Life
21 Holiday Gifts To Get Every Guy In Your Life
I like to think that I'm pretty good at coming up with great gifts for the special people in my life. The holiday season rolls around and I get downright giddy at the thought of spreading some extra smiles (cheesy, I know) by wrangling the perfect present for everyone I know. Well, the women I know. Real talk here, people: tracking down a present for any one man on my list is by far the most stressful part of my holiday year after darn year. I know I'm not alone on this one, so I decided to get ahead of the inevitable "What do I buy my dad?!?!" freak-out by assembling this list of unique holiday 2017 gifts for guys.
There's a little something here for the tech lovers, the rugged adventure seekers, the hobbyists, the well-dressed — you name it. There are even a few suggestions here for the guys in your life who you would describe as, well, guys. (Don't pretend you don't know exactly what I'm talking about.)
Hopefully, this list takes a little something off your pre-holiday plate and helps you feel more confident about what you're giving the men in your life this December. I, for one, have already purchased more of these items than I'd like to admit.
Virtual And Augmented Reality Headset
Merge VR/AR Goggles — Virtual and Augmented Reality Headset for iPhone and Android, $48, Amazon
Virtual reality is only getting hotter, so hook up your favorite man with a VR/AR headset that's compatible with both Android and iOS devices. These goggles are relatively affordable and received several accolades from tech and consumer outlets this year.
12-Hour Hand Warmer
12-Hour Black Hand Warmer, $22, Zippo
Traditionally known for their lighters, Zippo now also manufactures pocket-sized hand warmers that can last for up to 12 hours. Stick this little gadget in someone's stocking and you're essentially giving them the gift of warmth for the rest of the winter months. Beat that.
Breakfast Sandwich Maker
Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker, $37, Amazon
My only question here is, Where have you been all my life? This electric grill has compartments for all of the most important breakfast sandwich components.
Whoop-Ass Athlete's Soak
Whoop-Ass Athlete's Soak, $23, Walton Wood Farm
This line of men's hygiene products is branded Men Don't Stink, which means — in my opinion, at least — that you really can't go wrong with any one of the items. The Whoop-Ass Athlete's Soak is a little different than anything I usually see in stores, though. It's made of 100 percent natural ingredients (Epsom salts, mustard, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, and silica) that will take the edge off aches and pains from a tough workout. You'll probably want to "borrow" it for yourself after a long sweat session.
Vertical Charcoal Smoker
Char-Broil Vertical Charcoal Smoker, $96, Amazon
I wouldn't recommend this if the man in question lives in an apartment or isn't a fan of getting his hands dirty, but if you have a guy on your list who loves a smoky flavor and enjoys experimenting with things around the house, an at-home smoker could be the perfect fit.
Charging Station Desk Organizer
Valet Charging Station + Multi-Device Office Desk Organizer, $25, Amazon
For the guy who has everything (including multiple devices) except a strategy for organizing all of it.
Customized Collar Stays
Personalized Hidden Message Collar Stays, $49, Gifts.com
Help him add some personal flair to any business casual or formal look with these customizable collar stays. It will be your little secret that he's walking around with a hidden message inside his shirt. Fun, no?
Natural Leather Journal Kit
Natural Leather Journal Kit by ArtMinds, $22, Michaels
The recipient of this (budget-friendly) journal kit will get to craft their own rustic journal and then actually use it to jot down notes and thoughts in the new year. It's really a gift that keeps on giving. Also, I want one for myself.
Vintage Canvas Backpack
BLUBOON Vintage Canvas Backpack, $35, Amazon
The men in my life seem to be on a constant search for the perfect bag to schlep their stuff, and this one has the neutral, timeless look that they're always looking for. It also has lots of interior and exterior pockets, which makes it practical, to boot.
Engraved Leather Coasters
Monogramed Engraved Leather Coasters (set of 4), $29, Amazon
Coasters might not sound like the most glamorous gift — but tell that to your coffee table when it's already been covered in stains shaped like the bottom of a coffee mug or cocktail glass. This leather set can be personalized, which definitely ups the cool factor.
Personalize Hometown Puzzle
Personalized Hometown Puzzle, $49, Gifts.com
After the holidays comes a long, boring winter... also known as puzzle season! This customizable 400-piece jigsaw can be designed around any specific address meaningful to the man in question.
Carry-On Shaving Kit
Unscented Carry-On Kit, $60, The Art of Shaving
The perfect present for the guy who's constantly traveling for work or play, but doesn't want to sacrifice a smooth, high-quality shave.
Bacon Tie
Bacon Neck Tie, $33, Amazon
In the (meat) market for a gag gift for your friend, brother, or S.O.? I think we've found a winner.
Cell Phone Handlebar Mount
HandleBand Cell Phone Handlebar Mount, $14, Amazon
If you have a man in your life who loves cycling or simply relies on his bike for getting to and from work, you're about to rock his world with this handy handlebar phone mount. It should fit pretty much any smartphone and the base piece also happens to function as a bottle opener. What more could you want?
Pop-Up Hot Dog Toaster
Pop-Up Hot Dog Toaster, $40, Amazon
I've never been much for hot dogs myself, but I know that opening this novelty appliance would feel like hitting the jackpot for plenty of the carnivores I know.
Stitch Fix Gift Card
Stitch Fix Men Gift Card, Stitch Fix
Gone are the days of wandering the men's department, debating if your partner would prefer a sweater or a fleece or stumped as to what size flannel to buy your dad. Stitch Fix recently launched a styling service for men, so you can give your favorite guys a gift card that can then be applied to something they'll actually like (and that will look good on them too).
Stainless Steel Ice Cubes
Stainless Steel Ice Cubes (set of 8), $28, Amazon
Help keep your loved one's drinks strong with this set of stainless steel ice cubes. When you store these in the freezer, they'll instantly cool any beverage you drop them into.
Hot Sauce Kit
Deluxe DIY Gourmet Hot Sauce Kit, $40, Amazon
You can make the whole "this is so spicy that my tongue might fall off!" process a little more interactive for the holiday season with a hot sauce making kit. This one includes all of the supplies necessary to make six different recipes.
Portable BBQ Suitcase
Portable BBQ Suitcase, $64, Amazon
What will they think of next? This suitcase opens up into a usable, portable charcoal grill — but it's an amazing novelty, if nothing else.
Woodcut Memory Game
Woodcut Memory Game, $16, Amazon
Artist Bryan Nash Gill created this fun memory game using two pairs of 26 distinct woodcut prints. The cards fit into a keepsake box that the recipient can pull out anytime he wants to liven up a family event or dinner party.
Personalized Growler
Vertical Monogram Growler, $45, Shutterfly
Any beer lover would be psyched to have this stainless steel growler — personalize with his monogram — to keep their beer fresh.