Gifts for Men

It has been my experience (and that of most of my family/friends) that men are a lot harder to buy gifts for than women. It seems that they always like pricey electronics, and smaller/less expensive items they will appreciate can be harder to identify. So let’s talk about some gift ideas for men.

Hobbies

If your gift recipient has a hobby, this can be a great starting point. Hobby accessories are one option. For instance, if he skis, you can buy gloves. If he runs, you can get running shoes or sunglasses.

Enabling him to participate is also a great idea. (This is especially true if the recipient is your husband, and part of the “gift” is letting him know you’re okay with his spending time on the hobby.) You can buy parts for his electric train, or a gift certificate to the hobby store. Or a helmet for the biker. You get the idea.

Music

Most people, male or female, like music. Whatever type your guy likes, you can buy that as a gift. We now have multiple formats available: CD’s, mp3’s, etc.

Or, depending on the person, a means of making music might be appropriate. Music books, strings or tuners for guitars, cleaning kits for other instruments, etc.

Pampering Items

We tend to think of pampering (“spa”-type) items as just for women, because they’re often girly scents. But men have stress, too, and can appreciate being pampered. Just be sure you get “manly” versions of the pampering items: men’s razors/beard trimmers, cologne, body wash for men. Lotion can be especially appreciated during the dry winter months. (It can be tricky to find lotion that doesn’t smell feminine, so a masculine lotion can be a great idea!)

Favorite Team

The stereotype is that all men like sports. This is, of course, a generalization. But it’s a generalization because it is generally true! Most men follow some sport. The majority have a favorite team. Get something, practical (like a coffee cup) or impractical, with his favorite team’s logo.

Quality Stationery

Stationery and writing supplies are another product category we often mistakenly confine to the ladies. I suspect, from my own limited observation, that men probably buy the majority of the high-quality writing instruments (fountain pens and the like). These same men also tend to have a great appreciation for fine papers.

Now, of course we’re not talking about floral notepads. But high-quality laid papers are a great choice. (Think Crane stationery or Moleskin notebooks.) Good fountain pens are available very affordably from places like isellpens.com and xfountainpens.com.

Accessories

Are you seeing a trend here? Men can appreciate most of the same gift categories as women; the specific items are just different. Accessories make good gifts for men; they’re just not silk scarves and earrings! Nice neckties (in colors or prints he will like), leather wallets or belts, winter scarves or gloves – these things all make good gifts.

Food

Food is always a fun choice! What is his favorite snack food? Especially if you’re his wife (or mom) and are always urging him to eat healthfully, giving him a favorite “junk” food as a gift will be appreciated.

Toys

My experience has been that boys – of all ages – love toys! Men seem to be better than women at growing up without losing their ability to have fun. Nerf guns and brainteaser-type puzzles have been particularly popular with the men in our family.

Fun Technology

Of course, we know that our guys typically like their electronics. While we can’t get iPads for all of the guys on our lists (at least, most of us don’t have that kind of cash!), we can often do smaller things. Try fun versions of basic technology accessories, like these USB hubs.

Crafting for the Guys

Yes, it really is possible to make gifts for the guys on your list. It just takes some thought. Marshmallow shooters have been popular among males on our gift lists, from little boys on up to granddads. 🙂 Cozies for their electronics are another “make your own” gift option. And food works!

Gift Cards

Good gift cards for this category include: