’tis the season // gift ideas for your guy

click directly on a product to shop

Year after year, one of the most common requests I get around the holidays is for a guy’s gift guide! Isn’t it funny how us girls can become such pro’s at shopping, only to totally draw a blank when it comes to getting something for a guy in your life?

I’ve spent the past few weeks quizzing Andrew, my father, and doing some shopping of my own to come up with this year’s “Gift Ideas For Your Guy” guide, and I hope it helps with your guy list… whether it’s for a brother, boyfriend, dad, friend, etc!

The products you’ll find above are either ones that guys in my life own and love (like this dapper quilted vest, a favorite of my dad’s, and Andrew’s favorite t-shirt style), gifts I’ve given to guys in my life (like this spherical ice mold), gifts I’ve been given and love (like my can’t-live-without Tile tracker) or ideas I’ve looked into and genuinely think any guy would love (like this amazing waterproof, floatable, nearly indestructable speaker.)

Also, let me just throw this out there… if you’d also like a gift you will love, get him this fragrance. I’m obsessed with it!

And if you’re still looking for more ideas, check out these other guides I’ve put together in the past:

Guys Gift Guide 2017

Guys Gift Guide 2016

Guys Gift Guide 2015

I also thought I’d bring y’all 5 helpful tips for “How To Give The Perfect Guy Gift” that I shared a couple of years ago. If you’re stumped, check these out!

5 tips for giving the perfect guy gift

1. Keep a List

While this requires a little pre-planning, I’ve found that gifting a guy comes much easier when you already have a list of ideas personalized to him. No duh, Kate, but how to get this list? Always be on the lookout of ideas! If I hear my dad or boyfriend, for example, mention something they like, think is cool or want throughout the year (not just at Christmastime!) I discreetly make a note on my phone with as many details as I can gather. That way, when birthdays or holidays roll around, I can scroll through for inspiration! So much better than the “What do you want for Christmas?” answered by the common “Ummm…”

2. Give an Experience

Over time, I’ve found it’s often so much fun, and so much easier, to give an experience over than an item. (Because really, how many new sweaters does a guy really want?) Use this opportunity to get him tickets to something he loves like a sporting event or concert. Either gift him tickets for himself and a friend, or, if it’s for a boyfriend/husband, for the two of you! If you have couple friends you both love, coordinate with the other gal to plan a really fun double-date – girl’s treat!

3. Buy the Brand

If you’re low on time or are gifting a guy you don’t spend a ton of time with, choose a gift from brands he currently owns and uses. (If you don’t know, ask his mom or someone he’s close to!) I know that for most of the guys in my life, anything from Patagonia, Nike and Yeti is always a safe bet. The great thing about this option is you can tailor to your budget… a ball cap could be just as well-received as a higher-end item if it’s from a brand he loves!

4. Food

I usually steer way clear of gift-card giving, as it can sometimes comes across as impersonal, but it’s true what they say… the way to a guy’s heart, or good graces, is through his stomach! Get him a few gift cards to his favorite, most-frequented places (arrange them in a little basket) or, if he’s a foodie, to one really nice establishment he wouldn’t normally treat himself to. You can never go wrong with a steakhouse!

5. Include the Gift Receipt

If all else fails, include the gift receipt in your present! This gives him the option of choosing something he really wants if he’s an egg that’s particularly hard to crack. It takes the pressure off of you, and gets him closer to exactly what he wants!

This year, Andrew has asked for the Fitbit Charge 3… which made this process entirely too easy on me! So I got him a couple other fun items he’s not expecting as well. Let me know if you have any great guy gift ideas!

Love from Texas,

Kate

Shop the look

Shop More Looks

Shop by Instagram

Join in on the fun!

2 Comments

  1. Sarah said:

    That cologne looks perfect! My husband sometimes wears some that we finally picked out at Ulta (after several weekends of smelling what felt like everything—and I think he went with something classic).
    I picked up a small bottle to make sure he likes it, but I would give just about anything to make sure that he wears cologne every day! I want him to have “a smell.” Haha

    Published 12.7.18 · Reply
  2. Kelsey said:

    I love the pouch for the wireless headphones. My boyfriend would love that!!
    Xo Kelsey
    http://www.petiteinherheels.blogspot.com

    Published 12.9.18 · Reply