Some of my readers need your help and honestly, so do I! With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to make sure we get everyone crossed off our lists. Well, I've pretty much done that, but I do have a few people left. Of course the people left are all the men in my life--as in hubby, dad, grandpa--just wanted to make that clear!;)
Why is it that guys are so difficult to shop for?! Coming up with a creative masculine gifts that aren't too expensive is always a difficult task... especially when the new electronic gadget that every guy wants is not even within reach of your budget!
Alright, so how can all of you help? Well, do you have any brilliant ideas for men's gifts. I know most of us would be very appreciative of hearing any idea at all! I think it's also fair to say that quite a few of us struggle in this area of gift-giving!
...And even better, if you're reading this right now and you're a guy, then please tell us what you'd like for Christmas... seriously!
152 comments:
I trade in points from my Mypoints account, Discover card, and bank debit card rewards program to get masculine gift cards such as Lowes, Bass Pro, Home Depot, etc. I know gift cards can be impersonal, but they've always been a hit with my dad.
The men in my life will be getting HBA baskets just like the women this year! Manly shampoo, body wash, deodorants, shaving gear, etc.
How about this: are there any good gifts for men who are small business owners? and don't like technology?
At my aunt's house we usually give inexpensive men's gifts (very hard to find for under $5!). This year though I am making microwavable rice heating bags. I am making them from dish towels in dark green. For info on how to make these you can simply google microwavable rice heating bags.
Glade candle gift basket? Just kidding, I couldn't help myself.
Tools! That is all that is on my husband's list...
Well, I'll take a stab at this one. I love to get at least one crazy gift for honey (mid 50's) each year. Last year I got him the Mrs packman plug and play joy stick game. Plays it EVERYDAY!! We have competitions for high score, lots of fun!
The guys in my family love the H&B baskets too. I do a razor, shave gel, body wash, deoderant, I was able to grab some curve @ CVS when it was 90% off, I have a bunch of axe products. I also have about 6 pairs of men's flannel pants I got from JCPenny last year with my $10/$10 coupons.
I usually revolve gifts for my dad and hubby around the grill. Both love to grill, so I've done anything from new utensils, grill mits, meat branders and aprons to assortments of seasonings/rubs/maranades. I think the seasonings(etc) are fun b/c you can get them for a reasonable price (especially with coupons) and it's fun for them to try! I've also purchased a jalapeno chili grill to make poppers (you can find them on sale on Amazon.com sometimes).
My husband loves gift cards....lowes, golf gallaxy, subway, food.....and he is a small business owner....Realtor. According to our "Classic Love" church sermon yesterday guys don't care about gifts (or most) not like us women. My husband doesn't get the same thrill or appreciate any gifts I give him unless I spend in the thousands...and that's not gonna happen.
This year I made hand-made fleece blankets. For FIL and my dad Im taking the blanket and wrapping a $9.99 (christmas special at our local liquoir store) bottle of Jack Daniels inside. I then tie it with some leater strips & put a note "alittle something to keep you warm this season".. They are not big drinkers, but will have the occassional glass. So I figured they alread have everything why not something simple. Total I am spending less than $15 per guy!
Hubby is a total project man around the house. I'm gonna get him that rolling paint brush we've seen on DIY that pumps the paint through the roller so you don't haver to dip it!
Slippers from Lands End -- I got some for $20 shipped wih a great deal going on that ends today.
http://www.kcpennypinchinmama.com/2009/11/lands-end-free-shipping-25-off-regular.html
My hubby needs and wants clothes this year plus I always throw in some new videos otherwise this is very hard for me too, especially for my father-inlaw???
I find food gifts are always a hit with my guys - cashews, honey roasted peanuts, a 5 lb. bag of navel oranges. They also love Hickory Farms gift baskets with various summer sausages, cheeses and crackers.
hey girls whats h&b?
I always try to "think outside the box". My adult son just took up photography, so I uploaded the first photo he took that he was so proud of to stamps.com and had stamps made for him (thanks h2s!) Not only was this cheap, but I think a great surprise for him to see "his" photo on stamps! I also search favorite tv shows and can often come up with novelty stocking stuffers for really good prices!
My husband is a home brewer, so if I stick to beer brewing supplies or ingredients I always have a hit on my hands!
My father-in-law is the HARDEST person to buy for EVER! Instead of getting him an individualized gift this year, we are signing my inlaws up for a couples cooking class. We chose one that had some grilling features to it, so that he would be interested in it too.
buy your guy a sweatshirt or tshirt of his favorite sports team and then give him a coupon with it that says you'll give him a game day where you take the kids out and he can watch the entire game (or even two!) in peace, maybe also with a selection of "game" day treats left behind for him to munch on too while you are away.
i get mine a board game each year and some of these free picture things that have been posted and some other things I find a long the way. (c:
My dad is the one thats a pain to shop for!!! When we ask what he wants its always "nothing"
Dad and Grandpa always love a cute picture montage of themselves with their grandkids...And Dad too even!
How about gas cards? I gave all the men in my life car wash kits (Target had them half off after Xmas) and they loved them! You could make your own though- bucket, sponge, chamois, wash, wax, air freshener!
LOL!
One year, we got all the men in our families their own personal pool cues. Those were a big hit! They came in a nice cases and were a very unexpected surprise!
just make them a gift basket full of glade
/eyeroll
I just bought the keurig at the Kohl's sale this weekend for my hubby. He said once he'd like to have it... but not for $99.
I got the mini one for $63 after my 30% discount. AND I got $20 in kohl's cash when I added some coffee and hot chocolate to my cart. :)
I was in our AAA office the other day and they have all sorts of great travel related items for sale pretty cheap. Lots of great books that get you thinking about places you might like to visit, luggage items, etc. I'm going to pick up one or two of the books for my dad.
