40 Unique Gifts for Your Adult Son He'll Actually Use

Timberland Black 6IN Premium Boot

We can't recommend heritage brands enough when selecting holiday gifts for adult sons. Timberland Black 6IN Premium Boot is everything he wants in a wear-everywhere boot. Inspired by the brand's Original Yellow Boot, this six-inch work boot exists at the intersection of streetwear and workwear. Anti-fatigue footbeds maintain comfort for long hours, while PrimaLoft insulation (90 percent of which is recycled) maintains warmth. The padded collar and rubber lug outsole have endured from the OG, but you can now select from 10 colorways, ranging from Black Nubuck (seen here) to Espresso Full-Grain Leather. 

Case Elegance Military Glass Top Cigar Humidor

Case Elegance Military Glass Top Cigar Humidor is high among the best unique gifts for grown sons. If he's graduated past how to smoke a cigar and is on to collecting the best cigars to pair with bourbon, dark rum, or cognac, consider this humidor. It boasts precise humidity controls and comes with the necessary humidor solutions (one regular and one for winter/dry climate). The box itself is utilitarian in design with a Spanish cedar inlay, exacting gasket seals, and digitally controlled hygrometers. There's even a foam accessory drawer to keep everything in one place.

Rab Khroma Freeride GTX Glove

Rab Khroma Freeride GTX Glove won the top spot in our roundup of the best ski and snowboard gloves. It pairs a flexible Pittards Armortan leather on the hand and fingers that transitions beautifully to a stretch nylon fabric from the wrist through the cuff. This makes the gloves durable on high-abrasion points, yet light and flexible everywhere else. This is one of our favorite gifts for adult sons this season.

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Gerber Armbar Trade Multi-Tool

Gerber Armbar Trade is the kind of tool car campers need in their pack or glovebox at all times. The 2.5-inch, plain-edge blade is the obvious standout of this compact multitool, but there are seven other handy tools hidden in the small package, from a saw to a hammer. And, yes, there’s a bottle opener. It's all fun and games to watch someone open a bottle without an opener until a kitchen table is damaged or worse—someone's tooth.

Huckberry X GORUCK GR2 Slick Backpack

Huckberry X GORUCK GR2 Slick Backpack holds the standard of every GORUCK product: It's over-engineered to endure. Huckberry's exclusive Slick edition has the same bells and whistles in the 40L pack: Water-resistant, military-grade 1000D Cordura and 1050d ballistic nylon comprise the pack's material makeup; it can be opened entirely to make packing and unpacking a breeze; extra padded shoulder straps accommodate heavier loads, making this a great travel backpack. 

Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

Somewhat of a premium gift for adult sons, Yeti Roadie 48 wheeled cooler is a Men’s Journal favorite and one of the most convenient and versatile items to own. The size is perfect for tailgating, beach days, and backyard barbecues. The rear wheels and telescoping handle can run laps around most other coolers. Virtually indestructible, it can keep contents cold for a couple days. It also comes with a dry storage bin that nests at the top of the cooler to keep essentials safe from exposure and overheating.

Flint and Tinder Flannel Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

Flint and Tinder Flannel Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket is among our favorite waxed canvas jackets. It's hard-wearing, classic, and ruggedly good-looking. Exclusive to Huckberry, this number has a flannel lining and is waxed on either sides of the shell to ensure toastiness as temps plummet. The exterior is made from water-repellent Martexin sailcloth. Similar to leather and selvedge denim, it'll break in beautifully with every wear. Bonus, if your son is a fan of HBO’s The Last of Us, he'll recognize the trucker jacket instantly.

Pendleton Motor Robe With Leather Carrier

Few names in wool carry the same weight as Pendleton, which is known around the globe for its rugged yet luxurious vibe and long-lasting products. Pendleton Motor Robe With Leather Carrier is no exception. This classic throw is crafted from virgin wool made in the U.S., and is just as perfect for folding on the back of a couch as it is for rolling up and bringing along on picnics or camping adventures. Your son will love that it comes with a handsome leather carrier for easy toting, and you’ll love that it comes in a plethora of color schemes to suit their individual style.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55 L

If your son's go-to travel duffel is tattered and torn, gift him Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55 L. It's a rugged replacement he'll be hard-pressed to wear out. Recycled ripstop polyester fabric coated in a weather-resistant laminate ensures it’s the kind of bag he can take around the world. 

