Christmas Gifts for Men — Splurge Edition: Investment Pieces Worth the Wow

Stylish enough to wear with a suit or sweats, the Oura Smart Ring delivers surprisingly deep sleep, readiness, and health insights in a jewelry-like package. In our testing, the revamped sensors felt more accurate than prior generations and the app’s guidance made recovery choices clearer day to day. Battery life can dip below the marketing claims and several users report visible scratches, so pick a finish carefully. Also note: the most compelling features sit behind a paid subscription.

During our review, the Withings Body Scan felt like a true wellness upgrade: a premium, sturdy scale with a crisp 3.2-inch color display and lab-leaning metrics like six-lead ECG, pulse wave velocity, and segmental body composition. Syncing to Health Mate, Apple Health, and Google Fit made trends effortless to track. Be prepared for a learning curve—full scans take about two minutes and require holding the handle steady, and some readings can be inconsistent. It’s pricey, but for data-driven training and health awareness, we found it remarkably insightful.

For the adventurer who wants the best Apple Watch yet, the Ultra 3 impressed us with roughly 42 hours of real-world battery life and the biggest, brightest display for outdoor readability. Built-in satellite SOS and expanded cellular via 5G RedCap add peace of mind when you’re off-grid. That said, the single 49mm titanium case is large, the price is steep if you don’t need Ultra features, and our testing found the bulk can snag on sleeves during everyday wear.

Looking to elevate his recovery routine? In our testing, Icebound Essentials’ Endurance Cold Plunge Tub impressed with a roomy design that allows full-body immersion—and even fits two adults—plus commercial-grade reinforced walls and universal 1/2-inch chiller ports for easy compatibility. Setup is refreshingly simple: we inflated it in about five minutes and the pump and carry bag make travel feasible. Do note the trade-offs: once filled it’s roughly 900 lbs and hard to move, and some owners report air leaks; you’ll also need regular filter changes and periodic water swaps.

The Theragun PRO Plus is the deep‑tissue hammer we reach for when foam rollers tap out. In our testing, the 16mm amplitude and heated or vibration attachments worked wonders on stubborn knots, while the OLED screen and app kept pressure and routines on track. It’s heavier than many rivals and pricey, with some useful accessories sold separately. Casual users may find the biometric sensors and near‑infrared perks unnecessary; serious athletes will appreciate the headroom.

Aim for spa‑level soaks at home with the Kohler Bellwether: its solid cast‑iron build feels substantial and keeps bathwater warm noticeably longer. In our testing, the low step‑over made entry easier without compromising the tub’s classic, streamlined lines. Be prepared for a heavy install and inspect the enamel carefully—some buyers report ripples, chips, or shipping damage. If you’re hiring pros anyway, schedule a thorough on‑arrival check to swap units quickly should finish issues appear.

If he lives for heavy training, Normatec 3’s strong, rhythmic compression is a post‑workout ritual that, in our testing, genuinely eased soreness and flushed fatigue. Multiple zones and an app let you tailor pressure where it counts, and the built‑in battery keeps sessions cordless. The tradeoffs are real: it’s pricey, the hoses and control unit are bulky for travel or multitasking, and some units arrive finicky. We recommend unboxing early to test for charging or air‑leak issues.

Personalized comfort without compromise is the C2’s calling card: dual‑side air chambers let partners dial their own firmness nightly. During our testing, the smart features—like partner snore detection—proved genuinely helpful, though the pump can be noisy and finicky for some. Note that the surface is on the firmer side without a thick foam topper. You’ll also need a compatible base to unlock integrated adjustability, so factor that into the budget when comparing to traditional mattresses.

For a minimalist wearable, the Galaxy Ring nails the jewelry vibe while still delivering core health insights—no monthly subscription required. In our experience, it shines when paired with a Samsung phone, unlocking gestures and Find My Ring, though those perks are limited on other Android devices. Real‑world battery life often underwhelms versus Samsung’s six‑to‑seven‑day claim, and it can feel bulky on non‑index fingers. If you’re between this and Oura, the subscription‑free approach is a meaningful long‑term savings.

After long screen days, SmartGoggles are a blissful timeout—compression, vibration, and heat converge to soothe eyes and temples while blocking every hint of light. In our testing, the three‑hour battery supported multiple sessions between charges, but the headset feels heavy and is best used lying down. Some users may find the heat or vibration too intense, so start low. The biometric sensor and app can be inconsistent, but the core relaxation benefits don’t rely on perfect readings.

This foldable vertical climber is a space‑saving beast that, in our testing, spiked heart rates within minutes for a legit full‑body burn. The XL’s adjustable resistance lets you scale intensity, making intervals or steady climbs easy to program. However, durability can be a concern—plastic rollers and components have been known to break, and lower weight limits may exclude some users. If you buy, register promptly and keep packaging, as customer service and warranty experiences are mixed.

We found the Braun Series 9 Pro to be a set-it-and-forget-it upgrade for daily grooming. It delivers a consistently close, comfortable shave whether you’re tackling a 1-day shadow or a week’s worth, and the SmartCare station cleans, dries, lubricates, and tops up the battery for about 60 minutes of runtime (with a handy 5-minute quick charge). Downsides: it’s pricier than many rivals, replacement foils can wear sooner than expected, and a few users report button or tolerance issues needing service.

Tom Ford Noir Extreme Parfum feels tailor‑made for winter nights: a decadent amber‑woody gourmand laced with cardamom, kulfi, vanilla, and a touch of leather. During our review, we found the longevity excellent, often lingering well into the evening without needing a respray. Projection can sit close to the skin on some chemistry, and batches may vary, so test before you commit. It’s a splurge, but the opulent vibe outclasses many designer scents for formal dinners and black‑tie moments.

Nothing says “you’ve arrived” quite like a Meisterstück. In our testing, the Classique delivered a silky, consistent line and a beautifully balanced feel that made long notes and letters a pleasure. The classic Montblanc aesthetic and luxe presentation box make it an unmistakably gift-worthy piece. Just know you’re paying a premium, the resin construction feels lighter than some expect, and our experience shows quick scribbling can occasionally prompt start/stop hesitation—best results come with quality ink and a measured writing pace.

If he treats espresso like a craft, this Linea Mini kit elevates the machine from excellent to heirloom. In our review, the mix of wood, stainless, and chrome parts—knobs, group cap cover, paddle, and a convertible portafilter—feels authentically OEM, designed by Stefano Della Pietra. It’s a premium price and only fits “MI” serials, so verify compatibility first. Installation takes care; consider a La Marzocco tech recommendation to ensure tolerances and alignments are dialed perfectly.