Buying for a brother should be easy. You've known him your whole life. But when it comes to Christmas, most of us end up asking the same question: what do you actually get him?
The best Christmas gifts for a brother are things he'd enjoy but wouldn't buy for himself: an upgrade for his home bar, gear for the gym, something useful for his daily routine, or something that makes him laugh. Here are 15 ideas, sorted by the kind of brother he is.
How we chose these gifts
Every pick comes from our own hand-picked catalog of gifts for men. We chose gifts that work for brothers of most ages and that don't depend on knowing his exact taste. We don't show prices because they change often, so tap any button to see today's price and delivery date on Amazon.
For the brother who loves a drink
1. Electric Whiskey Smoker Kit (No Butane Needed)
Electric Whiskey Smoker Kit (No Butane Needed)
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who makes a mean old fashioned.
This smoker uses a built-in heater instead of a torch, so there's no butane to buy. Six wood chip flavors add a smoky finish to bourbon and cocktails. It's a fun gift to try out together on Christmas night.
2. Trondebal Viking Drinking Horn Tankard Gift Set
Trondebal Viking Drinking Horn Tankard Gift Set
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who loves a gift with a story.
A hand-carved ox horn tankard that holds up to 20 oz of beer or mead, and arrives gift-ready in a burlap sack. It's a conversation piece he'll bring out at every party.
3. Cocktail Shaker Bartender Kit
Cocktail Shaker Bartender Kit
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who just got his own place.
A complete bartender set with a shaker and all the essential tools to mix cocktails at home. A great starter gift for a younger brother setting up his first apartment.
4. Greenline Goods American Flag Whiskey Glasses (Set of 2)
Greenline Goods American Flag Whiskey Glasses (Set of 2)
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the patriotic whiskey drinker.
Two heavy 10 oz whiskey glasses with a 3D eagle in the base. They look great on a home bar, and a set of two means he has one for you when you visit. See more whiskey and coffee gifts for brother.
For the active brother
5. TOLOCO Massage Gun
TOLOCO Massage Gun
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who never skips leg day.
A best-selling percussion massager with 10 heads and a quiet motor for deep-tissue muscle relief. Gym guys love them, and they're surprisingly useful after a long day of yard work too.
6. Carhartt Men's Paxton 1/4-Zip Sweatshirt
Carhartt Men's Paxton 1/4-Zip Sweatshirt
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who's always outside.
A warm, rugged quarter-zip from a brand most guys already like. It works for hiking, the job site or a casual weekend. Check the size chart before ordering.
Practical gifts for the older brother
7. Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool
Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the big brother who's always fixing something.
An 18-in-1 multi-tool with pliers, blades and wire cutters that lasts for years. It's the kind of quality gift an older brother appreciates.
8. VIBELITE Extendable Magnetic Pickup Tool with Flashlight
VIBELITE Extendable Magnetic Pickup Tool with Flashlight
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who works on his car or house.
A telescoping magnetic pickup tool with a built-in light for grabbing dropped screws and bolts in tight spots. A small, clever gadget he'll use more than he expects. More ideas are on our tool gifts for brother page.
9. RUNBOX Minimalist Front-Pocket Wallet
RUNBOX Minimalist Front-Pocket Wallet
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother with a wallet that's falling apart.
A slim, RFID-blocking front-pocket wallet that cuts out back-pocket bulk. A simple upgrade he'll use every single day.
For the brother who travels
10. WATERFLY Water-Resistant Sling Bag
WATERFLY Water-Resistant Sling Bag
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who's always on the move.
A lightweight crossbody bag that keeps his phone, wallet and keys within reach at airports, concerts and theme parks.
11. Premium Leather Toiletry Travel Pouch
Premium Leather Toiletry Travel Pouch
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother still packing his razor in a plastic bag.
A classy leather toiletry bag that makes every trip feel more grown-up. Pair it with the grooming kit below for a complete travel gift. See all our travel gifts for brother.
12. 26-Piece Stainless Steel Grooming Kit
26-Piece Stainless Steel Grooming Kit
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who wants to look sharp.
Every nail and grooming tool in a slim travel case. Practical, inexpensive and perfect as a stocking stuffer.
Funny and fun gifts for brother
13. True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t
True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who loves to win an argument.
500 insane-but-true facts he can use to settle (or start) debates at the dinner table. One of the most hilarious gifts for a brother on this list.
14. Multifunction Fidget Pen
Multifunction Fidget Pen
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother stuck in meetings all day.
A pen that doubles as a fidget gadget for restless hands. A fun stocking stuffer for the brother with a desk job.
15. The Book: Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization
The Book: Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization
Check Latest Price at AmazonBest for: the brother who's into survival shows and big ideas.
An illustrated hardcover on how to rebuild civilization from scratch, from science to survival skills. It's a unique conversation piece he won't already have. See more funny gifts for brother.
Tips for choosing a gift for your brother
- Think about his stage of life. A younger brother setting up his first place will love home bar gear; an older brother with a house will use tools.
- Use your inside jokes. You know his sense of humor better than anyone, so a funny gift from a sibling lands better than from anyone else.
- Go practical if you're stuck. A new wallet, a travel bag or a grooming kit replaces something worn out.
- Add a small extra. A joke book or fidget pen makes a great stocking stuffer alongside a bigger gift. See our stocking stuffers for brother.
Frequently asked questions
What should I get my brother for Christmas?
Match the gift to what he enjoys: a whiskey smoker or cocktail kit for the home bar, a massage gun for the gym, a multi-tool for the handy brother or a sling bag for the traveler. If you're stuck, a slim wallet or a funny book is a safe choice.
What is a good Christmas gift for an older brother?
Older brothers usually appreciate quality over novelty. A Leatherman multi-tool, a Carhartt quarter-zip or a whiskey glass set are all gifts he'll use for years.
What is a good Christmas gift for a brother-in-law?
Choose something easy to like without knowing him well: a whiskey glass set, a cocktail kit, a slim wallet or a fun trivia book all work. Browse all our gifts for brother for more ideas.
Still shopping for the rest of the family? See our Christmas gifts for dad or all our Christmas gifts for him.