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The 75 Best Gifts for Brothers Who Are Hard to Shop For

Earn favorite sibling status with these cool gifts for brothers (and brothers-in-law, too).

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The Patagonia Men's Better Sweater Fleece Jacket

Real Simple / David Hattan

Shopping for men in general and brothers in particularly, whether it be your biological brother, stepbrother, brother-in-law, or any brother figure in your life, can be challenging. After all, you likely have years of giving him gifts under your belt—so how do you make sure your presents remain exciting and special year after year? 

“Try to focus on his hobbies, likes, and interests and go from there,” suggests Lindsay Roberts Schey, gift expert and founder of The Gift Insider. But if he’s particularly hard to shop for, you can try what Schey calls “elevating his essentials.” 

“Think of the things he uses every day and go with a more design-friendly or updated version than what he currently has,” she says. You’ll find many examples of these upgraded essentials on our list, including charging docks and tie cases—some of which can even be personalized for a special touch.

Here are our favorite gift ideas for brothers, whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, his birthday, or other special occasion.

Elevate his BBQ skills with this gift set, which will leave a smoky char on all of his culinary creations. The kit is equipped with all of the grilling essentials, including a smoker box, three types of wood chips, hickory-smoked sea salt, grilling thermometer, grill scraper, and bottle opener. He’ll be a grillmaster in no time, and you’ll get to enjoy the delicious results. 

If his cold-weather wardrobe could use an upgrade, there’s no safer choice than a classic Carhartt beanie made with soft and warm acrylic yarn. Though it was originally designed as workwear, this beanie can be sported at campsites, football stadiums, or anywhere he needs a little extra warmth. And with 25+ colors to choose from, there’s bound to be one that perfectly matches his style.

Brooklyn Brew Shop’s DIY beer kit is equipped with all the tools and ingredients he needs to brew homemade beer right from his kitchen. And once he has the kit, he can continue purchasing the ingredients to make batch after batch. Brooklyn Brew Shop has many different beers to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with the classic IPA mix. 

If he’s always stopping at the drive-through before work or school, this handy appliance can teach him that making your own breakfast sandwich doesn’t have to be difficult. He can customize his creation to resemble a meal from his favorite breakfast spot, and it takes just five minutes. (Hint: This also makes a great white elephant gift.)

These cozy slippers are so comfortable he’ll never want to take them off. The memory foam padding will make him feel like he’s walking on a cloud, while the rubber outsoles make them suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Their breathable design and temperature-regulating technology will also ensure his feet stay sweat-free. 

This warm Patagonia fleece will quickly become a staple in his closet. Lightweight yet cozy, the fleece is perfect for year-round escapades. Even better, it’s made of 100 percent recycled polyester and uses a low-energy dying process, making it an eco-friendly purchase as well.  

Whether he lives on a busy street, has noisy neighbors, or is just a bit sleep-deprived, these earplugs will give him the peace and quiet he lacks. Unlike cheap foam earplugs, the Loop Quiet Earplugs stay put all night, in part because they come with silicone tips in multiple sizes to fit any ear size. 

Upgrade his sleep uniform with these cozy flannel PJ pants. They somehow strike the perfect balance between warm and airy, making them an excellent go-to year round. Plus, they come in four inseam lengths ranging from 28 inches to 34 inches, so they will fit comfortably on any build. 

With so many electronic devices, remembering each and every charger can be difficult. Even worse, sometimes there aren’t enough outlets to charge all his devices at once. This 3-in-1 charger will charge his phone, Apple watch, and AirPods simultaneously, only one outlet needed.  

If he likes cracking open a cold one on the weekend, emphasis on “cold,” he will love this insulated can cooler. The drink sleeve is designed to fit any 16-ounce beverage, from energy drinks to hard seltzers, keeping his drink cold and his hand warm in the process. 

“Experience gifts are a great way to go for someone who has it all,” says Schey—and this DIY hot sauce kit is both an experience gift and a physical gift in one. It comes with all the ingredients, equipment, and instructions he needs to make his own hot sauce, as well as labels for him to have fun with creative sauce names.

Finding the right skin care products can be overwhelming, but this set will simplify the process for him. The kit has all the essentials he needs to keep his skin glowing, including face wash, moisturizer, and exfoliating body bar. 

