20 Best Christmas Gifts for Your Son-in-Law

For the son-in-law who mans the grill at every summer get-together, twenty jars of rubs give him a whole season of experiments. Each label has a heat scale, so he can start with apple and hickory before working up to the spicy ones.

If he is just setting up a kitchen with your daughter or son, a Lodge skillet is a gift that will still be in use when the grandkids are cooking. It sears steak like a restaurant pan, goes in the oven and on the grill, and the silicone handle sleeve saves fingers.

A small, practical gift for a son-in-law who is still learning the grill and worried about undercooked chicken. The big backlit screen rotates for either hand and wakes up when he picks it up. Easy to tuck into a stocking.

For the man who puts hot sauce on everything, TRUFF is a step up from the supermarket bottle, with real black truffle blended into the chili. The two-pack includes the original and a hotter habanero, so he can find his level.

A fun consumable for a son-in-law who watches every game of the season. Twenty-six individually wrapped meat sticks and jerky pieces mean he can stash some in the truck and share the rest on game day.

If he is the one making old fashioneds at family gatherings, this kit gives him a party trick. The smoker sits on the glass, the torch lights a pinch of wood chips, and the drink comes out with a smoky aroma. Six chip flavors, two glasses and ice ball molds mean he can start using it on Christmas night.

A good-looking box for the bourbon or scotch drinker: two crystal rocks glasses, granite stones that chill without watering down, slate coasters and recipe cards. It is an easy, under-$30 gift that looks more expensive than it is.

If he and your daughter or son host friends, a decanter with four glasses gives their home bar a proper centerpiece. The ice ball molds are a nice extra that keep drinks cold without diluting them.

Most men carry the same overstuffed leather wallet for a decade and never think to replace it. The Ridge swaps that bulge for two aluminum plates that hold up to 12 cards and a cash strap, with RFID blocking. It is the kind of upgrade a son-in-law would never buy himself but will use every single day after Christmas.

For a son-in-law who is handy around the house, the Skeletool covers the jobs that come up most, from opening boxes to tightening a loose screw, in a light carbon fiber frame that clips to a pocket. A Leatherman is a gift men tend to keep for life.

Every new homeowner needs one good screwdriver, and this is the one electricians carry. Eight bits and three nut drivers live in one handle, so it handles curtain rods, kids' toys and outlet covers without a hunt through the drawer.

For a son-in-law who travels for work or never seems to have a full battery, this pocket-size Anker fast-charges a phone to half in under half an hour. A practical stocking stuffer he will thank you for at the airport.

Great for the camper or the guy who ends up under the sink fixing leaks. The rechargeable Spot 400-R throws a bright, dimmable beam, has a red night mode for the tent, and is fully waterproof.

A safe bet even if you are still getting to know him. The Rambler keeps morning coffee hot for the drive to work and iced tea cold on a job site, and the magnetic slider lid is easy to clean. At around $32 it is a quality gift that does not feel like you are trying too hard.

The green Stanley thermos many of us remember from our own fathers' lunch pails. It keeps coffee hot for a full day of hunting, fishing or tailgating, and it is all but indestructible.

For a son-in-law who is particular about coffee, the AeroPress makes a smooth, rich cup in about a minute and packs into a travel bag. Coffee enthusiasts swear by it, and it is a nice gift to enjoy with your daughter or son on weekend mornings.

If he plays golf, a dozen Pro V1s is a can't-miss gift. Most golfers know they are the best ball but hesitate to buy them, especially when a few will end up in the pond. Add a note inviting him for a round in spring.

A gift for the couple as much as for him, and a great way to bond over the holidays. Catan's trading and building make for lively family game nights, and a game wraps up in about an hour.

For the son-in-law who spends Saturday mornings washing the truck, this kit has everything for a proper two-bucket wash plus wheel and interior cleaners. It is the splurge pick on this list and a great fit for any car enthusiast.

If he wears a beard, this eight-piece kit covers washing, conditioning, shaping and trimming, with sandalwood balm and a boar bristle brush. Only buy it if his beard is a point of pride; otherwise pick the wallet.