35 Holiday and Birthday Gifts for Your Brother-in-Law You Haven't Seen Before

Picture this: Your brother-in-law is coming over for Christmas and your spouse could not be more excited. You're happy too, but there's even more holiday planning to think (read: stress) about now. First off, you'll need to double all your recipes. Next, you'll need a gift for your brother-in-law—and some stocking stuffers too. Which reminds you, he'll need a stocking and a special ornament for the tree…*deep breath* Buying a gift for your brother-in-law can feel a little intimidating no matter what occasion you're shopping for. Thankfully, we're here to help. Here's what to get your brother-in-law for Christmas, Hanukkah, his birthday or just because he's the coolest.

When it comes to finding gifts for your in-laws, we recommend you consider their style, hobbies and interests while shopping. A gift that reflects your brother-in-law's personality shows how well you listen and care about him and his pursuits. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean cliché guy gifts. If he likes an old-fashioned, swap traditional whiskey stones for a monthly liquor subscription. After all, edible gifts are always a hit. Whether he's tech-obsessed, loves the outdoors or is an avid sports fan, there's a unique gift for your brother-in-law on our list that you—and he—haven't seen before. We've even thought of gift ideas for the brother-in-law who has everything, so you know you're pretty much guaranteed to find a fitting present for the holidays, his birthday and beyond.

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1. Paper Airplane for Adults

Photo: Uncommon Goods

No matter how old they are, everyone enjoys unwrapping a toy—especially your fun-loving brother-in-law. This smartphone-controlled paper airplane won't just entertain him, it'll also inspire some quality time with his nieces and nephews. Just fold the "paper" (aka crash-proof carbon fiber), attach the Bluetooth-enabled device, download the app then commence takeoff. He can control every move and trick at up to 25 mph—it'll be the best gift of the year.

2. Glasses That Make Whiskey Taste Even Better

Photo: Uncommon Goods

This ultra-unique tumbler makes a thoughtful gift for the brother-in-law who prides himself on his whiskey collection. Made from carefully aged solid oak, this one-of-a-kind cup has a wide base to let aromas expand and is lined with honey beeswax to bring out the complex flavors of his favorite liquor. It's the best way to sip a nightcap.

3. Hot Sauce-Making Experience

Photo: Uncommon Goods

Bring the heat to the party with this hot sauce-making kit. If your brother-in-law is constantly pushing the Scoville scale, he'll love the chance to make his own hot sauce and really get creative with the pungency. It includes fiery ingredients for flavor, six bottles for serving, labels for creative sauce names and instructions. Take it up a notch and pair it with a live, virtual class so he can learn the art of chili sauce from an expert.

4. Place to Track His (Beer) Travels

Photo: Uncommon Goods

Help him track his state-wide bar crawl for the best breweries and, thus, beer, with this interactive gift. The wooden "map" has slots for him to store beer caps from all over a particular state. It's a clever present for a craft beer connoisseur who's always sipping new brews—and you don't personally need to know the difference between ales, lagers and stouts to gift it.

5. Backyard BBQ Entertainment

Photo: Uncommon Goods

Lawn games are all the rage in the summer, but that doesn't mean you can't have some competitive fun with your BIL in the winter. This handy tabletop cornhole game comes with adjustable launchers, eight bean bags and four score pegs so it can be played indoors anywhere you have a flat surface. It's sure to be a hit with your brother-in-law and his friends.

6. Wallet for Serious Sports Fans

Photo: Uncommon Goods

If he enjoyed football even before Taylor Swift started dating Travis Kelce, then he'll be obsessed with this awesome wallet. The inside pockets are lined with pieces of a real, game-worn jersey from the team he follows. (Seriously—it's authorized by the NFL.) Meanwhile, the outside comes debossed with the team name. The wallet also has a sticker your BIL can use to look up who wore the jersey and when. Better yet, it's gift-wrapped with an authentication card. (Psst, there are also wallets with NHL and MLB jerseys.)

7. Multipurpose Tool Without Any of the Bulk

Photo: Walmart

No matter where he is, he'll never be unprepared again with the help of this wallet-sized tool. The steel card is actually 18 (yes 18!) things in one, including a ruler, fruit peeler, can opener, phone stand and screwdriver. It slips right into the card pocket of his wallet and it won't rust or bend, even with regular use. How's that for a useful gift idea for your brother-in-law?

