Holiday shopping for men in 2025 is still a full-contact sport.
Ladies, you ask your man what he wants, and he says, “I’m good,” and now you are as lost as a new second lieutenant with an old paper map.
SOFREP’s Holiday 2025 Gear List is here to make it simple. We pulled in no-nonsense picks that hit the sweet spot between useful, rugged, and cool enough that he will actually reach for them. And guys, do yourself a favor and send this to your significant other so you do not end up unwrapping another novelty T-shirt or bargain-bin multi-tool.
Origin Coronado Boots
I’ve worn a lot of work boots in my day, and these are the best. Handmade in the USA of US components, these are true American ass-kickers born from an idea by Navy SEAL Jocko Willink and Pete Roberts. They practically ooze testosterone and will last you for the rest of your life. Any man would be proud to have a pair in his closet. To be ultra-American, they come in Bison hide as well. Buy here!
Rockwell Razors
After we ran an article on SOFREP about double-edged safety razors, I just had to try one. Mine is a Rockwell 6S. These things are as solid as a battleship. And the shave quality? Best of my life. No BS. Buy one made of solid stainless steel, and you are set for life. Razor burn and bumps? Things of the past with the Rockwell. And they have a fantastic line of shaving cream and pre- and post-shave treatments. Here is the best part: you can get 100 of their premium razor blades (that will last you about 2 years) for 16 bucks! Take that, shave clubs.
Anything from Ice Shaker
Here we have two of my constant companions: A 26-oz. Ice Shaker (Bomber version) and its big brother the the 40oz. Shaker tumber to the right. The Bomber is for protein shakes, and the Shaker is for everything else. The brainchild of Chris Gronkowski, the friendliest, hardest-working ex-NFL player I’ve ever met, these will literally last you a lifetime if you don’t run them over with your pickup. They are solid, attractive, and the lids screw down with clinical precision. They’ll keep whatever you are drinking ice cold all day, even here in Florida in mid-summer. Right now, they are running a 25% off sale. Go stock up here.
Bravo Sierra USA
Once I tried Bravo Sierra bath products, I knew I could never go back to using those old, big-box store brands again. The soaps smell amazing and lather you up with almost a cartoonish amount of suds. The body wash lasts forever and just takes a little bit to make you “ready for the next date” clean. As an aside, the ladies absolutely love the scent, big bonus in my book. The aluminum-free deodorant actually works. It’s the first one I’ve found that does. They also offer super-thick, ultra-efficient body wipes to remove the nastiness from your body in those times when you can’t make it to the shower right away. Even better, it’s all made right here in the US of A and a portion of every purchase supports US military veterans. Just can’t go wrong with this stuff. Get yours here.
Surefire Tactical Flash Light
Description: The Fury is a favorite, but any of the Surefire lineup will make your man happier than a dog humping a leg. Just make sure to buy one of the models with 1000 lumens minimum. The high-powered lights are one of the best, take-it-anywhere self-defense tools on the market, and they’re super safe.
I’ve owned various since leaving the SEAL Teams and give these out like Peewee Herman gave out candy on the playground.
BUBS Naturals
This is my “go-to” beverage when I’m back home in Central Florida, sweating like a Marine during an Algebra test. It’s 2000 mg of electrolytes per pack, which gets you back into balance and on with your life. It’s also made right here in the USA, with 10% of all profits going to the Glen Doherty Foundation. How could you not support that? Get yours here.
Spartan-Harsey Folder: Plague Doctor Edition
This, ladies and gents, is my favorite knife. Quirky, extremely solid, and sharp as a razor… just like its owner. At 9″ long overall with a 4″ blade, this is no shrinking violet. Designed by legendary knifemaker William “Bill” Harsey and built by Spartan Blades, this is a one-of-a-kind piece that you’ll be passing down to the next generation. To own it is to love it.
Barrett Firearms REC7 DI
Imagine waking up Christmas morning and seeing this bad boy sitting under the tree with a bow on it. Any real red-blooded American man (or woman) would be thrilled to have this. Make your loved one the envy of all their friends by gifting them an authentic Barrett firearm. Check it out here.
FightCamp
The first rule of this FightCamp is to tell everyone about FightCamp. And why not? You get one hell of a workout and stress release while knocking the snot out of this upright bag. But it’s about more than hitting the bag. FightCamp provides you with a full-body workout (arms, legs, core, and shoulders) in about 15 minutes. Did I mention that it’s an interactive fitness platform that combines boxing and kickboxing with app-based workouts, performance trackers, and professional coaching? Just did. Get yours here.
