Previous 2014 gift guides:
Gifts For Guys Gift Guide
If you’re anything like me, you find it 10,000 times easier to shop for the women in your life. I swear I could buy my mom, sister and girlfriends a billion gifts and never run out of ideas, but when it comes to the men in my life, I am much more challenged. I created this gift guide for those of you who may be in a similar boat!
This gift guide includes some great go-to gifts for guys that I hope will give you a few ideas! I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments section, so if you have a great gift idea for men, please share it below!
Let’s get to it…
Gifts For Men
- Charles Tyrwhitt Button-Down Shirt
Ryan discovered these shirts last year when his friend Pete let him try one of his on during his wedding weekend. Ryan immediately fell in love because he finally found a button-up shirt that actually looks tailored and not overly blousy. Ryan’s number one complaint with men’s button-down shirts is all of the excess fabric in the back and around the waist, so the slim fit of these shirts is a blessing for him! If a man in your life shares similar complaints, definitely look into Charles Tyrwhitt shirts. He won’t be disappointed! (For reference: Ryan’s waist is 32/33 and he gets the “extra slim fit.”)
- Tickets to See a Favorite Comedian/Concert/Show
This one is always a hit and a great option for most guys out there! In the past I’ve given Ryan tickets to see Ron White, Robin Williams, Dave Matthews Band, Blue Man Group and more. Bonus points for planning a special dinner before/after the show!
If a guy in your life is in need of a new winter jacket, I highly recommend Columbia’s TurboDown jacket. (They have tons of different styles and colors at various price points.) After I raved about my TurboDown jacket, Ryan ordered one for himself and quickly became a fan. (Ryan has the TurboDown 890 jacket in ice gray.) It’s unbelievably lightweight for a down jacket but incredibly warm. When you first feel the jacket, it’s kind of hard to believe it will be as warm as it is, but Omni-Heat technology really works and reflects your body heat back onto your body, making the coat extremely warm. (I’ve convinced two of my girlfriends and my sister to order this jacket, too!)
Slippers are an item I never would’ve put on this list until Ryan and I moved to North Carolina. When we were living in Florida, Ryan never wore slippers (and barely ever more much more than boxers to bed!) but now that the cold has set in, he’s bundled up every night. I absolutely love the look of these TOMS slippers for men and since they’re TOMS, you know they’re going to be crazy comfortable! (FYI, you can save $5 off anything on their site with the code RMNTOMS and shipping is free with PayPal!) And, as I’m sure you know by now, for every pair of shoes/slippers purchased from TOMS, another pair is donated to those in need. It’s a gift you can feel good about giving!
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio Subscription
If you know a guy who is a serious music lover, a subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio may be a welcomed gift. Ryan’s mom gave this to Ryan one year for Christmas (plans start at only $5.99 a month) and he’s renewed it every year since. It’s a great gift for those who drive a lot and love music but hate commercials on regular radio. I’m also a huge fan and Ryan and I have discovered a lot of new music through his SiriusXM subscription that we otherwise would never have heard on mainstream radio. Ryan has a very basic plan, so it’s not a huge expense and he absolutely loves it.
For the fitness fanatic, I recommend gifting a heart rate monitor. I’ve given my dad and Ryan the Polar FT4 (in gray) the past and they both love it and use it regularly. Bonus: It’s less than $60! I have the same one in pink and find the set up very user-friendly.
- Netflix or Hulu Subscription
For the guy who loves movies or relaxing in front of the TV, consider a Netflix or Hulu subscription. Both subscriptions services are relatively inexpensive and allow you to stream everything from movies and documentaries to comedy specials and popular TV shows. (Ryan and I gave his grandmother’s boyfriend a Netflix subscription last year and it was a big hit!) And for a great stocking stuffer, wrap up a DVD of one of his favorite movies! I almost always include a new movie in Ryan’s stocking and he loves it.
- Getaway Weekend (Planned Entirely by You!)
This gift is always a hit in our house. The gift of an experience is always the most memorable and Ryan and I have planned some incredible weekend getaways for each other in the past. These romantic and fun weekends away are the gifts we remember and cherish most. And a weekend away doesn’t have to be expensive! We always select destinations that are drivable from our house and typically stay at a cute little bed and breakfast!
More Ideas:
- Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap (This soap isn’t cheap but Ryan loves it, so I buy it for him on his birthday and Christmas.)
- Trendy Work Socks or Comfortable Athletic Socks (Check out Happy Socks and Bombas!)
- Sunglasses (Ryan loves the Black Day Bed sunglasses from our friend Ben’s company, Faded Days. They’re already super affordable and Ben is also offering 50% off all orders with the code PBFingers through Sunday! I personally love the Tortoise Shell Day Bed sunglasses.)
- A New Book
- Cold Weather Gear (Hats, gloves, scarves, etc.)
- Fitness Apparel
- Tickets to a Sporting Event
***
Disclaimer: None of the items featured in PBF gift guides are sponsored and companies may not pay to be a part of the gift guides. The items featured are simply items I think would make fabulous gifts for loved ones this holiday season. Some affiliate links may be included and, as always, I truly appreciate your support.
