What to Get for Guys Who Say They 'Don’t Need Anything'

If he’s proud of his martinis, Manhattans, and negronis, help him level up with this handmade cocktail smoker (which you can order with or without a torch). It comes with some smoking chips to get him started, but for $40, you can add a pack of four flavors (e.g., Devil’s Rum Punch) he can experiment with too. Mixology 101 is now in session. And for more great holiday gifts from Uncommon Goods, shop here. ($40+, Uncommon Goods)

Like merino wool. They also happen to be machine washable and very lightweight. The knit is breathable, so if he wears these well into next year, steamy temps on a summer day won’t be a bother. Did we mention the midsole is made from Brazilian sugarcane? It’s bouncy, contoured, and yet another feature that makes the Allbirds brand carbon neutral. Plus: The shoes are available in over a dozen colorways. ($110, Allbirds)

If he’s ready to upgrade his old, worn-out pan collection, this set will wow him. This cookware from Made In incorporates the best qualities of both cast iron and stainless steel. Get him a pre-seasoned griddle, grill frying pan, and paella pan…then sit back and let him cater your next dinner party (smash burgers, anyone?). Joking. Kind of. ($359, Made In)

Whether he plays for big audiences or just an audience of you, this thoughtful gift (handmade in Nashville) is bound to make him smile. Choose a pick inspired by his birth month, or add other birth months that might be important to him (yours, his kids’) for a cute set. ($25, Uncommon Goods)

Fact: Everyone loves a new pair of socks. Especially comfy, high-quality ones. These Japanese cotton/poly blend socks have a comfortable waffle knit. Good-looking without being too “out there,” they’re a step up from the normie socks he might wear every day. ($26, Buck Mason)

The home chef or foraging-curious guy in your life will love this mushroom log. And since he can harvest it every month and a half for several years, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. All he has to do is soak it and let the organic mushroom spores do their thing. ($30, Uncommon Goods)

Perfect for the guy who never wants to go clothes shopping but is still particular about what he wears. This polo hits the sweet spot. Not too casual but not too dressy either, it’s ideal to bring along on any trip when you’re not sure what’s in store. He’ll thank you later. ($15.98+, Nautica)

Craft beer aficionados can be hard to shop for, so let this subscription take the guesswork out of it. With four new beers (from two different independent breweries) in every box, it’ll help him find new favorites — and the subscription itself is highly customizable. Choose different box sizes, shipping frequencies, and subscription durations when you check out. ($46.75+/shipment, Original Craft Beer Club)

If he’s recently gotten into strength training, this set of nonslip training gloves, resistance bands, and sliding discs can help him dig into workouts at home or at the gym. Add a new water bottle, sweat towel or pair of workout shorts for even more encouragement. And for more great holiday gifts from Amazon, check out our storefront. ($57.58, Amazon)

If he’s an NYC native living elsewhere, or just a big fan of New York’s classic eats, this package from Goldbelly’s a no-brainer, with pizza from John’s of Bleecker Street, bagels from Ess-a-Bagel, cheesecake from Junior’s, and hot dogs from Gray’s Papaya. It serves eight to twelve, so he can enjoy with friends and fam…or not. Sure, he might crave some kale after working his way through all that, but his soul will be happy. Psst...for 15% off your first order, use code SKIMM15. ($239.95, Goldbelly)

With Tinggly, you can let him choose his own adventure (without looking like you dropped the ball). Spend $129, then let him pick from almost 2,000 pre-planned experience options, like a Central Park bike tour or deep dish pizza-making lesson in Chicago. Tinggly will offset any carbon emissions from your gifted experience by 200% — plus use a portion of the cost of your gift to plant trees. Win for everyone. ($129, Tinggly)

If he’s a rap fan — or just a fan of good stories about history and American music culture — this comprehensive book by New York Times culture reporter Joe Coscarelli has tons to offer. It’s already an Editors’ Pick on Amazon and has rave reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. About individual artists but also the economic, sociological, and historical systems they’ve built and fought against, this one promises to be a compelling read he won’t wanna put down. ($26.99, Amazon)

When you want something a little more personal than another bottle of whiskey (however special that whiskey might be), go for a decanter he can use again and again. Personalize it with his name, initials, or another word or date that has special meaning, and add engraved glasses to complete the set. ($49.99+, Swanky Badger)

Cute and eye-catching but also super comfy, this organic cotton terry cloth top is most definitely a vibe. There are two types of people: Those who’ll appreciate a disco fungi-themed shirt and those who won’t. And if he will? This one is a slam dunk. ($136, Tombolo)

Loftie does it all. And with a two-phase alarm, you won't dread waking up in the morning. The first alarm gently stirs you, while the second is designed to get you out of bed. Plus, the tones are meant to be soothing. You can schedule different alarms for separate days of the week. To explore what your clock can do, you can download the compatible phone app. Psst…check out our full review of the device here. Oh, and use code SKIMM15 for 15% off sitewide. ($149, Loftie)

Move over, groutfit. This’ll be his new uniform. These stylish pants bring the comfort — whether he’s running errands, lounging on the couch, or playing ball. The soft tech fabric is resistant to pilling and fading, which will be highly necessary considering all the wear and tear they’re gonna get. ($98, Nordstrom)

Here’s a cold-weather accessory he can feel really good about wearing — both because it’s comfy and because it’s made from wool and cashmere that are recycled. Available in four colors, it’s a great option to keep him warm on last-minute grocery store runs and trips to fancy restaurants alike. ($100, Asket)

Because he’s probably still using that one he got all those years ago. This leather wallet has a curved design that fits perfectly into his front pocket. It’s a safer — and more comfortable — way to stash all that cash. It can hold up to six cards plus full-sized bills, and has an ID pocket. And if that doesn’t seal the deal: it has RFID-blocking protection (which keeps his private information, well, private). ($65, Rogue Industries)

Whether he’s sore from an intense workout or poring over a report at his WFH setup, this deep tissue back and body massager can help. It beats at up to 3,700 revolutions per minute and comes with six interchangeable heads to provide relief where he needs it most. It’s kinda like his own personal masseuse. Except much more affordable. Check out more of our fave items for sweet relief from aches here. ($39.99, Amazon)

What’s on tap today? Sixty-four ounces of his favorite carbonated beverage, kept fizzy and fresh thanks to this growler-style dispenser that also keeps drinks cold for up to nine hours. Throw in the necessary food-grade CO2 chargers, and he’ll be good to go. Psst…it’s also available in a 128-ounce size. ($114.95+, Amazon)

If he loves iced coffee but isn’t in the homemade cold brew game, here’s what he needs. All he has to do is fill the HyperChiller with water and keep it in the freezer — then he can brew hot coffee directly into it, and chill it to perfect iced coffee temps in around a minute. Bonus: it works for alcohol too. ($22.49, QVC)