Solo Stove’s Mesa tabletop fire pit is designed with city dwellers in mind. The Mesa brings the warmth and glow of a traditional campfire to even the most confined outdoor spaces (or backpacking trips)—and this one is smokeless, too. He can ditch making s’mores in the microwave because nothing beats roasting marshmallows over a fire.

A meat thermometer is a game-changer for the foodie or grill master, allowing him to tell the difference between medium-rare and well-done. This high-tech tool will elevate his grilling process, allowing him to monitor his meat from 500 feet away. He’ll never struggle with overcooking or undercooking again. 

While hard coolers can be heavy and difficult to carry, this soft-sided cooler tote is lightweight, easy to transport, and perfect for keeping beverages cold on a weekend getaway. It was the best soft-sided cooler we tested and stood out due to its ideal size and leak-proof, secure design. 

Everyone feels like a rockstar in the shower, and this waterproof bluetooth speaker will elevate his bathroom performance—perhaps even masking his subpar vocals, too. The 100 percent waterproof and portable design allows him to listen to his favorite beats everywhere, whether he’s at a pool party or in the bath. He can even control the volume, skip songs, and take calls without having to touch his phone screen with wet fingers.

Show how well you know your baseball-obsessed brother with an ode to his beloved team. The book features archival coverage from The New York Times, from their glory days to their most recent games.   

Keep him organized while traveling with this space-saving toiletry bag. The transparent material enables him to see his toiletries without unzipping, while the two side compartments flatten for easy access. Despite its compact design, the bag is surprisingly spacious, suitable for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. 

This wireless audio transmitter will keep him entertained throughout even the longest flights. It transmits audio from any airplane TV or gym equipment straight to his airpods, ensuring a crisp and comfortable listening experience free of tangled cords. 

Help him keep his car tidy and crumb-free with this powerful portable vacuum. It's cordless and provides up to 12 minutes of cleaning power before it needs to be recharged, making it perfect for on-the-go cleanups. It also comes with a 2-in-1 crevice tool and dusting brush so he can easily reach those tricky spots, like between the seats or in the center console.

Get him the gift of self care with the Bro Mask, which is an extra-large hydrogel face mask designed to fit men and hydrate thicker, coarser skin. Plus, the mask comes in two pieces, so he can just use half if he has a beard. 

Calling all heat fanatics: This set of chili condiments was expertly curated by fellow hot sauce lovers. It includes classic chili crisps, Umami-filled Vietnamese chili sauce, Kimchi mayo, and more, so he can add a kick to any and every meal. 

Everyone needs a pair (or two) of simple sweats, and this two-pack from Mack Weldon checks all the boxes. The ribbed, tapered cuffs give them a more put-together look than oversized pants, while the convenient zippered pockets will keep his essentials safe on the go. With two different pairs to alternate between, he’ll never get tired of the same color. 

The dog lover in your life will love carrying his four-legged friend with him anywhere and everywhere. Just submit a photo of his pet and let West & Willow do the rest. The phone case will not only protect his phone, but will also remind him of his furry friend waiting for him at home.    

Designed with runners in mind, these socks have many smart design features like moisture-wicking technology, a seamless toe with no annoying bump, a protective cushion at the heel to prevent blistering, and more. This particular set includes a bag for keeping his smelly gym socks organized and away from his other belongings. 

What could be more fitting for his next camping or hiking trip than these national park-themed playing cards? And even more importantly, every Parks Project purchase helps to fund vital projects for parklands across the country. 

Fashionable and functional, this no-holes canvas belt will complement any outfit and any occasion. You can choose between seven base colors and eight buckle colors to match his personal style.  

Using headphones under a hat is inevitably uncomfortable, but he won’t have to sacrifice his tunes for warmth with this Bluetooth beanie, which is an affordable yet thoughtful tech gift. The wireless beanie works for 10 to 12 hours on a single charge, and will have him listening to music in style this winter.

If you and your brother prefer to exchange novelty gifts, the Banana Phone is a guaranteed laugh. What looks like a plastic banana toy is actually a Bluetooth-enabled mobile headset and speaker—so yes, he can actually call you directly from the banana.

Bagels, pizzas, hot dogs, oh my. You don’t have to fly him to the Big Apple to give him a taste of New York’s iconic culinary staples. This gift box offers all of the city’s infamous eats, including pizzas, hot dogs, bagels, and, of course, cheesecake for dessert. Able to feed eight to 12 people, this gift is one that his whole friend group will enjoy.  

