A blue water bottle lying on it's side with a black sports cap. It has Klean Kanteen written on it

Thoughtful Gifts For Men

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One of the things I find hardest is shopping for JHogg or my Dad. They are both the kind of guys who have everything. If they want it then they will buy it, regardless of how close it is to their birthday or Christmas. It makes it so hard to come up with ideas for thoughtful gifts for men like that, so I spend the whole year trying to stay ahead of the game, keeping ideas stored ready for when they’re needed.

I’ve been scouring the internet for ideas for these picky guys, and here’s what I’ve come up with!

Experiences

I have found experiences a great way to avoid adding more clutter to your house and also giving them something that they want! Family days out are one of our favourite things to do, but we also love time away without the kids. I once booked JHogg and I a trip to Frankfurt for his birthday, and while we were there he proposed so it is a trip we’ll never forget!

Trampoline Parks

If you want something that the whole family can enjoy then how about Jump-In Trampoline Parks. I can assure you that they will revert to a big kid in no time at all. With ledges to launch yourself off, foam fits to dive in to and trampolines to bounce for hours all of you would have a great time.

A woman jumping from a high green ledge, throwing her arms in the air

Renaissance Fairs

Taking your man to a Renaissance Faire as a gift can be a unique and exciting experience. Renaissance fairs transport attendees to a world of knights, jousting tournaments, and traditional crafts and foods. Dressing up in medieval costumes can add to the fun and immersion of the event. Men can enjoy trying out archery, watching armored combat, or sampling hearty fare like turkey legs and mead. The lively atmosphere and historical reenactments can make for a memorable day, whether for a birthday, anniversary, or simply a fun surprise.

Weekend Away

You may need to spend a little more, but a weekend away is something that you can both enjoy together. We had a weekend in York a few years ago as a family and it really highlighted how much we enjoy that family time. If you’re not sure what to do then I’ve got some tips for Norwich, Cheshire and Norfolk which may help you out, plus a recommendation for a hotel in York.

A double bed in a hotel room in Novotel York Centre, with a tree wallpaper behind it

Useful Gifts For Men

I often find that the best presents are something that they can use. Useful gifts that they already know and use, or perhaps something they don’t know they need yet.

Skincare

In my family the men do seem to like a good skincare product, but they rarely remember to go and buy any for themselves. There are some fab gift ideas from Men’s Society like a shave set, complete with post shave balm, face towel, shave oil and face wash.

As we come in to the winter months it may be worth giving them a facial balm to keep their skin hydrated. Central heating and the changes from cold outside to the warm indoors dries out mens skin just as much as our own. In my case I’ve just got to remind them to use it!

Water Bottle

Across the world people are slowly starting to do their bit to look after the environment, and sometimes it’s the small changes that can have the greatest impact. The gift of a stainless steel water bottle will mean they’ve always got one handy. The Contigo Autoseal Couture Stainless Steel Water Bottle has Autoseal Technology and is 100% leak proof. It is insulated for cold drinks all day, and comes in a range of colours.

Food Flask

If you want to step up from the usual reusable cups and bottles, then a food flask is becoming increasingly popular. No more fighting for a turn with the microwave on their lunch break, the double wall of vacuum insulation means the flask keeps food warm for 6 hours. Its secure silicone seal prevents it leaking in their bag so they can grab it and go without worrying.

Books

If you want to give something a bit more personal, then consider doing a bit of research and finding them a book in an area of interest for them. JHogg loves books about watches or kit cars, and luckily for me we have a bookshelf full of them to give me clues on where to get started. If they have type 1 then you may want to consider one of these diabetes books.

Sports Equipment

We all know that keeping active is important, so why not gift them something to give them a hand. Our current favourite is badminton and so I know JHogg would appreciate a new Dunlop badminton racket. It’s something I know he’ll use, without breaking the bank.

Electric Toothbrush

It may not seem very glamorous, but I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t appreciate a new electric toothbrush. The Oclean X Pro Elite smart electric toothbrush has loads of cool features like 8-zone blind
spot monitoring, wireless quick charging and a wall mounted holder. It has a 35 day battery life and charges up in 2.5 hours, so they’ll have no reason to get caught short.

Just For Fun

Sometimes you just want to give them something they wouldn’t buy for themselves. These are usually the gifts I find hardest to come up with ideas for, but here is what I’ve found.

Subscription Boxes

You can get a subscription box for just about everything these days. They can be monthly, quarterly or just a one off. We love the I Love Gin Subscription Box, but you could also look at one of the many curry of the month boxes, sock boxes or even ones for coffee.

A subscription box containing two miniature bottles of gin, two bottles of tonic and a snack

Board Games

JHogg and I are quite fond of a board game and will often give each other new ones for birthday or Christmas presents. We enjoy the social aspect of them, and the unspoken promise of some quality time together to play the game later. As a family we have played What’s That Smell? quite a lot recently and all found it hilarious, but if you’re having an adult only game night then you’ve got to give Gutterhead a try. It is where Pictionary meets Cards Against Humanity…. it never gets old!

