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Holiday Gift Guide for Men
Continuing our Holiday Gift Guides (here’s one for the Home Chef, your BFF, and Moms and Littles), today we’ve got Dan sharing his gift ideas for the guys on your list. xo Candace
Creating wish lists is something that I was always hesitant to do. I never really felt comfortable writing down things that I want. I always felt like the best gifts were the ones that people picked out on their own, without just buying it off of a list. But Candace asked if I wouldn’t mind writing down some gift ideas for the guys on your shopping lists this holiday season, so here’s what I came up with. All of these are things I would be happy to see under the tree.
I’ll start with a few practical items. These are gifts that you know will be used, and it also saves the recipient a little money because they don’t have to buy them on their own. And who doesn’t like saving a bit of money?
Stance Socks, $12 - People always joke about getting socks as a gift - I love them. Stance is a great company and their socks are well made. Their designs are second to none and they are perfect for the gym.
Organic Soap, $16.99 - I love soap. I take two showers a day and there is no better feeling than being clean. Soap that dries you out is tough, especially in the winter. I’m pretty sure that men who say they don’t care about nice bath products are either lying or haven’t tried a good soap. Get them some.
Organic Cotton Sheets, $47 - We spend most of our time in our beds, so it’s nice to feel comfortable and relaxed. You don’t realize the comfort in nice sheets until you have them.
Gourmet Salt Sampler, $34 - I think last year everyone in my family received salt as a gift. You can turn any meal into something tastier with a few shakes of these gourmet salts.
Beeswax Candle, $9.50 - Beeswax candles provide a pure and clean-burning flame that produces very little smoke. Stop buying Yankee Candles that smell like you’re inside Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and buy candles that are actually beneficial for you and your home.
Tattooist of Auschwitz, $13.58 - If they are a reader, a good book is a no brainer. Plus you get to really be thoughtful about which book you give. Giving someone a book you think they will like is difficult to do. But when it works, it is a home run. I loved this book by Heather Morris. It is a true story about survival.
Namaslay® Goat Tape, $9.99 - If they go to the gym, they need this tape. It is the best way to protect your hands when lifting with a barbell, doing pull-ups, or using kettle bells. Goat tape is the strongest, stickiest tape out there.
OK, now let’s get to some gifts that will really surprise them. The best thing about opening gifts is not knowing what’s inside. When I was younger, my brothers and I would snoop around and find ALL the gifts, and by Christmas morning, we knew what was in every box. And to be honest, it ruined it. There was no fun, no surprise, just ripping through wrapping paper to get what we knew was there. I remember one Christmas my brother bought me a video game and gave it to me a week early just so we could play it! Try to get a few items that aren’t on someone’s wish list. Below are some gift ideas that they may not see coming.
8. Xbox, $499 - As a kid, 90% of the gifts I received were video game related. I haven’t played video games in a while, but every now and then I wish I had a good game to get into. Red Dead Redemption 2 ($59.99) is out now and it is getting incredible reviews. As I am writing this, I’m thinking more and more about going out and getting it.
9. Tickets to a Comedy Show - We saw Sebastian Maniscalco the other night at Mohegan Sun, and he is laugh out loud funny. Here are some of his YouTube clips. Always remember, comedians are way funnier in person. Comedy shows are great nights out - You laugh, have fun, and get to forget about things for a short time. Get yourself a nice AirBnb for the night and let loose.
10. Coffee Maker, $559.94 - Stop spending $5 a day on a cup of coffee. That is outrageous! Instead, buy a fancy espresso machine. Yes, they are expensive. But they will save you money in the long run. Plus you get to practice making fancy designs with the milk (which is impossible to do). It’s a great gift, something they will love, and likely something they didn’t even know to ask for.
11. Legos, $23.99 - Yes, I am putting Legos in this guide. Now before you judge, people like building things! I’m telling you, it’s a win.
12. Bonsai Tree, $25 - For anyone who has seen Karate Kid, this is the gift for them. If they haven’t seen Karate Kid, they don’t deserve a gift. House plants have many benefits, but this tree has the benefit of thinking that you are Mr. Miyagi, and I can’t imagine a better feeling in the world. This will surely be the gift of the year.
Now is the time to bring out the big ones. Again, as a kid I always remembered my parents sitting back watching us open presents, and right when we thought there were none left, they would come out with our big gifts. These were items that we may have asked for, but weren’t really sure if they would be under the tree. I have to give my parents a lot of credit. They did everything in their power to get us what we wanted. This was before internet shopping was a thing, so they had to go out there and fight the masses for whatever it was we asked for. I may not have appreciated their efforts back then as a young kid, but I certainly do now. Here are some items that will blow them away, if you’ve got a big budget.
13. Sneakers, $595 - Everyone loves new sneakers. I have always struggled with the perfect type of sneaker to wear with jeans and these are very nice. They are subtle and practical yet really well made.
14. Cartier Love Bracelet, $10,495 - If money’s no object, then this simple, timeless bracelet is perfect. It comes with a tool to screw it on and then you never take it off. I’m one of those people that needs something on his wrist, and I’ve worn everything from a simple silver bracelet to one of those rubber bands they put around egg cartons. I’d love something like this that doesn’t come off. It’s pricey, yes, but it holds its resale value and is timeless.
15. Vacation, pricele$$- If you are in the Northeast, the weather is brutal. It’s the perfect time to get away. Rent an AirBnb and go to a place that you've always dreamed of. We have all seen those clips of people opening up presents with a note inside saying, “Pack your things, we are going to the airport.” Be that person. Do that. Go to Hawaii and enjoy the sun, views, and all the warmth.
Remember, gifts are just a small part of the holidays. I enjoy this time of year because of the time I get to spend with my family. I have two older brothers, lots of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. The best part is sitting around the table, eating cookies, drinking a little too much, and playing board games (this and this never disappoint a crowd!). Happy Holidays and good luck finding the perfect gift!