When Sherry made mood boards of gifts for kids and women, readers asked for a guys’ gift version. I’m not one to refuse a request, so after some effort I pulled together a dozen picks that would make solid additions to a holiday wish list. They won’t suit every man, but they’re items I’d happily spot under the tree.
1. This HOMAGE NYC tee. I bought this $20 find from Fab.com recently and I’m wearing it now. It’s cute because Clara points and says “C for Clara!” when she sees it.
2. I’m a sucker for a good notebook. Even guys need a place to jot things down, so this $10 hand-stamped brown spiral notebook from Etsy is a fun, inexpensive spot for “nefarious ideas.”
3. The Black & Decker GYRO screwdriver piques my curiosity every time I see it in stores. It translates the twist of your wrist into the bit’s direction, almost like a Segway for screwdrivers—handy and a little futuristic.
4. I’ll always love vintage travel posters, so these grabbed my attention. There isn’t a Richmond poster yet, sadly, but there are plenty of options for people who favor larger cities or who simply enjoy retro travel art.
5. Fist pump… in poster form. This $20 print comes from Richmond and delivers a playful, spirited touch for a man cave, office, or living room wall.
6. You can never go wrong with a practical leather wallet. This $18 leather billfold from Etsy can be personalized at no extra cost, which makes it a thoughtful, useful gift.
7. These oversized army-man bookends are perfect for a man cave or any shelf that needs a bit of personality. The classic green looks great, but they’d also look sharp spray-painted charcoal, navy, or glossy white.
8. From my own closet: a striped hoodie from American Apparel that’s become one of the most comfortable things I own. The $45 price is a little higher than my typical sweatshirt spend, but it delivers on comfort and wearability.
9. This WOW Bluetooth speaker comes in multiple colors; the yellow model stood out to me. They’re sold in various places online, and you can often find competitive prices on auction sites.
10. A rustic magazine rack made from reclaimed materials is a great option for someone who reads a lot. It’s pricier than a single magazine subscription, so it could be a good group gift from several family members.
11. If you like comics that make you laugh, The Oatmeal’s books are a safe bet. How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You brings the author’s typical humor and would make a fun, quirky present.
12. Scented candles for men can actually work when the fragrances match masculine tastes. These “man candles” include scents like fresh-cut grass, campfire, and sawdust—distinctive choices that aren’t the usual floral or sweet notes.
That’s my dozen for the guys. Do any of these stand out to you? Are there other gifts you’ve purchased for the men in your life that deserve a shout-out?
Update: You can check out our favorite holiday decor finds, many under $15, for more gift inspiration.