RESCO Watch
My friend and former teammate Rob Smith makes some of the best affordable bullet-proof time pieces on the market and these watches have SEAL DNA all over them. They will last a lifetime and any collector should have a RESCO in the garage. My favorite is the Gen 1 because of the fat domed crystals. Rumor has it that Rob uses rifle scope crystal in these. Super fucking cool and sure to put a big grin on your man’s face if he finds this under the tree this Christmas.
BLUETTI Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Station
Love the great outdoors but also worry about all of your electronic goodies running out of power? Problem solved with the Bluetti handsfree 2 backpack power station. “Why didn’t I think of this?” you’ll say. It’s a very well-made 60-liter backpack with a 700W 512 Wh power supply. With the optional solar panels, you can stay away from civilization as long as your heart desires. Buy one here.
Duckworth American Merino Wool Clothing
Nothing performs quite like merino wool, and no one makes finer clothing out of it than the folks at Duckworth. If there were a word that meant “softer than soft,” I would use that to describe the stuff. Guys, the boxer-briefs are out of this world. You’ll toss out all of your old ones once you try a pair of Duckworth’s. And the socks…forget about it, first rate. I learned about merino wool socks from a teammate in the Army, and I never looked back. They actually wick moisture away from your feet, and you can wear them for days on end with no stink. But they make so much more than just socks and briefs. They offer a full line of men’s and women’s clothing that will keep you warm and comfortable even in the nastiest of weather. And….drumroll….it’s all made here in America from sheep raised in Montana. Get yours here.
Topo Designs–Global Travel Bag Roller
These bags are near explosion-proof, and the fat wheels crush concrete like a fat kid crushes chocolate cake. I actually bought one in black for my daughter, who’s at University in London and travels quite a bit. I liked it so much I bought one for myself! Even better, it’s made out of recycled material, so you can rub it in at your next Sierra Club meeting (J/K).
They come in different colors, but real men wear black. If you’re considering a pro-noun swap, get the rainbow one.
Buy here.
Vaer C5 Dirty Dozen – 40mm Ameriquartz
Just wrapping up a long term eval of this Dirty Dozen inspired Vaer. It turned out to be an everyday wear piece. And why not? The styling is WWII-inspired, and it is extremely easy to read from any angle. The 40mm size hits right in my sweet spot, and the waffle strap is of extraordinary quality. The best part? You can pick up this iconic military field watch for only a little over $200. At that price, it’s a no-brainer. Pick it up here.
BM8 Survival Air Rifle
From Pyramyd AIR, where the “AIR” means Adventures in Recreation. Meet the BM8 survival air rifle. In .22 cal, this baby spits lead at 1000 feet per second and will kill small game deader than a Democrat-proposed bill heading into the next Congress. With no need for conventional ammo (it fires pellets), this will keep you in business long after the start of the zombie apocalypse. Buy here.
Microtech Exocet Knife
Every man needs a solid blade or three, or ten…This little stinger from Microtech is super badass and doubles as a money clip. And is even legal in most states, including Commiefornia. If you’re on a budget, Spyderco makes great knives for the money.
Outdoor Research Allies Mountain Jacket
For the manliest mountain jacket money can buy, you can’t go wrong with this weatherproof number from Outdoor Research. Bonus points if you get it in Ranger Green, as rocked here by our Managing Editor. Three layers of GoreTex will keep you warm as a porta john in Iraq in August. Buy Here.
The Killing School
What gift guide would be complete without a little Trump-style self-promotion? So, not only am I recommending one of my own books if you buy more than six copies as gifts and send me proof of purchase (send it via SOFREP comms channel), I’ll send you a signed insert customized for your recipient. This goes for any of my books, but what man doesn’t want to read about giving the Taliban a lead headache for the Holidays? Buy it here.
Mcusta Folder
Looking for a razor-sharp knife that no one else on the block has? Check out this Mcusta Elite with a Damascus blade and Corian handle. Marvel at the buttery smooth opening on this Samurai folder. In this case, Made in Japan is a very good thing. Buy here.
The Manly Handbook
I was raised on this book when I worked on boats as a young deckhand. The title says it all, and this classic is great to have on the shelf. Includes some great tips on how to ask for a raise and not look like a mouth-breathing pussy! The manly way is the only way! Hilarious and about as anti-woke as it gets. A favorite I’ve had on my bookshelf for years.
Kansas City Cattle Company Meats
There’s not much on God’s green Earth that can make this old soldier happier than a perfectly grilled fork-cuttable steak like the one shown here from Kansas City Cattle Company. My buddy, veteran Army Ranger Patrick Montgomery, has raised 100% American Wagyu Beef for over ten years. Treat yourself to some of the best meat you’ve ever eaten. Don’t forget the Wagyu hot dogs; they are out of this world. It’s a win-win for supporting this veteran-owned, family-run business. Discover the deliciousness here.
