I like maintaining my rolling wish list of things I want or need, but would probably not buy for myself. It’s like shopping without spending any money, but with the hopes that a thing or two will end up in my possession at some point. Plus, anytime someone asks me what I want for this occasion or that, I know exactly what to tell them. For the holidays, it spares me from another pair of cuff links that I don’t need (I mean…I can’t think of the last formal occasion i went to that even called for cuff links, and yet I have several pairs—all gifts).
I especially love finding what my wife lovingly calls “dude stuff”—that is, things that she has no use for whatsoever, but that I use every day. If you’re on the hunt for some dude stuff too, here are my picks for your dad, brother, husband, or any man in your life that’s in need of gifts that he’ll not only love, but he’ll use every day.
Gifts for Men That He'll Use Every Day of the Week
Grid-It Organizer
I've been using Grid-Its for years. If you're a traveler, it's a great way to keep all of your smaller pieces tidy and organized.
Buy it: Grid-It Organizer , $12
Tom's Sunglasses
This gift keeps giving---or every pair of Toms sunnies purchased, a pair of glasses is given to someone in need.
Buy it: Tom's Sunglasses , $78
The Tile App
Attach this little tile to your most important things (think wallet, keys, bike) and you can track its whereabouts.
Buy it: The Tile App , $25.00
Better Than Whiskey Limited Edition Art Print
I like to refresh the art in my home office every year. Minted artist Lulaloo created this limited edition "Better Thank Whiskey" print just in time for Valentine's Day. It'll remind him every time he sees it both of your love for him (and his favorite poison).
Buy it: Better Than Whiskey Limited Edition Print from Minted , starting at $20
SOLOSHOT3
There are so many times when I want to capture a moment but don’t want to either wear/hold the camera, nor do I want to find someone to sit behind a camera for me. The SOLOSHOT3 is the perfect solution: It’s essentially a “robot cameraman” that automatically tracks, zooms, and films you from distances up to 2000 feet away. It’s the perfect camera for thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts, and gadget geeks alike. Watch the SOLOSHOT3 in action .
Pre-Order it: SOLOSHOT3, $426
SOG Key Knife
It might look menacing but this little key knife folds away nice and neat! Keep one on your keychain to open packages and envelopes on the daily.
Buy it: SOG Key Knife , $8
BB-8 by Sphero
Every man needs a distraction to help him think during the work day. And of course, every Star Wars fan needs his own droid.
Buy it: BB-8 by Sphero , $150
Navy Leather and Concrete Valet Tray
How many times do you come in and out the door every day? A cool concrete tray will expedite your trips.
Buy it: Navy Leather and Concrete Valet Tray , $49.00
Leatherman Wingman
This Leatherman has got more tools than you can shake a stick at! It's a rad gift for any guy who likes to be prepared.
Buy it: Leatherman Wingman , $40
Towel Warmer
A little frivolous? Maybe. Until you've felt a warm towel. Then you'll realize it's a total necessity.
Buy it: Towel Warmer , $99
Garageio
And speaking of coming and going, a smart garage door opener has been on my wish list forever (especially for those moments when I can't recall if I closed it or not).
Buy it: Garageio , $199.00
Crosley Turntable
For the vinyl-heads, a portable turntable is bound to be a hit! I keep one of these in my office and we spin records on it every day.
Buy it: Crosley Turntable , $69.99
Jack Spade Money Clip
Keep the wad of cash in your pocket in a classy little metallic clip. (Bonus---you'll look like a boss when you take out a twenty.)
Buy it: Jack Spade Money Clip , $55
Van Der Hagen Traditional Heavy Duty Safety Razor
Give a guy the gift of a great daily shave! This double-edged razor is nice and easy to handle, and will leave your dude's face super smooth.
Buy it: Van Der Hagen Traditional Heavy Duty Safety Razor , $19.99
WeWood Watch
A wooden watch is a cool, modern twist on a timepiece! The WeWood watches come in a variety of colors and finishes.
