35 Gifts for Adult Sons Who Are Older But Still Awesome

You might remember the days when he was knee-high to a grasshopper, but your son is all grown up now, so you won’t be able to get away with giving him baseball mitts and bicycle cards.

Here are just a few alternatives when you’re looking for gifts for an adult son!

the man can shower supplies

To Get Him in the Shower: The Man Can

The Man Can is a practical gift in a prankster’s package. Though it’s humorously named, it’s filled with real, all-natural bath products for men, including a bay rum oil and a spiced shave gel. He’ll be able to lather up in luxury even as he keeps his dignity intact with the manliest shower supplies ever.

japanese ceramic clay grill

To Invite Yourself Over for Dinner: Japanese Ceramic Clay Grill

There’s nothing like a slice of Wagyu beef that’s been cooked to perfection, and with this outdoor, Japanese-style grill, your son can enjoy it whenever he likes. The charcoal-bearing grill body is made from clay, and the metal cooking grate rests atop it with a wide distance to enhance smokey flavors.

He can cook up a storm with both exotic eats like yakiniku as well as traditional American favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs.

pocket watch

‘Hello, Govn’r: Mechanical Bronze Pocket Watch

Make him feel like a Victorian gentlemen with this vintage pocket watch. It’s crafted from bronze with a skeleton dial surrounded by lightly engraved details, and a unique magnifying glass design offers a porthole center looking into the gears that turn the hands.

A chain will hook it all together on his belt or vest loop. Is he ready to be a Mr. Darcy and attract his Miss Bennett?

fragance  set for men

For the Ladykiller: Armani 5-Piece Fragrance Set for Men

There’s a big difference between Axe and Armani, so if he’s still using the former, it’s time to introduce him to more luxurious brands. This five-piece set is basically a sampler of Armani’s most famous fragrances, including Code, Diamonds and Acqua Di Gio.

For a fraction of the cost of full-size bottles, your son can dabble in high-class colognes and see which ones make an impression.

iron on patch

If He’s a Kid at Heart: I See No Good Reason to Act My Age Iron-On Patch

Move over, Peter Pan! This gift is for the guy who still loves fun, creativity, excitement and adventure no matter what his birthday counter looks like. It says “I See No Good Reason To Act My Age,” and it’s printed on a fabric patch that can be applied to everything from vests to messenger bags.

Let his inner child run free!

roller wheel kit

For Personal Transformation: 6-in-1 Exercise Roller Wheel Kit

You don’t need a gym membership to stay in shape. With tools like these, your son can create personalized, full-body workouts right at home, and he can control his own force, pace, speed and duration. The key features of the set are the multipurpose wheels and bars that can be utilized for different exercises.

Whether he’s a fitness freak or a newbie just getting into the game, this kit can build some biceps.

bacon sampler set

A Meaty Gift: Bacon Lover Sampler Set

If he’s always been the type to come running when he hears the sizzle of bacon, he’ll absolutely salivate at this bacon lover sampler set. It offers six new ways to enjoy his favorite snack, including bacon hot sauce, bacon-flavored salt and barbecue bacon jerky.

Dessert is even represented by a dark chocolate bacon bar, so in a way, he’ll cross off all of his food groups.

wooden phone docking station

If He’s the Forgetful Sort: Wooden Phone Docking Station

Available in black, brown and beige, this wooden docking station is sure to become a staple in his household. It measures just 10 inches tall, so it isn’t big or bulky, but it fits in a lot of storage space with multiple shelves, trays and compartments.

He can use it to stash everything from smartphones to sunglasses. He’ll never have to worry about misplacing the essentials again!

massage flip flops

For Professional Spa Services at Home: Acupuncture Massage Flip Flops

Does he suffer from foot, knee or lower back pain? Does he have a job that requires a lot of sitting or standing? Does he love massages in general? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” consider buying him acupuncture sandals with built-in beads that will dig into his pressure points.

