Christmas Gifts for Him 2023: Gift ideas for dads & boyfriends
Partners, dads and sons can be notoriously difficult to buy for. We point you in the right direction with this gift guide for him.
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It’s that time of year again, Christmas is just around the corner and you’ve probably begun making your way through your gifting list.
If you are planning on leaving the men in your life to last because you have absolutely no idea what to get them, we can help solve that dilemma.
Here are our picks for best Christmas gifts for him – dad, boyfriend, husband, son – no matter his lifestyle or interests.
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Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS
Carhartt Work In Progress Small Essentials Bag, $61 (down from $105) at SSENSE
What You Need To Know
For festivals, raves or everyday – gift the man in your life a small, stylish and practical bag to carry all of his essentials. This cool crossbody bag from Carhartt is the perfect size and features an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap, a flap pocket and zip pocket on the front, two zip compartments and the iconic Carhartt logo patch.
It has a 4.8-star rating on Google with five-star reviewers calling it the “ideal companion for on-the-go”.
“Small but extremely practical and environmentally friendly made from recycled materials. Carry all your essentials in style and comfort with this bag” one wrote.
“My teen son was delighted to receive this. I’d been looking for a bag that could carry cards/money, phone and his inhalers that wasn’t too sporty. This bag is exactly what he/I wanted!” another wrote.
Christmas Carrés Gift box (15 Pieces), $32.90 at Godiva
The gift of chocolate never hurts and this luxe gift box from Godiva is a great choice. Packed in a beautiful Christmassy box, it features 15 individually-wrapped chocolate carrés in limited-edition themed packaging.
One five-star reviewer said they’re “beautiful to look at and taste amazing”.
“The chocolates were packaged so beautifully. Great gifts to give your loved ones this Christmas! They tasted soo good...” they wrote.
And luckily for you, Godiva are currently doing a deal where you can buy three Christmas Carres Gift Boxes for $85 – saving you $14.
Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Stretch 3 Pack Low Rise Trunks, $39.99 (down from $99.95) at OZSALE
What You Need To Know
Although some new undies may not be the first thing that springs to mind when looking for gifts for men but they’re definitely one of the most useful gifts someone will receive. This pack of three is made from a blended cotton elastane fabrication, low rise waist and signature elastic waistband. If you’re not sure what to get, this is a gift they will definitely appreciate.
Plus, right now they’re on sale for 59 per cent off.
No Spin by Shane Warne, $49.99 at QBD Books
What You Need To Know
Australia was shocked in March last year when the news came that beloved Australian cricketer, Shane Warne, passed away. This book, published in 2018, tells the story of the legendary spin bowler from the man himself. From his upbringing in Melbourne to his history-making 700th test wicket, this book covers it all.
Readers also love it and call it a “thoroughly enjoyable read”.
“Shane Warne played a huge part in one of the finest eras in Australian cricket. On the field we witnessed his brilliance but his life was not without controversy, both on and off the field. No Spin is his story. A thoroughly enjoyable read, where you get an inside story into his life before, during and after his cricket career,” wrote one five-star review.
FOR THE TECH OBSESSED
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, $509.96 (down from $599.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Whether he’s watching movies and TV shows in his spare time or listening to music and podcasts, you can’t go wrong with updating his audiowear for Christmas. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have racked up more than 1400 five-star reviews on Myer, including being described as “top line headphones” and the “best ones on the market”.
Offering amazing noise cancellation, up to 20 hours of battery life and premium materials for all-day comfort wearing, these wireless headphones are the present to get for those who are obsessed with all things tech.
elago Clear Case for Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), $19.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Do you always see him throw his AirPods into his gym bag without a care in the world? Help him out with this AirPods Pro case specifically designed to protect.
And if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can’t go wrong with gifting him a brand new pair of the AirPods Pro.
FOR THE SPIRIT CONNOISSEUR
Never Never Oyster Shell Gin 500ml, $85 at First Choice Liquor
What You Need To Know
If, like this reviewer, the man in your life loves nothing more than a glass of gin at the end of a long day, this newly released gin is a perfect gift. Designed with the Australian coastline as the inspiration, this gin has notes of fresh sea spray, split lime-leaf and fragrant grapefruit zest. Perfect on its own and paired with seafood.
After a drinking suggestion? They recommended pouring ice cold frozen Oyster Shell Gin into a freshly consumed oyster shell. You then down it in one. A chic take on a classic Australian shoey.
FOR THE SNEAKERHEAD
Adidas Originals NMD R1 Primeblue Shoes, $230 at Adidas
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of style and functionality, the Adidas NMD’s should be at the top of your list. Providing all-day comfort and breathability with a sock-like fit, this pair will match with everything in their closet, and easily take them from the gym to date night.
Nike By You, from $160 at Nike
What You Need To Know
Nike By You allows sneakerheads to customise some of Nike’s most iconic sneaker styles, from across lifestyle, running, basketball, training and beyond. Customise everything from the silhouette to colours of the sole, trim and all – no doubt he’ll love that there’ll be no one else in the world with the exact same kicks as him.
