Gift Guide For Him Because What Are You Even Supposed To Buy Men?
Buying gifts for anyone can be a hard task, but buying a gift for a guy you're dating is an absolute nightmare. What does the guy I'm seeing even like other than Baby Yoda memes and White Claws?
The whole reason for giving gifts is to tell someone how much they mean to you. Here are some good ideas for gifts that show you care about him as an individual and really appreciate having him in your life.
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An Activity Pass For Both Of You
You know that thing you both have been saying that you should do or try, but haven't gotten around to it? Get a season pass for both of you so that you can finally go do the activity. A lift pass for the nearby ski hill? Excellent. A 10-entry pass for the rock climbing gym? It's a fun time for both of you.
Concert Tickets/Tickets To See His Favorite Team
You might not care for his taste in music or have any investment in what team wins the NBA Championship, but getting him tickets to an event he would be excited for is an excellent gift that shows you value his interests, even if they don't exactly match yours. Besides, it's hard not to have fun at a game or concert.
Book Something He Needs For Him
Your man might be stressed as all heck and have a messed up back, but he just can't seem to make an appointment to go get a massage. Get him a gift certificate and even make the booking for him if you know his schedule in advance so he can stop complaining about the tension in his shoulders!
A Framed Poster Of One Of His Favorite Things
Let's face it: men aren't exactly crushing it when it comes to interior decor. Find a poster with something he likes, such as a rare poster from his favorite band or a show he likes, and get it framed. Now he has something to hang on his (currently bare) walls and it has a nice personal touch.
A Subscription Television/Movie Service
Of course, base it off of his interests or needs. If you want to watch more shows together and he loves Marvel movies, get him a year subscription for Disney+. Spend the rest of winter cuddled up together on his couch with the television on, whether you're watching or not.
Plan A Weekend Getaway
He just wants to have as much quality one-on-one time with you, so plan a weekend getaway for the two of you and drop the details to him as a gift. Make sure you work around his schedule, and run away to a nice destination for some much appreciated alone time.
An Alexa
Does your boyfriend ever ask you stupid questions that could easily be solved with a quick Google search? Do you ever wonder how he survived this long despite his lack of knowledge and skill in domestic matters? Get him an Alexa so he can ask her for help every day instead of asking you what "broil" means.
A Nice Clothing Item He Definitely Needs
Dating a straight man is a lot like being the Fabulous Five from Queer Eye, and the holidays are a nice way for you to slip some extra work into his wardrobe. Keeping in mind the types of clothes he normally likes, and get him an item he needs (like a nice knit sweater) so he looks like a well-dressed person when you're out. It's a win-win situation.
A Care Package
This is a nice, thoughtful gift if you're long-distance or he has a big change coming up in his life. If you're long-distance, make him a kit that's all about your relationship, including things like an item referencing an inside joke, something that smells like you, etc. If he's going through a big life change, like starting a new job, make him a kit with items to help him survive his first week.
Something(s) He Definitely Needs
Have you been watching this man struggle to make pasta because he doesn't own a colander? Does he desperately need coasters? Get him something—or a group of things—that he'd never think to get for himself, but he definitely needs. It shows that you pay attention to him regularly and care about making his life easier.
Something You Need To Have Presented As A Gift To Him
Sometimes, a gift for someone else also can be a gift for you. If you hate sleeping over at his place because he sleeps with crepe-thin pillows that border on "absolutely useless", get him a set of decent pillows for his bed. You shouldn't have to suffer anymore, and he'll realize what he was missing.
Something To Poke Fun At Him
If he has a specific habit that you like to poke fun at, get a gift to take the joke a bit further. For example, if he's constantly misplacing his keys and wallet to the point that it's a regular occurrence, get him a Tile Mate to help him locate his items.
Skincare Product Package
Will you ever be able to ween him off of 3-1 shampoo-conditioner-body wash? That's deeply uncertain, but you can give him a package of basic personal care items, like a good face wash and moisturizer combo. While serums might be too much for his brain to manage, he'll appreciate no longer washing his face with shampoo (hopefully).
A Hot Sauce Subscription To Make Them Eat Their Words
If your man likes to brag about how much he likes spicy food, set him up for a monthly subscription box that sends him different types of hot sauce. The best-case scenario is that he loves it! Worst-case scenario, you get to watch him cry as he tries each one while trying to pretend he can handle the heat.
Something A Little More Naughty Than Nice
Make things extra spicy and get him something that you two can use together during the long, winter nights. If he has mentioned any particular fantasies or things he wants to try, get something that might help make that a reality (as long as you're comfortable with it as well).
Something For The Kitchen
If you happen to be dating a man who can cook, a cast-iron skillet is a great gift, and you'll definitely get to steal some of his food. Also, for some reason, men just like cast-iron skillets (probably because they're heavy and they like to flex? I'm uncertain), so it's a pretty safe choice.
Something That's Useful In The Long-Term
If you're in it for the long haul, this scratch-off map is an adorable gift, especially if you have previously discussed or joked about traveling the world together. Worst case scenario, if you ever break up, he will have it as a constant reminder of you, which is pretty cool too.
Something Useful For His Hobby
If your man has a specific interest or hobby, getting something that's useful for it is a great way to validate his interests and show your support for the things he likes. For example, get him a new capo, some picks, and maybe a new shoulder strap if he's into playing guitar.
Literally Just Socks. Seriously.
As much as I enjoy mocking men and their tastes, I have to admire their ability to appreciate really simple things. Men will be happy receiving abnormal socks, no matter what the occasion is. Just find a unique pattern or a print suited to their interests (like, if they're artsy, get them these painting socks) and you're set.
Just Give Him A Gift Card
If you're still wildly unsure of what the guy you're dating would want, just give him a gift card to a place he likes to shop and let him decide what he wants. Alternatively, take him shopping and let him choose whatever he wants. Or just throw money at him and then take off your clothes. Men are simple.