They’ll be painful at first, but with repeated use, they can do wonders for posture, arthritis, plantar faciitis and more.

T-shirt

For the Mama’s Boy: I’m Mom’s Favorite Novelty T-Shirt

While not explicitly a gift for sons, this brand of humor has “boy” written all over it. It’s a novelty tee that bears the message “I’m Mom’s Favorite.” It can be ordered in multiple colors and sizes, and it’ll be perfect for a guy who isn’t afraid to show off his mom’s love.

cocktail shaker set

Shaken, Not Stirred: 12-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set

If he loves his whisky sours, consider giving him a bartender set that will allow him to make drinks like a pro. A dozen stainless steel cocktail tools are housed in an attractive bamboo rack, including a shaker, strainer and double jigger.

Other handy items range from liquor pourers to bottle stoppers. He’ll be able to mix well, impress his guests and maybe even attract a future in-law for you!

handbook

A Throwback to His Boy Scout Days: The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook

Does he know how to fend off a shark attack? He will if he reads The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Expert Advice for Extreme Situations. From getting out of quicksand to preserving oxygen after a scuba dive disaster, it covers all kinds of situations fraught with danger.

Your son can become an expert in the kind of quick thinking and problem solving required to survive mortal peril.

portable bluetooth speaker

For Portable Playlists: Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

With its flat-topped matte black design, this speaker is as stylish as it is serviceable. It’s both cordless and wireless, so it’s fully portable, and it’s powered by an easy-to-use touch display with light-up controls for things like volume.

A single charge can last as much as 20 hours, and it’s waterproof, shockproof and vibration-proof. It’ll be hard to find another Bluetooth speaker as good as this one!

coaster set

When the Hunt is His Life: Four-Piece Deer Antler Drink Coaster Set

It’s a stereotype, but it’s true: Most men don’t use coasters. If you want to save your son’s tabletops, you’ll need to find some awesome, out-of-this-world coasters that he’ll use just to show off. One possibility is this four-piece deer antler set: They’re styled like wooden tree trunks with hoof prints stamped into them, and they’re stored in jagged 3D antlers acting as a container.

They’ll be absolutely perfect for a hunting man!

puzzle storage roll mat

A Hobbyist’s Dream: Jigsaw Puzzle Storage Roll Mat

If he loves puzzles but hates sacrificing his dining room table to days or weeks of putting it together, this is the gift for him. It’s a roll-up mat that will allow him to stash and store his unfinished puzzles without undoing all of his progress.

It’s suitable for creations of up to 1,500 pieces, and it comes with printed auxiliary lines to coordinate them all perfectly. It’ll be wonderful for beginner and expert puzzlemasters alike.

wallet gift box set

To Channel the Spirit of Marie Kondo: Slim Wallet Gift Box Set

For the man with a lot of stuff to carry around, this slim leather wallet can help him simplify his life and amplify his style. It has enough room for the essentials, including credit cards, cash and IDs, but it’s designed in a way that encourages minimalism.

A matching pen and key chain have the same brown leather look for added fashion points.

air and convention oven

For the Newly Moved or Newly Married: Chefman Air Fryer and Convection Oven

This gift isn’t very glamorous, but it’s something that he’ll use every day, so it’s ideal for the practical parent. It’s a multipurpose convection oven that can bake, broil, toast, warm, slow cook and even air fry.

He can roast a whole chicken; he can crisp veggies and tater tots. This oven will be a great housewarming gift for the amateur or professional cook.

monopoly

Valar Morghulis: Monopoly Game of Thrones

If your son enjoys fantasy games, he should get a kick out of the Monopoly version of Game of Thrones. Not only will it delight him with a trip throughout Westeros, but if you’re willing to play a game or two, it can serve as a catalyst for real parent-and-child bonding.

Nothing says love like fire-breathing dragons coming to destroy your property!

coffee mug

A Bear of a Challenge: Fight a Bear Coffee Mug

“I would fight a bear for you, son,” this coffee mug declares. Then it reconsiders. “Not a grizzly bear. Or a brown one.” It continues to list dangerous bear species before finally settling on what it would be willing to challenge: a Care Bear.

