from Dior. The Dior card holder is a sophisticated and practical accessory, exemplifying refined charm. It is crafted from black grained calfskin and features a distinct ruthenium-finish brass CD Icon signature on the front. This elegant piece is designed for functionality and ease of use, offering multiple slots for organizing personal effects:

Material

The card holder is made from black grained calfskin, a durable and premium-quality leather.

Design Details

It features the iconic ruthenium-finish brass CD Icon signature on the front and an embossed Dior signature on the interior, adding a touch of luxury.

Card Slots

There are three card slots on the front, three on the rear, and a top card slot, providing ample space for cards and other small essentials.

Dimensions

It measures 10 x 8 cm (approximately 4 x 3 inches), making it an ideal size for credit cards and easily fitting into most pockets.

Additional Features

The card holder comes with a dust bag and is made in Italy or Spain, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.

This Dior card holder combines functionality with high fashion, making it a desirable accessory for those who appreciate luxury and style. Its compact size and multiple slots make it highly practical for everyday use, while the distinctive Dior design elements add an air of sophistication​​​​.

Shop it here.

The Bigger Carry-On

For travel gifts for men, look no further than The Bigger Carry-On suitcase. The Away Bigger Carry-On suitcase is a versatile and practical luggage option designed for modern travelers. It includes ergonomic zippers, a TSA-accepted lock, and a lightweight and durable hard shell that’s been rigorously tested. The suitcase provides ample packing space with one compartment for clothes and another for bulkier items like shoes and toiletries. It also comes with additional pockets and a signature compression pad to help maximize packing space​​.

Dimensions

Measuring 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches and weighing 7.4 pounds, the suitcase can hold up to 47.9 liters, making it suitable for trips lasting between four to seven days. Its dimensions are slightly larger than typical carry-on luggage restrictions on domestic carriers but have been reported to fit comfortably in overhead bins on most domestic flights​​.

Features

Given its sleek design, this suitcase is noted for fitting easily into overhead bins on most domestic carriers, with exceptions on smaller regional flights. It includes premium smooth-gliding wheels for easy navigation and a comfortable, ergonomic handle that can be adjusted to multiple heights. The suitcase also offers an optional ejectable battery for phone charging, available for an additional cost and in select colors​​.

Cost at Date of Publication

Currently priced at $295, the Away Bigger Carry-On is considered a good value compared to other luxury brands. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty covering damage to the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers. The warranty and customer service have been positively reviewed, with reports of efficient responses and replacements for damaged suitcases​​.

Add a travel pillow for a good night’s sleep on his next flight and you have the perfect gift set!

Shop it here.

Ooni Gas Burner for Karu 12 Pizza Oven

For a budget-friendly gift, we recommend the Ooni Gas Burner for Karu 12 Pizza Oven from Nordstrom. The Ooni Karu 12 Propane Gas Burner is a versatile and efficient addition to outdoor cooking, especially for those passionate about pizza-making.

It’s not just a pizza oven; it’s a culinary tool that can handle a variety of dishes like steaks and fish. Reviewers note that this oven is extremely simple to operate and is a must-have addition to any outdoor kitchen. Features of this oven include the following.

Convenient Design and Rapid Heating

It attaches easily to the back of the pizza oven, allowing for a quick switch to gas power. The oven can reach up to 950°F in just 15 minutes, enabling fast cooking of pizzas in 60 seconds​​.

Custom Fuel Tray and Versatility

The oven is equipped with a custom-designed fuel tray that maximizes airflow and delivers high temperatures. Beyond pizzas, it can cook various foods using Ooni’s cast iron range, adding to its versatility​​​​.

Product Quality and Specifications

Known for its durable construction and quality, the Ooni Karu 12 is made of stainless steel and has a cooking area with a 12-inch pizza capacity. It weighs 26.5 lbs and measures 30.7 x 19.3 x 29.1 inches​​​​.

Pros include its versatility, portability, quality stone, easy-to-clean design, durability, and quick cooking capability. Cons include a cumbersome door design, relative heaviness, messiness when using wood, and a required chimney for the gas burner​​.

Overall, the Ooni Karu 12 Propane Gas Burner is highly recommended for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, offering a blend of convenience, quality, and culinary versatility, perfect for enhancing outdoor gatherings with delicious homemade pizzas and other dishes​​. If the man on your list loves to cook but is no fan of pizza, consider cast iron skillets instead.

Shop it here.