Vuori Monterey Jacket

From the brand known for putting a stamp on men's athleisure apparel, Vuori Monterey Jacket is something of a hidden gem. It’s made with Primaloft insulation and has a water-repellent coating, so it’s definitely got the goods, materials-wise. As for looks, it’s timeless with its classic fleece collar. The only downside is once you get him hooked on Vuori, it's hard to look back.

Therabody Smart Goggles

Gifting an eye mask scientifically designed to lower heart rate is next-level thoughtfulness. Therabody enlists a suite of therapeutic modalities in its Smart Goggles, including heat, vibration, and massage to help shunt stress and anxiety; relieve eye strain and tension headaches; slacken facial tension; and more. Your son can even choose among preset programs. It's a godsend before bed—or midday, when in need of a brain break. Bonus: This does double duty among the best gifts for adult son and gifts for new dads. 

Leatherman Sidekick Multitool

A tool is only useful if it’s within reach. Leatherman Sidekick Multitool makes it easy for your son to keep 14 tools on his person. Because it’s made of hefty stainless steel, odds are he’ll use it for years to come.

Ridge Wallet

Speaking of metal EDC that’ll last forever, this cleverly designed Ridge Wallet is a near-indestructible slim wallet. Cash slides into the exterior money clip while cards stack neatly between the two metal panels that make up the bulk of this RFID-blocking wallet. It’s something your son will carry around every day, which means it’s something of an omnipresent reminder that you love him.

Theragun Mini Percussion Massager

It’s hard to watch a professional sporting event without spotting a Theragun or two on the bench, lending the brand a certain cachet among athletes. Whether your son is playing soccer at a Division 1 college, or just experiencing the aches and pains of getting older, he’ll appreciate Theragun Mini Percussion Massager. The compact version of the famous massager is quiet, powerful, convenient, and effective.

Onsen Waffle Towels Complete Set

Good towels are the kind of everyday luxury everyone should enjoy, and Onsen Waffle Towels are some of today’s best. They’re made from extra-long-staple Supima cotton with an open weave that the brand says will dry in half the time of traditional towels. Whether for the holidays, a birthday, or just because, they’re the kind of gift pretty much anyone would enjoy.

'The Ferrari Book: Passion for Design'

The best kind of coffee table book reflects a person’s unique style and interests, and gives their guests something entertaining to flip through. The Ferrari Book: Passion for Design is devoted entirely to the craft and origin story of one of the greatest Italian luxury sports car makers of all time: Ferrari. Filled with imagery of some of the most legendary models, the book also tells little-known tales of its creators and more.

Tissot Classic Dream Leather Strap Watch

The best watch for men varies, whether you're shopping for specific brands like Bulova, Breitling, or Seiko—or sticking to affordable watches. Tissot Classic Dream Leather Strap Watch has classic good looks and a reasonable price tag. Even if your son is all about his smartwatch, having a watch to wear while dressing up is a useful thing indeed.

Marshall Emberton II Portable Speaker

Portable Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, but Marshall Emberton II Portable Speaker truly stands out. It marries the classic look of a Marshall amplifier with a standard black and gold or, our preference, luxe cream colorway. Underneath the hood, there’s a multidirectional speaker, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and enough water resistance to protect it from sudden sprinkles or spills when used outside.

Titleist Pro V1 Performance Alignment 2024 Golf Balls

Every golfer could use a reload and Titleist Pro V1 Performance Alignment 2024 Golf Balls is among the best presents for your son. The 2024 version uses a firmer outer layer wrapped around a soft inner core for added distance. The new recipe also enhances performance with flatter ball flight and less spin off the tee. That should help your duffer find more fairways and spend less time combing the rough for the ball you gave them. This is an excellent option if you're looking for affordable golf gifts. 

