It’s the holidays, so you’re either here looking for gift inspiration to ask for yourself, or possible gift ideas for others. When it comes to grooming gifts, though, it’s a touchy subject. You don’t want to act as though you’re calling attention to a problem that needs to be fixed (then again, maybe you are). But with these great gifts, the recipient will be too happy to stop and wonder if you thought they needed some help.
Grooming Gift Guide 2014
Polo Red Cologne
PRICE: $63
BUY IT NOW: RALPHLAUREN
Not just because it won fragrance of the year (although that did help our decision), Ralph Lauren’s Polo Red is a best bet when it comes to smelling sensual. It’s a fiery blend of saffron, grapefruit and redwood. Don’t try and figure it out – one spritz and you’ll be sold. Get it for someone you care about, try it on when he does and then pretend you have no idea where the dude’s gift went.
Shavetech USB Travel Shaver
PRICE: $29.99
BUY IT NOW: SHAVETECH
At first glance, your brother is going to think you got him a new smartphone. Don’t worry; once reality sets in he’ll still be stoked. The ShaveTech is a slick, portable shaver that’s powerful and compact. Bring it to the gym, keep it at work or stuff it in a glove compartment. Plug it into any USB to charge.
Sonicare
PRICE: $219.99
BUY IT NOW: PHILIPS
This is the gift that gives for years to come. Show someone how to make the switch from their broken-down bristle toothbrush to this one delivered from the heavens. The Sonicare DiamondClean comes in black and removes up to seven times more plaque than a manual brush. Whiter, brighter, better, happier, the adjectives don’t stop. If you’re not going to give it, put it on your own list.
Men's Age Control Moisturizing Cream
PRICE: $32
BUY IT NOW: AHAVA
It’s the rare guy whose skin isn’t affected by shoddy shaving or cold weather, so you can wrap up AHAVA moisturizing cream with confidence. This one has active Dead Sea minerals that help to fight fine lines and protect against premature aging. (Oh, one day you will care.) It also features the good stuff rich in antioxidants, like ginger root, ginseng and natural gingko. Bonus points for the SPF included.
Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit
PRICE: $25
BUY IT NOW: BIRCHBOX
If you know anyone who rocks a full beard, just understand that he’s probably gotten into a hairy situation with the ladies. Help him out with the Billy Jealously Beard Envy Kit featuring a wash and taming ointment that’ll leave his beard super clean and soft. Plus, it includes a bristle brush to style that shit. Remember, if you have to look at it, you have every right to demand decency.
"He's Got Issues" Grooming Gift Set
PRICE: $62.50
BUY IT NOW: GROOMINGLOUNGE
Never again will you have to look at your best friend’s creepy black hair hanging from his nose. Give him the “He’s Got Issues” gift set from Grooming Lounge featuring a nose and ear hair trimmer, shaving cream, nail clippers and Balla powder. Yup – just a little sprinkle on the jingle balls instantly clamps down on clamminess. What are friends for if not for this?
Mighty Minty Balm Squad
PRICE: $19.50
BUY IT NOW: GETJACKBLACK
Jack Black comes to the rescue with the Mighty Minty Balm Squad for cracked, chapped and dreadfully dry lips. This three pack gives a good punch with flavors such as mint-vanilla, mint-mandarin and mint-shea butter. Irritated lips will be moisturized and protected so the pucker can please right through the end of winter.
Hair Essentials Kit
PRICE: $59
BUY IT NOW: BAXTEROFCALIFORNIA
Help your friend get his head on straight and escape a hairy situation in the morning. Baxter of California combines shampoo, conditioner, pomade and a pocket comb in an unassuming dopp bag. Just warn the receiver that the pomade goes above and beyond. It’s creamy, super strong and glossy, which means girls – and guys – are going to want to cop a feel.
Kiehl’s Hair + Skincare Collection
PRICE: $45
BUY IT NOW: KIEHLS
Kiehl’s Greatest Hits Collection is the best of the best all rolled into one sweet gift. These products smell incredibly good, boast the right amount of creamy sensation (that got your attention) and can get any dude’s nappy hair looking neat. Bonus points for the skin care included, especially the Midnight Recovery Concentrate.
Clarisonic Mia
PRICE: $99
BUY IT NOW: CLARISONIC
The Clarisonic Mia busts out blackheads like no other product. Grab it in gray or black and then choose a cleansing head, such as deep-pore, sensitive or acne-prone. This little electronic facial brush deep cleans skin with rotating brushes that vibrate at more than 300 movements per second. The Clarisonic makes everyone beautiful. We recommend giving it to someone you live with so you can use it, too.
Dermalogica Shave System Kit
PRICE: $38
BUY IT NOW: DERMALOGICA
If your buddy is traveling this holiday season, enlighten him to the fact that he doesn’t have to bring all those big-ass bottles with him. Dermalogica’s Shave System Kit offers the perfect-sized traveling companions that promise a great shave and healthy skin while away. He’ll get the scrub, shave-prep ointment and cream, plus the post-shave balm to boot.