Victoria says
I went with “fitness apparel” and got my boyfriend some bike shorts that say SMASH on the ass in bright yellow.**
**It is up to you to determine if I’m making this up or not.
Julie says
HA!! That’s all kinds of awesome. 🙂 (And I’m going with “totally true” — yes?)
Victoria says
Like these:
http://smashfestqueen.com/collections/men-s-smash/products/limited-edition-men-s-fastnloud-tri-shorts
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
Great ideas, Julie! Men are always so tricky to shop for during the holidays.
Shawna says
i’m such a Toms fan and totally love those guys’ slippers. i have a pair of their gray flannel-ish boots that ia dore — really well made and so cute. love their mission, too. great choice!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog says
I WANT THOSE TOMS FOR MYSELF!
Julie says
no kidding! don’t they look so comfy!?
murdocksmama says
Yay…thanks for sharing about the sunglasses company. I just ordered some for my hubby’s stocking! 🙂
Julie says
awesome!! they’re great and so super affordable that ryan and i also both have a pair we just like to leave in the car, too! hope your husband loves them!
RJ says
My husband swears by Charles Tyrwhitt shirts and ties. I’ve been thinking about getting him some of the polos for Christmas so he can try them out.
Julie says
I was so shocked to hear Ryan RAVE about a button-down shirt, but he is honestly obsessed with them and is slowly transitioning his work shirts to almost all Charles Tyrwhitt button-downs — he loves them THAT much. They really do look like they’re tailored for his body. He hasn’t tried the polos yet either— if you do order them for your husband, you’ll have to let me know what he think!
Heather @ No Bologna Blog says
Great ideas!! I love giving gifts that create experience! For our anniversary this year, I got tickets to Mickey’s Not-so-scary Halloween Party. For Christmas, I’ll be doing a stocking full of fun goodies & gift cards, but I’m leaning towards a musical or play for the big gift this year! 🙂 Love your gift guides per usual!
Jen Rawson, RD (@PrettyLilGrub) says
I didn’t even know Toms made slippers, my husband would love those.
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
I love gifting experiences, or packages like Hulu. They’re so useful, and not just “stuff” that will go in the closet!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Men are so hard to shop for, IMO. When they see something they like, they just by it. Or they have something so specific in mind that they may as well just buy it themselves anyway. Oye. haha I like the sound of the button-down shirt though. My hubby has the same complaint about most dress shirts.
Traci says
Who knew that Toms made slippers? Well, I didn’t. One of the best gift guides for guys that I have seen!
Ashley says
Love this! I just ordered my bf a pair of the Faded Days sunglasses 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for your friend offering your readers such an awesome discount!!!
Chelsea @ Raw N' Toned says
The tickets for their favorite comedian is a great idea! I bought some for my boyfriend months ago, and he is super psyched about it!
Bethany says
What great ideas!!!
Cate says
The men I work with swear by those shirts!
Julie says
Ryan and all of his buddies are in LOVE with them now! His friend Pete definitely started a trend among their little group! And I must admit, they DO look really good!
Annette Perkins (@FitnessPerks) says
That button down sounds amazing, I will have to check it out!!! Thank you 🙂
kelsierakay says
My dad is a big wine-o and golfer so my gifts always tend to gravitate towards those themes. My brother is a policeman, so there’s always some new gear he wants.
Julie says
I’m assuming you’ve already given your dad an aerator (or he prob already has one!)? If not, they are AMAZING and seriously do so much to improve a glass of wine!
Christina M says
This was a great list for today! I’ve already bought my BF gifts.. but I feel like he needs more!! He’s one of my favorite people to spoil.. but it’s so hard because I never know what to get him! Plus.. I get competitive with him around Christmas and always have to do the better gift-giving 🙂
Skinny Fitalicious says
You have the best make ideas by far and I’ve been reading all the blogs trying to figure out something for my Dad. The Netflix and slippers are awesome!
foodiecology says
I’m the easiest person to buy for, but I seriously get gift anxiety when it comes to my husband! He’s the type to just buy whatever he wants/needs himself, leaving me few options to really surprise him. I agree that those Charles Tyrwhitt shirts are great; I got my hubs some a few years ago and they look awesome (he’s lanky so the extra slim fit him well too). The quality is great, too.
Sarah @ Sarah Sincerely says
I struggle every year with what to get my husband, and his birthday is the 26th! Great ideas..thanks!
Linz says
great guide! i like to gift fun foodie items to the boys in my fam!
Lizzie S. says
Men are so challenging to shop for and I have so many in my life (a bf, dad and two brothers). Thanks for sharing Julie!
Angela @ HonestlyAngela says
Buying gifts for my dad and father in law is always so hard! We got my father in law a snorkeling set this year to take in his trip to Cuba in February.
