Buying gifts for men can be difficult, but there are ways to make the gift selection process easier. Remember, each man is different and will have various likes, hobbies and dislikes. If you’re looking for the best gifts for the man in your life, keep reading to view our holiday season gift guide for him.
First, Take into Consideration These Tips on Buying the Best Gift for Any Man in Your Life
No holiday gift guide would be complete without a quick discussion of things you should think about when buying gifts for him. To find the ideal gift for the man in your life, there are three things you can look for that will help you find something he'll love.
- Pay attention to his needs: Everyone has practical needs, but we don’t always tend to them. For example, someone may talk about needing a car wash kit so they don’t have to continue to go to the car wash but never buy one for themselves. Spend some time listening to your man to see whether you can identify anything he needs but hasn’t bought for himself. If you want to give a good gift, the No. 1 rule is that you give him something he will use and not put it on an empty shelf somewhere.
- Keep it simple: Men tend to like straightforward things, and that’s why you shouldn’t overthink the gift. Instead of complicating things, think about what would make his life easier or more enjoyable. For instance, if he is a music lover, you could give him tickets to his favorite concert or buy him that guitar he’s had his eye on.
- Notice what he likes to do and buy for himself: Does the man in your life have a hobby? Does he have a habit of buying things that contribute to or grow his hobby? Noticing these things can make for great gift-giving ideas. If he has a hobby that he loves, give him a gift related to it. For example, does he play golf often? Get him a golf gift such as a replacement for the club he's always complaining about. Or, you could concentrate on the things he wants to do but hasn’t. Maybe you’ve heard him talk about wanting to try rock climbing — why not make his day and give him the gift of lessons?
10 Holiday Gift Ideas That Men Actually Want
It’s time to get into the specifics. Here are some of the best holiday gifts for him.
1. Grill Set
If the man you’re shopping for likes to cook outdoors, you have a lot of choices, but to make the gift special, why not opt for a grill set? Just like how pool players take their pool sticks seriously, any griller worth this salt understands that the tools he uses can make cooking that steak or hamburger even better. And if you want to make the gift even more special, consider personalizing it with his name or a funny saying.
2. Engraved Decanter Set
If he likes to pour his drinks in style, an engraved decanter set could be the ideal gift. You can engrave the glasses with his initials, or engrave the decanter with his name or some other sentimental text. This gift is best for anyone who likes to entertain and wants to make a good impression when serving drinks.
3. Wallet
Men carry a lot of important stuff in their wallets. A wallet not only needs to be practical and a size that will hold everything they carry, it also needs to match their style. Some men like simple leather wallets while others like metal wallets. If the man in your life needs a new wallet, make sure you understand his style and then wow him with a new one.
4. Watch
Watches have come a long way, and if he hasn’t caught up to the times and still wears the same watch he wore a decade ago, it might be time for an upgrade. Pay attention to his style and select a watch that matches it. Would a leather band fit his style, or would a gold or silver band fit into his wardrobe and lifestyle? If he is adventurous, think about giving him a watchmaking kit so he can make his own unique watch. Watches make an excellent luxury gift for him, if you're looking for something a little more pricey.
5. Personalized Toiletry Bag
If the man you are buying a gift for travels a lot, a custom toiletry bag could make a great personalized gift. You can find toiletry bags in leather in various colors or bags that are made from other types of materials. One hint if you want to buy the right style is to look at his luggage and match it as closely as you can.
5. Cigar Humidor
If the man you’re buying for loves good cigars, he would likely love a good humidor to store them in. When searching for a humidor, be sure to think about the quality. A good-quality humidor will allow him to store the cigars and keep them fresh for months.
7. Laptop Bag
Does he carry his laptop to and from work or when he travels? If so, a laptop bag could make a perfect gift. Look for a bag that matches his personality — whether it’s made from canvas, leather or another material — and ensure that it has enough pockets and compartments to hold the rest of his gear. This is a great tech gift for any man who carries his laptop with him. If you want to make it even more special, personalize it with his name.
8. Hot Sauce Set
As a general rule, men love hot sauce. In fact, you likely know a man who has participated in a hot pepper-eating contest. If the man in your life loves hot sauce, a hot sauce set might make a well-appreciated unique gift. You can find sets that include various styles of hot sauce in many different types of bottles and containers. If you choose this gift, have fun with it and find one that matches his personality. If you can't find enough to complete a set you can use individual bottles as stocking stuffers!
9. Cooler
If he likes to spend time at the beach, lake, pool party or campground, a cooler would make a great gift. You can get him a cooler that will keep his favorite canned beverages cool for days, or you could opt for a mini-cooler if he only needs it for a few hours. Just like with any other gift, if you personalize the gift it will make it that much more special to him. Plus, it will ensure that his cooler doesn’t get mixed up with his friends’ coolers.
10. Subscription Box
If you want to give him a gift that keeps on giving, think about signing him up for a subscription box. You can find subscription boxes for beer lovers that will deliver a beer or wine of the month, movie collections for movie night enthusiasts, or even shaving essentials for the burly gentlemen. If you choose this type of gift, he will think of you every time a new box shows up in his mailbox!
Yes, You Can Find the Perfect Gift for Him
Finding unique gifts for men doesn’t have to be difficult. To find the perfect gift for him, focus on his personality, style and needs, and soon, you will know just what type of gift to buy. And don’t forget to get jewelry insurance if you choose fine jewelry as a gift. For instance, if you buy him an expensive watch and you make insurance a part of the gift, he will relax, knowing that any loss resulting from theft or damage will be covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gifts do guys like most?
The gifts that guys like most depend on the guy, but many guys like gifts that are related to their hobbies as well as gifts that make their lives easier. Also, guys like to receive gifts that they wouldn’t have bought for themselves.
Are you supposed to give gifts to groomsmen?
Yes, most grooms give gifts to their groomsmen. The gift symbolizes an appreciation for the groomsmen taking the time to participate in the groom’s wedding. They also help the groom express his close relationship with the groomsman.
Do guys like it when you buy gifts?
Most guys like it when you buy gifts, but it is difficult to make a blanket statement that applies to all men. Pay attention to your man’s reaction when you buy him a gift to determine whether he likes to receive gifts.
About Suzanne Kearns
Suzanne is an expert in the insurance, personal finance, real estate and retirement planning space.