A Fun Holiday Sweater Is the Ultimate Boy Gift

When I was a kid, unwrapping a sweater during the holidays was equivalent to receiving a lump of coal. Worst gift ever! Forget boring ol’ clothes—where was my brand-new shiny toy? These days, however, receiving a sweater is one of my all-time favorite gifts. First of all, it’s extremely practical to keep warm in the winter. Who doesn’t want to snuggle into one starting now through the spring months? But selfish reasons aside, I’d also argue that a fun sweater is the perfect gift to give any of the men on your list. Yes, hear me out: Forget a fancy new tech gadget or luxe aftershave because knitwear is the ultimate boy gift.

Let’s face it: Buying gifts for the guys on your list—whether fashion minded or not—is always tricky. Every year, when asking my extremely pragmatic dad for hints about anything he might need or want, he simply shrugs: “I don’t need anything.” A sweater, then, is a practical gift—everyone needs to stay warm—while still offering you some room to have fun and to reflect the personality and individuality of the person it’s gifted to. It’s truly the perfect no-brainer offering: Think of the holiday sweater as an opportunity to perfectly encapsulate a friend, family, or loved one, whether that’s via a cheeky graphic, their favorite color, or a custom monogram.

There’s certainly a variety of kitschy, playful knits on the market to choose from. Know a cat dad? This Acne Studios kitty-print sweater is perfect for him. Buying for an avid hiker or nature enthusiast? This Leret Leret mushroom-print crewneck is fitting for any forager. For someone more no-frills, a classic Fair Isle knit or mohair cardigan will please just about any dude. When buying, think of it less as finding a sweater that your grandma would gift him and more around something that suits his interests and vibe. Me, personally? I’ll take one Bode cow sweater, please. I was raised in a farm town—it’s a fitting homage to my roots!

Below, shop 16 fun sweaters for the holiday season.