So, I’m guessing you’re reading this because the title caught your eye as you’re in a frantic struggle to find the perfect gift for your guy and finally someone has some answers for you. Am I right? Well, unfortunately we’re in the same boat, sister. Christmas shopping for a guy proves to be stressful and seemingly impossible. Should I get him a fancy Fossil watch? Will lounge pants and a sweatshirt suffice? Is it bad to try making a DIY gift?
I don’t have any answers to those questions, BUT I offer some ideas and suggestions from a year-five boyfriend Christmas-gift shopper. That counts for something, right?
1. Photo Book
I am a big advocate of the creative, fun photo book gift idea. I think these are the perfect way to document your times together and give each other a little custom-made album to flip through on any rough days you don’t get to spend together. I’ve made my boyfriend two photo books now and it is always fun to cozy up and look back on our memories once and awhile. It’s also fun to make if you enjoy being creative — and if you don’t, Shutterfly has the option for you to have the photos be quickly and randomly placed in the book. Plus, they ALWAYS have sales and promotions if you sign up for emails. Costco Photo Center is also another great resource for photo books if you are a Costco member.
2. Wallet This Fossil wallet is one of my favorite gifts I’ve gotten my boyfriend. Though he did suggest it to me, I think it is such a cool, rugged looking wallet. Obviously a gift like this is a somewhat more personal piece that would require input or suggestions from the person you gifting it to but a wallet is a great idea. Depending on their preferences, you can get away with a nice one for under $50 from somewhere even as nice as Fossil — bonus!
3. PJs
What better way to get in the holiday spirit than with some cozy flannel PJs like these from Eddie Bauer? I’ve gotten my boyfriend pajama pants a couple of times and he’s always loved them. The softer the better — and the better your cuddles will be! Plus, you could pick up a cozy Christmas pair for yourself while you’re shopping — a win-win.
4. Cold Weather Gear
You really cannot go wrong by picking out cold weather accessories like hats and gloves for your man, especially if you live in a state with cold winters like Michigan. My boyfriend likes to keep a set of hat and gloves in each coat he has so that he’s always prepared for whatever the weather brings. He really loved this Under Armour beanie I got him a couple years ago because it was so warm and lightweight. Cold weather gifts like this could easily be paired with matching gloves and hand-warmers for a great practical gift!
5. Gift Card Okay, I know the whole point of reading this was to find something special and not settle for a gift card, but honestly, gift cards are a great option. I know there’s a stigma around giving gift cards as gifts as being lazy and not putting thought into the gift but that is entirely untrue! You can easily pick out a gift card to a place your man loves and pair it with something fun like silly socks or a coffee mug. There is nothing wrong with giving your guy a gift card to a place where he would do a better job finding something he likes than you would. You could even offer that you pick something out together with the card. An Amazon gift card is always a good choice as there are endless options to choose from. Another great idea is a restaurant gift card to encourage a fun night out together — on you! There are many ways to make a gift card thoughtful and unique, so don’t overlook this option.
Even with these great ideas, there is still no denying that the search for the perfect gift is endless and tireless. What I have found to be most important to remember is that love and gratitude are the best gifts you can give. With these two sentiments towards your other half, the magnitude of the gift or the money you spent on it will pale in comparison. As cheesy as it sounds, it is truly the thought that counts. So enjoy your holiday season with the people you love — the gifts you choose to give should not be the main focus, but rather the finishing touches.
Images courtesy of Shutterfly, Fossil, Eddie Bauer, Amazon.com, Under Armour, and crosswalk.com.