Before the Guerra Gift Guide series came to fruition, I asked newsletter subscribers that follow me on Instagram who they needed help shopping for most.
The general consensus was, unsurprisingly, men.
“Dads. They’re the hardest to shop for,” one responder said with a few exclamations tacked on. Another replied, “Men in general!”
I could practically hear the huff of frustration coming through my screen.
If you struggle to come up with gift ideas for men in your life, rest assured you are certainly not alone. (Case in point, the search term “gifts for men” on Google has over 246,000 hits - and take it from someone who works in e-comm media, that’s a lot.)
Maybe it’s because if they want it, they just buy it, or maybe it’s because men tend to be less materialistic. Or, maybe (and most likely) it’s because they when we ask them what they want, they say, “I don’t want/need anything.”
But, when it comes down to it, the “why” really doesn’t matter. The fact is: Whether you’ve known them your whole life or a few months, men have a reputation for being very difficult to shop for.
Luckily for you, if you don’t have the time to scour the internet for something suitable, I curated a list of 25 gifts for men that might just do the trick.
Welcome to Week Two of
The Guerra Gift Guides!
I’m your shopper, Julia Guerra, and from now through Christmas, I will be curating one gift guide per week and delivering it straight to your inbox.
Last week, I sent out a list of the best gifts for readers. This week, I’m tackling the best gifts for men. Let me know in the comment section below if this was helpful, what your favorite gift was, and if there are any gifts for men you’d recommend to me!
(**Please note, many of these items are on sale, however, I chose to include their original prices, as sales can end/change!**)
Omaha Steaks Gift Box
Photo courtesy of Omaha Steaks
from $159.99, omahasteaks.com
If he likes to cook and/or barbecue, you really can’t go wrong with a gift box from Omaha Steaks. You can customize a package to feature only their favorite meats or choose from a selection of pre-arranged assortments that include everything from butcher-cut steaks, pork chops, hot dogs, sausage, and more. (Note: This gift is on the pricier side, but they always have deals around the holidays. It also makes for a great group gift - my sisters and I have gifted boxes to our Dad in years past.)
Bath and Body Works After Dark Body Spray
Photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works
$14.50, bathandbodyworks.com
Bath and Body Works released a new scent for men just in time for the holiday season. The fragrance has my husband’s stamp of approval, and he is very picky about scents. After Dark’s aroma contains notes of spiced bergamot, amber, and tonka that, when combined, emit a smell that’s fresh, like an autumn breeze.
Express Slim Plaid Sweater Flannel
Photo courtesy of Express
$84, express.com
If he’s a flannel guy, get him this sweater variation from Express. It comes in a few more colors (you can browse all of the brand’s flannels here) and is available in regular and tall sizes XS to XXL. I recently bought one for Mark and wish I could have you feel it through the computer. It is so soft, he has said multiple times that it’s the most comfortable shirt he owns.
FlipBelt Classic Running Belt
Photo courtesy of FlipBelt
from $28.99, amazon.com
The FlipBelt is essentially a fanny pack for runners, only it’s an inconspicuous clothing item - he can easily hide it under his workout shirts. The belt is lightweight but sturdy enough to hold his keys, phone, and wallet. Mark bought one for our morning runs, and he’s going on record to say it is one of the only items he’s bought that serves its purpose perfectly.
Gymshark Arrival Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Photo courtesy of Gymshark
$26, gymshark.com
Speaking of running, and exercise in general, if the man in your life needs workout shirts, my go-to is always Gymshark. Once you find a style he likes, it usually comes in a bunch of colors, so you can stock his wardrobe with his favorites. Plus, the shirts are generally basic tops that can double as everyday t-shirts.
Colsen Indoor / Outdoor Tabletop Fire Pit
Photo courtesy of Colsen
$49.96, amazon.com
If they don’t have a ton of space for a fire pit in their backyard, or, if he’s anything like my husband and wishes he had a fireplace in his living room, get him a Colsen. These indoor/outdoor fire pits are, well, fire. All they have to do is add rubbing alcohol and light it up. The best part? No smoke and the flame will last up to just shy of an hour.
