Skip to content

Top Navigation

Shape Shape
  • Fitness
  • Healthy Eating
  • Beauty
  • Sex and Love
  • Celebrities
  • Mind & Body
  • Lifestyle
  • Video
  • Shop
  • Sweeps

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Log Out
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Shape

Shape Shape
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Keto Meal Plan for Beginners

      Everything you need to know to get started with this high-fat, low-carb diet. Read More Next
    • 10 Things I Learned During My Body Transformation

      Twenty months and 17 pounds later, I came away with 10 big lessons. Read More Next
    • The 30-Day Squat Challenge

      The ultimate 30-day squat challenge, featuring 12 squats that tighten and tone. Read More Next
  • Fitness

    Fitness

    See All Fitness
    • Workouts
    • Cardio
    • Strength Training
    • Bodyweight Training
    • Yoga
    • Exercise Recovery
    • Exercise Tips
    • Race Training
    • Workout Trends
    • Playlists
    • Workout Clothes
    • Workout Gear
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Diets
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Drinks
    • Weight Loss
  • Beauty
  • Sex and Love
  • Celebrities

    Celebrities

    See All Celebrities
    • Interviews
    • Celebrity News
    • Celebrity Workouts
  • Mind & Body

    Mind & Body

    See All Mind & Body
    • Coronavirus
    • Transformations
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Healthy IRL
  • Video

    Video

    See All Video
    • Workout Videos
    • Cooking Videos
    • Weight Loss Videos
    • Celebrity Videos
  • Shop
  • Sweeps

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Log Out
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Shape.com Chevron Right
  2. Lifestyle Chevron Right
  3. The Holiday Gift Guide for the Guys in Your Life

The Holiday Gift Guide for the Guys in Your Life

By Renee Woodruff and Eric Falk
December 01, 2011
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save FB Tweet

1 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For the Stylist: Merino Wool Hoodie

Wool has become the new fabric de jour. It's warm, soft and most importantly, it does not retain scents. If you can't get your guy to wash his favorite clothing, wool is your fabric. (He may still stink, but the hoodie will smell fresh as new). I have given both these as gifts and liked them so much, I bought some for myself too. I now have two of each and wear them almost every day.

The Chrome hoodie is slim-fitting and has long arms as it was designed to be worn while riding a bike, though it's still great for those that don't ride, and it's also incredibly soft. I literally did not wash this for a year and a half, and Renee can attest to the fact I wear it three days a week all year long. It looks as good after all that wear as it did the day I started wearing it. I plan on giving my little sister the female version this year for Christmas. Shhhh, don't tell!

1 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For the Stylist, No. 2: Ibex Hoodie

Ibex is my favorite wool clothing company. They manufacture most of their garments in the USA using merino wool from New Zealand. I have found my Shak hoodie to be the most durable piece of clothing I own.

The lesson here: Men are simple creatures. You will have a much better experience with the men in your life if you embrace what it is that they like and what they are comfortable with and look to make improvements from there. It is often a wasted effort to buy something in hopes that he will change his tastes and preferences. If you are hoping to improve upon his style, it is best to take what he likes and put a high-quality twist on it; this way he will actually wear it.

2 of 14

3 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Gifts that Last a Lifetime: Afghan Blanket

shop all blankets

Before I went off to college, my older sister wanted me to have a nice blanket that would remind me of home while I was away. One glitch: She does not knit or crochet. She hired a lady a few towns over to make one for me with yarn that I was able to choose myself. This meant that I was able to use colors that I liked and that made it more personal to me. While this is not a traditional gift, I have kept my blanket with me since college and still cherish it as I move on in life.

 

3 of 14

Advertisement

4 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For The Music Lover: Audio Equipment

shop all speakers

Most people listen to music on a daily basis, whether in the car, the subway, or just while cooking dinner. It is surprising to me how tolerant people are of terrible audio equipment. Assuming that you obtain your music legally, people spend thousands of dollars over their lifetime buying music, then skimp on the equipment by paying as little as possible on speakers and headphones.

Last year for Christmas, my older sister and her fiancee gave me a pair of Audioengine A2 speakers. I use them everyday and it makes such a difference to hear the music as it was meant to be heard instead of through the budget speakers attached to a desktop or built into a laptop.

4 of 14

5 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For the Music Lover No. 2: Headphones

shop all headphones

These Grado headphones also make a good gift for anybody who appreciates listening to music as it's supposed to be heard.

5 of 14

6 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For the Cook: Knives

shop all knives

If the man in your life does any sort of cooking, odds are he is using poorly made knives. It may seem counterintuitive but the sharper the knife, the safer it is. A sharp knife will glide through veggies and meat, and there is less chance of having to force it through, which can potentially cause you to slip and be injured. I have given to multiple people the Henckles Cermax 8-inch chef knife. It's razor sharp and incredibly durable, but it's also rather expensive and there are other knives out there that are a real bargain. If you care to splurge, go for the Cermax.

