Foolproof Gifts for Dudes

This headset that fits around your neck plays music two ways: through subtle external speakers (so he's not totally blocked out from the outside world while walking the dog) or through retractable earbuds (so he can tune out the outside world if he needs to). Plus, they're water- and sweat-resistant.

Buy It! LG TONE Active+™ Wireless Stereo Headset; $160; amazon.com and lg.com

He might think he's not a cologne guy, but once he fills out Hawthorne's survey (asking everything from his favorite drink to how knowledgeable he is about fragrance) to create these custom-blended scents for day and night, we guarantee he'll be a convert.

Buy It! Hawthorne for Men, $100 for two; hawthorneformen.com

If you can't stand to look at his overstuffed wallet or beat-up nylon backpack for one more moment, let us introduce you to an item that will be a game changer for you and him.

Buy It! This Is Ground Mod Laptop 3, $599; shopspring.com

The best way to describe this is "full contact Scrabble, but more competitive," which is sure to keep him entertained if you're bringing him home for the holidays this year. (Just warn him not to shout "In your face, grandma!")

Buy It! Snatch-It game, from $11; amazon.com

Why shouldn't he have a pair of socks that makes him laugh every time he thinks about them?

Buy It! Basic Outfitters T-Rex-Mas socks, $20 for two; shopspring.com

He may not admit that he drops his phone as often as you do, but chances are he'll appreciate this manly leather phone case from his fave watch brand, which looks a little nicer than that plastic one he got at the airport (and will age beautifully too).

Buy It! Shinola leather-wrapped iPhone case, $95; shinola.com

We want these stone coasters (which you pop in the freezer before putting them out) for ourselves, but we'll grudgingly give them up to our dad, who has definitely earned a chilled brewski or two.

Buy It! Uncommon Goods beer-chilling coaster set, $68; uncommongoods.com

Like him, it's an understated classic -- and unlike similarly elegant watches, it comes in at a very reasonable price point.

Buy It! Daniel Wellington rose gold watch, $249; danielwellington.com

It's the manly way to ensure he never misplaces his keys.

Buy It! Owen & Fred custom leather keychain, $29; owenandfred.com

If he can't appreciate a pair of underpants that feature a polar bear just "chillin'," his heart may be colder than an iceberg.

Buy It! American Eagle boxers, $12.95; ae.com

We predict he'll be skeptical of these fleece-lined, classic plaid slippers until the second he tries them on ... at which point, he won't remove them until April.

Buy It! Gap + Pendleton slippers, $34.95; gap.com

If he complains that the fun has gone out of his travel, gift him this peppy (and practical!) six-piece set that will make sure he travels in style and comfort.

Buy It! Richer Poorer the Byrd Carry-On, $39.97; shopspring.com

Rather than rag on his salsa-stained college hoodie one more time, why not just present this equally comfy (but way chicer) alternative?

Buy It! Everlane cashmere hoodie, $165; everlane.com

If these travel essentials (including a shoe bag, hand balm and cord organizer) are good enough for the Pistons forward who curated this box, we guarantee your guy will find them fantastic.

Buy It! Boxfox x Stanley Johnson gift box, $95; shopboxfox.com

As the person in closest proximity to him at all times, we say you're allowed to pick a delicious sent for him to lather up with.

Buy It! Art of Shaving soap, $20; theartofshaving.com

Well, it looks like art, even if you think the jams he's cranking on it may not qualify as art. (Bonus: The front grill swaps out if his decor -- or mood -- changes!)

Buy It! HappyPlugs mini speaker, $99; happyplugs.com

He'll never give up his beloved lucky baseball cap, but this is a less statement-y alternative for days when his team isn't playing.

Buy It! New Era x East Dane 9Twenty cap, $40; eastdane.com

The two hottest sunglasses styles for guys are aviators and Wayfarers. This is a blend of both, which means he'll be irresistible enough to justify the splurge-y price tag.

Buy It! John Varvatos Top Bar sunglasses, $318; johnvarvatos.com

Shoelaces? Yep, shoelaces. They're the ideal stocking stuffer: Practical, thoughtful and affordable.

Buy It! The Tie Bar shoelaces, $3; thetiebar.com

He's about to spend three months in winter-induced, Netflix-and-chill hibernation. Why not enable him to enjoy his streaming TV on the wall in giant, living color?

Buy It! LG Wireless LED Minibeam projector, $299.99; bestbuy.com

No. 1 rule of dudes and shopping: They'll immediately buy a drone, but put off restocking on their soap for weeks. Anticipate the next drought with a handy gift set containing all his favorites.

Buy It! Kiehl's Ultimate Man Refueling Gift Set, $62; kiehls.com

Whether he's a gourmet chef or just wants to make his microwave popcorn a little more exciting, this set of spice blends looks cute on the counter and adds zing to tons of recipes.

Buy It! Kitchen Essentials Box, $35.49; justspices.com

A man's relatioinship with his sweats is a cherished one. Get him his next beloved pair.

Buy It! Kotn sweatpants, $90; kotn.com

So what if he only owns a sailboat in his wildest dreams? This nautical duffle will allow him to travel like the yachtsman you know him to be.

Buy It! J. McLaughlin sailcloth duffle, $245; jmclaughlin.com

We laughed at the item, the name and the idea of searing a team logo onto a piece of meat. This might be the single greatest gift ever created.

Buy It! NCAA "Sportula," $21; kohls.com

Whether he's going for a long jog to work off the cookies and eggnog or going for a long jog to escape the in-laws for a few hours, he'll be thrilled he can do it in this warm performance layer.

Buy It! Nike Therma men's training hoodie, $50; nike.com

Help him tame that lumberjack scruff with this super-luxe grooming serum (which is essentially the opposite of whatever a lumberjack uses -- tree sap?).

Buy It! Mr. Burberry beard oil, $48; nordstrom.com