Holiday season is synonymous with sweater weather, and this luxurious wool sweater will be the perfect addition to his winter wardrobe. The slouchy design is cozy yet chic, ensuring he looks presentable while feeling like he’s in loungewear. Whether he’s braving the cold weather or aiming for a comfy holiday dinner look to impress the relatives, this sweater will do the trick. 

If his facial hair is looking a little scraggly, give him this set of grooming products and tools for a softer, cleaner beard. Jack Black’s signature grooming kit includes everything he needs to cleanse, condition, and soften facial hair, as well as the skin underneath.

Did you know pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America? Whether he’s a pickleball pro or a novice, the Nettie Set comes with everything he needs for a one-on-one game, including two pickleball paddles (choose from four colorful designs), two balls, and two headbands. 

Whether he’s a college student dealing with loud roommates or a professional trying to focus on his work, these Bluetooth headphones will help him tune out the background noise. He can choose between the quiet mode when he wants full silence, or the aware mode when he wants to hear ambient noise and music simultaneously. 

Whether he wants to trace his pup’s ancestry or better understand its genetic health, this kit will answer all of his questions. With a simple swab of the cheek, he will gain access to all of his dog’s unique data, helping him better care for his pet and finally have a ready answer to the dreaded question, “What breed?”

Even the brother who has everything probably doesn’t have a custom bobblehead. Upload your favorite photo of him and this Etsy shop will create a life-like, miniature version that he will be eager to display. You get to specify the hair, eye, and skin color, as well as the actual bobblehead size.  

Adorned with the signature Nike swoosh, this minimalist sweatshirt will become a staple in his wardrobe. The classic crew comes in nine colors and a wide range of sizes, from XS to 4XL tall, making it the perfect gift for brothers of all ages. 

Is there a more joyful Monopoly board in existence? If he’s one for nostalgia, this Bob Ross Monopoly board allows him to trade favorite works of art from The Joy of Painting series, and features collectable tokens including a squirrel, pine tree, easel, and more. 

Whether he’s seeking a colorful throw to display on his bed or a cozy blanket to cuddle up with on the sofa, this weighted blanket from Quility is the most versatile one we tested. It’s available in six colors and 13 weights, ranging from five to 30 pounds, making it suitable for every purpose. 

For the brother who has everything, Schey suggests this turntable because it’s something he’s not likely to buy on his own. The Crosley Cruiser is a classic turntable with a suitcase-style shell, but it also includes Bluetooth functionality, so he can take his pick between those vinyl records he’s been collecting or his favorite Spotify playlist.

Some people like to receive things, while others prefer experiences. If he falls in the latter camp, a Getaway gift card is the perfect fit. The company offers disconnected stays in secluded, tiny cabins, all of which are located less than a two-hour drive from major cities. With a Getaway gift card, he can choose his own adventure. 

As far as gaming consoles go, the Nintendo Switch Lite is one of the more reasonably priced options, and its handheld design means he can take it wherever he goes. The portable device comes in several bold colors, including blue, coral, and yellow.

If you have a brother who might not think to buy a scented candle for himself, treat him to a high-quality option. The simple jar will blend seamlessly on his nightstand or countertop, while the smoky smells of teakwood and tobacco will cultivate the ultimate fall ambience. 

An Apple Watch is the wearable tech essential he won’t leave home without. The device is able to track fitness, receive texts, and of course, tell time. It’s basically a phone for his wrist—what more could he possibly want?

This sleek wallet will keep his money organized in style. The bifold design offers plenty of space for his credit cards and larger bills, while the transparent window flap lets him flash his ID without needing to dig around for it. Crafted from luxurious leather, the timeless wallet will have him feeling like a million bucks. You can even add his initials to make the accessory extra special. 

This custom jigsaw puzzle lets you choose from more than 58,000 front pages published by The New York Times since 1851—whether it be the date of a major historical event, the date he was born, or the date his team won The World Series. (Keep in mind that historic events usually appeared in the paper the day AFTER the date of the event.) The puzzle is available in both 500- and 1,000-piece sets. 

