Cool gifts for the men in your life, from the coziest sweater to the sleekest Swatch

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I have a number of men to buy Christmas gifts for this year. Can you put together a guide of sorts with some options in different price categories? These guys seem to have everything! —Amanda, Montreal
I have a confession, Amanda: I’m the hardest person in the world to find gifts for. I actually feel bad for my loved ones when my birthday or the holidays rolls around. And it’s not because I’m a grinch or ungrateful or difficult. I just don’t want anyone wasting money, giving me something that’s ultimately going to live in a closet or drawer until I decide to re-gift it or bring it to the Goodwill.
That said, I think it’s made me a better gifter. Rather than just buy things I hope the person will like, I employ a few different strategies to find unique gifts, or at least ones they’ll actually like. For younger giftees like nieces and nephews, I actually take them shopping. This way, I not only steal some quality one-on-one time, I also ensure that they’re excited about their gift, because they chose it. For those I don’t know as well, I do some reconnaissance on hobbies and likes, and then send them a gift card from a local shop I think they’d enjoy. Once again, it takes the guess work out of the equation and allows them to choose something for themselves.
When, however, I need to come correct, poorly wrapped gift in hand, I have some definite go-tos: brands that are impossible to dislike and items that us guys generally need. I can honestly say that I own everything on this list, so not only are they my gifting recommendations for men, I can personally vouch for their awesomeness.
With the holidays in Canada comes flurries and freezing rain that requires anyone vaguely outdoorsy to have a warm, water-resistant hiker boot in the closet. The CSWP from Salomon is arguably the best boot on the market, as it easily withstands the elements without being bulky and cumbersome. I’m also a big fan of the olive colourway.
Help a brother hit his daily water intake goals with this funky bottle from Yeti. BPA-free and made from recycled plastic, the 1L is light, leakproof and thanks to the Chug Cap, easy to transport.
Transform his 600 sq.ft. condo into a bougie Parisian hotel library with Byredo’s Bibliotheque candle. Believe it or not, notes of peach, plum, violet, vanilla and leather come together in a way that’s not only elegant but surprisingly masculine.
If you’re going to gift a clothing item, opt for something iconic. This cream fisherman sweater from L.L. Bean is a wardrobe staple, simple and easy to pair with anything, great on its own or worn as a layering piece over a button-down. There isn’t a man on the planet that can’t pull this look off.
When the Omega X Swatch MoonSwatch came out in 2022, horologists lost their minds—the line-ups at the boutiques were literally hundreds of people deep. Now that the initial hype has worn off, the bioceramic—and eerily similar—replica of the original Speedmaster is a little easier to get your mitts on, but no less grail-worthy.
Every guy needs a go-to kitchen knife (yes, Chef!) and this one from Roselli’s Astrid series checks all the boxes. The heat-treated birch handle offers a firm grip while the thin, light yet durable carbon steel blade slices and dices with ease. To avoid rust and staining, just be sure to wash and dry carefully before sliding it into the minimalist birch standing block.
Best known for quality wool blankets and magnificent prints, often created in partnership with Indigenous communities, Pendleton Woolen Mills has long been my go to for everything from jackets to towels. This stunning reversible Turtle blanket is both a representation of an Iroquois creation story and an easy way to elevate any guy’s living room.
If you’re looking to spoil a frequent flier, German luggage maker Floyd has just the thing: the polycarbonate Makralon cabin suitcase. Not only does the aluminum construction allow it to take a beating, the red skateboard wheels give it a dash of personality while it glides smoothly and stylishly to its next destination.
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