Finding the perfect gift for your brother doesn’t have to be hard. It’s just a matter of picking the right one out or at least something he’ll like. If you’ve given him all the socks and hats his closet and dresser can hold, it may be time for an upgrade.
Switch up your tactics and get your brother one of these 10 gifts.
1. Money
College student or not, your brother needs money. He hates debt like any other Joe. If helping him pay his student loans off doesn’t scream gift, then I don’t know what does. “I wish for someone to pay off my student loans,” said University of Central Florida sophomore Alex Duarte. Cheap and college are far from synonyms, (even if we wish they were). For that reason, help a “brotha” out and loan him some money, he’ll definitely thank you for it. And if you want to get him something to keep the money in, try one of those kiddie ATM machines that blew up on TikTok.
Zonkin Cartoon Electronic ATM: $28.99
2. Digital Picture Frame
Aluratek 7″ Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame: $44.99
Memories are worth a thousand words and every picture deserves a frame. Buying a picture frame for your brother will allow him to house every faint and recent memory he has. “There have [been] so many moments in college where I wish that I had the close circle of friends that I had back when I was in high school. Whenever I think about them I really only have the memories I’ve made with them in my head, but a nice picture that I can place in my dorm and look at would be real nice,” said Duarte.
3. A Fancy Camera
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera: $449.00
Now, you really must love your brother to gift him this gorgeous camera. Whether he’s an aspiring YouTuber or the token picture taker, this thoughtful gift will satisfy either role. “I love filming and making videos, so a Canon would be a great asset for that,” said Florida International University junior Santiago Romero. No more blurred lines or grainy focus, give him a high quality gift.
4. Cologne
Calvin Klein Eternity for Men: $82.00
Major key alert: Contrary to popular belief, guys do want to smell good. Buying your brother cologne is like giving him an extra boost of confidence. Cologne will have him ready for any occasion, a romantic date or casual Monday at the office. Don’t let your little brother embarrass himself by smelling weird.
5. Trendy Sneakers
adidas Men’s Lite Racer Adapt 4.0: $37.45-$155.55
That’s right ladies, guys love their shoes too. “Most guys would like shoes!” said Miami Dade College sophomore Kevin Villamizar. Buy him what he wants and what he’ll definitely take care of, just don’t forget to check his shoe size. You don’t want him walking around looking like Bozo the clown.
6. Car Air Purifier
PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier: $39.99
Generally speaking, a guy’s car is his man cave—but on wheels. It’s filled with everything he wants, exactly how he wants it. “If my brother were to gift me a gift I would want him to get me a car accessory,” said Duarte. We take our cars seriously, surprising your brother with a cool new gadget for his vehicle will be like giving candy to a toddler.
7. The Gift of Giving
Give him the gift of thoughtfulness. “You are better off giving than receiving although receiving is awesome as well,” said Romero. Don’t let the brass knuckles he tucked away in his top drawer fool you, a thoughtful gift will soften the toughest heart. The mere thought alone will make him appreciate the gift that much more. “[Giving] means someone has remembered you and even decided to go ahead and go out [of] their way to get you something,” said Villamizar.
8. An Everyday Watch
GOLDEN HOUR Stainless Steel Waterproof Chronograph Quartz Watch for Men: $43.99
The best holiday gift is a useful gift. “I think I would get my brother a watch. And not a fancy watch, just a regular casual watch. I find that my brother always loses track of time and his phone is not a good way to look at the time as it’s always dying,” said Duarte. I am sure many can relate. Don’t let him ditch his smartphone, but while you’re at it, pick up a watch he’ll love.
9. A Nice Razor
Braun Electric Razor for Men: $59.94
Tired of seeing your brother’s face covered in razor burn because of the cheap $1 razors he buys at the drug store? Pick him up a nice razor. Who doesn’t love giving a tech gift that benefits you, too? “I’d even be happy with a brand new razor,” said Duarte. Now the eternal question: Against the grain or with the grain? Let him worry about that. Pick him up a razor, preferably an electric one with attachments, and he’ll do the hard decision making.
10. Video Games
Madden NFL 22: $34.99
First things first: Xbox or PS5? If he’s a serious die-hard gamer or an occasional xyx combo player, you’ll definitely be his favorite when you surprise him with a new release. Just double check which console he owns and the type of games he likes. FIFA or Madden? GTA or Mass Effect? Unsure? Then ask his home boys or best friend. They will definitely thank you later.
