There is so much to be joyful and thankful for during the holiday season. However, trying to figure out the best gift for your spouse or significant other is not one of them. Every year women face the dreaded task of trying to figure out a gift that will get their man excited. And every year, it feels like we fail. So, what are some things that we can get the men in our life to show them how much they matter? We have a few ideas that you may want to keep in mind.
Does He Like Stuff?
The first question you need to ask yourself before you go shopping is this. Does he like stuff? Does he actually enjoy getting gifts? Because many men I know just don’t have a desire to get things or a ton of new stuff. I am not suggesting that this means that you get him nothing, but it will help to adjust your expectations. Instead of convincing yourself that this is the year you’ll find that perfect gift, you can realize that there never will be an ideal gift. Your man just isn’t into all of that. Even though that can be incredibly frustrating around this time of year, it is ultimately something that that will bring good to your future family.
Ask Him
I know that this is the tip that has the most potential to backfire. If your man is anything like any other man in the world, he most likely will reply with a disgruntled, “I don’t know.” But, it’s still smart to ask. You never know when they might tell you that they want something you can get for them. At the very least it will give you the opportunity to let him know what you want for Christmas.
Actual Gifts:
Now for the part of the article you’ve been waiting for, tips on what to get him. We have separated ideas by personalities, and I hope that these ideas can help you to find the perfect gift for your unique man.
For The Sporty Spice Man
Do you have a guy who loves all things sports related and enjoys being in shape? Here are some gift ideas!
An Experience Gift
- Seeing his favorite sports team
- Taking a cross fit class together
- Training for a marathon or tough mudder
- Touring a stadium or sports museum
Gym Membership
If he loves to work out and pump that iron, buy him a gift that reflects that. Offer to pay for his gym membership for a couple of months or a year. This is an excellent idea for the guy that has been working out in his basement, instead of an actual gym. Just make sure that you are giving this as a gift because he really would use and enjoy it, and not passive-aggressively because you want him to lose weight. A gift that is given out of spite is never a good idea.
Workout Clothes
[amazon box=”B00KHTNIW6,B007OY4HO0,B01HPKLAWE” grid=”3″]
Some men really love their clothes, especially brand name clothing like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. Give him clothing that he will be able to sweat in and also lounge in. And, let’s not pretend that men aren’t ten times sexier when they are in workout clothes.
Sport’s Team Apparel
[amazon box=”B07D7VTQ1R,B007OY4HO0,B01N5AJE82″ grid=”3″]
If he is a die-hard fan, you really can’t go wrong with getting him some team swag. Jerseys, hats, scarves, sweatshirts, coats, towels, etc. This can be paired well with the experience gift if you have the funds.
The Artsy Hipster
Do you have a man who would rather be sipping some gourmet coffee and listening to some unknown artist? Then these gifts will be right up his alley.
Clothing
[amazon box=”B018LHDIHU,B074QKJV9V,B01EU9C8W4″ grid=”3″]
Hipsters love their clothes. Especially clothes that would cause people to tell them they look like a hipster. Flannels are great options. As are any shirts or blazers that have elbow patches. The best part of buying clothes is that your man will love anything vintage and well-worn, so you might only have to take a trip to Good Will. Ask what his favorite clothing stores are, and get shopping.
Micro Brewed/ Craft Beer
This can be an experience or an individual gift. Take your man for a brewery or wine tour. Or, get him some of his favorite, expensive high-end beer. This will be great for the nights you chill in his apartment listening to Vance Joy on vinyl. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any expensive and well-made drink. If your man loves tea, coffee, or wine over beer, get him that.
A Record Player
[amazon fields=”B01BE5CT8U” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”B01BE5CT8U” value=”button”]
Nothing screams hipster like a record player. This is an excellent way for them to not only be different, but listen to their favorite eclectic music as they casually sip their expensive coffee. Throw in a couple of their favorite artist’s records for good measure.
Concert
This is the perfect experience gift for any hipster. Take them to their favorite obscure band’s concert. And, because they are still under the radar, this can be a relatively cheap present.
