Honestly, we all know it, so I’m just going to come right out and say it – guys can be really hard to shop for!! Boyfriends and Dads have it so easy – all we want for Christmas is wine and puppies, what’s so tricky about that?! But I’ve got your back, I have scoured Pinterest and my own experience in an attempt to put together a list of gift ideas that will easily cover off all the men in your life, and just in time for some Black Friday/ Cyber Monday shopping.
Category is: Clothing
Majority of the men in our life could use at least a little help in the fashion department. A Christmas present is the perfect opportunity to help them spruce up their wardrobe in a way that you’ll like.
- Underwear: an often overlooked article of clothing for guys. Could you imagine living in a world without 7 for $27?! So spoil your guy with a nice pair; you will be surprised how grateful they are for some high quality fabric all up in there
- SAXX Underwear
- MeUndies (Tip: a ton of popular podcasts have discount codes for this company’s website, save some $$)
- Calvin Klein
- Gryphon Merch: There’s plenty of selection, it’s comfy, and be it your BF or a family member, something from our Bookstore is always an awesome choice (especially if you still have money left on your student card)
- Pro Tip: I like to follow an “opposites” rule. For example, if your dad wears suits or more formal clothes for work everyday – a nice pair of sweatpants or new pajamas can be a nice change, and a thoughtful gift. Oppositely, if your guy doesn’t need to be formal on a daily basis – he might appreciate a nice shirt for date night, or a family dinner so his mom doesn’t think he’s a total slob.
Category is: Consumable
They always say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? Let’s put it to the test.
- Junk Food:
- Know he has a sweet tooth? Try a mason jar full of his favourite candies
- A care package full of his favourite snacks (sweet or salty) is always nice to receive during the holidays. Really, you just can’t go wrong with junk food – especially if you know his faves.
- Alcohol:
- Wine/liquor – If you know a specific brand or type they like, you’re all set. If not, the LCBO website, and employees are super helpful. It’s very little effort for gift that is quite thoughtful.
- Not a wine guy? Favourite beer works just as well – you can even get creative and wrap each bottle individually or try something crafty like this.
- Gift Cards:
- You could argue that gift cards aren’t very thoughtful gifts. But if you need to keep your spending down, it’s a fool proof way to ensure your guy gets a little chunk of change to spend exactly where, and how he wants to. Not a bad gift if you ask me! Pro Tip: Grocery and/or Drug stores often have kiosks full of gift cards to various stores and restaurants – one stop shop!
Category is: DIY
A DIY present is a really great option if you’re crafty, or if funds are a little tight with the semester coming to a close. It’s easy to get wrapped up in buying things, and making sure your present costs the right amount. But a homemade gift is often a better idea than a thoughtless brand name gift, just for the sake of giving an expensive present. If you have the time and energy, you can pretty much craft anything. So here are just a few ideas to get the ball rolling:
- A homecooked meal or baked goods:
- A nice dinner means quality time and some bangin’ left overs. I think making food for someone you care about is a mutually beneficial present that doesn’t have to be too pricey!
- Coupons:
- This is one of my favourite things to give people I really care about. It’s super versatile too. For your dad, some quality time at home, or promises to help out more around the house always goes over well. For Bae? Coupons for different date night ideas, one free peer edit on an assignment, some more PG-13 fun? Possibilities are endless. And trust me, it’s not lost on me how weird it is to be switching back and forth between Dad and BF present inspo… but someone’s gotta do it.
- Themed presents can be functional for the gift receiver, and also let you get creative!
- And finally, don’t be afraid to get sentimental! A thoughtful note, or something nostalgic like a photo collage. You’ll be surprised how much your guy will love the sappiness.
Category is: Splurge
Splurging on a gift for someone is no small feat. It’s obviously a big financial commitment for you, but something expensive is usually a lot more personal.
- An Experience
- Concert Tickets, Couples Spa day, a trip/vacation, a fancy dinner, Raptors tickets, paintballing, brewery/vineyard tour.
This splurge might only be a piece of paper the day he opens it, but it’s a gift that is easily adaptable to a family member or a significant other, and will double as an amazing experience and memory for the two of you down the road!
- A watch:
- MVMT watches are around the $100-150 range and they look great. If you know your guy’s taste, this could be a really great option for a special gift (Tip: Again, this brand does lots of promotion on several popular podcasts, search around for a promo code to save some $)
- Cologne:
- Whether it’s a cologne he already wears, or its something new you want him to smell like, it’s a thoughtful splurge. And huge pro-tip, Sephora carries lots of men’s fragrance – hello VIB points!
- Tech:
- If you plan on going the extra mile financially, some form of technology can make for a great present if you know what your guy wants and needs. Headphones, a fitness tracker, game console could all be presents that go above and beyond. Not to mention tech usually has the best deals for Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales
There you have it, about as comprehensive of a list as one girl can manage. I hope this gives you at least a few ideas when it comes to Christmas shopping for the men in your life. Ultimately, gift giving can be a very rewarding process. So take the time to make it personal, no matter the price range you’re working within, and it’s sure to be a winner.