December 2, 2016
Some of the hardest people in my life to buy for are men, and I’m sure you feel the exact same way! Daniel happens to be the easiest person on my list to buy for, but I’ve realized that this is not at all common because my friends are constantly mentioning how they don’t ever know what what to get their husbands or boyfriends! My dad and brother probably top my “tough to buy for” list, so I made sure that whether you have a man and don’t know what to get him, or just have a dad or brother that you could use an idea for, this gift guide would be a help to you!
Unfortunately, men are no where near similar to women, and you can’t just grab a lip kit at Sephora or run to Anthro and pick up a candle you know any woman would love. They require a lot more thought and usually never even know what they want themselves! So I have found it’s best to go with something practical (my husband always appreciates a practical gift!) or something they can have fun with because I haven’t met a man that doesn’t like a toy (even at 50!). So, here are some ideas in case you are stumped on what to get the men in your life.
1. A Dress Shirt
At the top of the “practical” list would be a nice dress shirt. Daniel’s all-time favorites are the Slim Fit shirts from J Crew. I love buying clothes for guys because you can buy their size, and it will fit! What a novel idea? Why can’t it be this way for us women? This one comes in tons of great patterns he can wear to work and also comes in a classic fit that may work best for the more mature man, a.k.a “Dad” 😉.
2. A Watch
For some reason, every guy I’ve ever met loves watches. It’s probably the most universally loved men’s accessory, and it makes the best stand-alone gift. There are so many cool options out right now under $100, but this one was just a little bit more and definitely my favorite! When I was showing my 16-year-old brother the items for this post, he stopped me at this watch and said, “Get me that for Christmas!” So, proof that it will work for all ages!
3. Sonos
Really any bluetooth speaker system is a cool gift, but Daniel and I got a pair of Sonos speakers from my parents for Christmas last year and we always tell people that it is our favorite gift we have ever received! It’s a wireless speaker system (rather than bluetooth), which is cool because when you get a call to your phone it doesn’t stop the music. You can get multiple and put them in different rooms and play different songs at different volumes in each room from the app on your phone! They are on sale right now, and I have to say they are my favorite item on this gift guide!
4. A Sweatshirt
Something cozy and warm will get plenty of use over the course of the next few months! I loved this Patagonia half-zip, but Daniel also found this super cool black Nike zip-up and this heavier North Face jacket that he liked as well.
5. Shaving Kit
We bought my dad one of these shaving kits a couple years back when we were at a total loss of what to get him that year, and he still uses it to this day! Obviously he has repurchased it since, but it makes such a nice gift and will be used for years to come. If you would rather get a cologne set than a shaving kit, this YSL kit would be perfect. The fragrance is amazing and is totally universal in age; it would make the perfect gift for dad!
6, 7, & 9. Toys!
All guys have some form of little kid inside them and will take any opportunity to fly a drone or build legos no matter how old they are! This drone is under $100 and comes with a video camera on it, but if he wants a more high-tech version, this one comes with an HD camera and does backflips (an important fact to note, per Daniel 😂). This little electronic baseball game is so cute and vintage, and it would make the perfect stocking stuffer at under $25.
8. Multi-Tool
This is the perfect gift to have on hand for a guy that you have no idea what to get! At only $30 it fits any budget and will definitely be appreciated. Another gift I love to give guys that are tough to buy for is a portable charger. Who doesn’t love those?
10-11. Luggage
Daniel has this rolling carry-on garment bag and it is his absolute favorite! It rolls like a carry-on, but works like a garment bag where he can hang his nice shirts and jackets. Garment bags are so obnoxious to carry when traveling and this totally solves it. You lay the shirts in the “hanging” part which is at the bottom of the suitcase, and then pack on top of them. Kind of a pricey gift, but something your husband will love for years! [If you are wanting to give him a luggage set, Daniel has this bag that sits on top of the rolling bag, and carries a laptop and other items you need on the plane!]
This Herschel toiletry bag however is only $30 and would be perfect for any guy on your list! Both my brother and Daniel use it and it fits the perfect amount of things he will travel with.
12. Pajamas
When all else fails, pajamas are a classic Christmas gift, and for good reason. Sizing isn’t too much of an issue and it’s totally appropriate to give to almost anyone. I loved the black and brown mix of this set by Ugg. They look so cozy! Daniel stopped me in Nordstrom the other day to tell me he wanted these Ugg slippers, which would make the perfect combo!
What is your go-to gift for the guy that’s tough to shop for in your life?
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