Tips: If you happen to receive the mailers from Bed Bath and Beyond, they do not expire! Use one of these to buy a Global or Shun knife, you won't be disappointed. Also, avoid buying strictly based on name, as Henckles and many other famous brands also sell lower-quality lines at these same stores. You also don't need to buy a knife block; they're a complete waste. I cook frequently and find i can do everything with my 8-inch and 6-inch chef and paring knives. Some people will need a serrated knife for bread too.

6 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For the Cook No. 2: Cutting Board

shop all cutting boards

This Epicurian cutting board makes a nice accompanying gift to the knives. Not all cutting boards are created equal; some are much better than others at preserving the sharp edge of your blade. Epicurian seems to be the best on the market and it is dishwasher safe.

7 of 14

8 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For Mr. Practical: Custom Belts

In the same line as the wool hoodies, this is a good way to put an elegant spin on an everyday item. I came across Narragansett Leathers after reading Put This On, a blog about men dressing like grownups. Both Renee and I have purchased these belts and they are great. Unlike most stores these days, the owners at Narragansett Leathers will not take your order online as each belt is made to order. If you want to stimulate the economy this holiday season, support mom and pop shops instead of the cookie-cutter stores.

8 of 14

9 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For the Reader: Kindle

shop all e-readers

I think that books are an incredibly difficult gift to give. Unless you really know how someone reads, it is hard to assume that you will be able to predict someone's reading preferences. For example, the only people in my family who can successfully exchange books are my grandmother (my mother's mother) and my father, as they have the same taste in literature. So as the old fish adage goes, give a man a Kindle and he will read for a lifetime. With Kindles starting at just $80, there is little reason not to consider this as a gift option this holiday season.

9 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For the Adventurer: Garmin 405

shop all watches

If the man in your life is active or has any interest in being active (new year's resolutions are right around the corner) the Garmin GPS watches are awesome. I started running competitively about a year ago and have found the Garmin to be an essential tool. I use the Garmin 405 which is a slightly outdated model, which means there are some good deals online.

10 of 14

11 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

For the Adventurer No. 2: Garmin 610

shop all activity trackers

The newer Garmin model, which Renee purchased on my recommendation for her horseback-riding trip is the Garmin 610 (I want one of these). The reason having a GPS watch is so effective is because it gives you pace information while you're running which means that you'll know if you need to pick it up or ease up mid-run. Then when you are finished, you can upload all the information and it puts your run on the map so you can track your route. This works for runners, bikers or any activity that covers distance. As an add on, pair it with the heart rate monitor to maximize your workout efficiency.

11 of 14

12 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Stocking Stuffers: Klean Kanteen Water Bottle

shop all water bottles

These water bottles are great. I have three of these in different sizes. They have lasted for years and still look as great as the day I bought them. They are made of stainless steel and thus do not retain flavors like some plastic bottles do. They pay for themselves very fast as they eliminate the need for plastic bottled water and not to mention, are better for the environment.

12 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Stocking Stuffers: Pocket Knife

shop all knives

I carry a pocket knife with me most of the time. They are really handy, and I'm sure if your guy has one he'll use it frequently.

13 of 14

14 of 14

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Stocking Stuffers: Swedish Firesteel

shop all hiking gear

The Swedish Firesteel is a fun gift for the outdoorsmen in your life. If they are anything like me, and they spend more time in the urban jungle than the real jungle, it will allow them to feel rugged. I used this to light the stove when the power went out and have used it to light bonfires when there are no matches. It even works when it's wet!

14 of 14

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 14 For the Stylist: Merino Wool Hoodie
2 of 14 For the Stylist, No. 2: Ibex Hoodie
3 of 14 Gifts that Last a Lifetime: Afghan Blanket
4 of 14 For The Music Lover: Audio Equipment
5 of 14 For the Music Lover No. 2: Headphones
6 of 14 For the Cook: Knives
7 of 14 For the Cook No. 2: Cutting Board
8 of 14 For Mr. Practical: Custom Belts
9 of 14 For the Reader: Kindle
10 of 14 For the Adventurer: Garmin 405
11 of 14 For the Adventurer No. 2: Garmin 610
12 of 14 Stocking Stuffers: Klean Kanteen Water Bottle
13 of 14 Stocking Stuffers: Pocket Knife
14 of 14 Stocking Stuffers: Swedish Firesteel

Share options

Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Login

Shop | Shape

  • Activewear
  • Bikinis
  • Gym Bags
  • Fashion Dresses
  • Makeup
  • Running Shoes
  • Sneakers
  • Workout Leggings
  • Headphones
  • Skin Care
  • Shop More Next

Shape may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

Shape

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Shape is part of the Instyle Beauty Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.shape.com

View image

The Holiday Gift Guide for the Guys in Your Life
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.