Guys love gear that is useful and built to last. Toss in a sense of style or a cool design and you have an item you’ll keep for years. For this guide we’ve curated items that strike the sweet spot between practicality and polish.
Shinola Runwell Watch
The Shinola Runwell is the iconic timepiece that launched the Detroit-based brand in 2011 and remains its enduring flagship—a timeless blend of American craftsmanship, mid-century design, and everyday wearability. Hand-assembled in Shinola’s Detroit factory (the first watch facility of its scale in the U.S. in decades), each Runwell features a clean, legible dial with Super-LumiNova hands, a double-domed sapphire crystal for scratch resistance, and a sturdy stainless steel case in sizes from 36mm to 47mm to suit both men’s and women’s wrists. Options include high-accuracy Argonite quartz movements for reliable no-fuss performance or premium Swiss Sellita automatic movements for mechanical enthusiasts, with details like date windows, sub-seconds, or chronographs adding versatility.
What elevates the Runwell is its thoughtful construction: premium leather straps (often from Horween), bold Arabic numerals, and a signature lightning-bolt seconds hand that nods to Detroit’s industrial heritage. Water-resistant to 50–100m and built with imported Swiss and global parts, it’s a watch that feels heirloom-quality—durable enough for daily wear yet refined for dress occasions. This watch is known for its sharp aesthetics, comfortable fit, and value as an entry into American luxury watchmaking, even if purists debate the price relative to the movements.
Shinola offers endless customization across the Runwell collection, with dials in classic white, black, green, or even stone variants, plus strap swaps for personal flair. And while the Runwell is a standout gift for any watch lover, Shinola’s appeal extends far beyond timepieces. The brand crafts an entire lifestyle lineup including leather journals, wallets, bags, bicycles, jewelry, audio speakers, and even home goods, making it easy to build a coordinated gift set. For the man or woman who values authentic Detroit revival and enduring style, a Runwell isn’t just a watch. It’s a statement of resilience and refinement.
Classic Leather Laptop Bag from Saddleback
This Classic Leather Laptop Bag is a timeless investment that stands apart in a world of disposable nylon backpacks. Handcrafted in Mexico from full-grain boot leather (the toughest part of the hide), these bags are built to last 100 years, backed by Saddleback’s legendary “They’ll fight over it when you’re dead” warranty. No breakable parts like zippers, snaps, or magnets: just thick polyester cord stitching, solid copper rivets at stress points, and a minimalist design that ages into a rich, unique patina. This is heirloom-quality gear that only gets better with age.
Available in sizes from 13″ to 17″ laptops, the bag features a padded false-bottom sleeve to suspend and protect your device, plus interior pockets for chargers, notebooks, and pens. The main compartment is cavernous yet organized, with an exterior rear magazine pocket for quick access. Carry it briefcase-style with the reinforced handle or sling it over the shoulder using the detachable strap. Four exterior D-rings allow attachment of pouches or a shoulder pad for heavier loads. You can choose from rich colors like Tobacco, Dark Coffee Brown, Chestnut, or classic Black. At around 5–7 lbs empty, it’s substantial yet comfortable, with no unnecessary lining to tear. Owners (thousands of 5-star reviews) rave about its bombproof construction: it’s survived international travel, daily commutes, motorcycle crashes, and even being run over by trucks. As founder Dave Munson says, “This is the last leather laptop bag you’ll ever need.” Gift it to the professional, traveler, or outdoorsman who appreciates things made the old-school way—rugged, honest, and built for a lifetime (or more) of hard use.
SMRTFT NÜOBELL 80lb Matte Black Adjustable Dumbbells
We featured these dumbbells last year for Father’s Day and we felt compelled to add them to this holiday list as well. If you have anyone on your gift list that takes weight training seriously, then you should consider these dumbbells (assuming you have the budget!).
These adjustable dumbbells are a game-changing upgrade that combine gym-quality performance with sleek, space-saving design. This Swedish-engineered pair replaces 16 traditional dumbbells, adjusting from 5–80 lbs in 5-lb increments with a simple twist of the handle—faster and more intuitive than dial or pin systems on competitors. The machined steel plates lock securely with a satisfying click, ensuring no rattling or shifting mid-rep, even during explosive movements like snatches or renegade rows. We tried them and they work beautifully. The design is also striking, so they can add a sense of style to a home gym, office or man cave.
Built for durability, the NÜOBELL features a matte black finish over heavy-duty steel and aluminum components, with rust-resistant cradles and a contoured, knurled handle that feels premium in hand. While the premium price reflects the top-tier build (no plastic parts here), owners call them a “buy it for life” investment that outshines cheaper alternatives in speed and reliability. They’re the ultimate space-saver that never compromises on performance.
Classic Leather Gloves by Fratelli Orsini
Nothing elevates a winter coat like a pair of proper leather gloves, and the Giovanni Black Classic by Fratelli Orsini delivers timeless Italian elegance at an accessible price. Handcrafted in Naples by master artisans using centuries-old techniques, these gloves are made from buttery-soft 100% Italian lambskin leather — the gold standard for suppleness and durability. Fully lined with luxurious 100% Italian cashmere, they provide exceptional warmth without bulk, keeping hands cozy in freezing temperatures while remaining breathable.
The classic silhouette features three decorative hand-sewn seams on the back, a slightly wider cuff that extends 1.5–2 inches past the wrist for better coverage, and wind- and water-resistant construction that stands up to daily winter wear. Best of all, touchscreen-compatible material on every finger lets you use your phone without exposing skin to the cold—no more fumbling or frozen fingers during commutes or outdoor errands. Sizing runs true to hand measurement (in inches), with numeric and letter options for a tailored fit. The leather gently stretches over time for an even more personalized feel. Each pair ships with a luxury cotton pouch and leather conditioning gel, plus free U.S. shipping and 60-day returns. These gloves are the thoughtful upgrade that combines heritage luxury with everyday practicality.
YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle with Straw Cap
The YETI Rambler is a near-perfect companion for anyone who values staying hydrated without slowing down. This vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottle keeps ice water cold for 24+ hours (even in summer heat) and coffee or tea piping hot all morning, making it ideal for long trails, commutes, or all-day adventures.
The updated Chug Cap with triple-haul handle and flexible straw combines the best of both worlds: flip up the straw for quick, one-handed sips while hiking or driving, or remove it for wider chugs when you need to refuel fast. The straw is wide enough for smooth flow yet cut-resistant and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. At 26 ounces, it strikes the sweet spot—big enough for serious hydration but slim enough to fit most backpack side pockets and car cup holders.