LEEF Organics The Exfoliant CBD Body Scrub
Photo courtesy of Leef Organics
$36, leeforganics.com
Help the man in your life chill out in the shower with this exfoliating CBD body scrub from Leef Organics. We’re big Leef stans in this household; Mark likes the body scrub and I love the bath *tea* bag. The scrub, in particular, is THC-free and contains 225 mg of CBD, so a little goes a long way. He’ll emerge from the bathroom squeaky clean and totally zen.
A Headspace App Subscription
Photo courtesy of Headspace
from $38.99, headspace.com
I am a big fan of the Headspace app. It was the first I tried after my first panic attack, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. You can gift him a three-month or one-year subscription, and he’ll have access to an entire library of guided meditations that will help keep him cool, calm, and collected under a myriad of circumstances.
Symbodi Vertiball
Photo courtesy of Symbodi
$49.99, amazon.com
While Theraguns make for an awesome gift if the man in your life is an athlete and you want to enhance his recovery, they’re also pretty expensive. A budget-friendly alternative is the Symbodi Vertiball, which athletes like Dallas Cowboy CeeDee Lamb and Steelers All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick happen to use. It’s a hands-free massager that can be installed on a sturdy, flat surface, like drywall or metal, and used to relieve muscle tension.
Beer of the Month Club Subscription
Beer of the Month Club
from $35.95, beermonthclub.com
You could get them a case of their favorite brewski, or you can gift them a subscription to Beer of The Month Club. Another tried and true subscription my sisters and I have gifted our father in the past, Beer of the Month is for the bro who loves beer and is always ordering something exotic at dinner. Each box contains a variety of craft brews, so he can try new flavors and, hopefully, find a few new favorites.
eberjey Henry TENCEL™ Modal Long PJ Set
Photo courtesy of eberjey
$158, eberjey.com
I am a firm believer that what you sleep in affects the overall quality of your sleep, so if he’s snoozing in ratty, old t-shirts and gym shorts, upgrade his nighttime wardrobe. I realize this set from Eberjey is a splurge, but for the man in your life who’s been exceptionally good this year, I promise it’s worth the investment. This brand’s Tencel PJs are among the most comfortable I’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping in, so I was thrilled when I learned that it offered men’s styles as well. If he values a good night’s rest, I guarantee he’ll appreciate this dreamy sentiment.
Gentlemen's Hardware Sneaker Cleaning Kit
Photo courtesy of Gentlemen's Hardware
Is he a sneakerhead? This travel-size kit from Gentlemen’s Hardware will keep his kicks looking like new. It comes with a brush, cloth, and cleaning fluid for on-the-go touch-ups, ensuring a little dirt won’t actually hurt his favorite style(s).
Quince Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
Photo courtesy of Quince
$59.90, onequince.com
Cashmere can be very expensive, and that’s where Quince comes in. The brand sells affordable cashmere items, but this v-neck sweater is by far my favorite. It comes in a bunch of color options, sizes S to XL, and also comes in crewneck if that better suits his aesthetic.
A Masterclass Subscription
Courtesy of Masterclass
Cost depends on class or subscription, masterclass.com
Maybe your guy is looking for a new hobby, or he’s the type who’s enthusiastic about learning new skills. If so, a general subscription to Master Class, or a specific course, would be a great gift. Mark gifted me a writing class with Judy Blume, and I gifted him a cooking class with Gordon Ramsay! There are so many courses to choose from, there’s bound to be a fit for everyone.
The New York Times Custom Sports Team Book
Photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods
from $80, uncommongoods.com
I love this gift idea from the Uncommon Goods website. Choose either his favorite NFL or MLB team, and a curated collection of newspaper coverage by The New York Times will be bound and ready for their perusing. It’s such a great collectible for fans of these sports, and I low-key want one for myself.