8. Travel Tech Organizer

Photo: CALPAK

If your brother-in-law is constantly traveling for work (or coming for a visit), this handy tech organizer will make his life a whole lot easier. Though small, it has some major organizational features, like multiple padded zippered pockets, elastic cord loops and mesh panels designed to keep all his cables, chargers and headphones untangled and easily accessible. Plus, it comes in some seriously fun patterns and colors.

9. New Favorite Backpack

Photo: The North Face

Looking for gift ideas for a brother-in-law who's always out and about? Hikers, frequent beachgoers and all-around adventurers will get tons of use out of this backpack. It has a dedicated laptop pocket if he likes to bring a backpack to work, as well as 360-degree reflectivity if he's out at night. Want even more good news? This backpack is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and features a padded back and lumbar panel, making it super comfortable for your brother-in-law to use.

10. Perfect Accessories for His Bloody Marys

Photo: Uncommon Goods

If he's all about a good Sunday Bloody Mary, he'll smile when he opens this one. This set of stainless steel cocktail branches holds all the fixings for the ultimate beverage—we're talking pickles, peppers and celery. He can whip them out for everything from at-home brunch to a TV sports marathon.

11. Craft Beer Delivered Right to His Door

Photo: Craft Beer Club

Wish your brother-in-law a Merry Christmas and a Hoppy New Year with a subscription to Craft Beer Club. They'll send him a monthly, bimonthly or quarterly delivery of delicious brews to help expand his palette. Each box includes 12 beers from different regions in the US, plus background info about the breweries, tasting notes and pairing recipes. We'll toast to that!

12. Battlechip Golf Game Set

Photo: Mark & Graham

This gift is for the Master's green jacket hopefuls who need to work on their chip shots. The game is similar to cornhole, in which players aim for a target a few feet away, except instead of tossing bean bags they'll hit (foam) golf balls. It's not just a fun lawn game, it'll also be a beneficial way to practice his golf game.

13. Stadium Wall Art

Photo: Ballpark Blueprints

You're absolutely not judging your brother-in-law's minimalist home decor aesthetic—blank walls can be an intentional decision. But if he's just not sure how to decorate, help him out with this cool wall art. Ballpark Blueprints sells architectural prints of baseball, football, basketball or soccer stadiums, as well as golf courses and race tracks. The image can come unframed, as a metal print, stretched on a canvas or framed.

14. Whiskey Subscription

Photo: Mash & Grape

This monthly whiskey subscription is sure to help stock his bar cart. They source from world-class small distillers and independent bottlers to find the most exceptional, exclusive and sometimes rare spirits. Each shipment comes with an expertly selected full-sized bottle as well as a smaller tasting box with three mini samples of new types of whiskey, so he can sip, savor and learn.

15. Meat-Lovers Gift Box

Photo: ButcherBox

If your brother-in-law is a carnivore, this edible gift box is just the holiday or birthday surprise for him. ButcherBox is a high-quality meat delivery service that sources humanely raised, antibiotic- and added hormone-free beef, pork, chicken and seafood. This particular box will provide him with ground beef, boneless pork chops, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, filet mignons, sirloin tips, bacon and apple gouda sausage—we're hungry just thinking about it. He'll know just what he's cooking for dinner this week and he'll still have lots of leftovers for the rest of the month. Alternatively, you could send him an e-gift card (we're looking at you, last-minute shoppers) so he can subscribe to ButcherBox and receive groceries monthly.

16. Tinggly Experience Voucher

Photo: Tinggly

One of the coolest parts about your brother-in-law is his adventurous spirit. He always has a new story about his travels to share—and now, that tale will be a direct result of your thoughtful gift. A Tinggly experience voucher will give him access to thousands of one-of-a-kind excursions around the world, like paddleboarding in the Florida Keys, white water rafting in New Zealand and a food tour in Thailand, just to scratch the surface. It never expires, so he can cash it in right way to play tourist in his hometown or hang onto it until his next international trip. Either way, adventure awaits!