A board game with poo shaped brightly coloured playing pieces and hexagonal spaces

Garden Games

Most of the stuff I buy for JHogg for the garden is BBQ related or practical in some way. However, now we have completed our garden make-over we want to enjoy our garden more so the Mega Hi-Tower gets us all outside and having fun. Sometimes a gift for them can be disguising a gift for us all 😉

Candles

JHogg is particularly fond of candles, and I’ll often come through to find his lit one to help him relax. This Eau So Calm Candle by Eau Lovely has a scent of Chamomile and Lime verbena with just a dash of Moroccan lemon. It comes beautifully packaged and you can smell it as soon as you open the box.

A Candle in a brown glass next to the packaging

 

Looking For More Gift Ideas For Christmas?

A pink notebook with "Goals Journal" written on it in gold text
A table scattered with wooden stars, fairy lights, candy canes and a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows
A large gin glass with a crystal on it, and a bottle of Scottish gin in the background

139 thoughts on “Thoughtful Gifts For Men”

  1. Franca Desjardins

    What fantastic list of ideas! I always run out of ideas to what to get to Nick. His birthday is in September so I need to start thinking about what to get him. I like the idea of getting him an experience or a subscription box. Will bookmark this post. Thanks for the suggestions 🙂 x

  6. Linda Ford

    I really like the board games, we love playing games together as a family and my husband is not easy to buy for!!

  13. David

    Hello! Oh I think these are really good ideas. I think my favourite is probably to give a board game as the whole family can enjoy playing it.

  19. Sophie B

    LOVE the Klean Kanteen flask bottle – very useful plus helps us do a small bit for the environment.

  29. clare minall

    I love these ideas. I think I’d enjoy some of these myself. I’m always looking for thoughtful gift ideas, I appreciate the unique suggestions.

  30. helen neale

    I love all the gift ideas you listed here especially the zippo lighter. They’re all great and any dad will definitely appreciate any of these gifts!

  31. Melanie williams

    Oh my gosh there are so many choices here for sure. I love the idea of always gifting experiences much more fun and exciting for sure xx

  32. Zoe

    This is great. I’m always stuck for gifts for my father in law, but some of these will be perfect. I think my husband also needs the Illumibowl!

  38. Katie B

    Love the sound of what’s that smell. Me and the family are massive board game nerds. Sounds like one we could add to the collection!

  40. Anosa

    These are such great ideas for my dad its often always a grooming kit, a getaway or an experience holiday which he always loves.

  42. Jodie Green

    Subscription Boxes because as you say, there is something for everyone these days! Ideal for that one relative who already has everything!

  47. Darrell Perry

    The weekend away is my favourite present. But any type of ‘experience’ type present is great

  53. Megan Kinsey

    I love the Klean Kanteen gift the most, as it encourages who you’re giving the gift to to become more eco-friendly!

  54. Laura Lee

    Love the idea of the board game this is something which includes everyone and will be great fun to all play together

  55. Cherry Lloyd

    I think skin care because it can be a little daunting and overwhelming for men when they try to shop or choose skin products. I think men are generally happy to receive skincare but not so keen always to shop for it.

  58. Rachel Craig

    Skin Care. As Personal Grooming is an Important necessity. Also good products can be Caring, Protective, Nurturing, Effective, Alluring :- Look / Appear Appealing, Feel Sensational, Smell :- Intruiging, Appealing, Luxurios, etc.

  61. Nicola Sadler

    I love the board games. I was brought up on them and just think they are so good especially in the winter and when it rains.

  66. Brendan Kirkpatrick

    The weekend away would be my favourite choice. Time to relax, socialise and see new parts of the country.

  69. Margaret Gallagher

    Hi just letting you know my twitter has changed due to circumstances beyond my control

    Was @margare42282639

    Now jollydollie2019

    Thanks

  93. Tony Martin

    Board Games, off the tablets and consoles, around the table family fun, a bonding together moment rather than a hunched shoulders looking at screens

  105. Laura Corrall

    It’s not Christmas without receiving socks. So I love the idea of a sock subscription box. I also love that a subscription box would go on all year and keep getting little gifts.

  115. Melissa Lee

    The Illumibowl is such a fantastic idea. It sounds like something you would end up not being able to live without 🙂

  118. Alison Johnson

    I live the idea of a subscription box. Hubby is really into gin at the moment so a subscription to one of those would go down really well.

  122. Victoria Prince

    I love the idea of a subscription box – there is such a great variety and it’s something that lasts a lot longer as they’re delivered more than once!

  131. A S,Edinburgh

    I love the I Love Gin Subscription Box; subscription boxes are such a great idea for a gift, as they’re the kind of treat a lot of people wouldn’t buy for themselves.

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