Pajama pants, $45, for taking it easy all winter.
Mad Batter cookies, $15 for a box of three. (And check this out if he likes Reese’s!)
A hilarious new book, featuring David Sedaris’s favorite essays and stories over the past 25 years. $30.
Food candles, from $18, because he’d think they’re cool. (Meat and cheese ones, too!)
Socks with a smiley face, to make him — and passersby — smile. $28.
Super concentrated cold brew that comes in four different caffeine levels — none, low, regular and extra — so he can make it easily all year. $20 for starter pack. (I LOVE this and drink it all the time.)
A Danish see-through umbrella for beautiful walks in the rain, $25.
A diffuser to make his apartment smell great, $24. (They also have $16 car scents.)
Reigning Champ pullover because all hoodies are NOT created equal. This one is soft, more form-fitting (aka not balloon-y) and super high quality to be his uniform for years and years. Perfect for these wild times! From $108. (More colors here.)
A funny tote, $30, for all his errands.
A donation in his name to the ACLU, ’cause that’s what the cool kids do.
P.S. The 2018 brothers gift guide, the 2019 brothers gift guide and the 2020 gift guide so far.
(Cold brew photo by Martí Sans/Stocksy.)
Note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We recommend only products we genuinely like. Thank you so much.
99 COMMENTS
I love that you have a brother, Jo, and that we know basically nothing about him. It feels very “old world” in the best way. I know you’ve mentioned he’s fairly private and it’s nice you’ve honored his privacy so consistently.
i remember you posting the food candles last year or another year! i’m obsessed – they’re the coolest idea :)
Cold brew is my favorite; the low acidity makes my belly much happier! But did you know you can also drink it hot? It tastes weird if you heat the actual concentrate, so instead, boil/steam/microwave your water and milk, and then add the cold brew concentrate last. yum :)
Loving the guide SO much! You show what gift giving is about; thoughtful gestures to those you love. Doesn’t need to be about accumulation of ‘stuff’.
But where’s the beard hat!!?
Came here to say exactly this!
hahahaha!
WE DEMAND THE BEARD HAT! ;)
I love these lists every year! I was wondering how many of these you actually get for your family, Joanna? Do you just tell them not to read your blog during the holidays so that their gifts won’t be spoiled? haha
I usually get something from the list but they don’t know which thing!
Your lists make me happy!
Great list! Any recommendations for a cool baseball cap that’s not sports team-themed or with a prominent logo? For an outdoorsy brother without any particular sports team or brand allegiance, and I’ve been having the hardest time finding a good one!
Yes! Why don’t you get him one with his initial? These are cool: https://reytoz.com/
If he’s an outdoorsy dude he might like a hat from Woosah, which is a super cool brand here (where I live) in Michigan! They make baseball hats and a million other cool nature-inspired home/apparel items :) https://www.spreadingthewoosah.com/collections/hats
Bailey- it’s exciting to see someone from GR on here!
Love those other two ideas! This might be another place for inspiration if the first two don’t work out! https://www.wholeearthprovision.com/mens-hats-and-caps
No way! This describes my brother exactly – he has the loveliest singing voice. COJ always finds a way to remind me of home, thank you xo
i love this list! and i am so thankful to have a brother.
Grabbing the umbrella for myself!
But those cookies look INSANE! I’d love those on my own christmas list!
xo Jessica
I also really like these socks — would make a cheeky brotherly gift.
https://www.blueq.com/shop/item/330-productId.125847717.html
hahahaha