Skincare

Below, you’ll find a variety of kits that offer effective basics that improve the condition of his skin, giving him a healthier, smoother complexion.

• Lab Series caters exclusively to men. This daily essentials kit takes the guesswork out of building an effective routine. It contains a multi-action foaming face wash that banishes dirt, grime and dead skin; shave cream that preps the skin for a close, irritation-free shave; and a daily defense lotion with SPF 15 to shield the skin from UV rays.
• Anthony Logistics Gifted Grooming is an inclusive 7-piece set that features everything he’ll need for healthier skin — but probably won’t treat himself to — including an after-shave balm, body lotion, pre-shave oil and cleansers for both face and body.
• B. Kamins Male Gift Set features five products that help him attain and maintain healthier, younger-looking skin, including an anti-aging daily moisturizer with built-in sun protection, anti-aging eye gel and soothing after-shave balm.
• Peter Thomas Roth Acne Kit gives him a complete blemish-banishing collection for clearer skin. This set covers all his anti-acne needs, from a beta hydroxy acid wash and oil-free moisturizer to an AHA/BHA acne clearing gel and acne spot treatment.

Body

Here are several terrific treats that improve the look and feel of his skin, while maintaining a masculine, crisp scent.

• Jack Black Clean and Cool Body Basics boast four of the brand’s most popular products. The set contains the multi-tasking all-over wash — a face, body and hair wash in one and a rich hand cream that repairs cracks and calluses. Also included is a non-greasy body lotion that calms and moisturizes along with a non-irritating, odor-squashing antiperspirant and deodorant.
• Philosophy Gingerbread Man Body Scrub is a multi-action exfoliating treatment. It works well on worn-out, rough areas like the elbows, as well as excessively oily spots and flaky parts. It’s perfect for use before shaving to get the closest, bump-free shave.
• Molton Brown Madagascan Touring is a luxurious trio of body products with the scent of Madagascan black peppercorn oil. The kit comes with the circulation-boosting body wash, fast-absorbing body lotion and the Eau de Toilette for the finishing touch.

Shaving

Most guys shave several times a week, and it can be difficult to find the right products. Make shaving more efficient and less of an annoyance by helping him find the most effective shaving options. Here’s a sampling of our fave shave sets.

• Grooming Lounge The Greatest Shave Ever Kit promotes soft, stubble-free skin with a gentle daily cleanser, master shave oil, ultra-rich shave cream and calming after-shave.
• The Art of Shaving Ingrown Hair Kit provides all the tools he’ll need for a smooth — sans bumps and irritation — shave. In this 7-piece kit, he’ll get: ingrown hair night cream, shave cream, after-shave balm, pre-shave oil, shaving brush, ingrown hair tweezer and a how-to DVD with expert insight on staving off ingrown hairs and getting a superior shave.
• L’Occitane Cade Shave Set is designed for men with sensitive skin. The pair contains nourishing ingredients that prevent redness, dryness and razor burn.

Grooming tools

• Anthony Logistics Deluxe Shave Set offers the ultimate in luxury with its nostalgic duo. Perfect for dad, this razor and brush twosome are evocative of the 1940s and deliver an effective, smooth shave.
• This 4-piece Tweezerman Men’s Deluxe Grooming Kit includes the following grooming essentials: stainless steel nail clipper, nail file, facial scissors and tweezers.
• Hand made in England, the Anthony Logistics Mach 3 Sport Razor is a cutting-edge tool made of aluminum that simplifies shaving with its lightweight durability and handy rubber grip.

Hair

Having healthy, full hair is important for guys. These sets help to successfully strengthen weak or thin strands.

• Billy Jealousy Hair Kit is a fortifying shampoo and conditioner duo, which helps prevent hair loss and hydrates the hair.
• Korres Hair Restoration Duo is a natural approach to hair care with a toning shampoo and anti-hair loss toning lotion. These products are formulated with minerals, vitamins, amino acids and vegetable extracts.

Fragrance

Whether he uses pricey products or whatever soap is in the shower, he still enjoys and needs a good fragrance. These are some of the best collections that offer a variety of scents and complementary products.

• Modern.Marc Jacobs Men’s Gift Set features its signature Eau de Toilette Spray, a modern, understated fragrance, along with after-shave gel and deodorant.
• Timeless.Aramis Classic Eau de Toilette gives off a warm and masculine aroma with notes of bergamot oil, clary sage, patchouli and sandalwood.
• Fresh and sensual.Calvin Klein’s Euphoria for Men is a distinctly provocative cologne with notes of ginger pepper cocktail, raindrop accord, cedar leaf and patchouli. In addition to the fragrance, this set includes the after-shave splash.
• Subtle.Anthony Logistics Body Spray Sampler is a 4-piece set of body sprays that impart a refreshing but subtle scent.
• Natural.Sothys Homme Le Kit Chic includes a deodorant stick, after-shave balm and the Eau de Toilette. Sothys Homme boasts nourishing products that fortify the skin.
• Variety. Calvin Klein Men’s Coffret Set features five of its classic bestsellers, giving him a nice array of irresistible-smelling colognes: Euphoria, Euphoria Intense, Eternity, Obsession and CK One.

On the go

Whether it’s a getaway, business trip or just an afternoon game of golf, these kits are great for guys on the go. Plus, they’re already airline-approved with 3-ounce or less products. They also make great samplers if you want to avoid giving full-sized formulas. Or, take a kit apart and use the products for several stocking stuffers.

• Free from potentially irritating parabens, sulfates and synthetic ingredients, Jack Black Jet Set Traveler contains a 2-in-1 cleanser and toner; shave lather with macadamia nut oil, glycerin and nut oil for a soothing, razor burn-free shave; and a daily double-duty face lotion.
• For a complete kit, Jack Black First Class Five boasts the brand’s bestselling formulas, including the all-over wash; double-duty moisturizer; a pre-shave oil, shave cream and skin conditioner in one; an age diminishing eye balm; and ultra-hydrating lip balm with SPF.
• Anthony Logistics Grab and Go Portables feature a glycolic cleanser, facial scrub, shave cream, astringent, coconut shampoo and body cleansing gel.
• The Menscience Travel Kit is a 10-piece ensemble extraordinaire, perfect for when he’s away on long trips. It includes everything from an advanced shave formula and post-shave repair to deodorant and lip protectant with SPF.

Gift cards

Not sure exactly what kind of skincare, shaving or fragrance kit he’ll love? Give him a gift card so you can shop together. Cards go from $15 to $200.

See also:

ZIRH Review: Luxury Skin Care for Men

Spa Day: It’s a Guy Thing (Really!)

Guide to Men's Skincare

Hair Removal for Men: Trouble Spots

A Man's Guide to a Perfectly Shaved Head