I like the site gifts.com, you can search by personality. I don't typically get what they suggest, but it helps gets me thinking. I like to do magazine subscriptions for my hubby and FIL, there are so many to choose from too.
For those with "handyman" men, this is on Amazon right now for $9.92 down from over $40. It's a finishing sander.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000302U6/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
Last year I got my husband a fire pit (on sale at Target) and he really enjoyed it. This year he is getting an electric razor (on sale + 30% off Kohls coupon). I also scored the NASA blu ray when it was on sale for $19.99. Speaking of which, a Blu Ray player is a big hit with the guys and they have come down to about $100. Still a lot but if it's in your budget, it's a great gift. If it's DH, Walmart sells some cheap lingerie. I mean it's on for 10 secs. so it doesn't have to be top quality. Always a good gift for the hubby!!! :)
Binoculars
Fogless mirror for shaving
camping gear
I bought my hubby indoor skydiving tickets.... :)
The sweatshirt and game day pass was a way cute idea!! I never know what to do either..so far I have my brother in law taken care of and got a $7.00 Old Navy flannel last week! & hubby is in Afganistan so this year I he requested the new call of duty game so thats what he will get :) I hopes theres a deal on the COD game, haha!!
I'm from Indiana, so COLTS apparell is always a hit!! Did you all see that game last night??
For the person that is impossible to buy for (i.e. they have EVERYTHING they want/need), you can adopt an animal from the National Zoo starting at $40. I am buying this for my grandparents (so I get 2 gifts for $40) this year!
http://www.buy.com/prod/Invicta-Men-s-Chronograph-Stainless-Steel/q/loc/64934/sellerid/15596522/211276522.html
This watch from Buy.com looks nice for the money and free shipping! It is listed on Amazon for $100.
cdmom
Where do you find Indoor skydiving tickets??? That's a neat idea.
I sometimes get my husband hot wheel cars. He likes to collect them. Also remote control cars, usually Radio Shack has them on sale this time of year. I also look for the gift sets and Target and Wal-Mart, and if they are not to much I get him one. My dad is hard to buy for, so I ususally do a gift card. Also resturant.com keeps having there gift cards for cheap, so if a good resturant is on there get a gift card.
I have given a magazine subscription to a sports mag, hunting mag, or cars, whatever suits their interest. He appreciates that it lasts all year. You can watch for good deals and usually get these for around $10!
I've found with guy gifts the trick is knowing what their interests and hobbies are. My brother likes cooking/BBQing - cookbook, My Dad is into watching Movies - latest DVD, etc. For hubby, things like underwear, socks, a bathrobe, slippers always work. Usually if we want something special we save and buy it for ourselves during the year.
One suggestion I have- visit tooltopia.com, they have deeply discounted sought-after tools. You can also get gift cards to this website. The craze with the men in my family right now is the streamlight stinger LED flashlight... expensive for a flashlight and I don't get the obsession men have with them but it's an idea! Also, you can't go wrong with Harbor Freight gift cards, they have super cheap tools also. Hope maybe I could help!
My husband loves "toys" and that usually means "gizmos" vs. actual kid toys :) One of the fave places to find stuff that both he and our son (age 22) love is www.ThinkGeek.com. They have a price-range sort that makes it easy to find geeky toys that I can afford, and they have a neat point earning system that allows for adding some freebies onto orders after you've ordered a couple things. Right now, I can't find any extra shopping codes for them (they are available for a 3%, I think, thru Mr. Rebates), but closer to Christmas, they usually have a %-off code and even a free shipping code, so I'm hanging tight for now (but it's really fun to look and create a wish list).
For my husband we always have the "traditional" items in each others stockings. In his he always gets a new wallet, a belt (he is kind of a cowboy and likes those kinds of belts), certain candy that is the same every year. Gift wise he doesnt get too thrilled unless it is in the 1,000s and since having kids that just ain't happening.
We made a book about why we love grandpa. I had my kids tell me a bunch of their favorite things to do with grandpa, or about grandpa. I then typed it up on a piece of 8 1/2x11 cardstock, one item per page....ie, "I love to pick persimmons with grandpa" and then that child drew a picture of picking persimmons with grandpa. I had them bound at a local copy store for less than a dollar and it is a really really sweet gift!! I am so excited to give it to them
Omaha Steaks have great gift packages for a man who possibly lives alone. Sometimes men, particularly widowers like my father-in-law, need a little help in keeping the fridge stocked. I love some of the other ideas I've seen here!
You can never go wrong with tools. Last year I got my husband Little Giant Ladder, now granted its a little expensive but hey Christmas is only once a year why not splurge into something he would really love to have?
Most men want Practical. My husband. Would want Bass pro gift certificates every holiday. I also have got him Magazine subscriptions.
Shirts, New Jacket, Car wash certificates,Fav. Team tickets, or concert ticket, personalized mouse pads (w/ fav. team, pic er whatever), Personalized zippo are also good gifts. If anyone does a basket. Put Dales Marinade in it! It is UNBELIEVABLE on steaks. The best I ever found. I am going to give that to my Dad. It can be found At Walmart. I have also found it at Family Dollar for cheap.
The BEST gift I gave my hubby was an electric nose hair remover. It wasn't the most exciting stocking stuffer, but he uses and appreciates it. I don't know that you could pull it off for other men besides your husband.
The best present I ever got my DH was a mini pop machine with a couple cases of soda. They hold between 8-10 cans. It is fairly small and he loves it. He keeps it under his desk at work. His boss has even tried to buy it off of him and he told him, No Way. I think they retail for around 50-60, but I got mine on clearance for 20. Great gift for someone who likes soda.
