Gift Guide: For the 20-30-something man(child)
Because they deserve more than another pair of socks. (But they should probably also get some new socks...)
I hate to break it to you, but if you have the absolute pleasure of regularly interacting with a 20-30-something-year-old man(child), you unfortunately do need to get them a gift this year. This is a challenging task, mostly because you can’t default to regifting that fancy candle from last year. You probably need to actually purchase something. And they probably want it to be functional, not just pretty. Ugh.
Luckily, we’ve unlocked the key here: Upleveling everyday items. Though they may find it “unnecessary” at first, they’ll slowly start looking forward to using your gift in their day-to-day—and they’ll be forced to think of you every time they use it. 😈
Disclaimer: Nate contributed most of these ideas, and Nate is not necessarily the quintessential manchild. He does, however, have great taste—so maybe more man(children) could learn to love these items.
Gifts
Wallet and/or key organizer combo.
This is the nicest men’s wallet we’ve ever come across (which is why it made our gift guide two years in a row). Secrid’s Miniwallet Vintage ($99) is a slim wallet that somehow fits up to 10 cards and looks like a classy old-school leather wallet from the outside—but is still RFID-protected and lets you slide out cards in one simple trigger motion.
Orbitkey’s Key Organizer Pro ($49) is such a good man gift. This is the keychain that puts all keychains to shame—a sleek leather strap that houses all of your keys, with a quick flip tool to access each key. It’s so well-designed, looks great, and lasts forever. You can even gift it with a bottle opener or box cutter to turn it into a multi-use tool.
A new everyday backpack.
Bellroy’s Venture Ready Pack ($259) is on the pricier side, but it’s about to become his favorite everyday item. It’s compact, yet fits a ton (including a 16 in” laptop), is water-resistant (great for a hiking bro), and has SO. MANY. POCKETS (including some super secret ones for valuables). Bellroy really thought of everything with this backpack.
Stay with us: A sick lighter.
We’re not asking him why he needs a lighter. We’re just providing him with the most brilliantly designed lighter we’ve ever seen—Dissim’s Inverted Soft Flame Butane Lighter ($50-$60)—and allowing him to determine use case. This lighter looks sick, and its inverted design helps avoid burnt fingers while lighting upside down or at an angle.
Upgrade his shower routine.
He may not get it at first, but after a few uses… he’ll wonder how he went his whole life lathering a watery body wash in his hands. Our rec: the Smoosh Scrubber ($39)—a silicone scrubber with an ergonomic design and built-in soap. The Cedarwood Bergamot soap is a masculine fave.
The gift of COZY.
We guarantee he won’t buy something simply to lounge in (why would he? that’s what ratty boxers are for 🤡)—but he will get endless use out of this pair of comfy moccasin slippers from L.L. Bean ($89) and/or a deliciously plush robe, like this one from Brooklinen ($104—on sale!).
Let’s be real: It wouldn’t be a gift guide for men if we didn’t recommend socks. They want socks. Don’t reinvent the wheel. But do gift an upgrade that’ll keep them warm all winter: these merino wool blend socks from Bombas ($80 for a 4-pair pack).
Final cozy upgrade: A new pillow. We love Earthfoam’s pillows ($99)—they’re actually made out of natural foam rubber (sounds crazy, we know) which makes them extra pillowy and squishy for side sleepers who need extra head support.
Tech upgrades.
His! Wires! Are! Tangled!!! Give him the gift of never having to ask you for your charger again, because he actually knows where it is and he hasn’t yet twisted the cord into uselessness. This 2-in-1 accessory pouch ($60—on sale) looks fantastic, is crafted from recycled materials, and has a detachable inner storage pouch that he can use at his desk, not just on-the-go.
If he doesn’t already have an ergonomic mouse, it’s about to become his entire personality. The Logitech LIFT ($80) is beloved for a reason: it looks great, is made with recycled plastic, and most of all, is so comfortable and pleasing to use. It even comes in a lefty option :)
The AirFly Pro 2 from Twelve South ($60) is one of those gadgets you don’t know you need, until you get it and realize you can’t live without it. It basically turns anything that plays sound into a bluetooth device—yes, even planes and those really crusty treadmills at the gym.
Non-everyday items that still make the cut
If he’s ever planned a trip around going to a microbrewery, or if he earnestly loves a hoppy IPA, this Beer making kit by Brooklyn Brewery ($48) is the ultimate gift. It includes everything needed to make his own beer at home—even a fermentation jug, thermometer, and two different kinds of hops.
OR if he’s dabbling with perfecting an at-home Old Fashioned, he will love this gorgeous Caraway bar set ($165—very on sale!) which includes literally everything he could need to craft at-home cocktails, down to a jigger, muddler, wine key, and storage base.
A modern toolkit. If he’s every explored his handyman side (whether he’s building a custom PC or just some IKEA furniture…), he will love Hoto Tools’ incredibly sleek, 3.6V Screwdriver Tool Set ($80). It comes with everything from an electric screw driver with multiple heads, to a hammer, measuring tape, and a wrench—all in one compact, portable kit.
Check out our other 2025 gift guides