On Cloud 5 Running Shoes

Next on our list of the best gifts for men during the holidays is the Cloud 5 Running Shoe from On. The On Running Cloud 5 Running Shoe for men is designed for both athletic performance and daily comfort. It features CloudTec® cushioning in the sole, which provides a soft and comfortable feeling. The shoe is lightweight, adding to its comfort and agility.

It’s suitable for running on roads and mixed paths, offering excellent grip and stability. The upper part of the shoe is made from 44% recycled materials, aligning with sustainable practices. The shoe is versatile, catering to both casual wear and workout needs. It’s known for its good fit and is true to size.

Shop it here.

The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet

For the car-lover on your list, look no further than “The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet.” This tome is a richly illustrated book that covers the history of Chevrolet cars from 1955 to 1974. It is described as making a compelling case for how the 1955 Chevrolet turned American culture into a car culture.

The book includes various details such as stats, specs, and trivia about Chevrolet models. The book itself is hand-bound, adding to its uniqueness and appeal as a collector’s item or gift.

Key features of the book include…

• A focus on Chevrolet’s classic era from 1955-1974
• An illustrated history of Chevrolet
• 176 pages
• A smooth genuine leather cover
• Dimensions of 9 3/4W x 1D x 11 1/2H; weighs 2.5 pounds

The book explores Chevrolet’s significant role in defining American driving culture, especially during the golden age of muscle cars. Chevrolet was instrumental in perfecting the overhead-valve pushrod V-8 engine, which had a profound impact on automotive engineering and design during that era.

Shop it here.

Whiskey Making Kit by Vincent and Leon Horst

This whiskey-making kit from Uncommon Goods is designed to allow you to create your own whiskey at home. This kit makes the process easy and accessible, even for those who are not professional distillers. Below are some key features and details of the kit.

Ease of Use

The kit is designed for home distillers and simplifies the whiskey making process. It’s suitable for a variety of spirits, including scotch, single malt, rye, or others, depending on your preference​​.

Components of the Kit

The kit includes an American White Oak barrel (available in sizes from 1-20 liters), a bung, a spigot, a wooden stand, three or more bottles of essence, a paper funnel, and complete instructions for use​​.

Quality and Aesthetics

The barrels are handcrafted from American White Oak, a “pure wood” that imparts flavor notes of vanilla, caramel, and coconut. This attention to detail ensures a high-quality end result and an attractive addition to your home bar or counter​​.

Process

The kit allows you to start with a grain alcohol, vodka, or even a lower quality whiskey or wine. The aging process in the barrel, which can range from a few weeks to several months, enhances the color and flavor of the spirit. The kit includes different flavor essences to create a personalized blend​​.

Steps for Using the Kit

The process involves curing the barrel, filling it with a neutral-flavored spirit, adding flavor essence, and then aging the spirit in the barrel. After a period of aging, you can taste and either bottle or continue aging the spirit based on your preference​​.

This kit is a comprehensive solution for those interested in experimenting with creating their own whiskey or other spirits at home, offering both ease of use and the flexibility to customize the flavor to personal tastes.

If the man on your list is cutting back on the cocktails this holiday, check out our recent article about non-alcoholic spirits for sober gifting inspiration. We promise you will find ideas for a unique gift!

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Tumi Bradner Nylon Tricot Laptop Backpack

Need another travel gift? The Tumi Bradner Nylon Tricot Laptop Backpack is a thoughtfully designed accessory ideal for commuters. Crafted from robust nylon, this backpack stands out for its multiple functional pockets tailored for different needs.

It includes a dedicated compartment for a 14″ laptop, a conveniently located exterior zip pocket for essential items like travel cards or wallets, three slip pockets, two slots for cards, and two loops for pens. Additionally, the backpack is equipped with a key leash, adjustable padded shoulder straps, a side zip pocket, and a magnetic fastening pocket at the back for added security and organization.

Aesthetically, the backpack is accented with leather trims and features an embossed brand tab, lending it a touch of elegance. Comfort is a key aspect of its design, evident in the padded shoulder straps that make carrying it a breeze.

With dimensions of 42cm in height, 29cm in width, and 9cm in depth, the backpack is both spacious and compact, striking a balance between utility and style. For maintenance, it’s recommended to use a specialist cleaner, ensuring the backpack remains in prime condition.

This combination of practicality, style, and comfort makes the Tumi Bradner backpack a great choice for daily commuting and travel.

Shop it here.

Are You Ready for the Holidays?

Have you already finished shopping for the guys in your life? Leave your recommendations for other readers in the comments below!