HBA, H&B = health and beauty aids
coupons for dinner at home whatever he wants
something sports related
tv show on dvd (big hit last year with the hubs when he was deployed)
this year for the hubs my parents and I went together and split the cost of a xbox 360 and one of my sisters is getting him the COD game that just came out
handmade blanket (made my dad a fleece one, super simple, with cowboys material)
magazine subscription
after shave or cologne
I am in Florida & most of the themeparks have resident discount tickets. There is a ticket $69.75 for a Busch Gardens ticket unlimited admissions till end of next year. That way its a gift we could use all year. This makes it easy b/c the rest of the family gets him sun screen, new hat and travel game stuff. Theme christmas gifts seem to work out best.
I am a 62 year old man (tomorrow), married 40 years Nov.22, 3 kids 36 year old son, 25 y.o. daughter & 17 y.o. daughter. I have 5 grand children.
I really just enjoy my family getting together. Hugs and kisses are great. If they feel they must get me something,I like food (restuarant gift cards)and I like store gift cards (Walmart, Krogers, Lowes, etc) where I shop.
Men really are easy to please.
dvd's, cologne, dvd player, rice cooker (my man does the cooking), wool socks, jeans.
Gift bag with cashews, chocolate kisses and a couple magazines he'd love. DVDs, pocket knives, and flashlights. Oh, if your man doesn't have a "head lamp" my hubby loves his (a good one is $25). Sports bottles filled with a favorite candy. Send a ham or steaks. Men love meat, right?
On thanksgiving day I have him circle ideas in the Lowes / home depot "Black Friday" ads. I've learned that if I don't have him circle what he wants, I'll inevitably buy the wrong thing! (A woman buying tools for her man is like a man trying to buy jeans for his woman - without her trying them on first!)
Last year, I was in and out of Lowe's by 6:01 am! Then, by Christmas day, he'd totally forgotten what he'd "asked" for! :)
now this one is coming from a guy and even better this idea is free! all it will take is a little bit of time here and there. create your own coupons for 'special' favors to be redeemed at any time. i like the rated R ones but a shoulder rub hits the spot too!
I got my husband <$1 pretzels from the Popcorn factory, free stainless steel water bottle from camelback, and a free subscription to wine spectator. My kids got him a free photo mug from Kodak gallery (5.99 shipping. He will love that it's all free!!
I tend to go mostly with practical. All my hubby really ever wants is tools, gcs to Lowes, work boots, etc. We tend to spoil the kids and do smaller gifts between us. I've gotten him several small things: a photo ornament of him and daughter, the collectible DVD version of American Beauty, one of his favorite movies, a Texas Longhorns T-shirt and new undies (nice pima cotton boxer briefs.) Might also get him a pair of fleece sleep pants. My parents usually give him tools of Lowes gift card so I usually skip that one.
My husband owns a small business so for our wedding anniversary I ordered him a wooden pen set with the logo of his company engraved on it. He absolutely loved it. It was around $24 with shipping which is kinda expensive for a pen, but was well worth the money.
After reading through everyone's fun suggestions, I think I know what I am going to do for everyone in my family, and it just happens to work great for my dad. I always seem to find random, little sale stuff around this time of year, but don't purchase any of it because they aren't "bigger" items. I think it would be neat to put together a "basket" for each member of your family with many little things and possibly throw in a fleece tie scarf in their favorite colors. For my dad, his basket would probably end up being some sort of bucket or a small trashcan with his favorite team on it. Walmart also has a lot of our family's favorite older DVDs on sale for $5 these days...and I could easily throw one of those in and make him chuckle.
My hubby wants a universal remote...he even emailed me the specific brand/model he wants...lol
Lowes/Home Depot gift cards are always on the list too.
Car wash or auto detailing gift certificates. I bake a kalamata olive bread for one brother and I make the cheesecake my grandmother used to bake for another brother. I add 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves to the Quaker Oats Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin cookie recipe for the other men in my family and they literally devour them! I like to do themes based on Christmas carols and this year I purchased 2 Dove chocolate bars using a BOGO q at Walgreen's when they had a 49 cent candy bar sale, used RR I had earned making profits from my couponing. I will wrap them in packages of 2 and the Christmas carol this year is the Twelve Days of Christmas. On the tag for the candybars I will write "On the second day of Christmas my sister gave to me....2 bars of Dove and a present under the tree!"
I know that in California they have one at City walk...I'm not sure were else they would have it....They have a video on line of what it is all about....My hubby wated to skydive from a plane and yeah not so trilled about that idea...hahha
As most said, you have to know the person's hobbies. However for hubbies (and I am doing this for mine), how about an intimate gift? I am thinking some sort of undies/lingerie for me to wear wrapped in a box for him. Of course, this one won't be opened in front of family. :) For gifts to open in front of family, I usually get him a collection of his favorite snacks. He likes video games & movies and is not a fix-it guy. So I get him a gift card for games and pick up some newer releases on BF that he likes.
My dad just gets gift cards.
my BF loves to fish, so new line, lures, tacklebox, hooks, ETC, will be on the list this year. Also the free ornament i got with a pic of our pup at 8 weeks dressed up like santa. she is the apple of his eye so i know he will love that!
My Dad has everything, including a big heart. So, a couple years ago, I donated money to the Make A Wish Foundation in his name and they sent him a "Thank you" certificate. It brought tears to his eyes.
My hubby is big into hiking and backpacking. He loves to get the latest gadgets for that. I got him a pair of Vibram 5 Fingers (shoes) for his birthday that he loves to pieces. I also got him a Sigg water bottle. They are super durable.
