Men are practical creatures who are usually just as happy getting a nice set of U-Joints as they are with something that tickles the cockles of their heart. A lot of guys don’t even know where the cockles of their heart are. Sure, we know you want to give the special guy in your orbit something that will blow his mind, like the new Aston Martin, but you probably don’t have a few hundred grand lying around. For those who are looking for gifts on a smaller scale that still shows you care, but also won’t leave your pocketbook gasping for air, we’ve found 50 of the best stocking stuffers for men at $50 or under so you can flesh out the items under the tree with something classic and simple that will appeal to any man, whatever his habits or hobbies may be.
Gerber GDC Money Clip
Cash Grab: Don’t just stuff your money into a wallet, use a titanium steel clip which can keep your cash and up to 5 credit cards safe complete with a 1.75 inch quick draw small bladed knife for quick self defense while a lifetime warranty protects it against destruction or damage. [Purchase: $25]
Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player
Viewing Pleasure: The Chromecast is quickly outpacing other dongles and online viewing boxes – including the Roku – in part because it is easy to use and Google simple. Movie buffs and sports nuts alike are finding it to be a better, more affordable way to see the TV they crave without the cost of cable or satellite. [Purchase: $32]
Harry’s: The Winston Set Shaving Kit
Clean Cut: A stylish gift for travelers or any man who deserves a cleaner, closer shave than they can get from standard disposables, this is the whole shebang, from Harry’s shaving cream to their signature razors, a guy on the go or at home will be thrilled with their kissably close cut. [Purchase: $25]
Timberland Ribbed Knit Wool Touchscreen Gloves
Glove is in the Air: The cold snaps that have been marking recent winters show no signs of stopping, but technology has to move at the pace of ideas, which is why Timberland made these gifts for the connected man who needs touchscreen compatibility along with incomparable winter warmth. [Purchase: $50]
W&P Carry-On Cocktail Kit
Airborn Alcohol: The cocktail mixtures you get at 30 thousand feet are laughable and not suited for a gentleman drinker. If the guy in your life won’t go anywhere without the right mixture for his mouth, give him a cocktail kit that can travel along with his jet-setting lifestyle. Just add booze. [Purchase: $24]
Victorinox Fibrox 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
A Cut Above: Kitchen commandos require decent gear that they can use to whip up garnishes and julienne their way to blissful dishes. The cornerstone of a good chef’s arsenal is always his trusty chef’s knife, which can be had without a load of expense and a high-grade stainless blade that will last for years. [Purchase: $30]
Boss Hog Milk Chocolate Covered Bacon Strips
Sweet and Salty: What better gift for the guy who has it all than the holiday favorite of chocolate-covered bacon to please his palette? The simple man who works the land to the most refined gentleman will agree that nothing could make their taste buds happier than a stocking full of chocolate-covered pork. [Purchase: $20]
New Trent Trentium iPhone 6 Case
Case Closed: A new iPhone means all new accessories for the Apple lover who needs to protect his new larger love. These iPhone 6 cases come in several masculine colors that also add a touch of class to his look. Water, dirt, and scratch resistant these will help keep his phone from frying, at least until they release a new version. [Purchase: $22]
The Original Shot Flask
Liquor on the Go: Sipping from a flask is a time-honored tradition among men, but sometimes mixing a cocktail or getting the perfect measurement requires more than just a nip, but a collapsible steel shot glass to complete any guy’s flask setup. [Purchase: $25]
Nebo 220 Lumen Redline Tactical Flashlight
Light Up His Life: A tactical flashlight is something that should be in any guy’s glove box in the event they need the light or the ability to break a window to escape a watery grave masterminded by their arch nemesis. This tiny 220 lumen juggernaut is small enough to go anywhere, but powerful enough to handle the toughest jobs. [Purchase: $22]
Whiskey Wedge
A Superior Sip: Watered down whiskey or warm whiskey are both travesties of the modern drinking man, both of which can be beaten back by the whiskey wedge. It lets him sip away without melting down like traditional cubes or disappear leaving him with a diluted mess in his glass. [Purchase: $15]
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats
Get a Grip: Ice and snow can stop all but the hardiest men from braving the elements, but with these they’ll be ready to handle anything mother nature or old man winter can throw at them. Offering 360 degrees of traction without adding spikes that tear up the ground or cause injury these are ideal for the winter outdoorsman. [Purchase: $17+]
Leatherman Wingman Multi Tool
Fixer-Upper: When you’ve got a handyman on your shopping list, he needs a tool as versatile as he is without weighing him down. This is a toolbox on his hip complete with knives, screwdrivers, pliers, files, and the ever-important bottle-opener. No job is too big, and nothing is easier for everyday carrying than the Wingman. [Purchase: $31]
Kingston Data Traveler Locker+ with Encryption 8 GB
The Data Set: The cloud is a great place to keep your safer files, but sometimes transporting important documents or some especially salacious photos means you need something a little more secure. With full encryption that is hard to crack at a price that is easy to afford, this is a thumb drive for any data fiend on the move. [Purchase: $10]
Star Wars Millennium Falcon Bottle Opener
For Geeky Guzzlers: Star Wars Episode VII won’t be out until 2015, but help your geeky drinker stay ready to make the Kessel run with a bottle opener ready for any nerf herding smuggler. The collectible item is carved in the shape of the iconic Millennium Falcon complete with a magnetized back so it won’t get lost even when fleeing an Imperial Star Destroyer. [Purchase: $20]
Motorola Keylink
A Cleverer Key: Pairing with the Motorola Keylink app for Android and iOS smartphones, this Keylink will ensure that you can always find your phone or keys wherever they may roam. Great for forgetful gentleman who are forever misplacing either item, this is an elegant, practical solution. [Purchase: $25]
Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
Write Tough: Gerber makes tactical and survival knives, but their tactical pens are no slouch either. With a tough steel body and stainless steel clip, these work for the roughest customers who need to write in unthinkable conditions, such as on the back of a military humvee during a blizzard. Able to do it all and bust out glass to boot this is sure to make the tough guy on your list happy. [Purchase: $35]
Cards Against Humanity
The Gift of Laughter: The hilarious and irreverent Cards Against Humanity game is the ideal gift for anyone who likes incisive humor and fun with friends and family. 550 cards will turn any gathering into a raucous good time for numerous players with ideas as utterly reprehensible as the guy you’re buying it for. [Purchase: $25]
Hydrapak Stash Water Bottle
Last Resort: When every ounce counts for a guy who loves backpacking, hang-gliding, or BASE jumping, he needs to stay hydrated without throwing away precious inches on a water bottle. These stuff down into just 2 inches in height and can be stacked to conserve space while also able to expand to 750 full milliliters so he’ll never get caught dehydrated again. [Purchase: $18]
Brutus the Bull Dog Self Defense Keychain
Safe and Sound: When it comes to self defense, it never hurts to have an ace up your sleeve or an EDC keychain that can hand out the damage to any opponent. The molded plastic is as strong as metal, and can go places where metal can’t while the top spikes and hardened core make every punch count for the guy backed into a corner. [Purchase: $4]
Wallet Ninja Credit Card Multi-Tool
Small Package: Tiny enough to go in any guy’s wallet, this houses 18 full-service tools all in one easy carry location. It’s a screwdriver, a box cutter, a cell phone stand, and even a hex wrench all in one. Made from 4x hardened steel the Wallet Ninja also has a lifetime warranty against bending or breaking. [Purchase: $15]
Owen & Fred You Dirty Dog Soap
A Manly Clean: Many of today’s soaps are french milled and not really meant for use by a guy who doesn’t want to smell like a field of lavender. You Dirty Dog has a scent that combines pepper, tobacco, and cedarwood that is appealing without being overpowering. Removes dirt and grime from any guy who spent his day in a garage and is ready to clean up for a night on the town. 100% vegan friendly. [Purchase: $9]
Stanley One-Hand Vacuum Mug
To the Last Drop: A guy can’t always just throw down his hammer or drop his utility knife, but he still needs a hot jolt of caffeine or a cool drink of water. For this guy, there’s the easy open one-handed Stanley vacuum-sealed mug that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours on end and is easy to operate on the fly. [Purchase: $18+]
Bear Paw Meat Handlers
Shredders: Making the perfect pulled pork sandwich or getting the most flavor out of your barbecue can be murder if you don’t have the right tools. These work well for gripping and slashing meat without transferring heat to your hands for safer operation that works like a charm. [Purchase: $13]