If your son is the type to appreciate a funny mug, this one will definitely do the trick!

beard grooming kit

For a Bountiful and Bodacious Beard: Beard Grooming Kit

Whether he’s a fully bearded lumberjack or a teenager growing his first wisps of facial hair, this kit can keep him well-groomed. It includes everything that he could possibly need for beard maintenance, including a brush, comb, shampoo, oil, balm and scissors.

It even has a carrying bag to keep it all organized! His beard will become a thing of envy with TLC like this.

compass

To Get a Little Gooey: Mom to Son Journey Compass

As a mom, it’s your legal right to embarrass your son with displays of love and affection whenever you want. This gift will probably get some squirming and complaining about your cheesiness, but in his heart, he’ll appreciate it.

It’s a handsome compass with an engraved inscription about making journeys but always finding your way home.

wall art

For Personal Excellence: Grind, Hustle, Execution Motivational Wall Art

If he has any sort of goal or ambition, this wall art can deliver some much-needed inspiration on difficult days. It comes in three pieces that define “grind,” “hustle” and “execution” in terms of achieving success.

It also has a stark minimalist design to suit male spaces.

belgian coffee maker

Paging Dr. Frankenstein: Belgian Balancing Siphon Coffee Maker

This is a gift that’s just plain cool. It’s a coffee maker, but it resembles a cross between a scientific experiment and some kind of futuristic steampunk invention. It makes siphon-style coffee, and if he’s never woken up to those heavenly aromas or sipped from those deliciously smooth brews, he’s in for a treat.

poker cards

Outside of the Box Fun: Waterproof Black-Gold Foil Poker Cards

These aren’t your average playing cards. For starters, they’re almost completely black, which gives them a very dapper look. They’re also accented by foil, gold-and-silver versions of the royal faces and houses.

Last but not least, they’re waterproof, tear-proof and surprisingly bendy: You can flex them up to 180 degrees without causing damage! If you like cool stocking stuffers, have your son ask Santa to deliver a game of Texas Hold ‘Em.

100 movies list poster

For the Movie Buff: 100 Movies Bucket List Poster

Can he quote every word of The Godfather? Can he list Christopher Nolan’s box office successes in perfect chronological order? If he’s a movie buff, he’ll love this scratch-off poster bearing some of the greatest cinematic hits of all time.

Additionally, if there are any famous flicks that he hasn’t seen, this gift can inspire him to hit up Netflix for them.

leather flask with funnel and cups

For Sipping on the Go: Brown Leather Flask With Funnel and Cups

Another gift for the whiskey or bourbon connoisseur, this flask is made with 18/8 stainless steel wrapped in handsome brown leather. The top also doubles as a carrying case for a small pouring funnel and three metal shot glasses.

It’s an all-in-one hip flask that he can enjoy while fishing, camping, partying, barbecuing and more!

cookbook

When He’s Addicted to Chopped: A Man, A Pan, A Plan Cookbook

He could be a hopeless bachelor who burns water. He could be an award-winning chef who’s always on the lookout for his next great dish. Either way, he should enjoy A Man, A Pan, A Plan: 100 Delicious and Nutritious One-Pan Recipes You Can Make Right Now.

From banana pancakes to buffalo chicken meatballs, he’ll be eating well with minimal effort.

lunch bag

Lunch Like It’s 1999: Insulated Adult Lunch Bag

You’re never too old for a lunchbox, especially when it comes with zippered, double-stacked compartments lined with PEVA for both temperature control and leak-proofing. His cold cuts will stay cold; his soup thermoses will stay hot.