What a great list! We have 4 sons and I always put slinky's, silly puddy, paddle balls, hacky sacks, and other novelty toys like them in the stockings. They all love them, even the grown ones, and they can usually be found at dollar stores or dollar sections of Target or Walmart. Also, my guys love anything with their favorite sports teams, or bands on them...
My husband is a beer connoisseur and home brewer, so "fancy" beer (that he wouldn't buy for everyday occassions) is always a good gift for him.
Found a great deal at Wal-mart this summer! Bushnell Weather Forecasters that were regularly $100 were half price at $50. Then, there was a $50 rebate! All the guys in my life are getting one of these this Christmas! You can get really nice devices that will show the the forecast, temp, etc... This is especially helpful for those fellows that work outside or are just outdoor types.
If you have a man on your list who likes to read, check out the book "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. The racing in the title refers to car racing and the story is told from the point of view of the guy's dog. The book is so funny & has a great message. Check it out on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Art-Racing-Rain-Novel/dp/0061537969/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258391849&sr=8-1.
I've seen it for sale at Target, too!
My grandpa is getting a magazine subscription to American Heritage - which I think he will LOVE.
DH and I usually buy ourselves a gift... camera, etc. This year it will be a good wireless printer!
We always play a gift game at Christmas where we take turns choosing a wrapped gift and before you open it, you can "steal" one from someone who has already opened one and give them your wrapped one. The men are always continuously "stealing" knifes, flashlights, ball caps, and misc tools. These are not really expensive and they always leave with something they will use.
Six pack of beer and a nice set of beer glasses or mugs. :)
How about the Flip HD mini camcorder. 120 minutes, pocket size and Best Buy sells them along with Amazon.
The men in my family love sports so college t-shirts, pro football shirts, cups, coozies etc aer a big hit.. I also like to get gift cards for those who have video games.. I usually get my dad an academy,or bass pro gift card.
My husband is a coffe fanatic! I got him the one cup Kuerig coffee maker for his office he loved it!! Any gadget, most men love. Also he still carries a pocket knife. He is so old school! I like to get the men in my family new pocket knives every now and then. Don't forget the old classic movies like Caddy Shack! Why do men love those movies so much???
Kara
For the sports fanatic - Sports Illustrated subscription, team gear - apparel, microfleece throws, mugs, stadium chairs - all with team logo, auto/biography book of favorite team player or coach, etc.
New socks and underwear... HA HA! My husband says he got these every year as a kid and hated it. Needless to say, I don't give these to him or my kids!
I'm a guy.....
Gift Card to any home improvement store.
From our wife - Cologne that she likes on us.
I'm doing a candy/movie lovers basket. I got Peanut Brittle from Fannie Mae for just over $3 and some frog gummies from the Popcorn Factory for free. Add a movie (probably Transformers II because I have a coupon) and a couple of dollar candy boxes and I'm good.
For my hubby this year, it will probably depend on what we decide to do. Usually I get him coffee, work clothes/shoes, games (board, computer, or video), and DVDs, depending on what's out. My hubby is hard to shop for because his birthday is Christmas Eve! I always make a point to do his birthday separate so I'm usually scrambling for ideas as we get closer to that date. I also buy gifts for our 2-year-old to give him. Whew!
For my dad, it's tools or clothes. He's 5'4", but he has a 42" waist so finding 42 x 29/30 pants is interesting. He's also a big Alabama fan so that helps.
For my brother, it's usually video games or clothes.
Other ideas? Magazines, photo albums/framed pictures, gift cards.
I agree, though, with the assertion that men are hard to shop for! They totally are!
My brother is 23 and he is kinda hard to buy for so last year, I filled a big box with a couple of NFL popcorn tins, theater boxed candy, two pairs of NFL pajama pants, slippers, a coffee mug, a couple of boxes of hot cocoa mix, and a subscription to Netflix and Sports Illustrated magazine. He LOVED it! I love making up my own gift baskets... in fact, everyone in my family gets a homemade gift basket from me and they always tell me how much they look forward to them because I do put a lot of thought into them. :)
For the Anonymous commenter who asked for ideas for small business owners who are "techie," try Inc. Magazine. It's very inspiring, and it's all about being a small buisness owner/entrepeneur. Amazon has it, usually at a good price too!
How about a car wash gift card. I've given my dad that and he LOVES it. Also, for my hubby, I go to sams or costco and get a pack of gum or breath mints to last him for a couple months. He's in sales and is always meeting with people. He really likes that...not too romantic, BUT PRACTICAL.
For those mentioning a Keurig - we have one and it is GREAT! It was my gift from my mom last year but my DH loves it too.
Be sure to spring for the one with multiple cup-size settings. (The mini does not have that.) It costs more but you can do much more with it. I think it is a B60 or something like that.
Guy movies, guy Wii games, gift cards, coffee (new travel mug, etc), sports team related items/apparel. Mouse pad, calendar, photos for work desk. Clothes. Car items (for washing car, etc). Computer related items (new lap top bag, etc).
To Jennifer- Anon 10:04 said the business owner did NOT like technology.
An idea I think that is creative and cute is to take a formula can (washed and empty) then modge podge pictures around it and fill it with hot cocoa/homemade chocolate candies (pretzels, peanuts, raisins ect). Or take the gerber food with lids and wash them out, make screw/nail holders/fishing tackle holders/hooks. Also I always make my hubbie some coupons for his favorite things (a certain dinner, massage, night of just sitting and watching a game no talking ladies ;) ect. I think the best gift a person could give to the men in their life is a letter that states why they respect them. Men want our respect and we don't always recognize this but a letter stating the many reasons we respect the men in our lives can mean more than anything you could ever give them. Imagine a letter that was written to you saying how much a man loves you.
Magazine subscriptions are always a hit and pretty inexpensive:0)
This year my husband wants a stepladder, a digital picture frame for his desk at work, and the new Star Trek movie.