Need more gift ideas for your brother? Check out these tees.
Looking for even more gifts for your brother? We’ve got your back.
We’ve added even more great gifts to this gift guide. Whether you’re shopping for your brother, brother-in-law or “best friend who’s basically a brother,” you’ll find a Christmas gift to please him.
Written by Rosie Forster.
11. A Jersey from His Favorite Sports Team
NFL PRO LINE Men’s Derrick Henry Navy Tennessee Titans Team Jersey: $119.99
What screams masculinity more than total blind devotion to a sports team? Forget the minimalist white tees from Urban Outfitters. Get him a jersey that displays his team proudly, whether it’s football, baseball or rugby. He’ll love you for it. “I was so surprised because I never thought [my sister] was listening when I was talking about baseball because she hates it. But she went out of her way to get me what I really wanted,” University of California, Los Angeles sophomore Austin Cook said.
12. Weights
Wolfyok Dumbbells Set: $89.99
Not everyone has access to a gym, and if your brother lifts (bro), he’ll appreciate a way to work out on the go. Get him some weights that he can keep in his dorm room for those days he’d rather stay in and watch Top Gun. As we all know, weights will keep gym junkies endlessly busy, and he’ll get muscles out of it (the ultimate gift to a macho man). He’ll thank you for keeping his bulking schedule on track.
13. A Keyboard
Plixio 61-Key Digital Electric Piano Keyboard & Sheet Music Stand: $73.99
Do you want your brother to wreak havoc on the ears of everyone in his dorm? A keyboard will help your musically inclined brother reach his dreams of stardom. Even if he can’t read music, the ebony and ivory can gently push him into the profession. “My sister bought me my midi keyboard for my birthday and that’s my favorite thing I’ve ever gotten because I’m a f—king nerd,” Macquarie University sophomore Cal Maritz said. Get tone deaf brothers a poster of a keyboard instead so no one blames you for him waking up the dorms at 3 a.m. with his rendition of “Clocks” by Coldplay.
14. TV Show Merch
Stranger Things Eggo Card Game: $59.99
My brother’s favorite T-shirt proudly displays one of his favorite quotes of all time: “M as in Mancy” (bonus points if you can guess the show it’s from). Show him you’ve been listening to his slew of TV recommendations and get him a unique gift that he’ll actually like. Whether it’s a shirt, a World’s Best Boss mug or a Dothraki language guide (you’re welcome, GOT fanatics), he’ll love it. Not only does he already like the show, but your gift proves to him that you value his opinion.
15. A Day Out Together
Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel: Our List of the 500 Best Places to See… Ranked: $15.99
A lot of siblings in college don’t get to hang out together for months at a time. Show them you truly love them by planning a day out together when you come home. Take him to a movie, a sports game or take him shopping. Watch the sunset if you like. Make time for him and be present. “The best gift I ever gave was being born,” UNSW sophomore Eliza Priest said. Cherish the fact that you have a lifelong connection to this person, and go beyond the occasional FaceTime call. Nick, when I come home, we’re going out for ice cream, even if you are lactose intolerant.
16. Concert Tickets
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If your brother is a music lover (because who doesn’t like music?) and you have a few dollars to spare, grab him a ticket to his favorite band, or maybe a music festival. “My sister got me Coachella tickets. I got to meet so many new people, and it opened my world,” UCLA junior Kenny Nicholson said. If you have other siblings, pitch in together to give your brother the experience of a lifetime and cut down on the cost per person. If your brother nerds out more than he rocks out (because college students tend to be nerds), get him tickets to see a magic show or an art festival.
17. Duffel Bag
Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffel with Utility Pouch: $39.99
Give him another reason to come home and hang out with you. Buying your brother a quality piece of luggage will not only make him remember you when he goes on his frat retreat, but it’ll also make him feel guilty about living so far away. He’ll be more inclined to go traveling (hopefully with you) if he has a bag that’s both durable and stylish.
18. Handmade Crafts
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts: $6.48
If you have a heart of gold, break out the glitter and colored paper. Making your brother a DIY gift (instead of the typical gag gift you buy him every holiday) declares your love for him and looks great on his dorm room wall. “My sister made me a card. It opened my eyes, cause it showed how big a role I play in my sibling’s lives and how they look up to me,” UCLA freshman Jose Perez said. It doesn’t have to be a macaroni necklace, but even just writing something out by hand adds a personal touch that elevates your gift to the next level.
