Let’s face it: Buying for men can be tough.
For one, does anyone feel like every year it’s the same stuff over and over and over?! There are only so many socks and ties I can buy for the men in my life until they begin to think I’m sending them a message.
After many years of shopping for hard-to-buy-for-men, I’ve narrowed it down to two key reasons why they’re so difficult. 1. They don’t ever really want anything, and 2. Anything they need they run and grab themselves. (Those resourceful gentlemen! Gah!) But, with that in mind, I’ve also developed a strategy for shopping for them that seems to really work. The trick is to focus on buying closet staples and gift items that they can always use.
And so, without further ado, I give you my gift guide for men. Those hard-to-shop for ones, who seem to want nothing but you want to gift the world to. No matter what guy you’re shopping for — parent, sibling, in-law, friend, spouse, grandparent — he’s covered on here!
Charming Gift Ideas For Men
Patagonia Sweater
Guaranteed to be his most-worn clothing item during the cold-weather months! For years, Patagonias have been on constant rotation for Doug – they’re perfect for throwing on as a layer over t-shirts, or even as outerwear for chilly-but-not-quite-cold days. (AKA: Any day in the fall, winter, or spring months in the Midwest!) Great gifts options include the Better Sweater Zip Jacket + Better Sweater Quarter Zip Pullover. Every guy can use one of these, and they never go out of style. (Extra bonus: Patagonia just so happens to be huge into sustainability, too!)
YETI Tumbler
Once you drink from a YETI, you’ll never go back! Why? They keep liquid hot or cold for hours! No warm ups or more ice necessary. The great thing about a YETI is that everyone could use one, and they’re always in demand, so even if they already have a tumbler, they can no doubt use another! Gift ideas include the Rambler Stackable Mug + Rambler 20oz Tumbler.
Turntable
We absolutely love our turntable in our home — there’s something so cozy about putting on an old-school record and listening to music. It’s also great because records are a wonderful gift that you can give for years and years to come! Music just sounds different — a bit more authentic — coming from a record. (They also happen to serve as great decor items, too!) Gift ideas for turntables include: Crosley Voyager Turntable + Crosley C6. If you’re looking for some vinyl to play on the turntable, swing by this link, they have a ton of selections including modern artists!
The Gift Of Great Smell
On the top of Doug’s wish list this year? Cologne! I kid you not, there’s a man in our family who always smells so good, and we both always notice it after seeing him. (HA!) Funny what sticks out, huh?! Anyways, scent is one of those things that people remember. And if you’re the person who always smells good? Now that’s just something great to be known as. 😉
Cologne gift ideas that smell amazing include: Burberry Hero (What Doug is getting!) + Bleu De Chanel + Prada Ocean
Outdoor Voices Gear
Outdoor Voices has quickly become one of my favorite brands. Their items are perfect for anything from working out, to weekend and lounge wear, and are so comfortable. Last year I got Doug the All Day Sweatpants and they’re his favorites that he owns. Another great gift is the All Day Hoodie + All Day Short Sleeve!
Pact Clothing
Great clothing is always needed, especially if it’s from a brand that creates great basics that will last years. Pact is exactly that, and I love that their clothes are made from organic cotton in a fair trade facility! Swing by and browse their men’s bestsellers — I love their Twill Roll Up Pant (Great for the office!) + Thermal Waffle Henley + Woven Field Jacket + Crew Neck Tee (Great price!)
A Great Pair Of Sneakers
What’s a gift guide from me if VEJA isn’t included on it?! (I know, I know…I’m obsessed.) I love these sneakers personally, but I also really love them as a gift, too. Every guy could use these — they’re fashion-forward and yet timeless, look great with everything from jeans to work pants, and are comfortable. Swing by this link to browse tons of styles!
Another great option for gifting that I love are AllBirds. They’re washable, come in a ton of great styles, and another one that has become a classic/wardrobe must!
Carhartt Gear
Gotta support a Detroit native! Carhartt is the best because they make gear that’s durable + work inspired. If you have a do-it-yourself kind of guy, this is his brand! Gift suggestions include their Watch Hat + Hooded Chase Sweatshirt + OG Detroit Jacket.
Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser
If you’ve got a gadget-guy on your hands, this gift is so fun. The Waterpik Water Flosser is the easy and most effective way to floss, removing up to 99.9 percent of plaque from treated areas and is up to 50 percent more effective than dental floss for improving gum health. It’s one of those gifts that everyone can use. Plus, it’s one that they didn’t know they needed….nay, wanted….until they open it up and realize it’s their FAVORITE.
Customized Lego Family
This one is just plain fun! Why not gift a customized LEGO set?! They could be your family, or even your group of friends. Use them as decor for a desk or tabletop, or if you have kids, they can double as toys. I love this as a stocking stuffer idea, or even as a fun group gift for a grandparent!
Coffee Table Books
One of the best gifts, in my opinion! I just love coffee table books — they’re always so interesting, I love the visual nature of them, and I think they really say a lot about a person and their interests. I highly recommend The Bucket List as a gift for an adventurer – it’s filled with a ton of great trip ideas! Doug and I love flipping through ours and talking about where we want to go next.
Here are some additional great coffee table books for men: Classic Art Memes + The Wine Lover’s Bucket List + There & Back: Photographs From The Edge + Earth + Space + MOTHER: A Tribute To Mother Earth +
Accessory Essentials
Accessories are really what make an outfit. (Or travel companion!) Essentials that would be welcome under the tree for any guy include a travel toiletry kit + a warm hat, gloves or scarf for winter + a nice belt. Another one that always works? SOCKS!
Skylight Calendar
Skylight is a digital photo frame that you can email photos + videos to, (Included them in my “Gift Guide For The Home” if you’re interested!) + they also have an incredible calendar that is GENUIS! Basically, this touchscreen calendar displays all a family’s events into one easy view, so that anyone in the home can look and see what’s happening that day or in the future. With so many schedules we’re juggling, this is a no-brainer for our family to help us stay organized.
Use code ISNTTHATCHARMING for $10 off orders of $100 or more. (Huge thanks to the brand for sending this to us!)
Looking for more charming gift ideas? Be sure to swing by Charming Holiday Gift Ideas For Kids + Charming Holiday Gift Ideas For Her + Charming Holiday Gift Ideas For The Home!