Buy it: WeWood Watch , $140
BLADE Nano QX RTF Quadcopter
My wife used to bug me to play fewer video games. Then I got a helicopter and I'm not sure she was pleased with my alternative activity choice.
Buy it: BLADE Nano QX RTF Quadcopter , $79.00
Mason Pearson Pocket Comb
Never underestimate the power of a good comb!
Buy it: Mason Pearson Pocket Comb , $21
Cord Tacos
Admit it---you have a tangle of cords in your desk drawer, right? Snag a few cord tacos and get everyone's cords in order.
Buy it: Cord Tacos , $29
Brooklyn Bike Driggs 3
A great city bike is not only super rad for biking to and from work, but an awesome way to get out on the town with the family!
Buy it: Brooklyn Bike Driggs 3 , $549.00
Powerbeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Headphone
I'm a work-at-home dad, and when I take meetings it's pretty crucial to have my hands free just in case I need to do something around the house while I'm on the phone. A good pair of wireless headphones helps me stay mobile and get work done, too.
Buy it: Powerbeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Headphone , $139.95
Warby Parker Glasses
Warby Parker came along a few years back and all of a sudden glasses are cool again! They've got a killer selection of simple looks with a modern twist.
Buy it: Warby Parker Glasses , $95.00
Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge Glass
For the whiskey connoisseur, a whiskey ice wedge glass would see use on the daily! The cool angular design doesn't hurt, either.
Buy it: Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge Glass , $17.99
Steel Lightning Cable
For the tech-head, a steel lightning cable is the perfect addition to all his gear. Plus you know this one won't fray at the edges like the one that came with your phone ultimately will.
Buy it: Steel Lightning Cable , $25
Roku Streaming Stick
The Roku Stick in our home sees lots of use, whether we're using it to stream my zombie shows or my wife's reruns of The Office. This little stick helps you get lots more mileage out of your TV.
Buy it: Roku Streaming Stick , $49.99
Spotify Premium Subscription
A music lover's dream! A subscription to Spotify means your dude will always have a massive selection of music at his fingertips, organized in curated playlists.
Buy it: Spotify Premium Subscription , $9.99/month
Brooks Saddles B67 Bicycle Saddle
A cool little bike upgrade, this Brooks bicycle saddle will make rides a whole lot more comfortable.
Buy it: Brooks Saddles B67 Bicycle Saddle , $130.00
Kindle Paperwhite
The latest and greatest Kindle packs all the books you can read into a super slim, light case. Perfect for guys who already have too much to carry.
Buy it: Kindle Paperwhite , $119.99
MUCHroom Wall Hooks
I love the look of these wall hooks -- simple, sturdy, and plenty useful.
Buy it: MUCHroom Wall Hooks , $22
Beats Pill 2.0
The Beats Pill is a great gift for any guy who spends a lot of time outside and needs something to listen to. This little portable set of speakers does the trick.
Buy it: Beats Pill 2.0 , $200
Camera Hand Strap
Got a shutterbug in need of a gift? This leather hand strap for a DSLR camera is super handy and looks great too.
Buy it: Camera Hand Strap , $35
Timex Weekender
A classic watch is bound to get lots of wear and use! These Timex watches have interchangeable bands so you can switch up the style, too.
Buy it: Timex Weekender , $27
Clamshell Wallet
Sometimes simple is best! A little leather and elastic wallet is all you need to hold a few cards and some cash.
Buy it: Clamshell Wallet , $56
Hedley & Bennett Apron
My wife recently got me one of these and I've gotta tell you, it's the best apron I've ever owned. Long gone are the days of barbecue splatters all over my clothes.
Buy it: Hedley & Bennett Apron , $75
Harry's Shaving Set
If you know a dude who needs to revamp his whole shaving routine, a gift set like this one will set him on the right track!
Buy it: Harry's Shaving Set , $25
Soma Water Pitcher
This gift is twofold---it not only filters water to keep you hydrated, but it looks great on a countertop.