17. Interactive World Map

Photo: Amazon

Remember, the best gifts play on the recipients' hobbies. If you're still looking for a good gift for your brother-in-law who's an avid traveler, consider this world map. This is no average atlas, though; it has a scratch-off design, so as he ventures to new locations, he gets to reveal that country on the map. We recommend mounting it to a corkboard so he can also pin photos from his trip to the map. Pro tip: The 24-inch by 36-inch poster will fit on this cork sheet perfectly.

18. Slim First Aid Kit

Photo: VSSL

Safety first! Slip this handy little gadget into your brother-in-law's stocking as a practical Christmas gift that'll bring relief to the whole family. The LED flashlight has four modes—high, medium, red and SOS settings—and is hollow to fit four storage tins with first aid supplies. He can pack them himself or you can add on pre-made tins filled with bandages and anti-septic wipes or gloves.

19. Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Photo: JBL

Brother-in-law or DJ? He can bring his favorite tunes and radio host abilities anywhere—even nature—thanks to this wireless, Bluetooth speaker from JBL. It's even fashioned with a carabiner hook to easily clip onto his backpack, while the compact size (it barely weighs half a pound) ensures it won't add too much weight if he's hiking or backpacking. It's even water- and dust-proof, making it ideal for the beach, too. You can customize the design with his initials, name, favorite color or an image for a personal touch. Sounds like he gets aux on the next family vacation.

20. Ultra-Soft Hoodie

Photo: Cozy Earth

Does your BIL need a new WFH 'fit? Made from breathable, lightweight, stretchy and incredibly soft bamboo viscose, it's the perfect sweatshirt for year-round wear. This slim fit features a drawstring hoodie, kangaroo pocket and wrist cuffs for a cozy yet polished look (even on Zoom) that comes in 10 colorways. Make sure to use the code THEKNOT for 30% off sitewide. (Excludes their serenity silk apparel collection and all cashmere.)

21. Slippers He Won't Be Embarrassed to Wear

Photo: L.L. Bean

Cozy items are a foolproof Hanukkah or Christmas gift for your brother-in-law—after all, it's the season for staying warm inside. These beloved slippers will help him do just that all winter long (and maybe all spring and all fall…you get the gist). They pair memory foam footbeds with plush shearling lamb fur for footwear that feels like a cloud. These shoes are durable, too; the rubber soles can withstand outdoor use, so they're perfect for casual strolls around the neighborhood to walk off some holiday cookies.

22. Gift Box of Surprise Goodies

Photo: GQ Box

Still unsure about what to gift your brother-in-law for the holidays or his birthday? Let the editors at GQ pick for you. Every three months, they select their favorite apparel, grooming and lifestyle essentials to pack and ship straight to his door. Just make sure to add a note with your Christmas or birthday wishes. Plus, he'll get exclusive offers and discounts in addition to discovering fun new products. It's an especially great present for your brother-in-law if he never even knows what he wants himself.

23. No More Neck Pain

Photo: Ostrichpillow

Here's a handy gadget that makes a great gift for the brother-in-law who spends a lot of time at his desk. This weighted neck pillow can be warmed in the microwave and placed over his shoulders for instant relief. The gentle heat and pressure is designed to reduce tension in the neck and shoulders after a long day of meetings. Ahhh!

24. Globally-Inspired Brainteasers

Photo: Uncommon Goods

Provide hours of entertainment—or frustration—with this holiday or birthday gift for your brother-in-law. The set of five wooden puzzles will challenge him to reverse engineer the Greek water mill, unlock the Roman keys and tackle even more brainteasers inspired by great civilizations. He'll be fidgeting with them all day at work.

25. Tasty Coffee Sampler

Photo: Grounds & Hounds

Does your brother-in-law's dating profile say "Must love coffee and dogs?" If so, try surprising him with this delicious coffee sampler set from Grounds & Hounds. It features three of the brand's most popular blends: Morning Walk, Paper & Slippers and Alpha Blend. Choose from whole beans, ground coffee or single-serve pods to suit his preferred brewing method. Best of all, Grounds & Hounds donates a portion of every sale to animal rescue organizations that provide safe havens for dogs between homes. Talk about puppy love!

