Christmas Gifts for Boyfriend

Jack Black's lip balm is a long-time favorite for chapped winter lips, with sunscreen and a light mint feel. It's a small, useful add-on to tuck in with a bigger gift.

Worth knowing: On its own it's a stocking stuffer, so pair it with a main gift. Some people find the mint scent strong.

Duet is the two-player, cooperative version of the hit word game Codenames, so you play on the same team. It takes about 15 minutes, and it's an easy way to spend an evening together without a screen.

Worth knowing: It's a word-association game, so it suits people who enjoy wordplay. You'll want to read the rules together once before the first game.

These are the sauces from the long-running YouTube interview show, made by Heatonist, and a sampler lets him work up the heat scale. It's a fun, consumable gift that won't clutter his place.

Worth knowing: Pack contents and heat levels change by season. If he doesn't like real heat, skip the packs that include the hottest sauces.

The Rambler keeps coffee hot or drinks cold for hours, is dishwasher safe, and is close to indestructible. It's a well-made version of something he'll use every single day.

Worth knowing: The MagSlider lid resists splashes but isn't leakproof, so it shouldn't ride sideways in a bag. It's heavier than a basic travel mug.

The OneBlade trims, edges and shaves with one tool, and its blade flexes to follow the face, which many owners find gentler than a razor. It's rechargeable and can be used wet or dry.

Worth knowing: The shave is close, though a blade razor still gets smoother. Replacement blades are an ongoing cost, roughly every few months.

An AirTag on a keyring or in a backpack shows up in the Find My app, and it can play a sound when he's searching the couch cushions. It's a small, practical gift that saves real stress.

Worth knowing: It only works with an iPhone or iPad. He'll need a holder or keyring to attach it, so add one.

The bonsai set builds a detailed little tree on a wooden-look stand, and it comes with swappable green leaves and pink cherry blossoms. It's a relaxing build for an evening and looks good on display.

Worth knowing: It has about 900 pieces, so plan on a few hours. It's a display piece with no moving parts.

The Note Sleeve holds cards and flat bills in a slim leather design that won't bulge in a back pocket. Bellroy is known for good leather and a solid warranty.

Worth knowing: It's pricier than most wallets. Ask yourself how much cash he carries: this design suits someone who mostly uses cards.

8BitDo makes some of the best-regarded third-party controllers, and the Ultimate comes with a charging dock that keeps it ready to play. It works with Nintendo Switch and PC, and many owners prefer it to the official controller.

Worth knowing: Check which version you're buying, since 8BitDo sells separate models for Xbox, Switch and PC. It won't work with PlayStation.

The Mesa is a small, low-smoke fire pit that burns pellets or small wood for a cozy tabletop fire. It's a fun gift for evenings outside together and for making s'mores.

Worth knowing: Check whether his building or neighborhood allows open flames. It needs to cool fully before moving, and it uses fuel fast.

Carhartt's classic hoodie is thick, durable and gets softer with every wash. It's one of the few clothing gifts that suits almost any style.

Worth knowing: It runs large and roomy. Check the size of one he already owns, and keep the receipt.

The Wave Plus has pliers, wire cutters, knives, scissors and screwdrivers, and every tool locks open for safety. It's made in the US, has a 25-year warranty, and is the multi-tool people keep for decades.

Worth knowing: It's heavy for pocket carry and better on a belt sheath. The blades mean it can't go in carry-on luggage.

The XM5 is one of the most recommended noise-canceling headphones, with long battery life and clear calls. It's comfortable for hours, which matters on a long flight or a full workday.

Worth knowing: It doesn't fold flat, so the case is fairly large. Sony has released a newer model, but the XM5 is still widely sold and often discounted.