My 5 Fav Gifts for Men

My 5 Fav Gifts for Men

If you’re buying for your husband, boyfriend, father, brother, or someone else, these are five gift ideas to give to guys that never fail me.

Every year when shopping for my husband, I often get stuck. We buy each other 4 types of gifts and there’s almost always one category I have a hard time figuring out (If you want to read about our gift system, check out The 4 Gift Rule I Follow Every Christmas). Not because he doesn’t need or want anything, but there are quite a few things he doesn’t buy for himself that I have a hard time deciding and get overwhelmed by choice.

I also have a younger-than-me-brother and brother-in-laws to shop for, so I’ve had to come up with alternative, but still great, gift ideas for them.

Truthfully, men are not as hard to buy for as we think. Most of them are simple and don’t want over the top gifts. That being said, I also know they appreciate a nice gift, even if they don’t gush over it the same way we might. And if the men in your life are anything like the ones in mine, they know how much you enjoyed picking it out for them and appreciate the sentiment.

Here are five gifts that I would be confident giving to any guy. My husband, brother, or even a total stranger.

A wallet. I have given a wallet as a gift several times and it has never once been met with less than massive appreciation. They stretch out over time and there’s nothing more annoying than pulling out your debit card and having all of them fly out because it’s too loose unless every single card stays in its place. They also wear out because most guys keep them in their back pocket where they sit on it, or take it in and out so it becomes faded and rough around the edges.

And while it’s something they definitely need, it’s most likely not on their weekend plans to go buy a new one because it’s still kind of a vanity item. As long as the other one is still technically doing its job, they won’t rush to replace it.

If you aren’t sure about color or style, I would recommend going with a brown or black leather. It’s classic and doesn’t go out of style. Both colors are neutral and go with everything–even jeans. Leather is great because it tends to last longer without showing wear. And for the love, do NOT buy them a wallet that has Velcro. If you do choose one with a fastener, choose a snap.

Higher end option: If you trust yourself to enter a designer purse store, check out their wallets for men while you’re in there. Lower end option: Amazon has some nice options that are very reasonably priced and most department stores carry men’s wallets for the holidays.

A hat. Chances are you will know if the person you are gifting to wears hats. Ball caps and trucker hats (my husband’s personal fav) are everywhere and can be as custom or plain as you want. If you know their favorite sports team or a brand they prefer, it’s pretty easy to find one. If you don’t want to guess on their head size, I would choose a flexible option that has an adjustable band. Visors are another option that are versatile and usually adjustable.

If you live in Minnesota, or anywhere it gets cold, a nice ole’ fashioned winter stocking hat is also a great gift option. Especially for men. My husband would have exactly one stocking hat and it would stink like dried sweat and the outdoors if it wasn’t for me. He usually gets a new one each year (as a stocking stuffer) and it replaces whichever one is in the worst shape. These can also be as fun or simple as you want. If you aren’t sure, going with a plan color like grey, navy, black, or brown is safest. Carhartt is great for neutral colors in stocking hats, as is The North Face, and they are very warm and comfortable.

Higher end option: Lids is a hat store specializing in sports and athletic options. The quality of their products really is great. Lower end option: Check out Cabela’s or Scheels for a variety of hat options and styles. I have also found some nice brand names on Amazon for less.

Anything Yeti brand. I have met zero men in my life that don’t appreciate a Yeti tumbler or coffee mug. They’ll never admit it, but this is the Stanley water bottle for men. My husband works a very physical job and he carries the 46oz Rambler most days. A couple of years ago I got him the big kahuna–a one gallon jug. I even opted for the holster for it that you bolt into your truck or to a trailer wall so it doesn’t roll around. This one gets used more in the summer, but both are excellent options for the working man in your life.

For anyone not hoofin’ it, there are tons of other smaller options for water, coffee, or even as a can cozi. Yeti is a great brand no matter what. Keeps the hot drinks hot and the cold drinks cold…for HOURS. There are tons of sizes, colors, and even a customization option for some of them. All are different price points, and there’s bound to be something for the person you are gifting.

Higher end option: A Yeti of your choice with an add-on option like a straw cap or customization with their name or fav sports team. Lower end option: If Yeti feels a bit spendy for you, check out BruMate. They are also a great brand and frequently have sales around this time of year. They are also slightly cheaper in general. I have personally bought and used both and both are great.

Sweatpants. Or any other comfortable clothing like joggers, pajama pants, or hoodies. If the guy in your life is anything like my husband, he’ll will wear the heck out of 2 pairs of sweatpants or hoodies on repeat until they’re so washed and worn that you wonder how they are still holding together.

Even if they don’t need any, this is a gift that is almost always appreciated. Who doesn’t love to be comfortable? And a pair of grey or black sweatpants for guys is a pretty safe color option. If you’re worried about what size to get, always size up for comfort and include a gift receipt.

Higher end option: Brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armor, Patagonia, Ugg, or The North Face all make really comfortable, soft options of sweatpants or joggers. Lower end option: American Eagle is great for soft and comfort, and you can usually catch a sale, or at the very least free shipping, especially this time of year. Walmart + Target also both carry sweatpants, sweatshirts, and pajama pants and, even if they aren’t fancy, they’re soft and comfortable, which is the whole point.

Food. Homemade snacks or meals, store bought snacks, beef jerky, charcuterie, coffee, adult beverages, a gift card to a great lunch spot or restaurant…the sky is the limit with this one. You could make it personal and offer to cook them a special meal. Put together (or buy a pre-assembled) charcuterie board or a beef jerky basket. And I don’t know anyone that doesn’t appreciate free money to their favorite lunch or dinner place.

Higher end option: Use a gift basket service like Harry & David to order a gourmet option, take him out to a steakhouse for dinner, or grab a gift card to a boujee restaurant . Lower end option: Put together your own gift basket, make a favorite recipe to gift as a freezer meal, or snag a gift card to a popular coffee place.

I love these gift ideas because they have never failed me and are always met with appreciation. They may seem simple, but I think that’s the key. I’ve seen my husband get more excited about food he’s eating than when we got married (Kidding! Sort of). A great meal is something I think almost anyone can appreciate. And the rest of them are my tried and true go-to’s when I can’t come up with something more creative.

If you got to the end of this and thought to yourself, “that’s it, Naomi? Those are your brilliant ideas? I came here to get a great gift idea!!” then I think you missed the point somewhere along the way. Most guys are very simple. It doesn’t take much to make them happy and it certainly doesn’t require much as far as gifts go. They like basic and uncomplicated. If you really want to speak right to their heart, you don’t even have to wrap the gift 😉

Whatever you decide to gift, I know it will be great because YOU chose it for them! At the very least, take some pressure of yourself to find the “perfect” gift and just go with a new version of something you’ve seen them use or wear and I can guarantee you they’ll love it.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and holiday season!

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