Since it’s an attractive black bag, he won’t be embarrassed to take it to work, school or other places, either.

keychain

For Families of Choice: Superman Was Adopted Too Key Chain

What if he isn’t your son by blood? What if you fostered, adopted, step-parented or otherwise accepted him into your life? This is a key chain that will express your love in a fun and unique way. It says simply “Superman Was Adopted Too,” which will deliver warm and fuzzy feelings without being overly mushy.

hand warmers

To Keep the Blood Circulating: Zippo Refillable Hand Warmers

He’s a hunter. He’s a hockey player. He has a long, cold commute. These are just a few of the scenarios where he might appreciate a portable, refillable hand warmer. You can purchase both 6- and 12- hour models, and the warming technology is entirely flameless to ensure safety while on the go.

As a bonus, it’s made by Zippo, so you can rest assured of its quality.

whiskey glass

To Take His Liquor to the Next Level: American Oak Whiskey Glass

If he loves the flavors and aromas of oak barrel alcohol, he’ll go nuts for this cup. All that he has to do is pour in his favorite drink and wait 30 minutes. When time is up, he’ll have an authentically infused American oak flavor in his rum, whiskey or cognac.

Best of all, it won’t require ages in a barrel to achieve!

nightmatch light

To Relieve Old Times: Nightmatch Light Up LED Football

Dads, do you remember when you used to spend hours tossing around the old pigskin with your son? You can bring back those days with this LED football. It’s a normal, regulation football, but it’s equipped with illuminating technology to keep it visible even after the sun sets.

Unlike the days of his childhood, you won’t have to call it quits just because it gets dark.

wooden puzzle

Cerebral Delight: 3D Marble Run Wooden Puzzle

Like a real-life roller coaster, this 3D puzzle has so many twists and turns that it might make you dizzy just to look at it. It’ll be fun to build, however, especially if your son is a fan of things like moving gears and marble runs.

Depending on his skill level with puzzles, crafts and construction projects, assembly could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

apron

For Your Next Backyard Barbecue Bash: Your Opinion Wasn’t in the Recipe Adjustable Chef Apron

Another great gift for grill masters, this apron comes with lots of “extras,” including adjustable straps and two full-size pockets for storing spoons, sauces and tongs. The best thing about it, however, is the print on the front.

It says “Your Opinion Wasn’t In the Recipe,” which is a sentiment that most cooks would definitely appreciate!

the gift of nothing

For the Man Who Has Everything: The Gift of Nothing

Last but not least, if he always tells you that he doesn’t need anything for his birthday, this is the perfect gift to encapsulate it. It’s an empty plastic sphere. The packaging declares, “This product is guaranteed to do absolutely nothing.

If something happens, return it for a full refund.” It’s a gag gift that’s sure to go down in history among your family.

A Buyer’s Guide

Gifts for grown-up sons are a bit like gifts for any man, but they come with extra wrapping that Hallmark can’t even hope to emulate: a parent’s love. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, serious, sentimental or silly, here are just a few things to keep in mind as you go gift shopping for your boy.

Think About His Hobbies and Interests

This might sound obvious, but it’s amazing how many people buy gifts that they like rather than what they think their recipient would like.

Think about your son’s likes and dislikes. Build on them. Get creative with them. For example, if he’s a collector, find him new and innovative ways to display his goods. If he likes movies from another country, buy him a language learning book. You could also do something different with the Decide the Tone of Your Gift

Do you want to get sappy with your gift, or would you prefer something funny and light-hearted? There’s no wrong answer here. It depends on things like your son’s personality and the occasion that you’re celebrating. A mushy gift might be tolerated more if he’s an 18-year-old moving away from home, for example, as opposed to a 40-year-old who already has an entire drawer filled with cards from you.

Make It Memorable

You’ve probably given your son all kinds of gifts. What was the most memorable, and what made it memorable? Was it something that he really wanted? Was it something shared by the family that inspired a lot of quality time together? Try to recapture the magic this year with something meaningful, thoughtful or just plain fun.

Conclusion

These are just a few gifts that you can give to an adult son. What do you think of our suggestions? Is there anything that you absolutely love or completely and utterly hate? We want to know, so hit us up!

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