Caitlin @ Happy 'n' Hungry says
I’ll have to look into those button-downs for my husband. He always complains about shirts fitting the fairly wide width of his shoulders, but then hanging awkwardly at his waist. These look like the perfect fix to that problem!
theannamatedlife says
I just did a little shopping for my husband on the Faded Days website. Thanks so much for sharing!
skigirl0891 says
I bought that exact black Colombia jacket for Chris last year! He loves it! On the hunt for some great inside slippers for him this year….
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Agreed! I find my Dad the hardest to shop for, but I never have a problem shopping for my hubby or brother. Concert tickets are a winner for sure and so are watches.
Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy says
I think those are the only Toms my hubby would like! hehe
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan says
Look up Man Crates – seriously, they’re really cute! Plus, what guy wouldn’t want to open their gift with a crowbar? 🙂
Guys are impossible to buy for, my boyfriend is notorious for saying he really wants something and then he runs out and buys it.
Julie says
Thanks for the suggestion, Becky!!
Julie @ A Better Life with Burgers says
Ugh, guys can be SO hard to shop for. You can imagine my joy last night when I found the perfect gift for my husband: a beer bottle opener made out of a piece of the original floor from UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion! I bought it right then. Thanks for these ideas!
Julie says
Whoa! That’s a great one!
Erica says
You are a life saver!! This post could not have come at a better time. My husband is always looking for slim fit dress shirts and I’m always on the hunt for good new-to-me brands. Just ordered him two Charles Tyrwhitt button downs which I think he will love! Thanks for the suggestion!
Julie says
Hope he loves them!!
Run Eat Play says
Great gift guide! I always have trouble thinking of gifts for my hubby!
livitant says
I love these ideas! HR monitor is a great gift!
Courtney! says
I agree about experiences the most! We’ve mostly cut out gift giving in trade for saving our money for trips. For Christmas this year we are going to Disney so no gifts, but I usually get him a LEGO set (his stress reliever.. kinda like a puzzle), a book or something we will use together… like Star Wars Cookie Cutters or a board game.
Kelly @ The Fit Skool says
I have never heard of the Charles Tyrwhitt shirts, but from all the comments it sounds like I should purchase my husband one for Xmas! So far I have gone with some fitness equipment, a pull-up bar and push-up bar!! Which is secretly my gift too 🙂
EmilyAnne says
This is a great guide. I always give my husband tickets to something or a trip. I never buy anything I have to wash, iron, or dust. http://www.eatallovertheworld.weebly.com
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
My husband has the same problem with needing slim fit shirts. The ones that he has found that fit him the best are from Express men, but I may have to check out this other company too. Thanks for another awesome list!
Alissa says
Thanks for all the great ideas! I just ordered my husband and myself a pair of faded days sunglasses! They are all so cute! Also, my husband LOVES Charles Tyrwhitt (spelling?) shirts. He just bought 6 more otherwise they’d be on my christmas list for him!
Carrie N says
Thanks for the discount on the sunglasses! Just bought 5 pairs! Hoping my husband loves the polarized ones (he always wants them for fishing) and I am sure I can use them as stocking stuffers for other friends and family or keep them for myself 😉
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says
Great ideas! I’ve really enjoyed your gift guides. I’ve already gotten stuff similar to what you’ve posted. Thanks!!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Awesome ideas! Those Toms slippers look so insanely comfortable and even though my boyfriend is a size 13 I would sneak and wear them all the time!
Kim says
Good gift ideas, and I’ll add another, similar idea: a Pandora One subscription. Such a great gift, *I* got it from my husband originally, because I listen to it so much. He never thought he’d want one, though, until I got HIM one too (kind of the glass menagerie thing). Anyhow, he poo poo’d it at first, but now he is absolutely OBSESSED with it. And it’s so inexpensive!
I also have lots and lots of platonic guy friends, and they participate in a “friend’s Christmas” that we have every year (in January, because, you know, holidays are busy, yo.) Anyhow, they were totally obsessed with the very practical home gifts that I brought: example, a fire safe for your valuables, and a collapsible hand truck (you know, like a dolly). Since we do gifts for anyone, then roll dice and “steal” gifts for a couple rounds, they kept stealing that dolly/hand truck over and over again.
Also a big hit for my husband: I bought him a keurig. He loves it. And I’ve purchased weird and unique flavor packs for him too.
And I like the idea of practical clothing too, example: we live in a cold climate (MN), and I bought my husband flannel lined jeans (flannel on the inside, jean on the outside). He loves, loves, loves them. I also bought him a great puffy vest that had lots of interior pockets to stow his wallet, phone, and heck, why not a wine opener.
Also, anything with lots of compartments. Dudes love interior, hidden, pockets.
And lastly, I don’t know why this is case, but guys seem to LOVE flashlights. High end, high lumens flashlights, specifically. Stuff that feels sturdy and tough with smooth operation and multiple settings (spotlight to pinpoint light).
Erin Christine says
These are great ideas! My husband is always hard to shop for and I tend to be pretty predictable with his gifts – dress shirts (he’s a teacher), dvds, pro football merchandise. I did get the 3rd season of Game of Thrones on blu-ray for him for Christmas, but now I’m seriously considering a subscription of Sirius Radio, he’d love it! Thanks for the tip!