I don't know what it is about guys, but they seem to be notoriously difficult to buy gifts for. So in an attempt to remedy this problem, I'm going to list as many ideas as possible, sort of a brainstorming of creative possibilities. Use this list to inspire you, personalizing to your unique hubby.
Helpful Ideas
Buy a small notebook to record his preferences and interests. What is his favorite color? What are his hobbies? Does he have a favorite football team? Would he appreciate a homemade gift? Does he like personalized items? Monograms? Also write out his clothing sizes and any kind of information that you think you might need (like he's missing a 3/4" socket wrench).
Listen to what he talks about for clues to what he might like. For example if he likes a particular Ansel Adams photo, look for a calendar with work from AA or perhaps a coffee table book with loads of his pictures.
Look at how he spends his free time. What interests or activities is he involved in? Then look for items that will compliment his interests and likes.
Consider item gifts (a basketball), activity gifts (tickets to a game), and service gifts (coupon to do his least favorite chore).
Remember to give him something that he likes, rather than something that you want him to like.
Gift Ideas
Reading
a book that he has mentioned
a book by his favorite author
books or magazines about his favorite interests
membership in a book or reading club
a gift certificate to his favorite bookstore (you can do this online too)
bookplates
a bookmark
bookends
Car Stuff
jumper cables
Fix-it-Flat (the big one with the hose)
latex gloves or towelettes with cleaner in them
a small tool kit for the trunk
a new CD
a cup holder that really works
a pouch for important car papers
a flashlight
a first aid kit
a seat pad
hand lotion,tissues and other travel toiletries
Clothes
socks
a tie
mittens/gloves
a hat
sunglasses
fun print boxers
new shoe laces for his tennis shoes
shoe polish or shoe care kit
belt or suspenders
Cooking/Grilling
an apron
mitts or hot pads
cooking or grilling tools
a chef's hat
recipe books/magazines
Food & Entertaining
throw him a surprise party
bake up a batch of his favorite cookies
fix his favorite meal (or give him a coupon good for his favorite meal)
create a gift basket of fun or exotic foods
Games
a new game
books/magazines on his favorite game
game equipment (like a new chess set or Scrabble pads)
computer game software
Gardening
gardening tools
gardening tool organizer/container
a hose reel
a garden journal (a small notebook in which you record garden activity)
gardening books/magazines
garden/landscape design software
Hobby related gifts - for an existing hobby or perhaps to start a new one
books/magazines on the hobby of choice
hobby materials (like coin sleeves for the coin collector)
Jewelry
a ring
a tie tack
cuff links
fun pins
a watch
Just for Fun
a kite or other childhood toy
his favorite candy
Personal Items
any item that he tends to run out of (be sure to get his favorite style or brand)
a new wallet
"manly" stationary/notes, include some stamps
a journal with a great looking pen
framed photos
camera & film
Relaxing Time
an arm chair caddy for the TV remote
new earphones for his sound system
a CD of his favorite artist
an afghan/throw for his favorite napping spot
a pillow for the same spot
Sports
a cushion for bleachers
books/magazines
a T shirt (or sweatshirt) for his favorite team
tickets to a game
coupon good for munchies and drinks during the Superbowl
Work or Desk
a briefcase or zippered folder
a business card holder or container
desk organizers
a calendar
(Please feel free to add your gift ideas or share anything that worked particularly well when gifting your husband.)
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I find that ASKING him works best. Over the years of our marriage, we have found that the idea of romance existing in the element of “knowing him well enough to choose him the perfect gift” pales in comparison to the romance of giving him something that he has longed for, needs, or will actually use. ASK him. He’ll tell you. Then the romance comes with your effort to find the ways or means to procure it for him.
Comment by mrsdarcy — December 9, 2009 @ 9:13 am
One idea I got from my sister is that when my husband talks about something he loved as a kid or something he wishes he had gotten a while back I start taking notes in my phone or journal so that when Christmas comes around I have a whole bunch of ideas. Luckily my husband makes it pretty easy for me because he makes a list every year:) If your husband is the romantic type, one gift that worked CRAZY well for me was the year I got him a small case with his initials on it from one of those places in the mall that does initials on stainless steel, and put a small braid of my hair in it. It was amazingly well received and he still says it’s his favorite Christmas present he’s ever gotten.
Comment by Nightbird — December 9, 2009 @ 10:09 am
Let see, this year I’ve decided to give him my 460 Big Block motor, to my crew cab, that he’s been trying to talk me out of ever since he gave it to me for a Mother’s Day several years ago. I’m going to tuck a little note in a gift bag saying that the gift is outside, and I’m going to leave the hood to my truck open with a big bow on top of the engine. He’s also into guns so I’m going to buy a certificate for private gun classes, too, and maybe a gun safe. He’s also asked for a griddle to cook pancakes on, so that’s an easy one.
For his stocking: packs of razors, his favorite gum & candies, “special” certificates, GC to his favorite fast foods (for when he needs to stop for a bite), and anything else I can think of that he could use or would help bless his life.
Gifts I’ve gotten in the past:
Almost $1000, all in ones (it was priceless to sit and watch his expression as he kept counting and counting and…..
a huge wet/dry vac for his workshop
a table saw
a printed schedule of drag races cut out in a heart shape, backed onto another red heart shape and trimmed with lace and highlighted with some silver glue. I would’ve just bought tickets but because of his work schedule he may not of been able to get off, so this way he can choose when we go.
Money for parts to restore his Bronco (the future recipient of my 460 motor LOL). I really wish I could get him on the Overhauled tv show, but there not running it anymore and we’re on the otherside of the country
Well I’ve gotta go get ready for church, but if I can think of anymore I’ll come back and post them.
Comment by spotnapp — December 9, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
My husband is going away to war, so I wanted to get him a T-Shirt or something with a picture on it. I ended up finding a website that does personal pictures on all sorts of things, from mouse pads to afghans. I got him a pair of boxers with our mutually favorite wedding picture on them!
Comment by LadyBear — December 11, 2009 @ 8:56 am