Contrary to popular belief, socks make fantastic gifts for the holiday season, and not just for your soon-to-be-retired-from-middle-management father in law…
When gifting someone a pair of socks, you need to think about who that person really is.
No one wants a baggy pair of off white tube socks that are guaranteed to lose any semblance of shape and slide down your calf after one laundry cycle.
But some lightly cushioned wool boot socks? Yes, please.
In fact, if you give a high-quality pair of socks to someone who’s been buying cheap poly-blend sock multipack from the discount bin, you might just change their life (or blow their mind, at the very least).
I’m a bit of a sock, how do you say, connoisseur?
Snob. That’s the word I was looking for. I’m a sock snob.
I’ve tried so many different brands and styles over the years, and I’m confident that I can pick the perfect pair of socks for just about anyone.
So, without further adieu, here are the best types of socks to buy for every type of person in your life.
Note: Big thanks to Dick’s Sporting Goods for sponsoring this post. With their massive selection of brands, styles and sizes, DSG is one of the best places to buy socks and other cool gifts for your loved ones during the holidays.
The Best Socks to Buy as Gifts
In no particular order, here are the best socks for…
The Outdoorsman
For the avid outdoorsman – and by outdoorsman, I’m including woodsmen, huntsmen, lumberjacks and guys named Jack – you need to prioritize durability.
I recommend the Smartwool Outdoor Advanced Light Crew Socks for a comfy pair of three-season hosiery that can handle the toughest out and back your outdoorsy friend will every attempt.
If your recipient lives somewhere like snowy, go for the Trekking Heavy Crew Socks instead.
The Indoorsman
Buying socks for a regular guy whose idea of “hiking” includes a half mile round trip to the beer store for holiday reinforcements?
These Bombas Original Crew Socks are guaranteed to please. Bombas is one of the most beloved socks brands on the internet, and for good reason.
These socks are thoughtfully designed for comfortable everyday use, and Bombas donates a pair with every purchase, which means your feet will feel great, and so will you.
The Turkey Trotter
We all know that guy who’s getting a quick 5k in before Thanksgiving dinner.
You think you’re better than us, COLIN?
Anyway, he’ll appreciate a great pair of running socks. They really do make a difference in comfort, performance and even safety.
The Feetures Elite Light Cushion Tab Socks are some of the best running socks you can buy.
Most casual runner won’t spend $16 for a single pair of socks, which is why these make the perfect gift!
The Businessman
If you’re trying to buy the perfect pair of socks for the past, present or future executive who spends his Sunday afternoons ironing the crispest of creases into his khaki pants, I’ve got you covered.
He’ll love the look and feel of Smartwool City Slicker Crew Socks, which are made from a wool-nylon blend with just a bit of extra stretch built in.
If he’s the type of guy who wears a suit more often than not, check out our list of the best over-the-calf dress socks.
The Frequent Flyer
The jetsetter in your life likely prioritizes function over form during his trans-Atlantic red eyes.
Tall, calf-gripping socks like these Bombas Compression Over-the-Calf Socks are just what the doctor ordered.
These snug socks can help prevent post-flight swelling and are considered a must-have accessory by many frequent flyers.
Your Teenage Son
He just wants a bunch of these white Nike crew socks with the little black check mark to wear with his chino shorts and Vans.
I don’t get it either, but just trust me on this one.
The Hygge Enthusiast
Is that a hand poured holiday scented candle you’re smelling?
Why yes, it is. The top notes include black spruce and ginger, and it cost $45 before taxes and shipping.
But the hygge enthusiast will pay any amount to create that warm, fuzzy Nordic vibe inside his Prospect Park efficiency this winter.
He’ll really appreciate a pair of aloe-infused Cozy Cabin Socks from Field & Stream, especially in this cool Tribal Nord pattern.
The Creative
You know that one nephew you have who lives in the city and whose job you don’t really understand (it definitely involves the internet and might be semi-illegal, but he always has the latest iPhone…).
Chances are he cuffs his chinos over a pair of minimal
He’ll appreciate a high quality pair of no show socks, like these ones from Smartwool.
No show socks keep your feet dry and comfy without sacrificing that sweet ankle cleavage that older millennials (myself included) crave so badly.
The Blogger
If you’re reading this, mom, my favorite pair of socks are the Smartwool Medium Hiking Socks.
These bad boys can go for 2-3 wears before needing a wash, and they hold their shape for years, defying all known laws of physics and nature.
For my money, these are some of the best socks on the market.
Knock Their Socks Off
To summarize, socks don’t have to be lame stocking stuffers. The right pair can totally steal the show on Christmas morning – you just have to know your target audience.
What’s your favorite pair of socks? Let me know in the comments section below!
The two areas I hoped to find covered in this article were warm socks for those who can’t do wool and socks for large calves. I’ve purchased smart wool socks and clothes in the past, oh so warm and well constructed, but still scratchy for sensitive skin in a very dry climate. Also wide calves want socks that stay up, look amazing and aren’t constrictive. Any ideas? Thanks!
A second on the Smartwool medium hiker. I like them in taupe or green for some reason. My everyday sock that stands up to a couple of miles walking the dogs and the rest of the day in front of a screen.