When you give him this coffee sampler, the coffee experts at Bean Box will curate a unique collection of artisan coffees based on his tastes and preferences. You can choose to purchase him a single sampler box or sign him up for a subscription ranging from three months to a year. 

If he spends a lot of time outdoors, then your brother knows that battling bug bites is a constant battle. As seen on Shark Tank, the Bug Bite Thing works by removing insect venom, saliva, and other irritants from under the skin using suction—forget sticky salves or sprays. It’s the practical and unique stocking stuffer you’ve been looking for. 

With the HP Sprocket, he can print photos on-demand straight from his smartphone or social media accounts. He can even use the accompanying HP app to add filters, frames, stickers, and more. This teenager-friendly gift has a slim, pocket-size design that can easily slide into a bag or backpack for on-the-go use.

This timeless backpack is perfect for every outing, from long flights to everyday commutes. It’s made of water-resistant fabric crafted from recycled materials and eco-friendly leather, making it durable enough to endure frequent use. The bag’s exterior compartments can store a passport, wallet, and water bottle, while the padded shoulder straps ensure a comfortable carry.  

This is more than just your average decanter. With an internal sculpture inspired by the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, this hand-blown glass decanter will help him preserve and display his finest whiskey. 

We love this versatile backpack, which is comfortable to wear either on the back or the chest. The bag has various storage compartments to keep him organized, including an earphone hole, a water bottle holder, an umbrella pocket, a power band to store sunglasses, and a front zipper compartment to keep his phone safe. Available in 20 colors, this lightweight crossbody is the perfect companion for any excursion. 

These universally-flattering, Wayfarer-style sunglasses are sure to be a hit no matter his style. Unlike other sunglasses, the Reverse collection utilizes an inverted lens design for extra crisp visuals and anti-glare lenses to reduce reflections. Plus, the trendy sunglasses are eco-minded, as the lenses are made with 41% biobased carbon content. 

This funky lamp is sure to spice up his living space. Each wavy lamp is 3D-printed in the brand’s Brooklyn studio and therefore is slightly unique, adding a special element that will make his room stand out. 

A high-quality chef’s knife is the gift that will keep on giving for years to come—invest in the right one, and you’ll save him from going through endless mediocre knives in search of one that can actually do the job. This particular chef’s knife has a sleek, one-piece design that’s crevice-free, making it easier to clean (which is important, given that you should never clean knives in the dishwasher). 

The TheraGun is a tried-and-true favorite for fitness lovers, and the perfect tension-relieving tool. He can choose from five built-in speeds, or even customize his desired intensity on the app for an extra personalized massage. Plus, it’s portable and perfect for travel. 

This premium cornhole set will provide hours of entertainment at the next tailgate or cookout he attends. Available with either regulation boards or the slightly smaller “tailgate” size boards, the set comes with everything he needs to set up a tournament: two cornhole boards, eight all-weather bean bags, and a premium carrying case. 

Support his caffeine habit and animal rescues across the country when you buy from Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. Each adventure bundle comes with all the essentials to fulfill his caffeine addiction, including a pack of beans, camping tin, cold brew glass, and keychain. Plus, the company donates 20% of its profits to rescue organizations and supplies consumers with organic, eco-friendly coffee.

If he’s only tolerable after his morning coffee, this handy cold brew maker will keep him content and caffeinated. The pitcher can produce four servings of crisp cold brew, and its mesh filter will keep grounds from seeping into his smooth beverage. 

If you really don’t know what to get him, a subscription gift like the Bespoke Post membership allows him to sample a little bit of everything—and it takes the pressure of finding the perfect gift off of you. As a member, he’ll receive a monthly box filled with an assortment of products from small businesses, including tools, clothes, kitchen goods, outdoor gear, and more. 

Nothing’s worse than chugging lukewarm water after a workout, but this water bottle will keep his beverage ice cold for up to 24 hours. The insulated stainless steel bottle is sweat-free and comes with three sipping lids. Plus, it’s available in four sizes and 31 colors. 

This chair and cooler combo will become his partner in crime for all of his outdoor fishing excursions. The portable, foldable seat will offer him a place to rest, while the attached cooler will keep his beverages cold and accessible on the water. 

New Balance is making a comeback, and sneakerheads will be eager to add this everyday pair to their collection. The brand has been selling its 990 high-quality running shoes since 1982, and the 990v6 model, which was released in 2022, offers the best performance yet. 

