November 9, 2026

GIFT GUIDES 2026: WHAT TO BUY YOUR HUSBAND

I’m always surprised at how many requests I receive for menswear recommendations. I’m certainly no expert! That being said, our Men’s Gift Guide from last year was one of the best performing of the series. And this year, the inquires continued more than ever. For the 2025 installment my husband helped with 90% of the products. This year I’ve asked for his opinion again. He normally keeps behind the scenes of A-P and is more than happy to manage finances, projects, contracts, calendars, and whatever else may come up in this crazy business. But, given he has a lengthy background in menswear, and has great taste, I figured he should take the lead on this particular Gift Guide. I was thrilled when he offered to help. So, I’ll let him take it from here…

Okay, here we go. What to buy your husband (or father or brother or friend). Hint: they are all the same things. Guys want gifts that are practical, things that they can actually use on a day to day basis. They also want to look and feel good and generally don’t want to spend a lot of money to do so. That is totally understandable, and actually makes things easier when it comes to gift giving.

Gifting ideas to skip: most tech, gadgets, sports equipment, and auto anything. Guys take pride in their hobbies and generally know where to find these things on their own. That’s okay! I would stick with apparel, accessories, or household objects. It’s easy to pair a classic, well thought gift with intent and/or flattery. “This jacket will look great on you”, or “you’ll need these boots for your ski trip in February”. They get something that will stand the test of time and you look like a great gift giver. Win-win!

Below are ten timeless ideas that I would recommend, plus 30 more items that pass the test…

TEN TIMELESS GIFT RECOMMENDATIONS

1. A DOUBLE BREASTED TOPCOAT

Most guys don’t own great outerwear. Too technical, doesn’t fit properly, not weather appropriate. The list goes on. I’d recommend an investment outerwear piece as a gift. I prefer double breasted topcoats. They are warm, look classy, and they stand the test of time. Peacoats can be too short and bulky. Topcoats run a bit longer and more formal, but can easily be dressed down with denim, a sweater, and boots. Double breasted versions look great and have larger lapels that are easier to stand up when it’s cold. Darker colors work best – navy, grey, brown. Black is too formal. I own the Ralph Lauren Topcoat that is pictured above. It’s a classic!

2. A DENIM SHIRT

Pearl-snap western style denim shirts never go out of style. Every guy should have at least one in his closet. The Barstow Standard from Levi’s is available in a variety of washes and won’t break the bank. I also like this washed black version from WYTHE New York as well as this stonewashed version from Freenote Cloth. The turquoise rope rimmed snaps are very cool. If you take care of these shirts they should last for years – and get better with time as they break in.

3. A WAXED COTTON PIECE

I don’t think I have ever met a guy that dislikes waxed cotton products. They are timeless and masculine and practical. Most people think of Barbour coats, which are famously traditional, but chances are he may already own one. So, maybe something a bit more unexpected? A waxed coat in a new color, a different silhouette like a vest, or even a tote bag? Don’t forget to pair the gift with oil finishing wax so he can take care of his new gift.

4. A CASHMERE SWEATER

Uniqlo cashmere sweaters are undefeated. Great quality, unbeatable fit, and tons of colors to choose from. I prefer a crew neck, and through 11/11, they are on sale for under $80. That’s tough to turn down. They also offer quarter-zip and turtleneck cashmere options. I also like this raglan-sleeve crew from J.Crew as it is a bit more casual. This polo sweater from Buck Mason is great too.

5. A SLIP ON WINTER BOOT

Having a go-to slip on winter boot for inclement weather is a must. As soon as the snow hits we don’t need to look like a toddler, and we certainly don’t need to look like we are summiting Mount Everest. Keep it simple. We are all just hoping to get to work or run to the store without getting wet or dirty. In these situations, laces can be a nuisance. For slip-on winter boots think Blundstone or Bean (L.L.) or something similar.

6. A SKINCARE ROUTINE

Most men I talk to are not super knowledgable, or particularly interested, in skincare, let alone a skincare “routine”. My advice is to start slow and learn as you go. You don’t need a ton of products or steps, just an effortless and unforgettable regimen. For me, that includes serum, face cream, and sunscreen. Bonus points for hand lotion, despite the fact that I don’t really like rubbing anything on my hands. But, good to have if my wife needs to steal it!

7. A PROPER DUFFLE BAG

No more bad backpacks paired with bright colored hard suit cases, please. Always a sight to see at the airport. For weekend trips, a proper duffle bag is the move. Fits everything you need and nothing you don’t. This would be a perfect gift for any guy in your life. Plus, you can fill it with other gifts like tee shirts, sweaters, socks, booze, whatever.

8. A WOOL OVERSHIRT

Overshirts, Shirt Jackets, Shakets, whatever you want to call them – all guys approve. Many that you see are padded or quilted or nylon, those look too bulky, or worse, too technical. I prefer more minimal wool options in darker colors. You can easily throw one on over a classic oxford shirt or simple crewneck sweater and you’ll look great every time.

9. A HARDCOVER TRAVEL BOOK

Sure, you can plan an amazing trip online or using AI, but what fun is that? The best vacations come together through intimate conversation. A beautiful hardcover travel book is an instant conversation starter, and doubles as a nice keepsake in your home. Plus, as the gift giver, you can use it to be persuasive. “We’ve (I’ve) always wanted to go to Japan, let’s figure it out over a glass of wine.” What guy wouldn’t be excited to hear that? The Monocle Travel Guides are particularly wonderful, and Perigold and Assouline offer loads of incredible hardcover travel books as well.

10. A SPORT COAT THAT ISN’T BLUE

Most guys have a blue blazer and navy based sport coats already, but many don’t own anything else that isn’t part of a suit. Let’s change that. A heavier fall/winter sport coat can be unbelievably versatile and become a wardrobe staple. Think herringbone, or a glen plaid, or a houndstooth. Dress it up with a striped button down shirt and solid tie, or dress it down with a grey sweatshirt.

BONUS: A PLAID SCARF

A simple, matching plaid scarf is a nice add-on gift if you have already picked him up a new coat, shirt jacket, or sweater. Bonus points for cashmere. Plus, you can plan to steal it from him on a cold evening after date night – if he hasn’t already offered it to you, which he should have.