In spite of the dust-up over Lapham's editorial during the campaign
...Harper's is still a damn good monthly magazine, with a unique variety of essays, art, poetry, short and long fiction, reviews, and oddbits.
Atlantic is also fine, but I've loved Harper's since I was an undergrad.
And depending on how the recipient feels about pop culture, have you considered Rolling Stone?
You will doubtless make a splendid choice, and it will be thoroughly enjoyed by the recipient. :)