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He Spoke Style is the leading online destination for premium original men’s style content.
More This site contains affiliate links from which we may earn a commission.Unexpected surprises for less than half a Benjamin.
There are a few different ways an inexpensive gift can punch above its weight. First, a gift can hit the thoughtfulness target by connecting with a shared experience or story not everyone might know about that person. Did a friend recently share a story about their hands freezing while camping, hunting or at a football game? A hand warmer will make them feel heard and loved.
A second way of making a less-expensive gift shine is to come up with something unique and completely unexpected. If one has never seen a permanent match, there is no reference for what it costs and that doesn’t even particularly matter anyway. It’s a gift of novelty and discovery as much as a gift of an item.
A tried-and-true, everyday use sort of product is also great for some people because it will get such use. Some of those are here in our gift guide too. We searched high and low for this batch of 10 budget-conscious gifts.
Manual Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
JavaPresse’s Manual Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder is basically a pepper grinder for coffee grounds. It’s quiet and environmentally friendly. And there’s something natural about using a little manual power in the morning ritual. This comes in handy for the coffee-snob who camps, but can be used anywhere grounds are required — like when you’re traveling.
Sonicare 4100 Power Toothbrush
Nothing terribly surprising or unique about this one, but Philips Sonicare toothbrush should be used everyday (we hope) by the receiver of this gift. This is one of those gifts for the practical person who has an older version and doesn’t want to upgrade for themselves.
Car Trunk Organizer
Who doesn’t need this? It’s smart to have a few emergency items in the trunk. We often have accoutrements of hobbies floating around. Reusable bags for grocery runs are common, as are various odds and ends like the ice scraper, tire pressure gauge or work items. All that stuff adds up, can roll around and doesn’t provide the kind of control that establishes a healthy, orderly life. One need not be a neat freak to appreciate this gift.
Vintage Lighter Permanent Match
And now to one of those unexpected items. Who knew permanent matches were even a thing? Perfect for the candle lover, engineer or collector of the unique, this permanent match is an unnecessary and unexpected, but completely useful gift. That’s a rare combination.
Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch
Aumpkin’s cocktail smoker kit with torch is an inexpensive way for the experimental home bartender to create cocktails with a few different flavors of wood. Cherry wood smoke to compliment the cocktail cherry in an Old Fashioned? Yes, please? Pecan wood smoke for a holiday Manhattan? Why not? Add butane to make the gift usable from the moment of unboxing.
Original Cologne for Men
You know we love men’s fragrances and often profile some of our favorites at He Spoke Style. We don’t regularly cover or recommend fragrances in this price range, but there is just something special about the earthy, traditional and masculine essence of the Stetson Original.
For many men, its a brand and smell that goes back decades, either as something they used personally or a reminder of a family member. The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story about how teenagers are starting to wear older, traditional scents. So whether gifting to an older gentleman who will remember the Original Stetson or a younger man clued into today’s trends, this gift just works.
12 Hour Refillable Hand Warmer
Zippo makes more than lighters and this 12 hour, refillable hand warmer is the practical gift someone doesn’t know they need. Providing a steadier, longer-lasting heat than the disposable solutions, this is an upgrade for tailgating or any other cold-weather activity that may have someone outside for hours. Ideal for the person who is always cold or doesn’t appreciate cooler weather.
5PC Italian Crafted Glass Whiskey Decanter
This whiskey decanter and tumbler set makes a fun gift for the person who appreciates whiskey and has a dedicated house favorite. For the person pouring a different bottle every night, this gift might not make sense. But for the person who reaches for the same bottle time and time again, this is a nice way of improving the ritual and adding a touch of elegance to the home bar.
Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife
A classic gift. Many men have owned these over the years. Some have lost track of them, but others would appreciate having another to keep at the workbench, in the truck or at the cabin. Useful, practical and timeless, this is an easy go-to.
Classic Hot Sauce Variety Set
Hot sauce is not for everyone, of course, but for those who love hot sauce, many LOVE hot sauce. Yellowbird is a popular brand of solid all-around hot sauces intended to improve a meal, not ruin it with a chemical concoction that is FDA-approved but nearly inedible.
The Bottom Line
Gifts need not break the bank in order for someone to feel loved. While cliche, it truly is the thought that counts.
This Article is part of the Holiday Gift Guide Series.
He Spoke Style
Over the past 10 years, He Spoke Style has established itself as the leading online destination for premium original men’s style content. Blending information and inspiration, He Spoke Style provides practical style advice, outfit ideas, product reviews, and trend analysis for regular guys interested in menswear. Known for their relatable and distinctly unpretentious voice and approach, Founder Brian Sacawa and his team of writers have become influential in the contemporary menswear conversation, having been quoted and featured in publications such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Esquire, GQ, The Robb Report, Today.com, Playboy, The Rake, and The Huffington Post.
Photography by Rob McIver
