Gifts for Men Who Have Everything: 12 Ideas He Won't Own

The man who has everything has the big things. He researched them, bought them, and they work. What he does not have is the small, slightly unnecessary, beautifully made object that nobody buys for themselves. That is the gift.

The test: will it still be on his desk, in his pocket or on the table in a year?

For his pocket

1. A pocket watch. Nobody needs one, which is exactly why it feels like a gift. An open gear-work cover over a Roman-numeral dial, on a long chain, makes a waistcoat or a jacket look deliberate. How to wear a pocket watch.

2. A pocket compass. A real, working compass in an antique bronze case with a hinged lid. For the walker, the traveller, or the man who likes to know which way is north. Compass rose meaning.

3. A memento mori coin. A heavy coin with a skull or an hourglass and the words memento mori — remember you will die — to carry in a pocket and turn over before a big decision. Stoic, a little dark, and surprisingly moving. The meaning of memento mori.

For his desk

4. A Newton's cradle. The original executive desk toy, still unbeaten. How it works.

5. An infinity cube. Eight hinged metal blocks that fold endlessly and silently — the thing his hands do during long calls.

6. A precision spinning top. Machined metal, spins for minutes. Ten seconds of calm, on demand.

7. A quill pen. For signing cards, addressing envelopes, or simply the pleasure of writing slowly. How to write with a quill.

For his table

8. A handsome deck of cards. Black and gold plastic, or gold foil, that survives drinks and looks as if it belongs at a poker table.

9. A cribbage board. A game for two that lasts a lifetime, on a folding wooden board. How to play cribbage.

10. A magnetic travel chess set. For the train, the hotel or the porch.

11. A leather dice cup. Five dice, a felt-lined cup, and a dozen bar games. Ship, Captain and Crew.

12. A poker night kit. A felt table topper and a dealer button set, for the man who hosts. How to host a poker night.

How to choose

• Think about where he spends his time — desk, pocket, table — and pick something for that place.
• Choose metal, wood and weight over plastic and gadgets. Things that feel substantial feel like gifts.
• Add a story. A compass for a new direction, a pocket watch for a milestone, a memento mori for a man who likes to think.

Gifts for men who have everything, by budget

Most of the ideas above sit comfortably in a modest budget — good gifts for men who have everything do not need to be expensive, just well chosen. Pair two smaller things — a compass and a quill pen, a deck and a dice cup — for a gift that looks considered.

Stocking stuffers for men · Gifts for dad who has everything.

Frequently asked questions

What do you get a man who has everything for Christmas?

Get the small, well-made thing he would never buy for himself: a pocket watch, a brass compass, a Newton's cradle or a handsome deck of cards. Choose for where he spends his time, and ask whether it will still be in use in a year.

What do you get a man who has everything for his birthday?

A game you can play with him, such as cribbage or travel chess, turns a gift into time together. A memento mori coin or a pocket watch suits a milestone birthday.

Do gifts for a man who has everything need to be expensive?

No. Most good choices are small objects in metal, wood or weight that feel substantial. Pairing two small things, such as a compass and a quill pen, looks considered without costing much.