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Deep down everyone likes to be pampered, but when giving a grooming gift, one needs to be aware of the delicacy of tone. You have to consider: Does this razor say “treat yourself on me” or, rather, “sort out that scruff”? Beyond that, how invested is your giftee in the grooming world? If they’re a complete novice, for example, a status-y pomade might be completely lost on them, whereas grooming veterans might not be thrilled by yet another CeraVe moisturizer. To help you answer those questions and to avoid any holiday arguments, I used my three years of experience as a grooming writer to compile a list of grooming gifts to delight any (and every) kind of man. If you have a budget in mind, use the menu to jump straight to that section. Otherwise, read on — and be sure to check out our other holiday gift guides once you’re done here.
Updated November 12: Checked stock and prices for all products, new products added.
Under $25
For the guy always borrowing your lip balm
The shea butter in these lip balms makes them go on smooth, not waxy, and the SPF 25 protects the lips from harmful UV rays, which are still a factor in the winter.
For the guy who has trouble waking up
This eucalyptus-scented energizing bodywash will help him feel less groggy while moisturizing his skin.
For the guy who envies your morning shed
Horace is one of my favorite ranges for fancy-yet-affordable skin care for men. (Its face scrub is truly gentle; even my dry, acne-prone skin is a fan.)
For the guy who wants a signature scent but doesn’t want a cologne
OffCourt comes recommended by Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa, who praised this spray for its fresh, subtle scent. “I didn’t want to constantly smell like the aggressive scents of my teens or the formal notes that come with a typical cologne,” Rellosa writes. “OffCourt’s low-investment, high-return spray filled that void perfectly.”
For the guy whose body spray hasn’t changed since high school
A simple, luxurious everyday swap — and the touch of aloe vera will feel pleasingly soothing.
For the guy who spends all fall growing facial hair
Mustachio’d men will appreciate this pair of precision scissors. They come cosigned by writer David Notis, who included them in his list of everything he uses to keep his beard in check.
For the guy who feels the (razor) burn
Celebrity stylist Yvey Valcin says castor oil is the unsung hero of the aftershave world. It can soothe irritation and blend the appearance of shaved areas and non-shaved areas, leaving your face hydrated and smooth.
For the guy who practically sits on the AC
This light, moisturizing mist in a can will keep him cool (and do wonders for his skin).
For the guy who takes his shampoo (and conditioner) on vacation
I simply won’t travel without this handy set of toiletry bottles that includes toothbrush caps, leak-free squeezy bottles, and dinky tubs. If he’s ever had to give up a shampoo at security (or found it exploded in his bag on arrival), he’ll welcome these.
For the guy who listens to Dewy Dudes
If he’s in the know about skin care, he’ll be aware of Cosrx and its culty, best-selling snail mucin. If not, he’ll still appreciate an oil-controlling cleanser that simplifies a skin-care routine (simply use once in the morning and once at night.)
For the guy who loves to soak
A spalike perk-me-up for bathtime is a simple gift — but always appreciated.
Under $50
For the guy whose style is classic (but not fusty)
This charcoal bag has everything we look for in a dopp kit: a sturdy exterior, a roomy opening, and a handy hanging loop.
For the guy who gets itchy in winter
If he’s full of excuses about not putting on lotion but complains about itchy skin, give him this very light and — crucially — fast-absorbing moisturizing body oil.
For the guy whose skin is dried out by the heat in his apartment
Whatever his skin type, this tube of luxurious exfoliating scrub uses lemon peel and glycolic acid to gently remove dead skin cells without irritating sensitive skin for a brighter complexion. (Plus it’s free of any parabens, phthalates, and plastic microbeads.)
For the guy whose skin is stressed out
Whether you’re throwing them into his stocking or buying a bunch to wrap up, sheet masks make great gifts. This one combines cooling properties with charcoal to refine his pores and help him relax.
For the guy who keeps it neat
Not only is this our favorite nose and ear trimmer, but it has a stainless-steel finish and satisfying weight in the hand — making it eminently giftable.
For the guy who wants to get rid of flakes in his hair
The shampoo’s antifungal and antibacterial zinc pyrithione, along with the conditioner’s vitamin E, helped Strategist contributor Steven John tackle his years-long battle with dandruff.
For the guy whose post-shower hair is really puffy
For the guy who’s a beard-competition hopeful
Bearded men fricking LOVE beard oil because it adds shine, but also because it makes their beards smell good and feel less itchy. This one is our favorite thanks to its mixture of soothing oils.
For the guy who likes to streamline his routine
This moisturizing rose oil is actually a twofer: It can be used as both a fragrance and an anti-aging facial oil.
Under $100
For the guy who hates flossing
There’s nothing more exciting than unwrapping a brand-new gadget or appliance, especially if that appliance also gives you an excuse to put down the floss.
For the guy who’s yet to find his signature scent…
Let him dabble with a new trial-size fragrances each month (for just $16 per delivery).
… And the guy who knows what he’s looking for
If he’s into smoky, woody scents, he’ll like this Eau de Toilette that the Dare can’t live without.
For the guy who gets dolled up
Writer and stylist Alexander Julian uses this deeply moisturizing mask any time he has to go to an event or get in front of a camera. Give this to any man who loves a quick fix as much as he loves getting compliments.
For the guy who’s up all night with a new baby
Nobody wants to look tired, even when they have a perfectly good reason for getting zero sleep. This creamy balm firms and protects delicate eye skin with ingredients like Persian-silk-tree bark and macadamia, olive, and jojoba oils.
For the guy who gets his steps in
I was skeptical that you could find a great-quality shiatsu foot massager for less than $100 until Strategist writer Kitty Guo tracked down this slim, inexpensive model. It has three settings (including a heated massage) and slips under the bed when not in use.
For the guy who gets scaly in winter
A rich body oil will keep the flaky skin at bay and add a hydrated sheen to the skin.
For the guy who gets oily
Josh Hart told us he’s built his skin-care routine around the cleanser (and moisturizer) from Tata.
Under $200
For the guy who wants a new everyday cologne
As a Formula One racing driver, Lando Norris is a frequent flier, which means he often stops by airport duty-free shops to test scents. He swears by this cologne from Tom Ford, which has a woody scent with notes of leather, violet, and jasmine.
For the guy in a hurry
If he needs his shaving routine to be fast, this Philips Norelco self-cleaning electric shaver is a stellar gift. (We picked the 7700 as the best overall model in our roundup of the best electric razors.)
For the guy who gets through plenty of trimmers
Manscaped makes some of my favorite tools for removing groin and body hair. Its new product is probably its best yet: 60-minute battery time, wet-or-dry use, skin-safe blades, and a heavy -duty motor that keeps a steady RPM (even on thick, coarse hair).
This teeny Theragun (it’s less than six inches wide) will help work on those arm-day-induced aches and pains.
For the guy who tries to peer pressure you into stealing robes from the spa
Gifts over $200
For the guy who is tired of smelling like everyone else
If he’s looking for a nonobvious fragrance but is still a fan of woodsy scents like Santal 33, this may be the next cologne for him. Actor Patrick Vaill likes how it’s surprisingly subtle and unassuming yet quite unique.
For the guy who wants a salon-quality hair dryer
It’s hard to beat the Dyson Supersonic, which we crowned as one of the best hair dryers.
For the guy who’s truly analog
We named this safety-razor set as the most giftable item in our razor guide: Ideal for the guy who’s attracted to the romance of a classic shave.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