I think any guy would be happy to receive a Lowe's or Home Depot gift card.
I know a lot of men like to have items to organize their garage but I would love to have a new shed to store everything in my backyard.
We have a Harbor Pointe. It's way cheaper than Lowes (like half off) and they have coupons in the paper or their newsletter, plus a guarantee on most of their stuff. We go there for tools big and small and my hubs always comes out with a huge smile on his face.
If you have one in your area I suggest signing up the man in your life for the newsletter so he can get some coupons (he'll actually use these ones!) and stop by there for some gadgets.
ok not harbor pointe...
Harbor Freight Tools. you can buy online and get gift cards from their website:
http://www.harborfreight.com/
I love love love the idea about a carol theme - with the dove bars. How cute! I might just have to steal that idea!
My hubby is super easy - just not super cheap, lol. NFL stuff, game stuff (xbox, playstation, wii), or gift cards. We set aside a certain amount for each other each year for Christmas and we are able to get what ever we want for that amount. We don't get any suprises from each other but I love this b/c it encourages my hubby to find the best deals so he can get more. We also do this b/c we don't buy a lot of big things through the year so this is our time to get what we want without the other person saying it is a waste of money.
Since my father-n-law is a big drinker, I got him the frosted beer mug from kodak.com (using a discount code and the $15 gift certificate) with a pic of him and his wife with the grandkids. I know he will love the mug in general but he will really like that it has a family pic.
I'm a 30 year old man and I can tell you that all of you are right on point. Us guys for the most part like to receive gifts, but like Callie said, we don't get as pumped. That's why when you all ask us what we'd like, we just shrug our shoulders and say we don't care.
I personally am a little of both worlds. I like to farm, but at the same time I love technology. Depending on your significant other, you could always buy a wallet. If you don't believe me just glance at his next time you get a chance. Another gift idea that I enjoy is just a plain and simple gift card to Wal-Mart or Lowes. It's amazing how something so simple can mean so much to us when we're working on a project and you have to run and pickup something and you remember "Hey! I got me a gift card!" 92.3% of the time the project is usually for the wife, but you catch my drift.
Regardless, this ain't y'alls first rodeo and you guys will do great!
Happy hunting!!!
my hubby is a 5th grade teacher (as well as a guy of course) so that makes for some interesting gifts each year ☺ We absolutely do not need anymore coffee mugs ☺ Apparently that's a hot teacher gift! He loves to get cashews & candy & likes to get gift cards for home improvement stores or gas cards are great too! Even McDonald gift cards because he drives kinda far & it's nice to stop & get a little snack on the way home. Which he won't usually do because we are "penny pinchers"! He also likes T-shirts w/favorite team, etc. He's a hunter, so any kind of hunting stuff is also a hit!
I get them food stuff....lindt chocos for my dad as he loves them and coffee stuff for my FIL as he is a coffee guy. If I could find slick deals for male gifts I would go in on them, but there's not much.
DH gets pilot lessons this year. I also considered sky diving.
A few cheap things I've gotten my husband that he really liked are the "value pack" items at The Home Depot/Lowes.
For example 8 mini flashlights, 6box cutters etc.
He is always working on projects and always loosing those little things so to have a bunch of extras makes his life easier.
I like to look at Geeks.com deal of the day often can find tool sets there for a good price.
Also my teen son's favorite place for tshirts is www.mentalfloss.com.
If your hubby is into camping this Blackfire LED clamplight on Amazon is a cool new gadget:
http://www.amazon.com/Blackfire-BBM888-65-Lumens-LED-Clamplight/dp/B002PHLY4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1258397843&sr=1-1
You can never have too much AMMO!
I get my husband things that we both will appreciate, like framed pictures and photo books (all these photo freebies are great. He also enjoys nuts & sugar free candy. He is so hard to shop for because when he wants something he just buys it. He really doesn't care about getting anything but I like to wrap up a little something just the same. My Dad & brothers will be getting McDonald gift cards and H&B items.
I forgot about donations! There are so many you could choose from. One year I gave to heifer.org for everyone.
Entourage series DVD. My DH loves that show!
Sorry Anon 10:28, but I'm from Boston, so there is no COLTS anything here!! :) And yes I am very tired from staying up to watch the game last night LOL
I always get my dad and husband anything Red Sox/Celtics/Patriots - last year I got socks, travel coffee mugs, flannel pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. They are both huge sports fans so this always goes over real well.
Gift cards to Dunkin Donuts so they can get their morning coffee fix (my husband LOVED this one).
Hubs asked for a GPS this year (he's doing a lot more traveling for work) so I have to watch the ads to see if I can find an inexpensive and easy one to use.
He also saw some tool on a commercial from Craftsman - I think it was a hammer that fits into tough spots? He got a wee bit too excited about that one :)
And my parents usually take a trip after the holidays, so I will get my dad some new shirts and shorts to wear on the cruise.
This is a great post - gave me some new ideas to think about too!
I always give my men useful sets from the MK Men line-- Mary Kay is really cost effective for premium skin care, and the men's line is fantastic-- and smells amazing! (Age-fighting Face Bar (14), Shave Foam (10), After shave gel(14), Body Spray (14) Age-fighting moisturizer with SPF 25(22)!) Talk to your local Mary Kay consultant to ask about any great deals that she's offering-- also, fabulously, as a consultant I get all my gifts for 1/2 price-- it works out wonderfully in tight times! There's also great fragrances and sets...
Click here to get a quick peak!
www.marykay.com/swinningham
Howd I guess you were a MK consultant right when I started reading ur post......
