Best mens gifts you’ve given?
I recently asked this on Instagram and you guys delivered with many suggestions, but a few gifts kept popping up over and over again as clear winners! Below are some of the most mentioned “hits,” including a few which I can personally attest to due to how much Nick loves them!
SEE OUR PREVIOUS MENS GIFT GUIDES
A Surprise (For Me At Least) Favorite
The Theragun was by far the most popular response from readers as a gift that recipients LOVED (and the gift giver can benefit from too 🙂 Somehow I had never heard of it (maybe because my current workout routine is lifting a hefty infant 200x a day) but clearly the rest of the internet is in love.
1. Theragun
A percussive therapy massager good for providing a range of relief —from post-workout to injury recovery to strain from a long day hunched over a computer while WFH. If you’re having trouble deciding which version to buy, the Mini (use code OFFER or HELLO10 for another $10 off) and the Prime are their entry level models that are still highly rated.
I did read that a big difference is the Prime is easier to grip for reaching areas on your back (or in general if you’re gifting this to someone with arthritis in their hands) so I went with the Prime for Nick and he really loves it for Netflix nights on the couch. Note the Theragun definitely applies strong pressure for muscle relief and is not a “softly humming” type of massage device!
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For Guys Who Get Cold Feet 😉
There were several mentions of the sustainable shoe brand Allbirds as a great gift, and Nick has to agree. He’s tried on several of their styles and thought the Mizzle Runner-Ups looked the best, felt the most comfortable, and were the most functional for him here in New England. P.S. they make these styles for women, too!
2. Allbirds Shoes
Sustainably made “wet-weather high top with ethically sourced Merino wool and a bio-based water repellent shield.” While these aren’t meant for snowstorms or subzero temps, on an “average” day (i.e. 35 and cloudy…eek) Nick loves how warm and dry these keep his feet and can attest they hold up well over time! See them on him.
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The Gift of Comfort…and Style
3. lululemon ABC joggers (short & tall avail.)
It’s no surprise lulu men kept popping up in your suggestions, as Nick has hardly taken off his beloved stretch ABC pants in “obsidian” for the past 2 years. He was stoked to see the newer jogger version on this list – the shorter length is perfect for guys who want a 28″ inseam!
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4. Cozy Layering Staples
Several pieces from this brand were mentioned as successful gifts, from jackets to sweaters to sweats. From seeing them in-person, my recommendations are Nick’s fleece lined overshirt that’s warm enough to be a light jacket, and this soft pocketed sweater hoodie he got last year (see a similar affordable cashmere hoodie from a new-to-us brand). It’s even more appropriate this year as a versatile basic that’s cozy for at home wear, yet elevated enough for outside occasions.
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A Work From Home Upgrade
5. Computer Monitor
As many of us continue to work from home, the holidays are an opportunity to makeover the WFH setup. Wirecutter recommends the ViewSonic VA2456-MHD monitor as a great option under $150. If the monitor will also be used for gaming, a techy friend suggests the ViewSonic XG2402.
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6. Ember Mug
This was probably the #2 most mentioned gift that was a hit! If you haven’t heard of Ember, it’s the answer to lukewarm coffee troubles. They make both a 14 oz. mug and 10 oz. size that are temperature controlled by an app on your phone. Its battery is meant to be long lasting but it also comes with a coaster that serves as a charger.
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7. Cozy Slippers
The idea of upgraded at-home basics is a recurring theme here! Spending a little more on high quality, comfy slippers definitely seems worth it these days with WFH being the new norm for many. The top two most mentioned mens slippers were Ugg or L.L.Bean – can’t go wrong with either.
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A Gadget That Turns Back the Clock
8. Hamilton Watch
In the age of smartwatches it was refreshing to see an analog watch as a very well-received gift. I tapped into several of my watch enthusiast friends for a high quality brand around the $500 price point, and Hamilton was a resounding recommendation. In addition to the field watch pictured, they have several other sleek designs with Swiss made movement.
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Thank you so much for this post, Jean! For Xmas, I got the Ember mug for my husband who enjoys a warm cup of coffee/tea. Due to continuous meetings on busy days, having a temperature controlled mug is a huge plus. Could you also do a gift guide post for other family members, such as: parents, grandparents, siblings? Thank you so much, once again!
Purchased the theragun prime for my boyfriend! With the sale price + nordstrom notes promo, it was a an amazing deal! Thanks for sharing the recommendations! 🙂
Thanks for this helpful list! I just ordered the hoodie and pants as a birthday present for my husband 🙂
I practice Shotokan karate and the Theragun Mini is AWESOME for recovery. I suffer from perpetually tight calves and this really helps kill some of the knots. Waiting for a good sale on this one too buy again!
Hi Jengy, great to hear your feedback on the Mini! My husband keeps wavering back and forth between the two entry level models and was wondering whether the Mini would be less comfortable to hold / grip in the hand.
I’m a teacher, my husband is a research scientist and we have two children. We live a comfortable life, we are so lucky. We have so much privilege.
A $100 coffee cup? $500 watch? I usually really enjoy your blog, but this did not feel good to read.
Hi Ann, I appreciate your feedback! From my perspective, my blog has always featured a wide range of price points. My very first posts were about Burberry coats and Chanel bags, so I have never presented this as a budget friendly blog. I do love sharing good deals (such as the $50 old navy coat and all of my other recent posts!) but not every post will suit everyone’s spending habits. The Theragun and Ember mug were by far the most popular 2 gifts mentioned by readers on IG, and most of the watch brands mentioned were actually well over $500. I did a lot of research + talked to watch expert friends to find a highly regarded, but more reasonably priced alternative just to share as a suggestion. Hope you can take all this into consideration and I always encourage skipping posts that aren’t of interest!
Thank Jean! I agree that you show lots of price points on your blog and I like that. I was just thinking about how my family decided to make a $500 donation to our local food pantry to provide holiday food for 5 needy senior citizens and comparing that to spending $500 on a wristwatch. Of course everyone has different budgets and priorities. Congrats again on the new baby, he is lovely!
I’ve never commented and was perusing comments to see if readers mentioned other gift ideas. However this comment really struck me. You can donate to noble causes for those in need while also splurging on a nice gift for yourself or significant other, particularly if you have worked hard and are fortunate to have the means. They’re not mutually exclusive. Please review all of your purchases and see if instead that money would have been better served towards a charity. I’m sure you’re a good person and mean well however it comes off as completely sanctimonious.
I have the Theragun Pro. When my friends get together for an adventure like river rafting, skiing, etc. the only thing they ask me to bring is the Theragun. I got the Pro with an extra battery since the whole group uses it!
Hi Lindy – sounds like you’re the MVP of these adventure outings! What a good friend to have ; )