The most wanted gifts for him

Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Headphones

Wanted for Making the open-plan office vanish.

Top-tier noise-canceling headphones built for long flights, loud commutes, and anyone with a noisy house. It's a serious splurge, but one they'll use every single day.

Why it's here If he commutes, flies, or works in a noisy house, this is the gift he'll use every day.

Let it slide if They only listen at the gym. Earbuds would suit them better.

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Wanted for Fixing things before anyone realized they were broken.

A full-size pocket multi-tool from a brand with a great reputation and a long warranty. It's the kind of tool that gets carried for decades and eventually handed down.

Why it's here A tool he'll carry for decades. Ask a family member to chip in if it stretches your budget.

Let it slide if They mostly need it for desk life. Try something smaller.

Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit

Wanted for Bringing a campfire to the patio table with minimal smoke.

A small stainless fire pit that burns pellets or wood and sits right on an outdoor table. It's an easy way to make an ordinary night outside feel like an occasion, and s'mores are hard to argue with.

Why it's here A good call if he already has a patio, and the small size means it won't take over the yard.

Let it slide if They don't have an outdoor space to use it in.

Victorinox Fibrox 8-Inch Chef's Knife

Wanted for Embarrassing knives that cost five times as much.

A sharp, no-frills knife with a grippy handle that professional cooks and reviewers have been recommending for years. It's the best kitchen upgrade you can give at this price.

Let it slide if They already have a knife they treat like a family member.

MEATER Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer

Wanted for Taking all the guessing out of the Thanksgiving turkey.

A wireless probe that sends the meat's temperature to a phone app while it cooks. It's a great gift for anyone who loves the grill or smoker and likes a gadget to go with it.

Let it slide if They're proud of cooking by feel and will tell you all about it.

Bellroy Note Sleeve Wallet

Wanted for Slimming down a George Costanza situation.

A slim leather wallet that holds cards and flat bills without the bulk. It's a classy, grown-up upgrade for anyone whose current wallet has gone shapeless and is held together by habit.

Let it slide if They've moved everything to their phone and don't carry cash.

YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

Wanted for Surviving being dropped off a tailgate. Repeatedly.

A tough, well-insulated tumbler that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours and takes a beating. It's an easy gift for anyone who's on the road, on a job site, or outdoors a lot.

Let it slide if They've got a cupboard full of insulated mugs already.

Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks

Wanted for Outlasting most relationships, thanks to a lifetime guarantee.

Vermont-made merino wool socks with a lifetime guarantee that's become a bit of a legend. Socks may seem boring, but these are the pair people buy again and again.

Let it slide if They're not picky about socks and wouldn't notice the difference.

Gerber Dime Keychain Multi-Tool

Wanted for Hiding a dozen tools on a keychain.

A tiny multi-tool with pliers, a blade, and a bottle opener in a size that vanishes on a key ring. It's handy, inexpensive, and a great little gift for dads and stockings alike. It's not for carry-ons, though.

Let it slide if They fly a lot with only a carry-on. TSA will take it.

AeroPress Original Coffee Maker

Wanted for Making excellent coffee out of a plastic tube.

A small, nearly indestructible press that brews smooth coffee in about a minute. Coffee nerds swear by it, beginners find it easy, and it packs well for travel or the office.

Let it slide if They want coffee at the press of a button and no steps at all.

CATAN Board Game

Wanted for Destroying friendships over a single piece of sheep.

The modern classic of trading and building, with a different board every game. It's still the best way into 'real' board games, and it gets people asking for one more round.

Let it slide if Their group can't commit to a roughly 90-minute game.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Wanted for Keeping people up until 3 a.m. for one more chapter.

A funny, propulsive science-fiction novel about a lone astronaut trying to save Earth. It's one of the easiest books to recommend to nearly anyone, including people who 'don't read sci-fi'.

Let it slide if They've already read it. Most sci-fi fans have.