FOR THE STYLE-CONSCIOUS
Rodd & Gunn Polos: Buy 2, Save $40 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
For the modern man, a set of stylish polo shirts will never be received without joy. Rodd & Gunn make well-designed shirts in an array of colours and patterns, from simple white and pale blue through to brighter reds and oranges. Currently, if you buy two shirts, you can save $40 – plus there is free shipping when you spend over $75, and stress-free returns if they don’t fit.
R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots, $649 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking to spend up this Christmas and get them something special, these Australian-made leather boots are it. A good pair of R.M. Williams boots will last for years and work with office wear and weekend casual.
And if you need any more convincing, I highly recommend checking out our dedicated review to the R.M. Williams boots.
Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classic RB3016, $143.50 (down from $205) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Does the man in your life need some new sunnies? This stylish pair from Ray-Ban comes in multiple colourways and they’re also unisex making them a great option if you like to borrow his sunnies from time to time.
U191U Smart Watch Stainless Steel Wristband, from $47.65 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
If he’s still wearing the silicone band that came with his Apple Watch, and it looks out of place with the rest of his personal style, give him the aesthetic of his old analog watches (without the need to sacrifice the benefits of a smart one) with this stainless steel chain watch strap. Compatible with a range of Apple Watch series, this classic design comes with all the tools necessary to remove or add links.
FOR EVERYDAY
Nara Shaving Starter Kit, $85 at Adore Beauty
What You Need To Know
A foolproof Christmas gift for men – or for any holiday/birthday really – is a shaving kit. I’m loving the look of this one from Adore Beauty. You get a matte black razor, extra razor blades, a blade bank and shave oil all presented in a gorgeous travel bag.
FOR THE ADVENTURER
Intex Challenger K2 Kayak, $199.97 (down from $349.99) at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Many of us took up new activities during lockdown, and this inflatable two-person kayak is a great Christmas gift for the guy who is keen to keep adventuring on the water. With a streamlined design and high buoyancy side chambers, it might be inflatable but it sure is sturdy and reliable.
Tandem Skydive, from $309 at Adrenaline
What You Need To Know
If the man in your life is a bit of an adventurer, a great gift can be an experience. Adrenaline offer plenty of high-intensity, thrilling options like canyoning and tandem skydiving – book the tandem skydive up to 15,000ft over Newcastle Beach, and you’ll save $30 during their current sale.
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle, $82.24 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
If your man likes to get out and about in the wild as often as possible, gift this brilliant water bottle with filtering straw, which will allow him to safely hydrate from creeks and streams.
A hollow fibre membrane filter removes bacteria and protozoa; while a two-stage carbon filter reduces carbon and odour. As if the promise of hydration no matter where in the rainforest he wanders wasn’t good enough of a gift, LifeStraw gives a child from a developing country safe drinking water for an entire school year with every one purchased.
FOR THE MAN WHO COULD USE A BREAK
RENPHO Eye Massager, $65.99 (down from $120.34) at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
With more than 12,500 global reviews and just shy of a five-star rating, you know that this eye massager will deliver total relaxation to its recipient – perfect for the days following the chaos of Christmas. Choose between kneading, trigger point therapy, oscillating pressure and rhythmical percussion massages – and most excitingly, in my opinion, heated technology, that will soothe and depuff overworked and tired eyes. Easily portable thanks to a foldable design, the man in your life will have the option of using this wherever a headache strikes – and thanks to in-built speakers, can play included nature sounds or any favoured playlist he chooses, thanks to Bluetooth capabilities.
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WHY DO WE GIFT PRESENTS TO EACH OTHER AT CHRISTMAS?
Gift-giving is strongly tied to the Christian holiday of Christmas. It is because upon His birth, Jesus is said to have been visited by the Three Wise Men – or the Magi – who presented the newborn with gifts; and so Christians replicate the gesture as part of tradition. Many participate in Christmas celebrations and gift-giving today who are not Christian – instead, it is seen as an opportunity to be with loved ones, and through presents, show gratitude and love for friends and family.
WHERE DOES THE NAME ‘BOXING DAY’ ORIGINATE?
There are two widely-accepted theories as to where the term ‘Boxing Day’ originates from: the first, is that it started in the 1800s, when the affluent would give their servants the day off after Christmas festivities, often sending them away with a box of small gifts and leftover food. The second is that like the holiday it succeeds, Boxing Day has its origins in Christianity, and references the almsgiving plate passed around church services, the contributions of which were handed out on the feast of St Stephen’s – December 26.
Make sure your home is ready for the holiday season with our picks for best Christmas gifts for the travel-obsessed and the app-controlled Christmas lights you didn’t know existed.
Lastly, bookmark news.com.au’s checkout section. We’ll be populating the page with the best savings during November’s many sales – Click Frenzy: The Main Event, Singles’ Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday – and come Christmas, what to expect on Boxing Day.