26. Truly Versatile Mug

Photo: Fellow

Travel mugs are getting a major facelift thanks to Fellow, an innovative coffee equipment company. This sleek tumbler has a lid that can be opened with the flick of a thumb, which allows him to sip with ease no matter how full his hands are. Don't worry, despite this versatility, it's splash-proof and locks in heat. Talk about a cool gift for your brother-in-law, the ultimate multi-tasker.

27. Hobby-Inspired Cocktail Shaker

Photo: Viski

Combine your brother-in-law's fascination with space and his talent for mixology with this retro-inspired rocket cocktail shaker. Made from stainless steel, it holds 24 ounces of liquid to make a batch of fun and on theme cocktail recipes, like a Cosmo. It also includes a stand, a strainer and a lid.

28. Funny Cutting Board

Photo: Amazon

Complete his bar set this is a funny gift for your brother-in-law: a small cutting board for prepping garnishes shaped like a ninja. It even pairs with a long sword—er, knife. He could also use it as a serving board for sushi!

29. An Efficient Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Photo: Amazon

Replace his drive-thru breakfast habit with a fresh sammie from home that's still just as convenient. This ingenious cookware gadget has a special layer to cook an egg, warm bread and breakfast meat and melt cheese. The middle plate then slides out to allow you to build the sandwich hands-free. In just five minutes, he'll have a hearty breakfast thanks to you.

30. His Newest Gym Buddy

Photo: BlendJet

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day—especially for the BIL who starts his day at the gym. This portable blender from BlendJet may be small, but it's got a lot of power to whip up his protein shakes and nutrient-packed smoothies. It's even self-cleaning, so he can easily use it every day. Choose from dozens of colors and patterns, including Disney-themed designs featuring Buzz Lightyear, Ninja Turtles or Olaf for a super-fun brother-in-law gift.

31. High-Tech Cooking Gadget

Photo: Home Depot

If your brother-in-law is the family grill master—or better yet, if he isn't, but wants to be—this rechargeable, wireless meat thermometer will really solidify the title. It connects to an app on his phone and will notify him as meat cooks so he knows exactly when to take it off the heat. With this gadget on his team, he'll achieve perfectly tender chicken, pork chops or steak every time. Now, he can focus on winning cornhole at the next cookout (or any other activity up to 165 feet away) instead of being glued to the grill.

32. Delicious Home-Cooked Dinners, Minus the Hassle

Photo: Blue Apron

If he likes cooking and discovering new recipes but doesn't like all the time it takes, give him the gift of easy meal prep with Blue Apron. Send him an e-card for his birthday or a holiday so he can get two, three or four easy-to-follow dinner recipes—along with perfectly portioned ingredients—shipped right to his door each week. Perhaps he'll prepare a meal for you and your spouse as a thank you! (FYI, Blue Apron also offers a wine subscription, if tasting new vino is more up his alley.)

33. Vest That Goes With Everything

Photo: Nordstrom

As far as splurge-worthy gifts go, this one has to win your brother-in-law over. A versatile vest is a wardrobe staple for anyone, but it's especially appreciated by the finance bro in your life. This one boasts soft layers of rayon and cotton, along with vegan-friendly polyester and box quilting to add warmth. He can wear it on a morning walk and then right to the office.

34. Best of Both Worlds Socks

Photo: Darn Tough Vermont

Believe it or not, there are people who love receiving socks as a gift (this editor included). If your BIL appreciates the ultra-soft feel of a swanky new pair, we've got the perfect gift idea. The socks in this gift set are made from soft, thermoregulating merino wool with an ultra-smooth and undetectable feel. He'll get one lightweight pair perfect for dress shoes and one midweight pair for work boots when he's enjoying the outdoors—aka the perfect work-life balance! They even have a lifetime warranty so the socks really will last him a lifetime.

35. Tracker for Your Forgetful Brother-in-Law

Photo: Amazon

If your bonus sibling is a little bit forgetful, this is a gift for your bro-in-law he'll really benefit from. Tile Mate makes Bluetooth trackers that can hook onto keys, stick to phone cases or slide into his wallet so he'll never misplace his essentials again—or even if he does, he can find them. We recommend getting your really scatterbrained brother-in-law a set of four. They'll slip easily into his stocking!