The Preppy Guy
Does your man love to wear pastel shorts and Sperrys? Then read on for our gift ideas.
Vineyard Vines Anything
Honestly, are you even preppy if you don’t own Vineyard Vines something? If your man likes to pretend he is still that obnoxious frat boy, nothing will complete that look quite like a Vineyard Vines hat. And, I don’t know if he can be preppy if he doesn’t have a Vineyard Vines pullover.
Clothes
The best thing about preppy men, besides their impeccable fashion taste, is that they love material things. This means that shopping for them is not too complicated. Hit up stores like J Crew, Brooks Brothers, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and LL Bean. Don’t be afraid to replace his favorite pair of duck boots or Sperrys if they are getting worn down.
Patagonia Coat/Vest
[amazon fields=”B01HBOTZO4″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”B01HBOTZO4″ value=”button”]
Does your man like to hike? Absolutely not, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to dress the part. Hey, your man needs something to break the wind when he’s walking to his financial planning job.
Experience Gifts:
For the preppy man, there can be many experience gifts that would be an excellent idea for both of you.
- Weekend getaway to Nantucket
- Sailing/boating excursion
- Dinner on a yacht
- Spending a day at a country club
- Fancy dinner dressed to the nines
The Mountain Man
Does your man love all things hunting, fishing, and hiking? Then these gifts are sure to get him excited.
Hammock
[amazon fields=”B01GCKAM7W” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”B01GCKAM7W” value=”button”]
Have you ever spent the day laying in a hammock? Well, then you are seriously missing out. Get him a gift of the outdoors, where you can still be together. Make sure that you purchase a double or triple hammock so that you have plenty of room to enjoy it together.
Hiking Trip
Tell him that you will take him on a hiking trip in the summer or spring. That you will rough it, tents and all, and that he gets to pick the route. This will show him that you care about his hobbies, and want to spend time doing something he loves.
Hunting Clothing/Gear
[amazon box=”B000BK82EK,B074SG6H4N,B0131SE0KI” grid=”3″]
Hunting clothing, guns, and any type of gear can get pricey fast. If your man has his eye on something in the hunting department, pick it up. You can also tailor this gift with giving him a weekend to completely lose himself in the mountains with his friends or relatives. None of your nagging will be included.
The Nerdy Guy
Would your man rather play video games and geek out over Star Wars than anything else? We have the gifts for him!
Any New Technology
[amazon box=”B07CRQVX1L,B073X8N1YW,B0794W1SKP” grid=”3″]
Luckily for you, technology is always changing and evolving. Every single Christmas new phones, video systems, and games come out on the market. No matter what technology your man is obsessed with, there will be some new gadget he has his eye on.
Netflix Subscription
Or any TV subscription. Nerdy guys love their TV, and you shouldn’t deprive them watching all the different Marvel TV shows that are now all over Hulu and Netflix.
Comic Books
[amazon fields=”1465453571″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”1465453571″ value=”button”]
Your man might not be quite this nerdy, but if he is, a comic book in mint condition is perfect. He can add it to his collection and display it proudly around his house. If comic books aren’t really his thing, maybe a collectible edition of his favorite novel.
Experience Gifts:
- Disney for the opening of Star Wars World in 2019
- Movie marathon of his choice
- Comic-Con near you
- Video game day( where you spend the whole day playing video games)
The Adventurist
Does your man love all things spontaneous and thrill-seeking? Listen to our gift ideas for him.
A Go-Pro
[amazon fields=”B01M14ATO0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”B01M14ATO0″ value=”button”]
Give him the gift of being able to document all his crazy experiences. And you know he already broke the one he bought for himself.
Experience Gifts:
For the most part, adventurists are going to want experience gifts, so here are some of our best suggestions.
- Skydiving
- Scuba Diving
- Backpacking through Europe
- Hiking weekend
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- An exotic vacation location
- Skiing
As you can see, there is no shortage of things you can get your man based on his personality this year. I hope that whatever you get your man, is a gift that will delight and surprise him. Let us know the gifts you purchased in the comments below.
Check out our other gift guides for the pregnant woman, tired mom, and a newlywed couple.