My husband's family always gives each other gift cards-- everyone just exchanges gift cards for exactly the same amount. Sometimes they get even lazier and just do cash. There have been a couple of times where people have actually exchanged the same amount of cash. Makes it really hard to save on presents, but this year I'm doing the Bushnell weather stations that were free after rebate at Walmart awhile back. They'll just have to deal with it, and deal with the fact that when they ask me what I want for Christmas I don't just say "Target" or "the spa".
Men's Health magazine is a big hit with the guys. See my post here (http://carolinafrugal.blogspot.com/2009/11/mens-health-magazine-subscription.html) about Amazon's magazine deal of the week to get it for just $12 for a whole year! The deal is only good for this week so get it now!
I have one of those weather stations, and let me tell you those led lights are super bright when you plug them into the wall. Might want to include some batteries to you don't have to use the ac adapter. Seriously, it let up my whole kitchen and dining room.
Anon 12:33
My husband is the same, super easy just not cheap.
He's a geek, a computer geek and well for those of you that know these type, they are expensive! He doens't stop there of course, he is into cars, tools and technology.
I usually just have him tell me exactly what he wants about a month or two ahead of time and by the time Christmas comes, he has seriously forgotten what he told me! I guess this for once makes me lucky that he has a bad memory :P
Good luck everybody and Happy Shopping!!
i need hope in this area...i only have 3 people left on my list and all are MEN
Meat! Steaks, burgers, bacon. I actually got my fiance a meat grinder I picked up at an estate sale for his bday. He loved it!
Also, I've been successful with picking out concert tickets and arranging for him to go with his friends. He'd rather have a fun night out than a knick-knack or clothes.
This year though, I'm trading in my credit card points and getting him an ipod.
Last year I gave my boyfriend a "coupon book" that I had made up with various services offered; both naughty & nice. I had so much fun making the book up and making notations like: Coupon can be doubled, or Coupon has no expiration date, Coupon can be combined..., etc.
He said it was one of the best gifts he'd ever received and is putting in his request for another one for this Christmas.
This may sound like a crazy gift but I am going to get my brother a AAA Card. He travels all the time and has car troubles constantly. All he has to do is call the 800 number and someone will come and gas him up, charge battery and even tow.
Beside those perks there are so many more with the hotel discounts. I have been thinking about this gift for a few years and now I know it is time. I had to charge his battery twice this past weekend while visiting home. I guess I should get him a new battery too!
I also have a AAA card and used it one day when a friend came over and her daughter locked the car with it running. AAA sent a locksmith right out and no charge to me to have my friends car unlocked.
In the past ( although now I'd stock up on samples to tuck in too) I have made car care "kits" using cheap totes with handles from a dollar store... or just an inexpensive container to stuff full of shami's, glass cleaner... soap, mits, car freshener...
Comedy DVD's or CD's- crude or not, there are a ton of comedians to choose from, and who doesn't like to laugh right now?
Thrift store goodies: pint glasses, to-go coffee mugs that are in great shape, tool or organizing containers for his garage... you would be surprised and what you could find, and we love second hand treasures!
My husband also loves random stickers for his garage- to plaster on his work bench, tool box... so I am always looking for promo free stickers from companies promoting products. Perfect stoking stuffer for him.
Cologne is a huge hit. My hubby is a cologne finatic! Our favorite is Chrome.
Also I saw a large powerful flashlight (I think it's a 1,000 or 10,000 candle watts) that would be awesome for this xmas. Men usually like power, & we live in WA, so this will be fun to have when the power goes out this winter.
The usual as well socks, underwear, undershirts are best so I don't have to do laundry every day LOL. He's due for that kind of stuff around this time of yr!
I also saw this mini football set w/his favorite team on the triangle football (you remember when guys would fold the paper into a triangle & flick it through his friend's "goal post". This is a nicer set LOL.
CLEAN OUT HIS CAR FOR XMAS LOL
A ladder!! My husband and dad are so hard to buy for...they always buy whatever they want/need. Anyway, this past summer, we were picking cherries and noticed my dad's rickety old wood ladder. That thing has needed to be replaced for years!! My husband also has an old ladder and they are on sale this month at ace hardware. $34.99 after rebate for a Werner fiberglass 6 foot ladder!
these male ideas are cracking me up. My dh doesnt really fit into any of the mentioned groups. I do agree with the person that wrote "if we want something expensive we save up for it and buy it throughout the year." Thats what we do. Christmas in our house is more for the kids. Mom and Dad get whatever they want when they want it. The kids don't have that luxury. DH and I still like to get eachother little gifts but its more like a "I was at the store and thought of you" kinda gift. :)
I do not work for this company, but when I travel to Wichita, Kansas every Christmas we HAVE to go to this store. Nifty Nut House. They roast their own nuts right there and they are great and cheap! You can now buy their stuff online - you will not be able to beat their price for this stuff - google nifty nut house in Wichita, Kansas. They sell all sorts of nuts and candy. A really neat place, a family owned business for years and years that offers quality product that no one ever hears about. You are lucky I am telling you about it. Buy a gift card and let your person order what they want. Or get what I always do - a 2 lb. bos of fancy mixed nuts without peanuts. Really fabulous.
Alright, you asked so here it is: I AM A GUY and since you asked GUYS to ANSWER from a male perspective, in the nicest yet honest of ways, why not just give that very special guy in your life something more personal, like some quality time alone with you.
I recently received a personal YOU AND ME TIME Gift Card. It was a plastic gift card they sold at Walmart which you could write in what the special gift included. I got a printed certificate with the card stating my gift included a date night alone with my significant other, with various special surprises to be included, without our children, no phone calls, no work interruptions, just together time.
The night had already been scheduled to meet both our needs and it also included special extras, a scavenger hunt where I had clues to finding surprises for where we were going to eat, what movie we'd go see, a mystery drive to a local "making out" spot, and then come home for some special desert together, which by the way lasted late into the night.