Buy it: Soma Water Pitcher , $39
Pomade Mixer Kit
Some guys just need a little customized product now and then, huh? This pomade mixer kit lets you mix the perfect concoction to keep your hair in place.
Buy it: Pomade Mixer Kit , $28
Sonos Play:1
Start your wireless home audio system with this gateway speaker---get one Sonos and I promise you'll want a few more. I play music at home on this bad boy every day.
Buy it: Sonos Play:1 , $199.00
7 Inch Wusthof Santoku Knife
I've been longing for this knife forever! As the cook in our household, a great knife makes all the difference. This one is awesome for chopping vegetables and more.
Buy it: 7 Inch Wusthof Santoku Knife , $99.00
Toothpaste Tube Wringer
This is the best way to use every last drop of toothpaste in the tube.
Buy it: Toothpaste Tube Wringer , $25
Best of Baxter Box
I'll admit it. I really should start a skincare routine. This collection from Baxter looks like a nice little start.
Buy it: Best of Baxter Box , $100
Areaware Concrete Desk Set
Because a dude's desk should be well accessorized.
Buy it: Areaware Concrete Desk Set , $60
State Bicycle Co. Front Basket
I just installed this basket on my bike and it's the perfect size---not to big, not too small. It's just right for carrying a few groceries.
Buy it: State Bicycle Co. Front Basket , $39.99
Philip Norelco Click and Style Shaver
If you know a guy who needs to get out the door quick in the morning, a great electric razor makes a perfect present!
Buy it: Philip Norelco Click and Style Shaver , $60
Amazon Prime
We live and die by Amazon Prime around here. A subscription gets you free two-day shipping plus access to all the Amazon TV you can watch.
Buy it: Amazon Prime , $99/year
Cast Iron Skillet
You like bacon? Yeah, I thought so. You should taste it when you cook it on this .
Buy it: Cast Iron Skillet , $33
Saddleback Briefcase
A man bag worthy of a real man! These Saddleback bags are made for lots of use---get one and you'll have it forever.
Buy it: Saddleback Briefcase , $579
Zojirushi Travel Mug
Give a guy some coffee on the go in a great travel thermos.
Buy it: Zojirushi Travel Mug , $26
Philips Sonicare Toothbrush
Talk about something you'll use every day! Utilitarian? Yes. A great gift? Absolutely.
Buy it: Philips Sonicare Toothbrush , $70
Chemex Coffee Maker
For the coffee-lover, it doesn't get more legit than brewing your java in a Chemex.
Buy it: Chemex Coffee Maker , $45
Machined Mechanical Pencil
Nothing says "baller" more than an awesome pencil at the office, am I right? This golden mechanical pencil is forged from a solid piece of metal and designed by a former Air Force engineer.
Buy it: Machined Mechanical Pencil , $65
Evernote Wallet
This beauty of a wallet is slim and compact, but unfolds to reveal a bunch of little compartments for cards, cash, and even coins.
Buy it: Evernote Market , $99.00
Apple Watch Sport
If this thing showed up in my stocking I think I would probably pass out. Apple's latest gadget is essentially an iPhone for your wrist---you can talk, text, surf the web, and more.
Buy it: Apple Watch Sport , $399
Ceramic Coffee Mug
Have that morning cup of joe in a manly mug from Heath Ceramics.
Buy it: Ceramic Coffee Mug , $36
Nest Learning Thermostat
Our Nest thermostat is the best! It learns our temperature preferences and we can control it remotely from our smartphones. No more coming home to a freezing cold house.
Buy it: Nest Learning Thermostat , $249
Valet Tray
Loose change? Not any more! Here's the perfect spot for everything that lives in your pockets.
Buy it: Valet Tray , $22
Playstation 4
Give a dude the gift of vegging out in front of a completely cool video gaming system with the Playstation 4!
Buy it: Playstation 4 , $350
Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast lets you stream anything from a Google browser to your TV. Surf the web from the couch? Yep.
