RD.COM Christmas
Madi KoettingUpdated: Feb. 01, 2024
Whether you've been dating for two months or five years, we found the best gifts for boyfriends. Plus, we have ideas for Christmas, Valentine's Day and all special occasions worth celebrating.
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Everyone knows that buying gifts for men is tough—and when that man is your boyfriend, it can be even tougher. Not only do you want to find something he’ll adore, but you also want to find the right gift for the stage of your relationship.
If you buy him a pricy tech gift for your first Christmas together, it could read as too much too soon. On the flip side, if you buy him a chocolate bar for your two-year anniversary, he’ll likely be underwhelmed.
To ease any anxiety surrounding the topic, we scoured the internet for the best gift ideas for boyfriends for every stage of the relationship, from the honeymoon stage to the planning-the-honeymoon stage. Whether you’re looking for a personalized gift or a last-minute gift, we’ve got you covered.
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For the homebody: Ugg Tasman Slipper
His feet will stay cozy in Ugg’s shearling-lined slippers all. day. long. With a suede upper and an EVA outsole, he can wear them both indoors and outdoors. Want another pair to have on deck? Here are more super comfy men’s slippers that make amazing gifts for boyfriend types.
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For the out-of-this-world boyfriend: Dr. Squatch Star WarsSoap
Dr. Squatch makes some of the best-smelling soaps for men, and its pop culture collections make a fun gift. ThisStar Wars 4-pack bundle is ideal for your favorite Jedi. They’ll kick off their day with a Wisdom Wash and Only Hope Soap and opt for a Dark Side Scrub and Ruthless Rinse when they’re feeling edgy. Have aStar Wars-obsessed brother? Send this soap gift his way, too!
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For the movie buff: Video Projector
Gifts for boyfriend types who are impossible to shop for? Look no further. This video projector instantly transforms any room into a cozy at-home cinema. As someone who has gifted this exact projector to their boyfriend, I can confirm the picture quality is amazing for the price.
Plus, I love that it offers Wi-Fi, USB and HDMI connectivity for watching our favorite TV shows and movies through any device. It’s a fun alternative to keeping a TV in the bedroom (or living room), and any movie-buff boyfriend will be thrilled to open it on their birthday, Christmas Day or Valentine’s Day.
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For the outdoorsy boyfriend: Drink Flannels
Whether your significant other loves camping, tailgating or soaking up the outdoors in their backyard, these fun drink flannels are guaranteed to put a smile on his face. Pair it with his favorite six-pack for extra thoughtful gifts for boyfriend types. They’re a funny gag gift for the family, too.
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For the blanket hog: Extra Big Blanket
This is no ordinary blanket. Measuring 10 feet by 10 feet, this plush throw from Big Blanket Co. is one of the best (read: biggest) blankets you can gift. Meaning, no more fighting for your half during movie nights or while sleeping. It’s made from a super soft blend of polyester and spandex and woven with temperature-regulating fabric so everyone stays cool and happy. With this gift idea, you may never buy a regular blanket again!
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For the pet parent: Dog Dad Hat
For the man with a furry best friend, gift them this simple yet thoughtful “Dog Dad” embroidered hat. Customize it with their favorite color and watch their heart melt right in front of your eyes when they open the hat. You can’t go wrong with these gifts for pet lovers either.
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For the homesick boyfriend: Urban Map Glass
Gifts for boyfriend types can be totally sentimental. Give him a piece of his favorite city with this urban map glass. Whiskey, beer and co*cktail drinkers alike will appreciate this custom-looking glassware. From my father to yours, these glasses make stellar gifts for dads, too.
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For the frequent traveler: Monos Luggage
Investing in quality luggage brands is a travel game changer, which is why we can’t think of a better gift than the Monos carry-on for boyfriends on the fly. As one of the best carry-on bags, this gift for boyfriends is slightly bigger than traditional picks, offering ample storage for stashing shoes, a toiletry bag and plenty of clothing with ease.
Not to mention an exterior tech compartment for freeing up backpack space on the go too. Choose from plenty of colorways—there’s truly a hue for everyone! Read our Monos review to get the full scoop on one of our favorite travel brands.