And other than this being just about THE BEST gift ever, I am now making plans to give in return my own YOU AND ME Gift Card night with my own scavenger hunt ideas and how to give back so to speak and hopefully even better.
Sorry, dont hate me for being honest, that is what I most want to get again for this Christmas and other times throughout the year for sure and quite possible the guy in your life would like some version of this from you, other than another tie or popcorn tin.
Woot! is hubbys favorite site so I always keep on eye an on that for all my holiday gifts. Keep your eyes open as they normally have a big "Woot Off" right before the holidays. If you see the flashing lights come up at 1AM Eastern time, then you hit it just in time. They usually last a full day or two and you can get up to 3 items of anything you order for one shipping charge (total) of $5. Set up your account before you start to shop as the deals go extremely quickly. Once the item is SOLD OUT, the next item will be put up for sale in a few seconds. They have the items sectioned for easing viewing on the front page for the shirt woot, the kids woot, wine woot (sometimes a food item) and the woot sellout. It's a fun site and the community of bloggers will usually comment on the item so you can take a look at unsoliciated reviews and decide for yourself. The bloggers even do price checking to see if it is really a deal and comment on that as well.
And you could use your couponing skills to make up some really interesting personal coupons to be redeemed every day perhaps as your own 12 Days of Christmas.
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me....so to speak.
BEST pricier gifts
- Tassimo coffee machine
- Sirius satelite radio
- Skagen watches
- photo frames that changes pics
Best Midrange gifts
- money clip
- Timex iron man watch
- Fruit Basket
- Coffee/Tea
- Waterman pen
Best Inexpensive gifts
- dark chocolate (world market, whole foods)
- Popular science magazine
- nonfiction book
Thank you everybody. I received some very good suggestions from reading these comments. Last week-end I went to Restoration Hardware (20% off coupon handed out when you entered) and bought a tool for opening those annoying blister packages and "It's Not A Paper Cup"
on the go coffee mug that is dishwasher safe.
One year I made beef jerky and my brother in law LOVED it! If you have a dehydrator, this would be an easy gift to make! Seriously, you could make A LOT more than buying a 4oz pack from the store and it would taste so much better!
My hubby likes brewing supplies. One year for Valentine's Day I made fortune cookies with "Mommy & Daddy" fortunes on them. ;) He liked that. It would still work for Christmas.
I always get food for my dad. Steak, jerky, Starbucks coffee, etc. He loves it!
I made a T-shirt TV blanket for my husband for Christmas the year before last and he loves it. I cut up his old, worn shirts that he refused to get rid of for sentimental reasons (many he didn't even fit anymore) and made a template. Cut the t-shirts to ensure the "emblem" was included, and sewed it together like a patchwork quilt. I bought some jersey flat sheets on clearance (it's like t-shirt material) and used it for the back of the blanket. Just put some batting between the two, and voila! (I always buy clearanced flat sheets to use fot blanket backings (flannel is great). It's quick and easy to make. This year, my mother-in-law sent me a bunch of my father-in-laws old tees or his own personalized gift from the two of us.
My husband and I have been married for almost 30 years. Our budget is a little tight this year. I think I am going to buy him a fishing liscense for 2010, he is a fishing fanatic!
I don't usually worry about getting anything too 'manly'. LOL!
Actually, *most* of the men in my life are pretty easy to shop for, and like my homemade gifts too. :0)
I make my dad a fruitcake every year (ok, last year was the exception, because I had my daughter just two weeks before Christmas)and he usually gets some kind of photo gift too, with pics of the kids. My CA hippy brother get something tie-dyed every year (I've done the usual as well as socks, homemade luggage 'tag',...). My FIL is the exception, because he has everything (one of those people that goes out & just buys whatever he wants). I used to stress every year about what to get him, but I really don't worry about it much now. He is just happy to spend time together, so I usually do a photo gift for him as well. Than something personalized; one year we made up a gift certificate to our local casino. He was thrilled to have some special time with my husband and they both had a great time. This year, I think we're going to do a gift card to the new theater pub that just opened. He likes his beer & wine, so we thought he would enjoy taking his new lady friend. ;0) And, lastly, my hubby. He's actually pretty easy to shop for (I think!). He is a gamer, so I usually end up getting him a video game or something Wii-lated. ;0) And, he actually enjoys getting clothes from me (maybe because he knows he is a horrible shopper!), so I usually get him a nice sweater or shirt and maybe some jeans. And, I always do something crafty for him too (pics are always an easy one, and one year I made personalized onesies as a co-gift for he & our than newborn son-they read 'If you think I'm a Geek, You should see me Dad" "Daddy is My Homeboy" and some other fun ones). This year, we are only doing a $20 + stocking stuffers (the rule is; it has to fit IN the stocking) limit, so I've got to get creative. I think my son and I will make him some homemade marshmallows (one of his favorite 'foods!') and he just may get that personal GPS he's had his eye on (hey, that will fit in a stocking!).
This year I got my dad 3 blu-ray DVD's from amazon that we're REALLY Cheap! They are having a sci-fi extravaganza and I was able to score Superman (The original 1970's one) Robocop & The Terminator all for $27.99 shipped. He's always really hard to shop for, but I know he'll love this! The greatest gift my sister got for my brothers & husband last year was a grooming kit from Nautica. It included clippers, scissors, tweezers...etc. My husband LOVED it & uses it all the time.
my hubs likes to read and so books & magazine subscriptions are always a hit! other than that, all he wants is Sears & Lowe's gift cards. :)
My husband is a big gardener so he always likes gardening magazines, books and tools including gloves, hats, etc. or a gift certificate to a nursery.