Dual-Device Magnetic Charging Stand
Photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods
$100, uncommongoods.com
Simplify their charging routines with this one-and-done magnetic stand. It’s a multi-tasking, dual charger that can juice up their smartphone and Bluetooth headphones at the same time. Gone will be the days of him having to wait around for one device to fully charge before plugging in the next, and all thanks to you.
UGG Neumel Chukka Boot
Photo courtesy of Nordstrom
from $139.95, nordstrom.com
UGGs are making a comeback in a big way, and men are going to want in on this trend, too - if for no other reason than they’re warm and comfortable for the winter season. I really like the brand’s Neumel Chukka Boot, because, honestly, if it didn’t don the Australian brand’s logo, you wouldn’t know it was an UGG product. It comes in a bunch of color options, and, of course, comes lined with cozy wool.
Inkbox Freehand Tattoo Marker
Photo courtesy of Nordstrom
$24, nordstrom.com
Are they considering getting inked? This unique stocking stuffer lets them experiment with the look temporarily. Drawings last up to two weeks, so they can get a feel for what a tattoo would look like on them - and if they’re ready to make that kind of commitment.
Kouchu Candle
Photo courtesy of Amazon
$20.99, amazon.com
For the love birds who met online (or via an app), this quirky candle with a sweet sentiment is sure to make them smile. Plus, with notes of black cedar and juniper, it’ll make their space smell amazing.
BlendJet BlendJet 2 16 oz. Portable Blender
Photo courtesy of Bed Bath and Beyond
$49.99, bedbathandbeyond.com
If smoothies are a staple in their diet, consider the Blendjet for the man on your list. The blender is portable and, more importantly, whisper-quiet, so he can whip up his drink virtually anywhere - at home, at work, at the gym post-workout, etc. He can also drink straight out of the 16oz blender cup, which means fewer dishes to clean after the fact.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell
Photo courtesy of Target
$214.97, target.com
If he’s back to commuting to and from the office, leaving little time for a gym session, or if he works from home and doesn’t want to leave the house to work out anymore, treat him to this masterful dumbbell set from Bowflex. Each dumbbell adjusts 5 to 52.5 lb. in 2.5 lb. increments, so if their exercise of choice is lifting weights, there’s no need to leave the house.
ESPN 2 Player Arcade Basketball Game
Photo courtesy of Target
$189.99, target.com
I realize not everyone can fit an entire arcade game in their home, but should the man on your list have the space to accommodate such a structure, this basketball game looks awesome. It has an LED light scorer, and 8 games programmed into the system. Gift him this game, and his house will be the hangout spot from here on out.
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha K-Cups
Photo courtesy of Target
$18.99, target.com
Fans of the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Latte know how quickly the limited edition holiday drink gets erased from the menu (too quickly). Prolong their holiday season with this box of seasonally flavored coffee; each cup is sure to channel the holly jolly vibes they look for in a cup of joe this time of year.
Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket
Photo courtesy of Abercrombie & Fitch
$160, abercrombie.com
Bomber jackets will never go out of style as far as I’m concerned. They’re a great piece to have in every wardrobe, especially in the spring and fall, but this vegan suede number from Abercrombie would also make for an exceptional outerwear option for those awkwardly warm-ish winter days that don’t call for something too heavy.
Beats Fit Pro
Photo courtesy of Amazon
$179.95, amazon.com
Last, but certainly not least, if the guy you’re shopping for is in the market for new headphones, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Beats. The Fit Pro buds are noise-canceling, and water-resistant, and come with a microphone feature, as well as phone and volume control. I also really dig the color options for these Bluetooth headphones, particularly the Sage Green.
Okay this is the best men’s gift guide I’ve seen and has given me so many good ideas !! Thank you!
I’m considering getting the table top fire pit and I love the beer subscription!! You also reminded me about Omaha Steaks. Excellent ideas- thank you so much !
Okay this is the best men’s gift guide I’ve seen and has given me so many good ideas !! Thank you!
I’m considering getting the table top fire pit and I love the beer subscription!! You also reminded me about Omaha Steaks. Excellent ideas- thank you so much !