Buy it: Google Chromecast , $35
Nest Protect
Know a homeowner? This smoke detector will help give them a little daily peace of mind.
Buy it: Nest Protect , $99
Wooden Bike Shelf
Attach this bike shelf to the wall and give your bike a home that'll turn it into a work of art!
Buy it: Wooden Bike Shelf , $50
iPhone 6S Case
Outfit a dude's tech with a case that will keep it safe from scratches or cracks.
Buy it: iPhone 6s Case , $14
External Battery Portable Battery Charger
I can't tell you how many times I've run my phone or computer batteries down while I'm out and about. A portable battery charger is a perfect gift for a tech-savvy guy.
Buy it: External Battery Portable Battery Charger , $27
Hulu Subscription
Know a guy who finally wants to cut the cable cord? A Hulu subscription covers all his broadcast TV needs.
Buy it: Hulu Subscription , $8/month
Triangle Dinner Bell
With a house full of kid's sometimes it feels like you need a dinner bell to round everyone up for a meal. I want one of these in my kitchen for sure.
Buy it: Triangle Dinner Bell , $60
Sodastream
Get your fix on bubbly water by making your own soda. Plus you can make your own flavors!
Buy it: Sodastream , $70
Fitbit Charge HR
This is the best and simplest fitness tracker on the market. It gets the job done without all the distractions.
Buy it: Fitbit Charge HR , $140
Fujifilm Instax Mini
The days of Polaroid may be over, but any photography junkie would swoon over this Instax mini. Get your daily photo fix by having real photos printed instantly.
Buy it: Fujifilm Instax Mini , $140
iPhone 6S
Probably the item I use most in a day, I am an iPhone junkie through and through. The newest model is a beauty, and will become your new best friend.
Buy it: iPhone 6S , $649
KeySmart Key Holder
Keep those keys organized and in line. With this little gadget, gone will be the days of getting stabbed in the leg by a stray house key!
Buy it: KeySmart Key Holder , $20
Songs Play:5
Ready to expand your Sonos collection? The new Play:5 is the best speaker they have ever made. Plus it has a line in port so you can connect up your Crosley record player to it too!
Buy it: Sonos Play:5 , $499.00
Areaware Bottle Opener
A man loves to end a good work day with a cold one, and this bottle opener will get the job done right.
Buy it: Areaware Bottle Opener , $14
Bose SoundTrue Headphones
Sometimes you need sound isolation to work, especially in a noisy office or a house full of kids. These Bose headphones will have you working in peace with your favorite tunes blaring just for you.
Buy it: Bose SoundTrue Headphones , $125
Vizio 32 inch TV
This is the best little TV on the market right now, and small enough to set up wherever you need it. It won't be your main TV for your living room, but if you want to catch up on some shows in bed or have something on in the background while you work, this is a great option!
Buy it: Vizio 32 inch TV , $220
MacBook Air
Apple has done it again with their lightweight laptop. If you are working on the go, or just browsing the web for fun, this machine will feel like air on your lap.
Buy it: MacBook Air, $999
GoPro HERO4
Document your daily adventures with the best action camera there is. With so many uses for a GoPro these days, you may just need a few of them to outfit all your vehicles.
Buy it: GoPro HERO4 , $344
Nikon D3300
If you want to step up your photography game, this is the perfect DSLR to start playing with the big boys.
Buy it: Nikon D3300 , $447
Arbor Longboard
Know a guy who's not so into biking? Outfit him with a cool longboard from Arbor for a different set of wheels.
Buy it: Arbor Longboard , $175
WeMo Switch
I love how much control the WeMo switch gives me over my electronics. I started with one to control the Christmas tree last year, and now I want one in every outlet in the house.
Buy it: WeMo Switch , $39
Gordy's Camera Straps
Keep all your gadgets from hitting the ground with these stylish straps.
Buy it: Gordy's Camera Straps , $18
Cognac Leather Shoehorn
Make those leather shoes easier to put on each morning with this beautiful shoe horn from J. Crew.
