A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Nov. 19, 2024
He may drive you a little crazy, but hey, what are brothers for? These presents are sure to impress even the pickiest guy—without breaking the bank.
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Brothers are like no one else in your life. They’re the guys who always have your back and who you can kid around with on a whole different level—and chances are, they’re goofier with you than they are with almost anyone else. You know them, and they know it. That can make it extra tough to come up with amazing gift ideas, even when you’re looking at a huge list of gifts for men. After all, it’s different than buying a present for your dad or husband. But it doesn’t have to be impossible to find something perfect: The best gifts for your brother are ones that reflect your special relationship (just like these brother quotes), or show him just how well you know him…but that don’t cost a fortune.
Whether he’s a die-hard baseball fan, a music lover, a video game nut, or whatever else, you’ll find just the thing on this list for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other occasion. Even better, nearly everything is under $100, with many items under $30. Pro tip: You may also want to pick up a gag gift to go with your main gift because, you know, brothers. In case you were wondering, these are also great gifts for a brother-in-law, that other tricky breed of man in your life. Shopping for another sibling? Check out these gifts for sisters that she’s guaranteed to love, and don’t worry—you can find plenty of last-minute gifts on our lists that will arrive in time.
If your brother is such a light sleeper that a breeze wakes him up, he’ll love this LectroFan sleep machine. He’ll gently nod off listening to the soothing ocean sounds or calming white noise, which will then block out other sounds while he’s getting his beauty rest. Bonus: He can also pair this affordable tech gift with his smartphone and use it as a Bluetooth speaker!
The only thing better than gifting your brother a great book is gifting him a way to read it on the go. Audible Premium Plus gift memberships offer all the perks of a subscription without the commitment. That means audiobooks to thousands of bestsellers, plus originals you can only get on Audible, sleep tracks, meditation programs, and podcasts. And with a Premium Plus gift membership, your brother will also get an additional title every month from an extended list of bestsellers and new releases not available with a standard Audible subscription. Not sure how long he’ll want to listen? Gift memberships range between one month and one year.
This sleek, slim, durable power bank charges smartphones and other devices quickly and efficiently. It is airline-friendly, comes with a micro USB cable, and has a USB-C port, and with more than 28,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, you can be confident that you’re getting a good product. It’s a gift that your brother or brother-in-law will use all the time—and did we mention that it’s only $21? Here are more cheap Christmas gifts that look way more expensive than they actually are.
If your brother’s about to become a dad, this Eddie Bauer diaper bag makes a thoughtful gift. This rugged-looking backpack has room for everything he’ll need for baby, with 11 pockets so it will all stay organized. Some particularly neat features: It has two insulated exterior pockets that hold bottles, as well as a removable changing pad and matching wipes holder.
Made with medical-grade elastic and a leather tab, this wallet can hold up to 14 cards, money, and a spare key, while still maintaining a super slim silhouette. A clever pull-tab also provides easy access to the four cards he uses the most. Even better? This wallet comes with a lifetime warranty, so it just may be the gift that keeps on giving.
This brand-new, highly anticipated book was written to accompany Peter Jackson’s documentary on the making of Let It Be. It reveals fascinating new information about the band, as well as hundreds of never-published photos. It’s a must for die-hard Beatles fans. If books are more his thing, try these gifts for book lovers (that aren’t actually books).
If he thinks adulting is overrated, he’ll appreciate this mug—and show it off proudly at work each and every day. Speaking of the office, this would also be a great gift for your coworker. (You know the one we’re talking about.)
Super comfy and super practical, Under Armour’s fleece hoodie is lightweight and breathable. It’s built with an inner layer that traps heat to keep him warm, so he can wear this on a run or on the couch. Plus, it has a kangaroo pocket in the front and comes in 14 colors. In a small size, this could also make a great gift for tween boys.
Salsa just may be the perfect condiment—you can use it with chips, scrambled eggs, and everything in between. This brand-new salsa from L.A.-based Naked Infusions is made with just-picked-from-the-garden ingredients, and it’s vegan, low in sodium, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Buy it once or sign up for a subscription box and your bro will get three different salsas delivered right to his door.
If he hates when his favorite chilled wine turns lukewarm, he’ll love this gift. All he has to do is place his wine glass in VoChill’s cradle, and the liquid will stay the same cool temp for at least an hour. Freeze the cradle, place it in the stand, insert the filled wine glass in the stand, and voilà! Wine at the perfect temperature.