Hamilton Beach Single Serve Blender
A Balanced Diet: A man’s life is busy, which means he doesn’t always eat as well as he should or as well as he would like to get the maximum energy for his high-impact life. Using the single serve blender, an easy, healthy breakfast is just a button press away with a jar that doubles as a cup holder for the car. [Purchase: $11]
The Ultimate Gangster Collection 5 Film Set
Crime Time: There isn’t a guy alive, young or old, who doesn’t enjoy a good gangster film. Here, some of the best have been brought together in a collectors box that will have your guy talking about heists and capers for days to come. From classics like Scarface to the more modern fare of Public Enemies, this is ideal for any hoodlum. [Purchase: $35]
Teroforma Whisky Stones
Satisfaction Cubed: Whiskey cubes are one of the best ways to chill whiskey for the true sipper who would otherwise suffer with a diluted drink. These natural soapstone cubes won’t ruin the flavor of any barrel-smoked spirits nor leave a gritty residue on your good tumblers. Thoughtfully designed for any table. [Purchase: $20]
Parker 99R Double Edge Safety Razor
Saving Face: The resurgence of safety razors has more men saving money and saving their skin by using an old-fashioned safety razor instead of disposables, cartridges, or straight razors. The 99R is among the easiest for newbies and one of the most substantial choices for men who have been using these for years. [Purchase: $32]
UCO Stormproof Match Kit
Firestarter: A stormproof match kit is a very practical holiday gift and says that you care about a man’s safety and survival. It might not reek of romance, but if he needs to weather a hurricane or a blackout he’ll certainly appreciate the warmth your present offered him. [Purchase: $7]
Dremel Multi-Function Butane Torch
Flame On: Whether your guy likes to do repair work such as soldering or pipe fitting, or just likes to braise his meat, he’ll find a use for the Butane Torch from Dremel. It has an attachable base that lets him use it hands-free and doesn’t require a separate ignition tool for a quick light every time. [Purchase: $45]
Billy Jealousy ‘Beard Envy’ Kit
Chin Strap: Keeping a serious beard in good repair isn’t easy. It takes tender loving care to keep a beard looking its best. This combines beard wash and beard control that keeps the hair in place however you style it, and a board brush that keeps it shiny and lustrous day after day. [Purchase: $30]
Grill Daddy Pro Grill Brush
Wire Work: A dirty grill is a source of shame for any BBQ maestro since it will transfer flavors onto his meat that he doesn’t want there. Helping him to keep a clean grill for cookouts is easy with this steam-powered brush that is safe for any grilling surface, even iron and porcelain. [Purchase: $20]
The PDT Cocktail Book
Mixologist’s Bible: Illustrated with breathtaking care, this is practically pornography for the die-hard mixologist with extensive recipes as well as displays and mouth-watering descriptions for any man with a cocktail shaker. He’s sure to thank you for this with some lovely libations. [Purchase: $14]
Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge Knife
Blade Runner: Whether he uses it for work, self-defense, or just opening letters, a man is not complete without a decent folding pocket knife for standard use. The Spyderco might be at the lower range of their line, but it is timeless and simple with a plain design and fast deployment that any guy would be proud to have on hand when the chips are down. [Purchase: $35]
Rite In The Rain Waterproof Spiral Notebook
Field Notes: Made from specialized paper that is meant to be used in the harshest conditions, a guy will be able to make survival notes whether on a difficult job site, caught in a downpour, or living in the sandbox under blistering, mind-bending heat. [Purchase: $8]
Baxter of California Large Comb
Pure Elegance: A guy doesn’t want a flashy comb with a bedazzled back, but he does want something that men in the know can identify as high-quality, even at a glance. Using the traditional tortoise handcrafting that made them a household name, Baxter still makes some of the most understated and yet impressive grooming supplies on the market. [Purchase: $18]
Tovolo King Cube Ice Tray
The Big Chill: A barman or self-respecting maker of drinks would scoff at plastic ice cub trays sitting in a freezer. He knows that to avoid melting and cool down drinks, you need a big block that comes out of a silicone tray for easy removal and longevity. Also works for the chef who stores frozen leftovers of their delectable sauces for later. [Purchase: $8]