Buy it: Cognac Leather Shoehorn , $28
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells
Perfect for working out at home or in the office, these dumbbells will make a perfect addition to your daily routine.
Buy it: Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells , $299
Samsung Galaxy S6
If you are an Android fan, this is the phone to get this year.
Buy it: Samsung Galaxy S6 , $699
Beard Pack
If your fella is packing some whiskers, get him the goods to treat it right and keep it looking tight.
Buy it: Beard Pack , $40
John Varvatos Dark Rebel Cologne
This cologne is delicious, but be sure to pick out the scent that you want to live with every day!
Buy it: John Varvatos Dark Rebel Cologne , $66
Social Print Studio Calendar
If you or your man has a killer Instagram feed, turn it into a daily calendar of your favorite photos.
Buy it: Social Print Studio Calendar , $40
Base Camp X Cut-Throat Razor
If you want to get serious about shaving, this is the straight edge razor to get. This one will last you a lifetime.
Buy it: Base Camp X Cut-Throat Razor , $350
Fotowelt Self-Balancing Scooter
I know, I know, you won't use this thing everyday. But it's the closest thing we have to a hoverboard in 2015, and I still want one.
Buy it: Fotowelt Self-Balancing Scooter , $280
Moleskine Notebooks
For keeping all of your thoughts organized, the Moleskine is the notebook of great men.
Buy it: Moleskine Notebooks , $20
Netflix Subscription
Now that you have cut the cord, you need to keep up with all of the great shows. Forget HBO; Netflix is where it is at these days.
Buy it: Netflix Subscription , $8/month
Nest Cam
Stock up on these dropcams and make yourself your own private security video feed.
Buy it: Nest Cam , $199
Leather Shoe Care Kit
Keep your leather shoes in tip top shape with this polishing kit.
Buy it: Leather Shoe Care Kit , $110
Nespresso VertuoLine Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Maker
For the man who needs his coffee fix each morning, this espresso maker will perk him right up.
Buy it: Nespresso VertuoLine Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Maker , $199
Fujifilm Instax Share Smartphone Portable Printer
Want the fun of an Instax camera, but with the precision of your smartphone camera? Check out this printer!
Buy it: Fujifilm Instax Share Smartphone Portable Printer , $138
Do Good Hammock
I picked up a hammock on my last trip to Mexico, and it is now my calm happy place. When you need a place to center yourself and relax, go spend 20 minutes in the hammock and you will arise refreshed and ready for anything.
Buy it: Do Good Hammock , $195
Ballpark Seat Pen
For the baseball fans in your life, get them a pen crafted from the seats at their favorite fallen stadium.
Buy it: Ballpark Seat Pen , $150
Toggle Switch Plate
A fun way to customize your wall switches is to turn them into a toggle with this awesome steampunk plate cover.
Buy it: Toggle Switch Plate , $40
Canon Powershot ELPH
If you want a little more oomph in your photos than a smartphone can give you, a slim little point and shoot like the ELPH is a great option.
Buy it: Canon Powershot ELPH , $199
Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale
This smart scale syncs to your Fitbit and smartphone so you can help track your weight loss over time. It's a nice little burst of inspiration to stay in shape the entire year.
Buy it: Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale , $129
iPad Air 2
The iPad Air 2 is so light you can hardly believe it, and beautiful to boot. It's perfect for reading the news and surfing the web every day.
Buy it: iPad Air 2 , $499
Fulton & Roark's Solid Cologne
Get all the great scent of a cologne without having to walk through a misty cloud to get it.
Buy it: Fulton & Roark's Solid Cologne , $42
Field Notes
Help a fella jot things down in a jiffy! This notebook is just the right size for a back pocket.
Buy it: Field Notes , $10
Dyson Animal
I'm the one who cleans the floors around our house, believe it or not! I've had my eye on a Dyson Animal for a while now---it's a great little tool for cleaning up fast.
Buy it: Dyson Animal , $425