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For the long-distance boyfriend: We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game
An Amazon gift that helps you naturally strengthen your connection with your boo? Check! We’re Not Really Strangers is a connection-building card game that is all about getting to know your significant other on a deeper level.
I got this card game for me and my long-distance boo just one month into the relationship, and it helped us understand core attributes about one another (think: family life, personal goals, etc.). More than one year in, we love this game so much that we’ve made it a tradition to play every few months to keep the connection strong.
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For the boyfriend who’s always cold: Bombas Socks
OK, hear us out: Socks make terrific gifts for boyfriends. Give your guy these Bombas socks to keep his feet cozy year-round. For every pair sold, Bombas donates a pair of socks to homeless shelters, making it a holiday gift that gives back.
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For when you’re in a dating rut: 100 Dates Scratch Off Poster
Everyone needs date inspiration every now and then, and this100 dates scratch off poster is a fun-filled gift for him—and you. It’s packed with 100 adventures to enjoy in the new year. Plus, it’s a fun idea whether you’ve been dating for a few months or a few years.
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For the craft beer drinker: Craft Beer Subscription
The gift that keeps on giving? This craft beer subscription. Every month, he’ll score a 12- or 24-pack of craft beers from almost all 50 states. Think award-winning brews and bottles to expand his palette. Choose from a one-month or three-month subscription and cancel at any time (aka when he’s all stocked up on more craft beer than he can brag about). It also doubles as an awesome gift for husbands.
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For the guy who loves to lounge: Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Robe
We could go on and on about our love for Cozy Earth, but we’ll leave it at this: The brand is seriously the best for all gifting needs, whether it’s Mother’s Day, gifts for yourself, and of course, gifts for boyfriend types. This luxuriously cozy waffle bath robe with pockets and an adjustable waist may just be the reason he gets up in the morning after experiencing its soft bamboo texture. It’s basically the next best thing to a trip to the spa. Don’t be surprised when it’s the only thing he wants to wear—it’s that comfy.
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For the new boyfriend: Urban Accents Popcorn Kernels and Seasoning
Food gifts are always a safe option if you just started dating. With three types of popcorn and four seasoning blends, Urban Accent’s gift set makes movie night a breeze. As the finishing touch on this gift, let him pick the film for movie night.
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For the boyfriend who’s obsessed with smelling good: Le Labo Shaving Cream
Gifts for boyfriend types who always need to smell good? We got you covered. Luxury fragrance brand Le Labo is known for its intoxicating scents. Make his morning routine an aromatic experience by gifting him this shaving cream that smells like bergamot, lavender, violet and tonka bean. The formula includes chamomile to soothe the skin and coconut to nourish it. We think a future father-in-law would love this, too.
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For the at-home barista: Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Whether he’s a pour-over snob or an avid tea drinker, an electric gooseneck kettle is a total game-changer. Available in plenty of colors that match every guy’s home aesthetic, this pick is a real treat thanks to the variable temperature control and angled pour spout. He’ll appreciate being able to pay extra attention to his craft with the help of this sleek coffee and tea product. Bonus: It’s a wow-worthy Father’s Day gift idea.
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For your anniversary: First Date Map Print
Whether you’re celebrating one year or five years, this “Where It All Began” print is guaranteed to melt his heart. It includes a map pin of the location of your first date and is personalized with names and text of choice.
Pro tip: If you don’t want the map to be the location of your first date, it works as a way to honor your wedding location or the city you first met. I’m not one on relationship memorabilia, but this first date map print caught my eye. I gifted it to my boyfriend for Valentine’s Day, and guests always comment on the sweet yet simple print.
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For the golfer: Personalized Golf Gift Set
If his hobbies include spending the entire weekend at the course or driving range, this personalized golf gift set shows you care about his passions. Not to mention it’s much more affordable than gifting a whole new set of clubs. Complete with an all-weather glove, tees, golf balls, a divot remover, ball markers and a scorecard holder, it has everything he needs for a lucky day on the greens. Customize it with his name and favorite colors for an all-star golf gift.