This handsome gold-plated, stainless steel bracelet doesn’t tarnish and is almost as good-looking as your brother. If you’re on the hunt for a gift that subtly shows off his style, this is it. It also makes a great gift for a boyfriend.
This tasty treat comes with nine bags of organic popcorn kernels in three flavors (Real Butter, White Cheddar, Parmesan & Rosemary), as well as seasoning packets that will give his batch a flavor boost. The box also includes games and trivia so he can entertain himself while he waits for his popcorn to pop.
ShopWorn buys up unsold merchandise from high-end stores, then sells it at a discount, so you’ll be getting a serious bargain with these stylish impact- and glare-resistant aviator sunglasses that have 100 percent UV protection. And that’s not all: Reader’s Digest readers will get an additional 20 off sitewide when they use the code RD20 at checkout. You’re welcome!
Guys who have kids are in constant movement. They’re bending down, darting after their little ones, and sometimes running at full speed to catch them. With oodles of stretch, these jeans feel like performance pants, but they’re super stylish, especially in a dark wash. Are these pants putting you in the mood to buy a little something for yourself? If so, head on over to this list of the best jeans for women.
Whether they’re hitting the links early in the morning or taking a walk on a sunny day, guys love a good-looking ball cap. Designed to fit every guy’s head with the brand’s Flex 110 technology, this snapback hat from golf outfitter TravisMathew is something he’ll use all the time—and throughout the year.
If he lives and breathes baseball and loudly laments the fact that America’s favorite pastime isn’t played all year long, he’ll love this unique baseball bat mug. Made from an actual baseball bat, it can be filled with hot and cold beverages, as well as personalized for your very own superstar. Talk about a gift for your brother—and boys of all ages—that will be a surefire hit!
Kenneth Cole New York just released its first-ever wellness watch, and boy, does it have everything! The sports mode keeps track of workouts and steps, while the wellness mode provides readouts of oxygen levels, blood pressure, temperature, and more. Plus, he can sync it to his phone and always be up to date on emails, texts, and even the weather and the news.
Made with clean ingredients and designed to keep hair looking great, this gift set comes with eight-ounce bottles of shampoo and conditioner, two refillable travel-sized bottles, and a zip-up travel bag. It’s easy to pop in a gym bag or a carry-on for his next business trip.
Top off his winter looks with a knit beanie from this iconic brand. It’s easy to roll up in a coat pocket or backpack when not perched on his head, and hundreds of reviewers rave about its comfort, fit, and warmth.
Numi’s organic tea set is constructed just like an advent calendar. He’ll lift the flap, get his tea bag, and learn about where it comes from. It’s like traveling the world without actually leaving the house. The box comes with 30 teas in six varieties that range from classic Earl Grey to Rooibos.
A tech gift with more than 150,000 five-star ratings for under $50 that he’ll use every day? Yes, please! With this 16GB Amazon Fire 7 tablet, your brother will use this gift to download hundreds of books, graphic novels, and magazines—and enjoy them anywhere and everywhere. With its built-in speakers, he can also listen to music and catch up on movies with Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Disney+. Don’t miss out on these other best Amazon gifts, either.
Whether your brother has a brand-new car or an older set of wheels, he’ll appreciate a thoughtful gift that will provide assistance when he needs it the most. A car gadget that will make driving safer, this portable jump starter kit includes jump-start cables and a jump-starter to get most cars and SUVs going within 30 minutes. It also has a built-in flashlight with SOS functions, plus USB ports to charge phones and tablets.
This lightweight enameled mug is surprisingly durable. That’s because it’s actually constructed of steel, making it the perfect little gift for a brother or brother-in-law who’s always heading out on assorted camping and fishing adventures. Pair it with some other cool camping gear for the perfect package.
Does your brother think he could be the next Top Chef—at least in his own kitchen? This gourmet salt kit comes with recipes, so he can flex those cooking muscles or just shake these yummy salts on whatever he’s eating for a flavor boost. Flavors include Yakima Applewood Smoked Salt, Black Truffle Fusion Salt, and Fleur de Sel French Sea Salt.
Nordic-designed Skagen watches are made to last—and are super stylish, to boot. This gray-toned dress watch has a titanium case and a mesh band, and it can be worn anywhere and with anything from a tux to a tee.
This belt is pretty much indestructible. The buckle is made with space-age materials like rare earth neodymium magnets and A380 aluminum alloy, and once it’s snapped into place, it won’t budge. The webbing also won’t bend or tear, so unlike regular belts, it won’t lose its shape over time. It comes in eight different colors and a lifetime warranty.