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream
Skin Game: Guys who use their hands also run the risk of getting them chapped, broken, or blistered, especially when they are doing their wrenching in a cold garage. The non-greasy formula of O’Keeffe’s lets a guy keep a grip without a lot of excessive smells, but will pamper their skin day after day to prevent splits. [Purchase: $7]
Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush
Lather Maker: Introduce your gent to the world of wet shaving with this Best Badger shaving brush from Edwin Jagger. It offers a soft lather that is gentle on the skin and will give you the most out of your shaving soap. Never let a man use harsh foams from aerosol cans. Give the choice of quality. [Purchase: $40]
Sriracha 2 Go Keychain
Sauce Boss: Men prefer their food spicy. If they aren’t sweating, they aren’t really eating, so a bland meal is a completely unsatisfying endeavor. Make sure the foodie in your life is never without a little spice to be used on eggs, pizza, or just slathered on fries with this keychain of Sriracha seasoning. [Purchase: $7+]
Naimakka Paracord Bracelet
Lifeline: This isn’t just a fashion accessory, it is a full utility paracord bracelet that could save your guy’s life. The tough nylon is 8 feet of line that borrows from the cords used by military paratroopers when life and death are on the line. Can be used to create snares, stitch up wounds, or just let rescue workers know where to find you if buried in an avalanche. It also comes in several different colors. [Purchase: $45]
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Font of Life: Unfiltered water can kill travelers, hikers, or even just a person out for a stroll. In this modern age there is no excuse for going around without a decent filter thrown into your travel pack or sitting in your survival kit. Can filter 1,000 liters of water without the need for harsh chemicals. [Purchase: $19]
Gerber GDC Multi-Tool Belt
A Better Belt: Gerber has once again found a way to make wearable tech that serves multiple functions without weighing you down. This 52 inch nylon belt is also a bottle opener, pry bar, and screwdriver. Will also hold your pants up in a pinch. [Purchase: $36]
Daneson Tooth Picks
Perfect Picks: You can leave a man to pick fine Kobe beef out of his teeth with a matchbook like some heathen, or you can give him the tried-and-true quality of Daneson’s white birch toothpicks made to exacting specifications in a wonderful array of flavors that will tickle his tongue without leaving him with splinters. [Purchase: $20]
Glencairn Whisky Glass
Palette Pleaser: Sipping whiskey from any tumbler will give you some of the flavor, but when you’re savoring something that has been aged for 30 years, you want every smokey nuance to come through. These glasses can give that. Winner of the 2006 Queen’s Award for their design, whiskey drinkers will never again use anything else. Comes in a set of 4 glasses. [Purchase: $30]
The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream
Moisture Master: Shaving is hard on a man’s face and strips it of essential oils and nutrients needed to keep it soft and supple. This uses natural sandalwood to reduce irritation and razor burn in men with dry skin or those who find shaving leaves them sensitive to the touch. One day and he’ll never go back. [Purchase: $21]
Buck Travelmate Kit Paperstone Knife
Mobile Kitchen: Preparing a meal in the woods can be a difficult task that tests the skills of the most adept personal chefs. That is why, to help them chop, slice, and spread their culinary masterpieces, even when far from civilization, Buck offers them this kitchen tool for the nomadic artisan. [Purchase: $47]
Convoy Card Wallet
Plastic Protector: The world is no longer a place of bulky wallets filled with cash, but a time of plastic and quick payment cards that are slim and don’t leave you with a backache from an oversized wallet. This hand-stitched Italian leather card wallet is made with the refined man in mind. [Purchase: $45]
Belkin RockStar 5-Way 3.5-mm Headphone Splitter
Social Sounds: During a time of social networking, being able to share media is more important than ever. In the name of socialization, Belkin has allowed up to 5 users to jack in to a single sound source. Great for sharing music, remixing with friends, or even holding a quiet meeting even though you’re in an airport bar. [Purchase: $10]
Corkcicle Chillsner Beer Chiller
Beer Cooler: A cold beer on a hot day is just the thing to quench your thirst, but a warm beer will make you feel like you’re drinking tobacco spit, even if it is a lovely homebrewed Pilsner. Keep a beer cold from top to bottom with these icy inserts that never let your beer get too warm. [Purchase: $25]
