Beauty & Self-care

Shaving kits

4 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of shaving kits — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Shaving kits tend to go to boyfriends, husbands, dads and brothers, though plenty of people buy them for women too. The kits that get used are the ones that match how the person already shaves, or how they've said they'd like to. Someone who shaves in a hurry every morning won't want a ritual with six steps. Someone who enjoys the routine often will. Before you pick, figure out whether you're replacing something they already use or giving them a new habit to try. A travel shaving kit is an easy choice for someone who's often away. A wet shave kit makes more sense for someone curious about brushes, lather and a slower shave.

Kind 1 of 4

Compact kits for people who travel

A travel kit packs a razor, something to lather with and often an aftershave into a small case or zip bag. It suits people who travel for work, go to the cottage every weekend or live partly out of a gym bag. Before buying, check that the case is small enough for a carry-on and closes firmly. Look at whether the liquids come in travel sizes, and whether the razor has a cover for the blade. A case that holds up to being tossed in a bag will last longer than one that's mostly decorative.

  • Representative photo-style image of travel shaving kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Travel shaving kit

    A compact and convenient kit designed for individuals who maintain their grooming routine while on the go, ensuring freshness anywhere.

Kind 2 of 4

Shaving kits made for women

Kits for women usually focus on legs, underarms and body shaving, not the face. They often include a razor with a wider head or a pivoting head, plus a shave gel or oil and a moisturizer for afterward. They suit someone who shaves regularly and would like a nicer routine than a drugstore disposable. Check that replacement cartridges or blades are easy to find, since that decides whether the razor gets used past the first month. Unscented or lightly scented kits are the safer choice if you don't know her preferences.

  • Representative photo-style image of women's body shaving kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Women's body shaving kit

    Designed specifically for smooth body shaving, this kit provides comfortable tools and nourishing products for various skin types.

Kind 3 of 4

Wet shave kits for a slower routine

A wet shave kit usually has a shaving brush, a soap or cream, a stand, and a safety razor or a straight razor. It's for someone who likes a ritual, or who has shown interest in moving away from cartridge razors. Beginners do better with a safety razor than a straight razor. Head shavers and people cutting down on plastic also often end up here. Check which blades the razor takes, and whether the brush is synthetic or natural hair. Also consider whether the person actually has the time and space in their morning for building a lather.

  • Representative photo-style image of traditional wet shave kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Traditional wet shave kit

    This kit offers a classic shaving experience, perfect for individuals who appreciate a close shave and a timeless grooming ritual.

  • Representative photo-style image of shaving kit for beginners — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Shaving kit for beginners

    An ideal introduction to the art of traditional shaving, providing essential tools and guidance for newcomers to the practice.

  • Representative photo-style image of head shaving kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Head shaving kit

    Tailored for individuals who prefer a smooth scalp, this kit offers specialized tools and products for an effective and comfortable head shave.

  • Representative photo-style image of zero-waste shaving kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Zero-waste shaving kit

    A sustainable choice for environmentally conscious individuals, featuring reusable tools designed to minimize waste in daily grooming.

Kind 4 of 4

Luxury kits worth displaying

Luxury kits focus on materials and presentation: weighted metal or wood-handled razors, dense brushes, matching stands and well-made soaps or balms, often in a gift box. They suit someone who already cares about their routine and will leave the set out on the counter. Check that the razor uses standard, easy-to-find blades or cartridges, so the kit keeps working after the first refill. Look at whether the aftershave and balms are unscented or have a scent they'd actually wear. The best luxury kits look good and are also easy to use every day.

  • Representative photo-style image of luxury shaving kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Luxury shaving kit

    Elevate daily grooming with this premium selection, crafted for those who enjoy indulgent self-care and superior shaving products.

  • Representative photo-style image of post-shave comfort kit — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Post-shave comfort kit

    This kit focuses on soothing and nourishing the skin after shaving, ideal for individuals prone to irritation or dryness.

How to choose shaving kits as a gift

  • Find out what razor they use now, whether cartridge, electric or safety razor, and choose a kit that fits that habit.
  • Make sure replacement blades or cartridges are easy to buy in Canada and the US before you commit to a razor.
  • If you're not sure what scent they like, go with unscented soaps and aftershaves.
  • For a first wet shave kit, choose a safety razor over a straight razor. It's much easier to learn.
  • Think about where the kit will live, whether that's a small bathroom counter, a gym bag or a suitcase.

Usually safe to skip

  • Straight razor sets for people who've never used one tend to end up in a drawer, because the learning curve puts most people off.
  • Kits built around a razor with hard-to-find proprietary cartridges tend to stop being used once the included refills run out.
  • Heavily scented kits for someone whose taste you don't know often go unused if the scent clashes with what they already wear.

Questions people ask about shaving kits

What should a good shaving kit include?
At minimum, a razor, something to lather or glide with, like soap, cream or gel, and an aftershave or balm. Wet shave kits add a brush and a stand. Look for fewer, better pieces rather than a box full of small extras.
Is a safety razor kit a good gift for a beginner?
It can be, if they're interested in trying it. Pick a kit with a mild razor, a few spare blades and a clear lathering soap or cream. Let them know it takes a few shaves to get the angle right.
Can a shaving kit work for someone who shaves their head?
Yes. Look for a razor that's easy to control around the curve of the head, a lather that stays wet long enough to cover a larger area, and an aftershave balm made for scalp use.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All shaving kits picks

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