Bullhide “Eastwood” Leather Gun Belt
Like their tag line says, “Real belts for real men.” Can’t argue with them there, and behind every great shooter is a great gun belt, and these don’t disappoint. And let’s face it, it DOES NOT get any manlier than the original outlaw “Eastwood”! The guy also directed American Sniper, for Christ’s sake!
Glad to finally see some new brands emerge in this category, and Bullhide is a standout. So whattayou waiting for?
Isobrite Tritium Illuminated Dive Watch
In case you haven’t noticed, the men here at SOFREP love their watches. They are worn proudly in all styles and price points. This is Guy’s isobrite T100 dive watch from their Naval Series. This bad boy is so solid and heavy you could use it a a weapon in a pinch. It’s about half a pound of stainless steel and sapphire. This particular model is the Amphibian Edition, and it features a screw down crown and 300m of water resistance. At night or underwater, the 20 Swiss Made tritium markers light up the face like Christmas in Times Square. With a case diameter of 44mm, it sits nicely on a seven-and-a-half-inch wrist. Snag one here.
Faxon Outdoors ICON 30L Waterproof Backpack
Any man who spends any time in or around water NEEDS one of these. Full stop. This is a fully waterproof, SUBMERSIBLE backpack. Even in the wettest environments, this will keep your stuff drier than a sand dune in Death Valley. It’s actually world-class IPX7 waterproof-rated, so I’m not talking BS here. The perfect gift for guys whose motto for life is “The wetter, the better.” Buy here.
JOCKO Protein Powder
This has been my protein powder of choice for the past two years. It contains quality ingredients, of course, but truth be told, I’m all about the flavor. Their Chocolate Peanut Butter powder is a gift from the flavor gods. Throw some in an Ice Shaker with almond milk and a few ice cubes, and you’ve got yourself a tasty treat that helps build muscle. Win-win. I’m just about to drop the hammer on buying some Gingerbread Cookie flavor for the holidays. Get some here.
Omega PloProf
I’m a collector and what I like about this watch is that you have to have the chops to wear it. It’s about as manly as watch as them come complete with shark suit inspired band. I’ve owned one for over a year and, like my first blankey, I just don’t want to take it off. Plus one of the original Italian manly style icons rocked this bad boy back when men were men and sheep were nervous.
(Photo: Gianni Agnelli rocking it like a boss!)
If it’s good enough for the owner of Ferrari then it’s good enough for the guy in your life.
Doc Parsley’s Sleep Remedy
Face it, we all have trouble getting to sleep now and again. Why not try the best over-the-counter remedy for sleep on the market today? This stuff was created by a former Navy SEAL who is also a physician. I know, a real under underachiever. And the man is a world-renowned expert on sleep. Give it a shot; this stuff will knock you out faster than a SEAL sniper at 500 meters. Give the gift of a good night’s sleep here.
Makita Power Drill
Traser P67 SuperSub with Tritium Illumination
Our philosophy about watches here at SOFREP is that they are kind of like old girlfriends; you can never have too many. With that in mind, meet the Traser P67 SuperSub. Half a pound of stainless steel and sapphire good down to 500 meters. Since it’s dark down there, the always glowing tritium glass tubes let you know when it’s time to pop back up and rejoin the party boat. Buy one here.
London Bridge Assault Pack
LBT is the real deal and has been making legit gear for the Special Ops community and SEALs for decades. My first M-60 H-Gear was an LBT setup that I bought with my own money after my issue Blackhawk shit the bed like Hunter Biden at a Coke party in Manhattan.
This assault pack is a favorite but they’ve got everything you need and more at the link below.
Notch Hats
Nothing feels better on my beautiful shaved head than this camo ballcap by Notch. If it looks a bit worn, that’s because that’s my personal hat, and I took the pic. I discovered them at SHOT Show last year, and it was a great find. The “notch” in Notch is designed to fit over your glasses. Even if you don’t wear glasses, the caps fit just right and you can roll the brim perfectly (that’s important). Buy one here.
H&K P30 HandGun
You can never own enough guns and HK makes some of the finest on the planet despite being on the wrong side of the fox hole in WWII…I mean Mercedes, BMW, Sig…H&K…Like a sore peter, it’s hard to beat great German engineering. What I like about this model is the lack of a safety because professionals don’t need a safety.
