Grooming gifts are easy to get wrong. A big box of tiny products looks generous, but half of it ends up in a drawer. A strongly scented set can be too much for someone with sensitive skin. And a clever gadget that needs a lot of skill turns into clutter.
At Rendezvous Barbers, we see what guys actually use and what they quietly stop buying. This guide updates our earlier one, and it’s organised by the person, not by the product, so you can shop with one particular guy in mind.
Before you buy anything
Three questions help more than any list.
What does he already use? If he has a routine he likes, add to it instead of replacing it. A man who’s happy with his pomade doesn’t want a different one.
What’s his hair or beard like? Fine hair, thick hair, a short beard and a long beard all need different things. A great product for one can be wrong for another.
Does he like scent? If you don’t know, choose unscented or lightly scented. Strong fragrance is a common reason gifts go unused.
If you’re still not sure, ask his barber. We’re happy to tell you what he uses and what he’d actually want.
For the guy with a beard
A beard is the easiest person to shop for, because the essentials are clear. Beard oil conditions the hair and skin. Balm adds shape and hold for longer beards. Our post on beard oil vs. beard balm explains which suits which length.
Beyond that, a good comb or brush is a gift most guys don’t buy for themselves, and it makes a daily difference. A small pair of grooming scissors is useful for stray hairs. And if he’s growing a longer beard, a quality trimmer is worth the money, but pick one with a strong motor and adjustable guards. Cheap ones pull and overheat.
Avoid: heavily scented oils, and anything marketed as a miracle growth product. Our piece on product labels covers what to ignore.
For the guy who shaves every day
Daily shavers go through blades, so blades are a sensible gift. As we wrote in our razor blade post, price doesn’t track quality, and good blades are often cheap. A safety razor and a pack of decent blades is a reliable gift for a guy who’s curious about a closer shave.
A good shaving soap or cream and a brush make the routine feel better, and they work for sensitive skin. A moisturiser or aftershave balm without alcohol is a practical add-on, especially now that the air is drier. Our winter shaving post covers why.
Skip: a straight razor for a beginner. It takes skill and practice, and it’s easy to get wrong.
For the guy who cares about his cut
If he gets regular haircuts and likes to style, a styling product he’ll actually use is a safe bet. Check what he uses before buying, or ask his barber. Our guide to pomade, clay, paste and wax explains which one suits which cut, and if you’re stuck, paste is the most forgiving.
A leave-in conditioner or scalp product is useful in winter, when dry indoor air hits the scalp. A wide-tooth comb or a good brush is a simple extra.
Avoid buying a product that’s very different from his usual. A man with a short fade doesn’t need a long-hair styling cream.
For the guy who has everything
Often the best gift here is an experience instead of a product. A hot towel straight razor shave is a treat most guys don’t book themselves. A haircut and beard appointment, or a cut with a scalp treatment, gives him a reason to slow down. Our hot towel shave post explains what the service involves, and the scalp treatment post covers whether the add-on is worth it.
An appointment works especially well for someone who skips grooming, because you’re not asking him to learn a new routine.
Stocking stuffers
Small, useful and cheap:
- Lip balm, which Toronto winters make essential
- A travel-size paste or cream for the gym bag
- A microfibre towel, which is gentler on hair than regular terry cloth
- A pack of good blades
- A small beard comb
- A hat-friendly leave-in spray for static
None of these will go unused, and most cost very little.
What to skip
Large gift sets with a dozen small products. The quantity is usually the selling point, and most of it won’t suit him.
Strongly scented sets. If you don’t know he likes it, don’t gamble.
Cheap electric trimmers. They pull hair and wear out within months.
Anything that needs skill, like straight razors or clipper kits. A bad cut at home is a poor gift.
Products with big claims. Anything that promises to regrow hair or fix grey overnight isn’t worth buying.
Budget guide
Under about $25: lip balm, a comb or brush, a small tin of paste or balm, a pack of blades, a microfibre towel.
About $25 to $60: a beard oil or balm from a decent brand, a good shaving soap and brush, a quality styling product, a safety razor.
Above that: a trimmer, a hot towel shave or a haircut and beard appointment, or a bundle of products you know he’ll use.
These are rough bands. Prices vary, and a good gift at any price is one he’ll actually use.
Timing
Black Friday on November 27 is a good moment for tools, razors and trimmers. For products, don’t buy too far ahead, because many have a limited shelf life once opened, as we explain in our post on when to throw out your styling products. If you’re ordering online, allow time for shipping in December. If you’re booking an appointment as a gift, book early, because December fills quickly.
The Bottom Line
The best grooming gift is the one he’ll use. Think about his hair, his beard, and his routine, keep it simple, and skip the big boxes of filler.
Not sure what to get? If you’re not sure what he’d want, a gift card lets him pick. A haircut, a beard trim or a hot towel shave all suit a man who likes his routine. Ask at any of our five Toronto locations about gift cards or buy them online.
