I’ve always considered myself a pretty good gift giver.
And then I got married.
I made all the rookie mistakes. Buying technology when I don’t know a gadget from a gizmo. Swiping trends straight from the runway and trying to sell my brand new husband on them. Taking a good idea a step too far (i.e. poker-themed throw pillows and candles).
Fortunately, after 15 years, I’ve learned a bit about shopping for him (and men in general), and I stick to my strengths: clothes, cologne, grooming gifts, and themed gift boxes. While researching for this guide, I came across ideas ranging from the ridiculous (taco socks, anyone?) to the even more ridiculous (nothing makes a great gift!). I also found some gifts that just missed the mark. Just because your husband is into scotch, for example, doesn’t mean he wants scotch flavored toothpicks. Or maybe he does. The box is pretty fancy and all.
I guess I’ve just seen so many gifts that take a hobby or even just a casual interest and wring the life out of it in the desperate search for a gift idea. A golfer doesn’t necessarily need golf-themed pajamas, golf coasters, or whatever the heck the Potty Putter is… (Seriously?)
That’s why I’ve combed through catalogs and scoured sites to find you a roundup of the best gifts for all the men in your life. And you know how I hate shopping… (wink). Here, the best ideas I’ve found!
(As always, click on the photos to shop. They are all linked!)
Creative Classes
If, like me, you feel like the stuff in your house is threatening to overtake you, then you may want to take the focus off of things and buy experiences for your family instead. Trips, tickets, and classes are all fun ideas for the hard to shop for on your list. One of my favorite ideas this season is a class from CreativeLive.com. World class experts like Richard Branson, Liev Schreibr, Mark Cuban and Anne Geddes are featured in virtual photography, video, design, music, and entrepreneurship classes. There are more than 1,500 classes, featuring real time interaction as well as self-paced videos.
2. Junk Food Rehab
Everyone wants to get healthier in the new year, but unfortunately, few of us follow through with it. Give him a head start with a 28 day reboot from Euphebe. He’ll receive 28 days of chef-prepared, nutritionally balanced meals designed to reset your body, eliminate cravings and help you reach health and weight goals. Plus, you get a personal coach for one-the-go accountability. For even more motivation, try the Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch.
3. Protein Fix
For a brief period in our marriage, I bought a food dehydrator so that I could make homemade organic jerky for my husband, but I could never get the seasoning blend just right. And, let’s face it, I’m not going to have the time to pull that off again anytime soon. And why bother, when I can have top quality, custom-made jerky delivered from the a 4th generation family owned Los Angeles institution, the Peoples Old Market. Choose from assortments from simple to spicy to sweet, and even the Health Nut Jerky Box.
4. Beard Boosters
I’m not going to lie. I loathe beards. Loathe them. But, for the last few years, my formerly fresh-faced husband has been wearing one. And other women, including my very sweet, 80-something neighbor, encourage him. The only thing that could make this scenario more tolerable for me (besides, well, begging him to shave) is to buy stuff for the beard. I’m pretty sure the Tom Ford beard comb alone is enough to make me hate it a little less. Or maybe I should fully embrace the beard and buy the Beard Pack, a trio of all natural beard care products (whisker wash, beard oil and mustache wax) from Uncommon Goods. Or just give him a big old hint with the same Art of Shaving kit that I gave him early in our marriage. I’m also a fan of the EVO “Do You Even Gift, Bro?” bag, with their Uberwurst shaving cream and Box ‘o Bollox texture paste in a manly leather bag.
5. Mountain Man Musts
He may not be an actual mountain man (whatever that is), but there’s no harm in making him feel like one, at Christmas. He doesn’t even need to be a rugged outdoorsman to appreciate some of the gear shown here. From a classic survival guide to a multipurpose tool that does all sorts of things I don’t understand (but it’s Ted Baker, so you have to buy it!) And I don’t know why the candles from Skeem made the list, except that their adorable and sort of rustic and also practical, so why not?
Hipster Gear
Whether you’re married to a hipster, or feel like your hubby could, you know, be hipper, these ideas should help. From the coolest kicks to a hip hat to a manly-man way to wash his face and all the gear a whiskey-drinker could wish for, these are pretty much guaranteed to make him feel cool.
Raden luggage in black matte, $295, Nordstrom
Travel Tools
Traveling well requires gear, and the best gift I can think of for the frequent business traveler is a sharp new set of luggage, like this sleek black duo from Raden. Skincare favorites from Jack Black (in a cool reusable dopp case) and customizable cufflinks (made from a real map of a favorite place!) round out my picks.
Sure, men are hard to shop for, but if you look, you can find something unique, thoughtful and totally unexpected. I hope these suggestions have helped you shop for the men on your list!
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