If he spends his days on the putting green, this personalized golf ball set is a special gift he’ll be proud to show off. The box includes 12 personalized golf balls, 12 golf tees, and 12 golf pencils. 

This convenient Bluetooth tracker will help even the most forgetful people keep track of their things. He can simply attach the Tile to anything he frequently loses, from his keys to his wallet. The app will activate a noise on the Tile, helping him to locate his misplaced item. 

This plush wrap combines the comfort of a robe along with all the absorbency of a warm towel. A hidden adjustable snap ensures it stays secure around his waist, making it perfect for walking around after a shower. 

Nothing screams “fall” like a cozy flannel, and this sherpa-lined jacket will keep him toasty as the weather gets cool. Made from soft cotton, the flannel will make him feel as if he’s wrapped in a blanket all day long. 

Schey suggests, “a nice embossed leather gift like this leather tie case from Leatherology,” for the brother who has everything. It holds up to four neckties and comes with a small pocket for collar stays, cufflinks, and tie clips, making it the ideal travel companion for the brother with a professional style.

Just because he doesn’t have room for a pool table doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy the game. This portable tabletop billiard makes it easy to shoot some pool on the go. 

Personalize this leather keyring with any message you’d like, and choose from a variety of shapes, colors, and fonts for a one-of-a-kind creation. You can even purchase multiple and label them with whichever lock the key corresponds to.

Between stray wires and random trinkets, his nightstand is likely a miscellaneous mess.  Luckily, this wireless charging tray will help him eliminate the clutter. In addition to keeping his phone on full battery, the tray also includes an indented compartment to organize his smaller things. You can choose from a variety of colors in either linen or leather. 

He can use this ice maker for everything from mixing up creative cocktails to filling up the cooler for a road trip. It makes nine cubes in just six minutes and offers cubes of two different sizes. Available in eight colors, he will be eager to display this ice maker on the countertop or take it on the road. 

Most people know that phones are dirty—but did you know that there’s a good chance your cell phone has more germs than a toilet seat? The PhoneSoap 3 can sanitize phones, keys, wallets, headphones—really anything that can fit inside. Plus, it charges your phone simultaneously. 

You can’t go wrong with an outdoor game for the brother who is always ready for some friendly competition. This four-person game involves two teams with two people each who alternate hitting a ball back to the net. It sounds simple, but once he tries it, no beach day or backyard hang will be complete without it. 

If he loves entertaining outdoors, this pizza oven will take center stage at any gathering. Making homemade pizza is a great way to keep guests entertained throughout the night, and Ooni’s pizza ovens are designed to go with you wherever you go, whether you’re hosting in a small backyard or at a campsite. Plus, it doesn't stop at pizza—he can use it to roast meats and vegetables, too. 

Questions You Might Ask

How much should you spend on a gift for a brother?

Many people choose to spend more on gifts for immediate family members than they would for, say, extended family, coworkers, friends, etc. However, the exact amount you choose to spend on your brother depends on your budget and perhaps even an agreement you and your family have to come to over how much to spend on gifts. In general, most people will spend a minimum of $20 on a gift for their sibling and go up from there. Before you begin shopping, decide on a budget and stick to it. And if you’ve agreed on a spending limit between you and your sibling(s), don’t go over it—that will only make them feel bad. 

If you are on a tight budget, you can still make your brother feel loved and special without overspending. “Put extra thought into it and that's what he'll remember,” says Schey. “Gift him a few small things themed around something he loves and package it in a nice box or gift bag.”

What should you get a brother who already has everything?

Shopping for siblings is already a challenge, but when it comes to the brother who already has everything, finding a gift that’s new and exciting can seem impossible. However, Schey does offer a few pointers on how to shop for even the most hard-to-please brothers: “Tech gadgets or tech accessories or smart home gifts are a great option for brothers, and there's always the latest and greatest out each year, so there's always something new that he probably doesn't have yet.” 

She also suggests choosing a personalized gift that is made just for him. “While he might already have something in a similar realm, the personalized element and thought you put into the gift will make it feel extra special,” Schey says.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. Jamie curated these gift ideas based on hours of research. For expert advice, she spoke with Lindsay Roberts Schey, gift expert and founder of The Gift Insider, an online gifting resource.

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