Sure, the men on your shopping list all have necks, but this doesn’t mean that a tie is a thoughtful gift for each of them. Whether you seek a birthday or holiday surprise, skip the Windsor knot and appeal to his sense of adventure. We’re sharing over 20 gift ideas for him that will get a much bigger smile than any novelty tie—guaranteed.
If you know a man who’s idea of fun is a month-long backpacking adventure in Southeast Asia or a cross-country skiing expedition consider giving him travel gifts that spark his wanderlust. This unique collection of the hottest gifts for travelers is guaranteed to ensure you spend less time figuring out what to buy him and more time sitting through the hour-long slide shows from his latest trips.
The Outdoorsman
Even the most minimalist outdoorsman on your gift list won’t turn down gear to optimize his time in nature. A new travel pack, like one from our premium National Geographic Guide Series collaboration (collection starting at $199) is built for adventure travel, while the Global Companion Travel Pack 40L ($159) simplifies packing.
On the accessories front, a camping hat, such as the Under Armour Warrior Bucket Hat ($30) is a must for skin protection on long treks; and for a great travel shoe, look no further than this modern take on the Ultra Fastpack III GTX® hiking shoe ($170) from the North Face, which will make camping treks easier on the feet.
More upgrades to his tried-and-true camping gear include a filtered water bottle, such as the ÖKO Original ($27); an Eagle Creek TravelLite™ Towel XL ($15), which dries quickly to keep the “have you been camping?” smell to a minimum ; and a pair of high-tech ExOfficio travel underwear keeps him feeling fresh sans running water (starting at $12).
If his camping trips are of the tents-in-the-backyard variety, he’ll get a kick out of this BBQ Toolbox ($99), which has man-glamping written all over it.
The Fun-Seeker
If his trips are centered on having the most.fun.ever, make sure that fun starts on the plane. The Carry On Cocktail Kit($24) is both stocking-stuffer sized and TSA-compliant for carry on, and includes everything he needs to make a proper Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, or gin and tonic … everything but the booze, that is. Not planning any trips soon? He can drink his way around America with this Beer Cap Map of the USA ($50).
The Adrenaline Junkie
So he’s taking an epic skydiving/paragliding/bungee jumping/surfing excursion? Demand proof in the form of a GoPro ($200 and up) video, and eliminate any “but-I-can’t-film-it” excuses with a GoPro Floaty ($20).
The Consummate Foodie
Spice up his stocking with a Travel Spice Kit ($15) from World Market that includes 20 seasonings such as cajun spice, chilli flakes, and mild curry powder. Whether he wants to play chef on his next campout or be reminded of home when he’s abroad, these travel-size flavor enhancers are sure to sate his palette.
The Gadget Guy
Guys who love gadgets may seem easy to shop for, but you have to stay a step ahead of the gear they’ve already purchased for themselves. Start with a portable phone charger ($20) that works with a lightweight solar panel ($100) to keep all his gear working, wherever. The Wayfinder Backpack 20L ($79), with its cord organizers and clips and padded laptop sleeve, is perfect for the techy guy on the go. And help him keep his gadgets charged no matter where in the world he travels with a USB Universal Travel Adapter Pro ($70).
If his suitcase is already overflowing with gadgets, chances are he could use a travel tech organizer, like the eTools Organizer Pro ($39), to keep all of his cords and devices in the right place. If he’s always having trouble remembering exactly where that place is, Tile ($20 and up) will help him track his wallet, luggage, keys, or other valuables from a smartphone app.
The Well Groomed
Travel slob he is not, or at least he won’t be with these good-looking travel gifts for men, like manscaping products galore from a membership to Dollar Shave Club, where he can pick out both travel-sized and full-sized varieties of luxury skincare products. Make sure he has a manly Dopp kit to store those products—the Pack-It Specter™ On Board toiletry kit ($46) should do the trick.
The Business Traveler
Even the busiest professionals will be happy they took a break to unwrap business travel gifts, such as the Convertabrief ($199), which keeps everything uber-organized and the RFID Bi-Fold Wallet ($25), which has RFID blocker technology to protect his personal information stored on IDs and credit cards.
Rumpled is not an option on the road, and a Pack-It Specter™ Garment Folder ($45) will help him keep the suit wrinkles at bay during important trips and the Pack-It Specter Tech™ Shoe Cube ($26) will keep his dress shoes scuff-free and separate from his clothes.
Still haven’t found the perfect gift for your guy? For other travel gift ideas, check out our Ultimate Guide of Gifts for Travelers .
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