This gift for your brother is something a secret agent would be envious of! The key chain may look luxe with its silver plating, but it also has a working compass set into it. And that’s not all—there’s also a built-in bottle opener and a large carabiner clip that can be attached to a belt loop, inner backpack pocket, or other spot of his choosing. Bonus: You can monogram his initials or nickname on the round tab, making this a terrific and affordable personalized gift.
They’re cozy, they’re practical, and they’re gifts that give back. Choose any four pairs of Able Made’s colorful socks, made with organic cotton and cruelty-free merino wool, and have them delivered right to his door—nicely packaged with a ribbon so you don’t even have to think about gift-wrapping ideas. Even better, proceeds will benefit the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation, which supports inner-city kids.
Who doesn’t love a good spread—especially when all of the work is done for him? Along with two bottles of cabernet sauvignon, this Harry & David box boasts a delectable assortment of meats, cheese, olives, and almonds. Yum!
With more than 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this grooming kit is a hit with bearded men worldwide. It has everything he needs to grow, maintain, and trim his beard, including a boar-bristle brush, unscented beard shampoo wash and conditioning oil, beard care balm, styling comb, and other tools to perfect his silhouette.
California-based Nixon prides itself on using sustainable materials in all of its products, and that is true of this vegan-leather wallet. Structured and padded to hold its shape, it has 10 card slots, an easy-access bill pocket, and a removable ID bi-fold that comes in handy when traveling. Another cool gift for your brother or brother-in-law on this order? A smart wallet for people who always seem to lose theirs.
Some gamer headsets are priced in the thousands, but JLab figured out how to make headsets that don’t sacrifice quality for price. Whether your brother’s playing Fortnite or Doom Patrol, he’ll appreciate this wireless model that has a retractable mic and provides 60 hours of use before it needs charging. Teens will also go wild over this present.
Now he can sing along to his favorite song, no matter where he goes. Compatible with both IOS and android phones, these wireless earbuds come in five colors, have their own case, and, best of all, work for 32 hours before they need to be charged.
Dossier has unlocked the world’s most expensive fragrance recipes…and sells them for a fraction of the price. If your brother enjoys the warm rich aromatic mix of woods, musk, ginger, and orange that makes up Tom Ford’s Tom Ford for Men, he’ll think this is the same exact cologne….just in a different bottle.
One of the great things about siblings is that they always root for each other. When you’re not around to cheer your brother on, Zox’s message bracelet lets them know that you’re in their corner. Aside from the inspirational message, this cool-looking bracelet is reversible and made from recycled water bottles. If he’s all about the environment, these eco-friendly gifts would also be a good option.
Who couldn’t use a little luxury in their daily lives? With this thick terrycloth bathrobe from Ralph Lauren, he can kick back in style on weekend mornings or anytime he gets out of the shower.
These patent poster prints look like aged schematics from a different universe. Considering that they’re the designs for various land and air vehicles from Star Wars, they really are out of this world. They’re a great gift for fans of science fiction, aviation, and, of course, Star Wars.
These versatile Adidas sandals are cool, both literally and figuratively. Plus, with a massaging footbed, they’ll bathe his foot in comfort with every step, not to mention fit perfectly since they’re adjustable. He can wear them around the house and in the gym locker room all year long, and pretty much everywhere else during the warmer months.
We saved the very best gift for last. Yes, it’s a little bit of a splurge, but it’s a gift your brother will certainly love. Whether he’s a gamer, a day trader, a student, or any sort of work-from-home type, an extra monitor can really boost productivity. Most portable monitors are made for desktops, but SideTrak’s portable monitor works with any and all laptops—including these affordable options under $500. It can be installed in a matter of minutes, as well as dissembled quickly for travel.
Brothers tend to appreciate gifts that reflect their interests or are thoughtful in nature, showing you’ve put effort into choosing something they’ll enjoy. What your brother likes as a gift depends on his personality and hobbies—whether it’s something practical, sentimental or just plain fun.
Most people, including guys, appreciate the thought behind a present, even if it’s not flashy. Thoughtful gifts show you’ve taken the time to consider their likes and needs.
For cheap gifts, focus on practicality. Useful items that fit your brother’s lifestyle—like a handy gadget, a cool accessory or something related to his hobbies—can make great inexpensive presents.