19. A Board Game
Exploding Kittens: $19.82
Families across cultures spend nights arguing over a game of Ticket to Ride or Clue. Get your brother a board game to take to college with him, and he’ll have an instant way to connect with his new floormates. It’ll make for a great reminder of you while away if he can remember all the times you fought over the game together. You can try a new game, like Exploding Kittens, or go retro and grab him Sorry or Monopoly. Before we had Words with Friends, we had Scrabble. Give him the gift of fun without the screen-induced headache.
20. Steam Gift Card
Steam Giftcard: $50
Steam is the ideal marketplace for every gamer. You can buy almost any PC game that ever existed and will exist in the future. Let your brother throwback to his favorite memories on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic or test out the new graphics on Call of Duty: World War II.
21. Bluetooth Speaker
EDUPLINK Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: $39.99
Imagine being the only kid in the house for your mom to nag about a dirty room. You left to college and stranded your brother to face the parentals all alone. Let him drown out the nagging with a speaker that shakes the walls of the house in all his teenage angst.
22. Vinyl Records/Portable Record Player
Victrola Vintage Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player: $49.57
If your brother thinks he needs to work on his ~aesthetic~ or his ~vibes~, indulge him by getting him a vinyl recording of his favorite album. Listening on vinyl sounds different than hearing the songs on Spotify, and he’ll thank you for a cool way to decorate his dorm. Who doesn’t love displaying their album covers proudly all over their walls? He’ll drown himself in nostalgia when he plays it, and you’ll be at the forefront of his mind as the person who gave it to him. If he doesn’t have a record player, get him that first, and then you’ll know what to get him for the rest of your life.
23. New Laptop
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop: $229.99
Don’t give him an excuse to forget to do his homework. There’s always a classmate who says the dog ate his homework. Don’t let that be your brother.
24. Photo album
Pioneer Photo Album: $15.22
Worried your brother won’t remember you when he leaves for college? Make him a photo album of all the photos you have of the two of you together. Even the toughest of bros will tear up when he’s presented with a book of touching memories. “Every page was a new age/important moment and then I added a blank page at the end to represent his blank canvas for the future for him to write his own history,” UNSW sophomore Eliza Priest said. Add some Polaroids for extra nostalgia.
25. Echo Plus
Echo (4th Gen): $59.99
Alexa is the mom you can’t have in college. Let her remind you to do your homework every day or play music to keep your mind mellow.
26. A power tie
HISDERN Plaid Checkered Necktie & Pocket Square Set: $15.99
Give your bro the nudge he needs to interview for his dream job and ditch the secretary position at your dad’s office. Anyway, it’s time for him to give up his hoodie and beanie uniform he wears everyday. Give him a few ties to show that you believe he can land the job and actually have a need for multiple snazzy ties.
27. Headphones
Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones: $169.95
Maybe he dreams of becoming a Grammy-winning producer. Maybe he has an annoying roommate (AKA you) that snores up a symphony every night. Either way, he’ll need headphones to feel the beat and block out the world. Opt for airpods for a more discrete brother.
28. Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder: $63.99
Time to bulk up, dude. Your gym rat brother wants to make gains for his new SO and you can help him do it the healthy way.
29. Dress Shirt
Calvin Klein Slim Fit Men’s Dress Shirt: $39.94-$62.23
Buy your brother what he needs but won’t spend money on willingly. A big sister might even take their little brother to Nordstrom and have him pick out what he likes best. A classy dress shirt can be used at career fairs, internships or even a fancy family dinner. And if you find him a “non iron” shirt, he won’t show up to any of these places a disheveled mess.
30. Nerf Gun
NERF N-Strike Elite Disruptor: $13.99
No matter your age, a Nerf war can and will break out this holiday season. Prepare your brother for the game of a lifetime… or just get it for yourself and take the win for yourself.
Check out these 10 gifts for men that your brother would absolutely love to take back to campus.