Whiskey Peaks Glasses

We love unique gifts for grown sons that feel bespoke but aren't so out of the box. Whiskey Peaks Glasses are a clever way to pay homage to some of the world's greatest peaks: Grand Tetons, Rockies, Zion, as well as international and national peaks like those found in the Pacific Northwest. If your son is an avid hiker, mountaineer, and traveler who loves to enjoy the best whiskey in dedicated whiskey glasses, look no further.

Topo Designs Global Jacket

Tactical jackets strike a sweet spot in the market. Topo Designs Global Jacket is among the best gifts for adult sons because the vented, stretchy number still manages to stay breathable despite its waterproofness. He'll stay warm and dry no matter how brutal the downpour gets, thanks to sealed seams, whether he spends his free time hiking trails or exploring urban cities. 

Darn Tough Close Encounters Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough makes some of the best socks around. These are a blend of merino wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex that stay snug during long hikes. Like all Darn Tough socks, they carry a lifetime guarantee. The design, which features the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot, is the only non-serious thing about these socks because getting outside is all about having a good time, after all.

Belkin MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger

Free your son from a lifetime of untangling cords and fumbling around to find the business end of their charger with Belkin MagSafe 2-in-1 Charger. It has austere good looks and both a floating MagSafe charger for their iPhone and another wireless charger on the base that’s perfectly sized for AirPods (we suggest gifting both if he doesn't already have them). You’ll probably want to order one for yourself, too.

Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancelation

The fourth generation of Apple’s AirPods is such a practical gift for adult sons.  This iteration has active noise cancellation, comes with a wireless charging case compatible with Qi or Apple Watch pads, and functional new feature where the case chirps to help locate them at the bottom of a backpack or stuck behind couch cushions. 

Carhartt Tool Bag

Carhartt Tool Bag has so much to love: It's the perfect catchall for tools if your son lives in an apartment and doesn't have a garage for storage. It comes in the classic Carhartt colorway, is fully equipped with six exterior and 15 interior pockets, and is tough enough for projects big and small.

Global Knives 3-Piece Starter Set

A set of sharp knives makes cooking (especially learning how to cook) much more enjoyable. This trio of Japanese blades—chef’s, utility, and paring knives—is a great place to start. Each knife in the Global Knives 3-Piece Starter Set is made of a single piece of steel, feels lightweight and well-balanced, and has a straight edge that’s sharper than the beveled edges common in Western knives.

Drift Car Air Freshener

A perfect stocking stuffer, Drift Car Air Freshener is sleek and simple. The metal clip attaches to the visor, so the magnetic base can attach to the scent block. The scented block of wood comes in in a variety of scents, but we're partial to Teak, Amber, and Pine.

Audio-Technica Fully Automatic Bluetooth Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable

Audio-Technica Fully Automatic Bluetooth Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable is the perfect entry-level turntable. It yields high-fidelity audio with the ease of Bluetooth connectivity, so he can wirelessly sync speakers and other devices. Gift it with a couple records for a truly thoughtful present.

Talking Heads 77 on Vinyl

Talking Heads’ debut album is best known for “Psycho Killer,” but the bulk of the record is buoyant pop songs that form something of a bridge from the band’s CBGB era to New Wave. If your son already sees the appeal of collecting and playing vinyl, this is a record he’s sure to treasure. If he doesn’t just yet, this is a record that could turn him into a believer.

Gerber Assert Knife

At under 2 ounces, Gerber Assert Knife is light yet sturdy—more than pulling its negligible weight. The 3-inch blade strikes a slim profile and boasts exceptional edge geometry. Its blade is forged from S30V steel that maintains its sharpness task after task. Moreover, the glass-filled nylon handle is all but impervious to the elements and internally honeycombed for further weight savings without compromising strength. The Assert’s pivot lock and adjustable (or removable) thumb stud offer a variety of ways to deploy the blade. This is especially handy during frigid high-alpine mornings when working with near-frozen digits. With Gerber’s customization engine, you can opt for hardware coatings in a variety of colors to lend some personal flair while providing further corrosion protection. Gerber also offers laser-etching on the blade. Go for something personal—either a personal achievement or moonshot goal, like the total mileage hiked along the Pacific Crest Trail, or a quote.  