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For the DIY chef: Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
Warning: This gift is about to get spicy. Inspire his creativity in the kitchen by gifting a make-your-own hot sauce kit. He’ll get a variety of dried whole peppers, assorted spices, white vinegar, an instruction booklet and all the gear for bottling his best batches (think glass bottles, labels, a funnel and gloves). He’ll be on his way to mastering his own custom hot sauce in no time. (Time to toss the sriracha!)
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For the nostalgic gamer: Nintendo Switch
Give him the gift of transporting back to his childhood with a Nintendo Switch. Pair it with his favorite games like Mario Kart or Animal Crossing, then plan a sofa date to enjoy the gift together. It’s a gift for you and him, really.
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For under $15: What I Love About You Fill-in-the-Love Book
Need astocking stufferidea? It doesn’t get much sweeter than thisfill-in-the-blank love letter. The book includes prompts such as “You deserve the ___ award” and “You have the greatest taste in ___.” It’s one of those affordable gifts for boyfriend typesthat has a whole lot of heart.
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For the sleep king: Contoured Eye Mask
When in doubt, turn to Amazon Prime gifts. Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with this contoured cup sleep mask. The mask puts no pressure on the eyes and effectively blocks light whether he’s on a red-eye flight, meditating in his office or heading off to dreamland.
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For the classic guy: True Classic Tees
If there’s one apparel item the men in my life can’t stop talking about, it’s True Classic T-shirts. Designed to “flatter every body,” these ultra-soft, lightweight tees are perfect for helping your guy build his capsule wardrobe (or upgrading his collection of graphic tees). They’ll appreciate the flattering fit that truly slips on like a glove.
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For the guy who says he doesn’t want a gift: Mug & Warmer Set
Here’s one of those gifts for boyfriend types that anyone on your list would be excited to receive. I mean, there’s nothing worse than cold coffee. Help him avoid that unfortunate fate with this mug and warmer set. Our favorite part? The warming base doubles as a wireless phone charger.
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For the self-care obsessed: Jack Black Skin Saviors Set
It’s never too late to start a skin care routine. Jack Black Skin Saviors set includes a cleanser, moisturizer, lip balm and face buff. Shoppers love this skincare go-to for keeping skin moisturized, cleansed and supple in winter months.
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For the curious-minded: Masterclass Subscription
ICYMI: Gifting experiences are sometimes the most meaningful treat, especially when you’re not totally sure if they’ll enjoy another clothing or home item. For the guy who’s always down to improve himself and learn something new, a Masterclass subscription is the way to go.
Whether he wants to level up his cooking skills by learning from one of the best (hi, Gordon Ramsay) or get in the athlete’s mindset with the help of one of his sports idols, there’s truly something for everyone.
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For the six-month boyfriend: Leather Watch Box Display Case
Sure, you might not have been dating long enough to give him a watch—but you can certainly gift a watch display case. This pick includes six slots and a clear glass lid. How’s that for thoughtful gifts for boyfriend types that won’t break the bank?
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For the camping enthusiast: Tabletop Fire Pit
Treat the camping enthusiast to the ultimate camping gift: A smokeless fire. Yes, it’s possible, and the secret is this portable fire pit. He can enjoy it on the outdoor patio, balcony or porch and take it on camping adventures. Choose from two tabletop sizes and plan a cozy s’mores date to go with this striking gift for boyfriends.
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For Christmas: Plaid Flannel Pajamas
Is it really the holidays without receiving at least one pair of flannel men’s pajamas? These plaid cotton pajamas with pockets never go out of style and can be enjoyed all winter long (and several more to come!). Choose from green or red plaid colorways. Comfy gifts for boyfriend types should be paired with a cozy Christmas movie date night.
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For the photographer: Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
An instant camera will help the two of you take photos in a new and exciting way (and make sure you actually get them developed). This Fujifilm instant camera comes at an affordable price point, so you’ll also want to give him a few rolls of film. Check out moregifts for photographers. Bonus: For next year’s gift, you can make him a custom scrapbook that showcases all your memories.
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For his birthday: Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Shopping for a birthday gift for your boyfriend? Elevated essentials, like these retro Ray-Ban sunglasses, are always a welcome gift. Don’t think he’ll be a fan of this style? Nordstrom has plenty of other sunglasses options, too.
