Best Men's Grooming Gift Sets for Holiday Gifting: 5 Picks Ranked

Men's Grooming FAQ

1. How do I choose between a shave kit and a beard kit?add

   Start with how the recipient grooms. A shave kit such as Harry's Plus suits someone who shaves regularly, because it centers on a razor, cartridges and gel. A beard kit such as Jack Black's Travel Size Beard Grooming Kit or Duke Cannon's Whisker Wonderland set suits someone with facial hair, because it centers on washing, conditioning and styling.
2. Is it worth spending more on a premium grooming set?add

   Not necessarily. Three of these five sets sit in the $20-$50 band, one is in the $50-$100 band and one is $100 and above. A higher price in this ranking reflects a larger or more traditional kit, such as the four-piece Art of Shaving set, rather than a proven performance gap, and we hold no rating for that set.
3. What does a travel size grooming kit include?add

   It depends on the set. Jack Black's Jetsetter set includes a body wash, face wash, deodorant, moisturizer and shaving cream plus a travel bag, while its beard kit includes beard oil, facial hair wash, shaving cream and a comb. Travel sizes are easy to pack but are used up faster than full-size bottles.
4. Is a razor kit enough for someone with a beard?add

   Usually not. A razor kit like Harry's Plus covers shaving but does not include beard wash, oil or lotion. A recipient who keeps a beard will get more use from a set built for facial hair, such as the Jack Black beard kit or the Duke Cannon beard wash and lotion set.
5. Do these sets come with everything needed to shave?add

   Not all of them. Harry's Plus includes a razor handle, three cartridges and shave gel, so it is complete for a cartridge shave. The Art of Shaving kit includes cream, a brush, a pre-shave oil and an after shave balm but no razor, so the recipient needs one already.
6. Are limited edition grooming sets good for gifting?add

   They can be, since holiday packaging gives a gift-ready look. The trade-off is that limited editions may not stay in stock, so it is worth buying early. Harry's Plus is described as a limited edition kit, and Duke Cannon's set is described as a holiday kit.
7. What is the best grooming gift for a frequent traveler?add

   A set built around travel sizes and a carrying case fits best. Jack Black's Jetsetter Travel Size Skin Care Set includes a luxe travel bag and a full set of daily products. The beard kit from the same brand is also travel sized, and Harry's Plus includes a travel blade cover.