Gifts for your husband or boyfriend

LifeStraw designs it for germs, microplastics and silt, not chemicals or heavy metals, so it’s for fresh water from streams and lakes. It filters down to 1 micron, lasts up to 1,000 gallons and weighs 1.6 oz. After drinking, blow back through the mouthpiece to clear the water out, as LifeStraw advises.

• Filters up to 1,000 gallons
• Removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics
• Drink straight from the source

What owners say: Small and light enough to go on every trip and to sit in the emergency kit, it makes backpacking easier, and some call it a lifesaver in a tight spot.

Heads up: Drinking through it takes a firm, steady sip, so give it a try at home before the trip.

Featured in Stocking stuffers for adults →

Velcro on the base presses into the trunk carpet, so set against the back of the rear seats it can’t slide forward under braking. Sposuit rates it to about 55 lb, and the 600D Oxford fabric cleans up with any spray cleaner and a damp cloth. It can ride on the back seat for a road trip too.

• 70-liter capacity
• 2 compartments, 11 pockets
• Folds flat

What owners say: Owners say it’s well made and stays where it’s put, and that two full shopping bags fit just right. It works in trucks and SUVs alike, and collapses flat enough to leave the trunk free when it isn’t needed.

Featured in Gifts for new drivers →

Its HyperElastic SoftFast core adds ball speed, and it feels good off the putter, which suits golfers from beginners upward. The box comes in white, yellow or matte colors: yellow is easier to follow against a gray sky, and the matte finishes stand out on the fairway.

• 2-piece ball, hybrid cover
• White, yellow or matte colors
• Suits beginners upward

What owners say: The soft feel wins most golfers over, and some pick up extra distance off the tee without losing control. It’s easy to spot in most light, and a single ball can last two to four rounds.

Featured in Stocking stuffers for adults →

The mouth measures 13 by 8.5 inches across the top, with five pockets inside, three on the back and a big snap pocket on the front for a phone. A stiff bottom plate keeps it in shape when it’s dropped, and it holds up to 22 lb. There’s still room in the middle for a small drill, and the padded handle wrap makes it comfortable to carry full.

• 13 in long
• Wide mouth, double zip
• Holds up to 22 lb

What owners say: Well made and built to last for years, by most accounts, with room for the go-to tools and lots of small pockets, including side pouches that keep different saw blades apart.

The box holds Original, Chipotle, Chili Garlic, Green Pepper, Chili Lime and Sweet Habanero in 5 fl oz bottles, made with árbol, piquín and other Mexican peppers for what Cholula calls balanced heat. Keep the Original by the stove for rice and beans; Chili Lime suits fish tacos and guacamole, Chipotle brings smoke to chili and barbecue, and Chili Garlic stirs into a marinade or noodles.

• Six 5 fl oz bottles
• Everyday table sauces, not fiery
• Made in Jalisco, Mexico

What owners say: Owners like the flavors and the lack of a tangy aftertaste, and think the multi-pack is fair value. The bottles are a good size and get used across plenty of dishes.

The 16-recipe book starts with the classics, so a margarita or a mojito makes a good first try, and a card in the box links to more recipes online. Everything packs into a gift box, and MixMate backs it with a two-year guarantee. Wash the tools in warm, soapy water before the first drinks, and dry them before they go back in the stand.

• 15-piece bar kit with stand
• Martini shaker and recipes
• Comes in a gift box

What owners say: The dark wood stand and the finish win the most compliments, and owners like that nothing else needs buying. Most find it sturdy, though a few had a cracked piece of wood or a rusty bottle opener out of the box.

It comes in four sizes, 25L to 95L: the 41L Small takes a change of clothes and sneakers, and the bigger sizes leave room for pads, a ball or a weekend’s packing. Inside there’s a zipped valuables pocket, with water bottle pockets on the sides. Double handles do for a quick trip from the car, and the adjustable shoulder strap takes over on a longer walk to the field.

• Holds 41 liters
• Ventilated shoe compartment
• Side water bottle pockets

What owners say: Owners single out the separate compartment for cleats, and there’s plenty of space for practice gear or a weekend away. They find it tough enough for rough handling, and kids love using it.

Bits cover 2 to 8mm hex, with T10, T15 and T25 Torx and a #2 Phillips, and a reverse lever and thumb wheel sit on the ratchet. The magnetic bit holder fits on the ratchet or the handle, making a longer driver for bolts tucked behind a crank or a bottle cage. The case has a pocket for a patch kit, but there’s no chain tool, so add a small one for long rides.

• 16 tools
• Two tire levers included
• Reversible fine-tooth ratchet

What owners say: A great everyday carry kit that slips into a jersey pocket and reaches bolts at awkward angles, owners say. The ratchet runs smoothly, every bit they need is there, and some use it to put furniture together at home too.

Two 9 ft tree straps with five loops each and aluminum carabiners come with it. Hang it with a gentle curve rather than pulled tight, and lie slightly diagonally: it’s flatter and far comfier that way. To clean it, take the carabiners off, put it through a cold, gentle wash and let it air-dry.

• Holds up to 500 lb
• Weighs just 1.5 lb
• 9 ft straps, 5 loops

What owners say: Tough enough that one owner’s survived kids playing on it and chewing it, it goes up and comes down easily, fits two comfortably and folds into its attached pouch. The neat, solid stitching gets a mention too.

Smoke vents, a scorch shield and an oversized glass rest that fits a range of glass sizes are built into the top, and six wood flavors and three ways of smoking come with it. Start with the gentlest method and a small pinch, brush the two mesh filters once they cool, and keep everything together in the velvet-lined box.

• Mahogany top with glass rest
• Quad-flame torch included
• Velvet-lined gift box

What owners say: Owners say it suits bourbon and whiskey drinkers, with clear directions and a good mix of wood chips. They find it built to last, with enough chips for years of drinks.