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For the work-from-home boyfriend: Bamboo Men’s Fleece Jogger
Everyone who works from home needs a really good pair of cozy pants. Upgrade his loungewear with these bamboo fleece joggers from Free Fly. With three color options and an inclusive size range, they’ll become his new favorite pants in no time.
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For the gadget guy: AirPods Max Headphones
Upgrade his music-listening experience with the ever-popular AirPods Max headphones. Noise-canceling and oh-so-sleek, they deliver superb sound whether he’s putting in long hours at work or traveling. Find more gifts for music lovers.
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For the board game fanatic: 7-in-1 Game Set
If your gamer prefers more traditional options, gift him this seven-in-one game set that includes chess, backgammon, checkers, cribbage, dominos, cards and poker dice. Switch things up every date night or when you’re hosting friends with game-night gifts for boyfriend types.
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For the music maestro: Marshall Portable Speaker
Not all Bluetooth speakers are created equally, and many simply aren’t worthy of display. This portable Marshall speaker offers it all: Bluetooth connectivity, sleek design and superior sound quality. Plus, it can be enjoyed indoors and out for a summer barbecue.
While I don’t own this exact model, I was gifted a Marshall speaker a few years ago and constantly receive compliments on its stylish display and exceptional sound. It’s the only portable speaker he’ll ever need!
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For Valentine’s Day: Lego Flower Bouquet
Like your love, this flower bouquet will never die. Make it a date night by helping him piece the flowers together while eating homemade pizza. It’s truly such a sweet gift even if he’s not an avid Lego fan.
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For the entertainer: Pro Spin Table Tennis Set
Does he love entertaining friends? What about playing upbeat games? This all-in-one table tennis set is a smart idea for the competitive boyfriend. It’s stocked with four paddles, six ping-pong balls and a table tennis net. Time to plan a game night party!
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For under $100: Thin Bifold Wallet
I know, I know, a wallet can be a cliche gift. But this isn’t any ordinary wallet. This full-grain leather wallet is ultra-slim so he won’t complain about it being too bulky in his pockets (or ask you to stash it in your purse). Plus, you can add on personalizations like RFID blocking or engrave his initials. It’s the perfect upgrade for the guy who hasn’t switched his wallet or money clips in years.
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For the on-the-go guy: Self-Cleaning Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles can get really dirty, really fast. Larq’s self-cleaning option activates a purifying UV light every two hours so he can stay hydrated in the healthiest way possible. It’s a go-to gift for runners, too.
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For the mixologist: Smoked co*cktail Kit
Looking for gifts for boyfriend types with a little kick? Take his whiskey drinking to the next level with a smoked co*cktail kit. Complete with three different smoking chips, a personalized wood board, a glass jar for trapping the smoke and of course, a torch, it’s the perfect little kit to inspire his bartending skills. Pair it with a bottle of his favorite liquor for an extra sweet gift.
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For the sushi-lover: Sushi-Making Kit
Been ordering too much sushi lately? Make it a DIY date night with this sushi-making kit. It includes all the bells and whistles for whipping up your favorite rolls—minus the ingredients.
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For the messy boyfriend: Charging Station
Let’s be real. He’s probably got a lot of tech devices these days, but how good are his organizational methods? Help him wrangle all the odds and ends with this seamless charging station. It charges his phone, AirPods and Apple watch while keeping his wallet and keys near. BRB we’re adding this to all of our white elephant gift lists.
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For under $60: Custom Candle Kit
Want to really warm his heart? Opt for a custom candle kit. Pro tip: Pick a scent that reminds you of him for an extra thoughtful Christmas gift for your boyfriend. He’ll receive all the goodies for filling his jar. Worst case scenario, you gift him a scented candle as backup.
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For the not-so-early riser: Sunrise Alarm Clock
There’s nothing ordinary about this sunrise alarm clock. It has a sound machine, a sunrise alarm, meditations and a smart light. He can control it with soft-touch buttons or an app. I’m not exaggerating when I say this alarm clock turned me into a morning person. Read our Hatch Restore review for the full scoop.
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For every guy: L.L. Bean Fleece Pullover
It wouldn’t be a boyfriend gift guide without a cozy pullover. This one by L.L. Bean features a pullover style and a sleek yet rugged exterior. This timeless capsule piece is a cold-weather staple he’ll be happy to have until summer rolls around.