Written by Sydney Foster
31. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FNE5TNG” locale=”US” tag=”collemagaz-20″]Sports Tickets[/easyazon_link]
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Give him the gift of cheering on his favorite team live and in person. The perfect gift to schedule some sibling bonding time while also showing that you actually do pay attention to his fantasy draft picks. “I bought my brother tickets to a basketball game this year. It’s something we can do together and I don’t have to worry that he will return it,” College of Charleston senior Jess Ervin said. Your brother would love to see his sports heroes live in action. Not only will you win ‘sister of the year’, but it is something you can enjoy as well.
32. A Trendy and Handy Backpack
Matein Backpack: $29.99
Don’t let your brother walk around campus with the same backpack he has been slinging over his shoulder since freshman year. Gift a backpack that elevates his style while also being the perfect organizer for all of his study supplies. Plus, a stylish pack can be carried into post-grad life. Plus, you can recharge your phone and prevent thieves with this backpack.
33. Drone
DEERC D20 Mini Drone: $59.99
Have a brother with a knack for photography? Tie a bow around a drone and leave it under the tree for a gift that definitely brings Christmas to new heights. Your brother can take some stunning fly–over shots while also learning the art of drone flying. Just make sure for take off your brother steers clear of any trees.
34. Hammock
HONEST OUTFITTERS Single Camping Hammock: $19.99
A [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MTSU1P0″ locale=”US” tag=”collemagaz-20″]hammock[/easyazon_link] will have your brother swinging in style when he gets back on campus. Everyone knows that relaxing in a hammock is the perfect way to chill out between classes, so make sure he is ready to spend spring semester out of his dorm room and hanging out on campus. Hammocking makes for an adorable first day so make sure to get him a ‘DoubleNest’ to give his love life a boost .
35. Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity: $25.00
The perfect funny gift to make friends with your dorm hall. Your brother will appreciate this fun, ice–breaking game that he can whip out and make instant friends. Plus, this gift can make for a hilarious evening after all of the presents have been opened. Just make sure your cards won’t get you in too much trouble in front of your grandparents.
36. Skin Care Package
Bulldog Mens Skincare and Grooming Original Full Face Kit with Moisturizer, Face Wash & Face Scrub: $19.44
Who said skincare is only for women? Give the gift of self-care with a moisturizer or mud masks for your brother to get glowing skin. Especially during the winter months when cold weather wreaks havoc on skin, make sure your brother adds moisturizing to his nighttime routine. Maybe after that you can upgrade is 3-in-1 and buy him real conditioner.
37. Cooler
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler: $62.99
A good cooler is a must for every tailgate, so make sure that your brother is well prepared for game day. Pick out a cooler that sports team colors to take this gift to the next level. Your brother and fellow tailgaters will thank you for making sure their drinks stay cool all day long.
38. Sunglasses
Oakley Crankshaft Polarized Sunglasses: $88.00
If you have some cash to splurge, a nice pair of sunglasses can be a gift that your brother will love and wouldn’t buy for himself. Pick out some stylish frames for your brother to block out the sun and elevate his style.” I would get my brother some sunglasses because he’s outside a lot! He would need them for all sorts of things like swimming, sports, driving, mowing the lawn or even riding around on a bird scooter,” University of Oklahoma senior Carla Clark said. Oh, don’t forget to add in a croakie if you think you brother is prone to losing things easy.
39. Fitness Tracker
Fitbit Inspire 2 Health & Fitness Tracker with a Free 1-Year Fitbit Premium Trial: $59.95
Help your brother keep up with his new year resolutions with a fitness tracker. Whether he just wants to count his steps, or he is looking for a lifestyle change, a fitness tracker will encourage him to stay healthy even when back on campus and without your mom’s reminder to eat his veggies.
40. Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid: $37.46
Teach your brother to say goodbye to plastic water bottles and say hello to a hydro flask that can actually classify as a unique display of his personality. Gift him a water bottle that will keep his H20 at the perfect temperature and add some stickers (maybe of a sports team, a Michael Scott sticker or song lyrics) that reflect his personality to add a personal touch. Your brother will appreciate having a way to stay hydrated in-style.
*Updated on October 11, 2017 by Rosie Forster to include gifts 11-21.
*Updated December 4, 2017 to include even more gifts your brother will love.
*Updated on December 17, 2018 by Sydney Foster to include items 31-40.
*Updated on December 5, 2021 by Jillian Delaney to include even more gifts your brother will love.
*Updated on January 10, 2022 by M Lindeman to fix code issues
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