Christmas Gifts for Guys

Question:

I am looking for great christmas gifts for guys.

Brittany from Denver, CO

Answer:

The main thing with any gift is to go to their interests. For the men in my life I have gotten books to their interests (my husband likes nautical tales, my brother history, and my nephew new-agey sorts of things - I got him a crystal ball once and sage incense another time).

You could also get CD's of the music he likes - or his favorite movies on DVD (or sports outtakes and the like). You could get him tickets to a big game or concert. Of if he is crafty - a tool or something to do with his craft - like leather to carve or wood to cut.

Men also like things like pen knives to carry around - as well as little personal items like a nice key chain, a money clip, or a gold toothpick! (I got my nephew a silver bracelet last year.) They also wear their wallets to pieces - so a new one might be just the thing. They like leather accessories - a new new leather belt (with a good buckle) - a new check book cover, a cover for their cell phone or PDA and so on. Maybe they need a new computer case, portfolio, or briefcases to look professional.

Then there are little things for their desk or den - a new pen set, a decorative paperweight, a paper knife - or something to hang on the wall. (My husband likes seascapes, my brother historical things. I have found him old documents to frame.) Or get something for their collection - my husband likes model boats, my brother toy soldiers and my nephew oriental stuff for his dorm room.

You can even get them cologne or body products, as men never buy them for themselves. And this hasn't even gotten to special t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats, scarves and gloves! Hope this helps to inspire you.

By Pamela Munro

About the Author

Pamela Munro is out of L.A., and has made penny pinching a high art. She is a frequent contributor to Thriftyfun, has written a newspaper column on doing everything on a shoestring, and is working on a book on her own stylish frugality.

More Ideas

Several Masculine Ideas

Men need masculine looking nail grooming kits. Cologne is a thought if you know his preference. Nice tins with mixed nuts. Does he have any hobbies? Something for his car or office. Nice wallet or tools. Depending on your relation to him/boyfriend or brother...A sexy photo of you for his private viewing. Set up a free massage at a local spa. Hope my ideas help. Lisa

By goodgreif40

REZAP Battery Engineer

I found a terrific item for one of my husband's gifts. It is called a REZAP Battery Engineer (a battery charger that will not only charge rechargeable batteries but regular disposable kinds too!) It will recharge AAAA, AAA, AA, C. D, N, 9v and 6v lantern batteries no matter what type: alkaline, ram, titanium, hi-cd, Hi MH etc. It is also a battery tester.

I found it at QVC.com but it is probably available elsewhere too. It was $49.99. It would also make a good family gift. Just think of all those battery operated toys, electronics and gadgets. And a great gift for the frugal person on your list or environmentalist, reusing the batteries instead of throwing them away.

By maggiemay

Buy Presents Tailored To His Interests

It would totally depend on the guy you are buying gifts for. Tools would be good for a man that likes to work in the garage, hunters like things related to their sport, book readers like books or gift certificates for books (my husband only reads the tv guide so a book is NOT an ideal gift for him!) I would only buy cologne if I absolutely knew it was the guys' favorite, same with a music cd, only if I absolutely knew that it was a favorite artist. I have bought nice leather driving gloves for men, but I think some men would rather not get gloves for a gift, they may rate it right along with getting a sweater, socks, ties, or underwear.

Food is always a good thing if you know their preference, my husband likes nuts, jerky, and beef sticks. Of course, this would not work for someone that is a "healthy" type person! One gift that I gave my nephew one year was a bucket, sponge, and all sorts of car cleaning supplies, and little air-freshners that hang off the rear-view mirror. When the youngest started to drive I bought him an emergency car kit to carry in his trunk, I don't think he liked the gift too much, but his parents thought it was great!

By Persnickety Paula

Snack Food Is Well Received

My brother in law loves to get beef jerky, homemade is best or store brand; nut mixes and old spice soaps. He tells my sister he really likes getting this stuff. Once I got him a one year subscription to Sports Illustrated. I make a snack Christmas mix which he looks forward to now.

By meoowmom

Homemade Gift Certificates And Other Ideas

My 32 YO son is a progressive thinker and environmentalist. He likes local bought items from local venders and craft artisans. He likes things made from wool & natural fibers, especially when I make them. (wool socks & hats for snowboarding, fingerless gloves for working outside) A handmade wool rug, etc. He'd rather have something made by a local artist.

For others, a gift certificate works even better,

EXAMPLES:

• I will wash 10 loads of clothes for you.
• This certificate good for 8 total hours of house cleaning
• This certificate good for one car tune up or repair (My Boyfriend doesn't work on cars)
• This certificate good for 1 weekend of Gardening (or Lawn cutting, House painting etc)
• Good for 10 home made frozen meals to go. ONE OF THE BEST!

Anyway, YOU GET THE IDEA. If they like to cook, make them a favorite family recipe book. Tape (or video) for him, his parents' story of his birth and his parents' life stories from their birth. (Priceless). Maybe include a picture book to go with the voice tapes. Each Christmas my son downloads to CD a set of my favorite educational radio shows to listen to while I work. This is inexpensive and I just love them!If they don't have money, buy them a year's worth of cable. (or upgrade their internet). Or you can sign your guy up for a year's worth of seasonal Organic local produce delivered to their home. (GOOGLE "organic Farming Cooperatives" in you local area or State)

Here's by far the BEST IDEA YET: GIVING TO OTHERS in their name http://www.heifer.org/ Give to make a difference helping hunger and poverty. Families who for generations knew only poverty are given cows and goats to sell their milk. Chickens (eggs to sell) http://kiva.org/app.php KIVA is an organization that offers micro-loans ($25 plus) to small businesses in poor countries. (you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence) The repayment percentage is over 98%. These are but a few of the great organization you can give to in someone's name. Perfect for someone "who has everything"!

By Cyinda