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For the coffee snob: Atlas Coffee Club Subscription
Indulge his sophisticated tastebuds with the help of an Atlas Coffee Club subscription. Every month, he’ll look forward to sipping a new coffee from a new origin and will be greeted with a postcard from the location. Plus, you can personalize it to his coffee preferences, like if he enjoys pour-over coffee, espresso or cold brew. Gifts for boyfriend types don’t get much cooler than subscription boxes.
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For the athlete: Theragun Elite Percussive Therapy Device
Your back massages may be his favorite, but this Theragun massager ensures he can get relief even when you’re not around. With four different attachments, this fitness gift is ideal for boyfriends who love working out or playing high-intensity sports. Or ones who are obsessed with the latest and greatest gadgets.
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For the long-distance lovers: Bond Touch Bracelet
Perhaps you and your beau are doing the distance thing. This Bond Touch Bracelet aims to close the distance just a bit by letting you and the other wearer send gentle vibrations to each other. If you’re looking for a gift for a duo in love, here are our top gift picks for couples.
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For the at-home bartender: 4-Piece Shaker Set
This four-piece shaker set is a gift for him, sure—but it also means you’ll receive a higher quantity of artisanal co*cktails. It comes with a shaker, strainer, jigger and mudder. No co*cktail recipe is off the table.
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For the home cook: Personalized Cutting Board
Gifts for boyfriend types who love to cook? Check! This wood-cutting board takes his meal prep to the next level and doubles as a stunning serving board when entertaining guests. Amazon handmade gifts are always a good idea for supporting small businesses.
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For the timeless boyfriend: Timex Watch
One of the most traditional yet stunning gifts you can give your S.O.? A watch, of course. However, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Timex’s Midtown option with a leather strap is classic and timeless and comes in at a little over $100.
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For the nature lover: Rumpl Blanket
Whether he loves camping, hiking or just being outside, the Rumpl blanket is a great companion. He can use it to sit in the grass or protect himself from the elements because of its waterproof lining. Choose his favorite national park or other geometric pattern for the design and watch him keep it in the car as an essential for outdoor dates.
“Nothing makes packing up from an outdoor trip easier than simply lifting your blanket and watching the dirt, liquid and debris slide right off,” says our Deputy Editor Reina Galhea in this Rumpl blanket review.
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For the health fanatic: Oura Ring
If he loves knowing about his health stats or maybe uses a different fitness tracker, upgrade his setup with an Oura ring. It tracks over 20 biometric signals at any given time and has enough battery for up to seven days of use. He can wear it literally anywhere as the titanium exterior is built to last. Just be careful, with all those stats he throws your way, you might even want one for yourself.
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For the overthinker: Quiet Mind Weighted Pillow
Relationships are sometimes a stressor for those who overthink. To really take a load off, gift him a weighted pillow that combats stress and anxiety. This one comes in three sizes and its small size is easier to transport than a huge weighted blanket. If you get two, they’re gifts for boyfriend types that you can enjoy, too.
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For the one who could use a new jacket: Canada Goose Lawrence Puffer
If he’s still rocking the same winter jacket he’s had for years, it’s time for an upgrade. This Canada Goose Lawrence Puffer is definitely a splurge, but it boasts water-repellant fabric, a quilted body, a long hem and the signature down-filled hood. He won’t want to take it off, especially if it’s cold where you live. This stylish option is sure to turn some heads!
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For his skin care routine: Drunk Elephant F-Balm Waterfacial Masque
Don’t let him use a 10-in-1 skin care product a moment longer. Start with a Drunk Elephant mask, which hydrates and restores dry skin. It also improves skin damage and uneven tone and texture. Pair it with some face wash as a gift for boyfriend types that’ll make him glow.
Additional reporting by Julianna LaBianca
Originally Published: September 14, 2023
Madi Koetting
As Product Reviews Home Editor, Madi is an expert at helping Reader's Digest readers find everyday household products to level up their life. She covers everything from Instagram-famous products to the internet’s best deals and discounts. When she’s not deep in a story, you can find her honing her at-home mixology skills and scouring TikTok for the next trendy product.