SquareKeg Square One Mini Keg

Compact and portable, SquareKeg Square One Mini Keg holds eight beers, delivering fresh suds thanks to the CO2-infused tap. Beyond the best beer, your son can fill it with pre-batched cocktails to have Manhattans or Negronis on tap for parties. It’s even slim enough to fit inside a fridge or cooler, making it one of our favorite gifts for adult sons.

SoloStove Pi Prime Pizza Oven

Ninety seconds. That’s how long it takes to cook the perfect pizza inside SoloStove Pi Prime, a propane-powered oven that can reach 950 degrees. Getting a consistent temp is as easy as turning a dial, and the compact, stainless-steel frame (15” x 20”) means home chefs can make personal pizzas in the kitchen or on the tailgate.

Corridor Raga Cardigan

The holidays are ripe for splurging and Corridor Raga Cardigan is at the top of our wish-list. Made in Peru from an alpaca/cotton blend, this is a statement piece he'll wear on repeat through winter and the shoulder seasons. The three available colorways—Blue, Natural, and Grey—have a unique spacedye treatment wherein a single yarn is dyed with multiple colors to create a uniquely colorful garment. If he's not keen on vibrant colors, opt for Blue (shown here). It's more muted but still offers visual interest. 

Norda 001 Trail Running Sneaker

Norda 001 Trail Running Sneaker is an awesome all-around trail shoe and our favorite recommendation for those in need of an upgrade. Unlike a lot of trail running shoes, it's comfortable out of the box. The Vibram midsole foam and outsole rubber combine ground feel, traction, and protection. And while technical, rocky trails often eat trail shoe uppers alive, the Dyneema fabric is so durable that it can scrape against rocks with nothing but dirt marks to show for it.

Bombas Men's Sunday Slipper

Bombas Men's Sunday Slipper falls under the camp of presents for your son that are absolutely foolproof. The teddy nature of the slipper comes from the faux sherpa fabrication. What I love is how supportive they are underfoot. The memory foam footbed cushions feet, maintaining warmth and comfort while cooking or putzing around the house. Colorways include Deep Olive (shown), Great Lake, Medium Ash, and Black. If he gawks at matching flannel holiday sets, he'll greatly appreciate these timeless slippers.

Moleskin Smart Notebook

If your son is a writer or has a dedicated journal practice, Moleskin Smart Notebook is a brilliant gift idea. It can be connected to a computer or phone and paired with the digital pen. It sends everything they write or draw to their phone in real time, so they have a digital copy immediately. Your son can even convert hand-written copy to text or send an email in their own handwriting. It’s like magic, but not, because y'know, technology.

Nike Solo Swoosh Crewneck Sweatshirt

Equally suited for athletic competition and lounging around the house, this classic, simple Nike fleece sweatshirt is guaranteed to come in handy. It’s a roomier cut everywhere but the cuffs, which cling to the body to keep heat in on cold days. The only hard decision is which of the eleven colors your son would like best.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

When properly maintained, a cast iron skillet will last for life. It's durable, versatile, and can be used indoors and out. Consider pairing Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with a silicone handle holder as the stocking stuffer.

Waterman Expert Fountain Pen

A fountain pen is an old-fashioned gift, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Elevated essentials make the mundane feel more indulgent. Waterman Expert Fountain Pen is nice enough to be an heirloom.

Houseplant Car Lighter

Seth Rogen might not strike you as America’s next design savant, but the actor happens to make beautiful accessories for cannabis lovers. Our favorite Houseplant essential is the Car Lighter. It has a simple operation that mimics those found in vintage cars: Once hot, the top pops up, so he can remove it and light up whatever he fancies, be it cigars or hand-rolled cigarettes. The base is crafted from a stunning emerald marble. It’s weighty and substantial, adding a touch of luxury to your bookshelf, media console, or coffee table. Add this into consideration for unique gifts for grown sons.