Meaningful Gifts for the Men We Love
Nate, don't open this — your Christmas gift is in here
Before we begin, there’s one gift I recommend above everything else on this list: the I Want You to Know portrait journal ($18). You fill in each page to create a unique portrait of the recipient, including beloved traits, lessons he’s taught you, even what smells remind you of him. I ordered one for Nate this year (he’s not allowed to read this guide!). It has been a gift to me to sit down and reflect on specific things I know and love about Nate. Easy, inexpensive, and so very meaningful.
the “gee whiz” category
The world’s tiniest pen ($39) that clips on his keys and never runs out of ink.
A ridiculously large quantity of his favorite thing, like a bucket of salt ($15) or a humongous Toblerone ($166).
Tokens of magic like a four-leaf clover ($65).
Brass dice ($72). A true “gee whiz” gift and chic version of a childhood token.
The most delicious hot chocolate on earth ($28+), paired with a set of Japanese mugs ($48) and everyone’s favorite utensil, tiny spoons ($18).
for our boyfriends and husbands
A designy calendar ($59) for his WFH space.
The perfect seasoning blend ($13) because he can’t remember exactly what he used for the chicken last time.
A tangly, friendly pothos plant ($38). Guys are nurturers, too.
The comfiest, low-key earplugs ($36) and football tickets ($35+), because the gifts of anticipation and fun memories mean the world.
Cool art prints ($749) — romantic but not cheesy.
A portrait of home ($288), especially of the house he grew up in.
A point-and-shoot film camera ($75) with a date stamp, because it’s better for the earth than disposables, and he can experiment with cool film ($17).
A just-his couch blanket ($179) that won’t get too hot.
Quick note: I recommend signing up for no-strings-attached cash back from Rakuten. My link gets you an extra $30 for free.
for our dads and brothers
Giving my dad a Blackberry-esque keyboard case ($139) for his phone.
A pair of heirloom-worthy sunglasses ($166).
An Americana shirt ($88) that says — not screams — “I am a cool dad.”
Irish green stone ice cubes ($25), because he loves a cold soda.
A highly-rated bike helmet ($170), because you care about his cranium.
Multitool ($120) with his name on it, so he will think of you whenever he uses it.
Beautifully designed car fresheners ($13); he spends a lot of time in there and he deserves a soothing scent.
Pro surfers’ favorite watch ($65), so he can leave his phone in the car and still know how long he’s been out there.
You know and love your husband and dad better than any gift guide writer. Go forth with the gusto and heart of Juno MacGuff overflowing Paulie Bleeker’s mailbox with orange Tic-Tacs.
More gifts for the men we love:
So many gems here! ❤️❤️