It’s a week before Christmas, but judging by the lines at Target, I suspect you still need to go gift shopping for the men in your life. Let’s face it, men are difficult to buy for, and you probably only have a vague idea what to get him, or at worst, no clue. Hence the need for this handy Gift Guide for Guys.
We ladies usually have to buy gifts for several men– husband/significant others, Dads, brothers, and sons to name a few. Since little boys are pretty easy to buy for (hello, Legos!), we’ll skip that category and get right to the grown up ones. (Thanks to my husband, son-in-law, and various friends for posing for this post!)
Let’s just make lists for each:
For the Handyman:
Gift cards: Home Depot, Lowe’s, or your local hardware store (I’m partial to Ace, because wherever I’ve lived, their service is always top notch!)
$50-$100:
- this wet-dry vac
- a new tool box
- a hand-held air compressor— I don’t even know what those are for, but it sounds neat!
Under $50:
- a tool belt, or even better, a tool apron
- an organizer for his shop
- flashlight gloves… these are genius!
Small gift/stocking stuffer:
- a measuring tape because you need more than one, right? (It gets lost or you don’t want to go all the way to the garage or basement to get it!)
- duct tape which now comes in so many patterns!
- a small tool
For the runner:
Gift cards: local runner’s store, or any athletic or shoe store
$50-$100:
- cold weather running gear
- new running shoes, as long as you know what he likes– good ones may still be at this price on sale
- activity tracker like this one on sale right now
Under $50
- trigger-point foam roller for those sore muscles
- water bottle– this one is really sleek
- really nice wireless headphones
Small gift/stocking stuffer:
- hydration tablets
- lip balm– this one is great
- headband
For the gourmet:
Gift cards: Williams-Sonoma, nice local restaurant, gift certificate for cooking classes
$50-$100:
- For the gourmet who is also a Star Wars fan: an instant pot that looks like R2D2!!!
- a new set of pots (huge sale on these at Target!)
- a panini press like this one on sale
Under $50
- a new knife
- a garlic peeler
- a personal-size pizza stone
Small gift/Stocking Stuffer:
- a bottle of hot sauce
- Infused olive oil– there are stores now exclusively for that!
- coffee from a local roaster
- new, interesting kitchen utensil such as this flat whisk
- chocolate-covered espresso beans–because who doesn’t love those?
For the Hiker:
Gift cards: yearly pass to state parks, REI or local outdoor retailer, Cabella’s
$50-$100:
- these great shoes
- pair of trekking poles
- down jacket
Under $50
- insulated backpack
- paracord bracelet— inexpensive and super popular
- waterproof first aid kit
Small gift/Stocking Stuffer:
- eco-friendly water bottle
- hydration tablets and lip balm from the runner, above
- trail mix, of course!
- a Bear Bell for those unwanted encounters!
For the Techie:
Gift cards: Best Buy, Amazon, Apple Store
$50-$100:
- This is pushing it a little, but I couldn’t find a FitBit for under $100. I did, however, find this one on sale for $129.
- noise-canceling headphones
- I don’t know much about video games, but these neon wireless Nintendo controllers looked cool!
Under $50
- Amazon Echo dot (aka “Alexa”) is on sale for half price!
- a smart clock (on sale right now)
- this tablet on sale right now as well
Small gift/Stocking Stuffer:
- micro screwdriver for removing those tiny screws on computers
- this neat little wireless charger
- … or this one!
For the Artist:
Gift cards: Local art store, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby
$50-$100:
- this storage box
- easel
- annual subscription to blueprint
Under $50
- pack of canvasses (remember to use your Michael’s or Hobby Lobby coupon!)
- water color brush pens
- sketch pad with daily prompts
Small gift/Stocking Stuffer:
- new paint brush(es)
- new sketch pencils
- calligraphy ink or paints
For the Intellectual:
Gift cards: Local book store, newspaper subscription, enrollment in a local class
$50-$100:
Under $50
- wooden map of the world puzzle
- wooden Sudoku game
- escape room experience for 2
Small gift/Stocking Stuffer:
- this cool mug
- a notepad
- multi-tool pen set
When you finally finish shopping for the men in your life, you can throw away your gift guide for guys and focus on enjoying the season. Merry Christmas!