Dark Energy Power Bank
Meet the world’s toughest battery pack, Dark Energy’s Poseidon Pro. You could run over this thing with a tank, and it would still be good to go. And talk about capacity; it’ll power your typical cell phone for over thirty hours and power a laptop for four hours, and it is small enough to easily slip into a jeans pocket. It’s the only battery pack I own. Get one for yourself here.
Yeti Cooler
Men need to kill stuff, and they need a cooler to put it in…or cold beer after getting skunked! Not your grand pappy’s Coleman…Yeti makes insane coolers that Hunter S. Thompson would use if he were alive.
Stroup TU2 Knife
Meet my favorite fixed-blade knife, the Stroup TU2. These pig-stickers are hand-crafted in North Carolina from ultra-durable 1095 high-carbon steel. The handle is made from G10 and somehow feels custom-made for your own hand. The Kydex sheath that comes with it is custom molded to each individual knife, ensuring a perfect fit. The blade length on these beauties is 4″, and the overall length is 8.5″. If you are lucky enough to find one in stock, you can buy it here.
Princeton Tec Headlamp
Any real man needs a hands-free headlamp when in the woods or sorting shit out in the garage, and Princeton tec makes great lights. Also hat tip for being one of SOFREP’s first sponsors back in 2012. They make great shite, and you’ll be sorted like Conor McGregor in a hotel room full of cocaine.
Olight Prowess
The perfect camping flashlight from our friends at Olight. Use the 5000-lumen front light to make your campsite visible from outer space, or put it on its end and use the lantern function at night when you’re telling war stories and fishing cold Yuengling beers from the Yeti. Buy here or here.
Rated Red Mug
When the staff at SOFREP needs a laugh, they check out all things Rated Red. Check out their IG, where today they talk about how a Texas A&M fan got busted trying to impersonate a construction worker who tried to sneak into a football game using fake credentials with the name “Duncan McCockiner.” Watch the world’s funniest redneck, Alabama Boss, as he does a taste test of bottom-shelf bourbon on their YouTube channel. Oh, and support them and show you’re in the know by buying this cool enamel camp mug. It holds 12 ounces of Old Crow bourbon. Buy here.
Margaritaville at Sea
Did you know Margaritaville has cruise ships? They do, two of ’em, and I’ve sailed on them both, so I’m fully qualified to say you’ll have more fun on one of these than a Marine on a weekend pass with no safety briefing. Good food, good drink, Florida sunshine, what’s not to love? Here is the best part: under their “Heroes Sail Free” program, veterans, first responders, and other folks who qualify to be a member of GOVX sail free. I’ve done it (a couple of times). You just have to get your butt down to Florida because the ship ain’t coming to you. Seriously, it’s a “thank you for your service” that really means something. Check ’em out here.
Six Days of Impossible: Navy SEAL Hell Week
How many guys do you know that go to the Naval Academy, become a Commander in the Navy SEALs, join the Army, go to medical school at age 36, and then go on to be a DELTA Force Command Surgeon? There is only one that I know of, and that’s SOFREP’s own Dr. Bob Adams. In “Six Days,” Bob takes us back to the days when Hell Week was really a living hell; you had to be tough as a two-dollar steak left out in the California sun to make it through. Just 11 of the 70 that began BUD/S class 81 made it, and they went on to serve with honor in just about every SEAL Team out there. Be inspired. Buy here.
Erebus Origin Automatic Watch
Want a top-notch all-stainless steel automatic diver’s watch but don’t have thousands to spend? No problem. Check out my Aussie buddy Jody at the watch company he started, Erebus Watches. Shown here is my personal Erebus Origin 41. With a textured face and huge hands chock full of lume, this is just about the perfect tool watch. And for less than $350 featuring a sapphire crystal, you absolutely cannot go wrong. Buy one here.
5.11 Covert Gift Set
Looking for a stocking stuffer for $50 or less? Look no further than the 5.11 Covert Gift Set, a limited edition for 2024. You get a steel jacket money clip for keeping all of your mad money accounted for, as well as a reverse Tanto mini folding knife, a hex bit driver, and mini carabiners. Pick up the set here.
UAG Monarch Pro Kevlar iPhone Case
Finally, a phone case that is as tough as the man who is carrying it. Meet the Monarch Pro Kevlar iPhone case from Urban Armor Gear (UAG). It features multiple layers of protection in a rugged, terrific-looking case. The best feature, I think, is the premium DuPont Kevlar fiber inlay. Get yours here, and never worry about dropping your phone again.
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** Editor’s Note: Thinking about subscribing to SOFREP? You can support Veteran Journalism & do it now for only $1 for your first year. Pull the trigger on this amazing offer HERE. – GDM