My dad is a truck driver so we buy him lots of movies to watch on the truck (not while driving, of course!). Several years ago, we bought him a Sirius and now we can pay for his subscription. He also like restaurant gifts cards esp. the steak places (Longhorns, Outback).
My bro and bro in law are Home Depot and sports nuts so subscriptions to sports mags, golf balls, gift certificates for golf game. I also have given car wash certificates.
All the men love flannel or polar fleece pants and soft tshirts, long or short sleeve, for lounging around on the weekends and you can usually get these cheap at Old Navy. This year, my thought is a nice LED flashlight--you can get them cheap and they last forever!
Gift cards to Sears or Cabelas go far with men.
Last year I went on with my husbands parents and got him a Richard Petty Driving Experience. He loved it!!! What man doesn't like a chance to drive a race car??
Go to www.sockgrams.com and send a pair of socks. This site will mail a card, wrap it in tissue, and mail it in a blue mylar envelope to whomever you choose for just under 12$ a pair. Great for the person who has everything. There are Dad's sock and dad's other sock, toolman. grillman. Have fun finding their interests. With over 250 pair to choose from this does not just have to be a present for him...
for husbands or sign. other..."101 Grrreat Quickies" by laura corn
they are really fun and entertaining....here is the description from the book:
This book contains 101 sealed "coupons" of quickies for you and your lover to tear from the book. Some are "for her to unzip," and some are for him. When the time is right, you present the coupon to your lover, who must immediately stop what he or she is doing in order to do what the coupon indicates.
These quickies come with tantalizing names, enticing you to take a look, but as each is "zipped" on all sides, no peeking is allowed. Sit with your partner and choose a coupon to redeem later. How can you resist coupons such as "Call of the Wild," "The Foreplay Gourmet," "A Brush with Lust," and "Passion Fruit"? No need to do these in order--in fact, you may want to build up to the "Laura Corn Challenge." Whether you want to light a fire in an older relationship or are looking to spark some fun in a new one, this book (which promises that nothing is "dangerous, embarrassing, humiliating or requires you to be one of the Flying Wallendas") just may give you the courage to utter these words to your lover: "I want you and I want you right here and right now!"....never again run out of ideas to keep the sizzle in your relationship...the first and only book with 101 Quickie coupons redeemable on the spot for unusual wild sex!
Tomorrow, at least in the Houston area, Best Buy has the new Star Trek DVD on sale for $12.99 for the first 2 hours of business!
Tomorrow, at least in the Houston area, Best Buy has the new Star Trek DVD on sale for $12.99 for the first 2 hours of business!
As a guy you can't go wrong with a new wallet. I need a new one each year. However, some guys will be reluctant to give their "special" wallet up.
My husband loves gift cards for Kohl's and Gander Mountain--he gets so much more at the after-Christmas sales and it all fits! Son lives in Old Navy. The SILs are harder.
Last year my daughter gave dad a batch of of his favorite cookies just for him. She was so excited and he was very happy.
My husband loves video games. So I go to like Blockbuster in their clearance bins and get 360 or PS3 games for like 9.99-19.99 or target or gamestop has great deals on these too. I'm hoping there will be some great Blackfriday sales on these as well.
I make my husband chocolate covered peanut butter balls. He LOVES them and requests them for every holiday! I like the idea of a coupon book too...maybe with a few coupons to get out of jobs and a few to light a fire;) He really doesn't care about the cost of the gift so I try not to spend too much...
My dad is a big Tony Stewart fan, so for the past couple years I would get him gifts that would fit in the big orange Home Depot plastic bucket. They are only $5 with a lid. He has used them for trash cans in his shed and bins for his larger tools.
My husband and I are big Penn State fans. I usually get him something Penn State related. However, that can get old seeing how he now gets gifts three times a year since he's a dad.
I did score him a neat PSU book at BJs for $30 though. I thought he would enjoy it.
I also paid attention during the year for little things that he mentioned he liked.
We were at Disney and he commented on an apron. (He's the head chef around here.) So when he wasn't looking I grabbed one for him. I also got him a T-shirt there that he'll like.
I know it's late this year, but next year try to make note when they say they like something, but wouldn't spend X amount on it for themselves. Those things make the best gifts later in the year when they have forgotten all about it.
I live in the midwest, so you city gals may not be able to identify with me on this. But the truth is, farmers are easy to shop for. The men in my life like to receive: clothes (jeans, t-shirts, thermal underwear, hats, and especially gloves for working in, and a nice pair for when he is not working.) Watches. Pocket knives. You know, the things that wear out and could stand to be replaced every year. They also like soaps, and even lotions. They may not get excited about opening the gift, but they'll use it for sure! And it's way better than getting another automated toy cow. Oh, and they love coffee cups and thermoses. Those can be made into a nice gift basket.
My fat husband totally need the WII FIT but since I'm frugal I gonna rubber him on butter with ham and make him run through the neighborhood at 5pm tot he park where the real workout should begind because all the dogs will be folowing him.
My husband said, "all men want a dremel"
This will sound really bad, but I figured out gifts didn't have the same meaning for my husband as they did for me the first year we were married, but he loves to shop (for big boy toys like gaming things, computer stuff and tools). So every year he does the black Friday shopping. I give him my list of items for the family and when he comes home he shows me everything I got him for Christmas. I used to feel guilty but he's so picky about the details (how many megahertz or gigabytes) that now I just enjoy the arrangement. I do wrap them though; ) I wonder when our kids will figure it out.
I'm makin wooden coasters for my husbands man den
http://www.makinitinmi.com/apps/blog/show/2110314-wooden-coasters-perfect-for-the-men-on-your-list-
h&b = health and beauty
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