Last year, Ellen and I had a whole conversation about gifts. In a debate about what she might get Christmas, my answer was, of course, wine and Yankee Candles. At a certain point, people become impossible to shop for.
My friends and family are not only capable of buying what they want and when they want it; they’re also very particular.
And I think that men are more difficult to buy for. What do you buy for the man who has everything? A nice tie no longer passes muster, and Isotoner slippers from Kroger seem very much an afterthought.
Here are some ideas that Ellen and I came up with, along with links in red to the products. But keep in mind that as an Amazon Associate I could earn from qualifying purchases.
Pass the smell test – Yardley Talcum Powder
Yardley Powder is a new obsession. A staple of gentlemen for over 250 years, this talc powder keeps armpits and undercarriages soft and dry throughout the day, which is especially important in the warm climate. And talc is imperative for guys who go sockless. There are three talc scents for men. A distinct fragrance for men, Yardley Gold blends sandalwood, mint, rosemary, rose, geranium, patchouli, spices, and musk in an attractive metal shaker. “Enjoy this premium perfumed talc, crafted with a blend of spicy notes and citrus accents for the classic English gentleman.” The 100gm size is good for his dopp kit but the 250gm size is better for the bathroom. At a pocketbook friendly price, it’s a great stocking stuffer. $8-12. Link to Yardley Gold Talcum Powder for men.
Get your Passport Stamped – Leather Passport Cover
I bet the man who has everything doesn’t have a passport cover. Don’t go through customs like an animal, carrying around your passport with a blue paper cover. Class it up. A leather cover provides room for paperwork too, like your visa and your Global Entry card. I have a nice Passport cover by Mark Cross, which itself was a gift, and after years of use the gold is a little worn off which looks really cool. But good- looking leather ones can be found online for $20 – 25. Link to Genuine Leather Passport Cover.
Travelling abroad and beach vacations have taught me the value of a crossbody sling bag. For men, a bag need only be big enough for the passport, wallet, money, and especially cell phone. In 2025 I bought both a waterproof nylon bag and a handmade leather bag. Some are as low as $15 – $25, but designer brands a more. $30 – 120. Link to a Leather Crossbody Sling Bag for men.
It’s smart to read – A Book
Books make great gifts and are fun to shop for. Lots of rabbit holes to go down. But be cautious, I wouldn’t buy a 400-page epic for a guy who hasn’t read since Lord of the Flies in high school. Books with big photos are nice as are topics like cocktail recipes. Whether on the coffee table or next to the toilet, there is a book about everything. Ideas include the Astros, hunting, travel, art, the Civil War, and so on. And books are a must for travelers too–nothing like a good read while jet setting. $14. Drank Myself Straight by Troy Broussard
Put him in Cuffs – Cufflinks
Cufflinks are tricky–they are not for everyone. If not for the businessman in your life, a natty dresser, or the impending groom, this is a gift that can land at the bottom of a drawer and go into a garage sale after death. But for the aforementioned short list, it can be very appreciated. Cufflinks range from a few bucks into the thousands. Sometimes vintage cufflinks cost less and they are often more fun to wear. How about a pair of hand-blown Murano glass cufflinks which are colorful and one-of-a-kind? When I wear a pair of cufflinks that were a gift, I think of the gifter. $20 & up. Link to Venetian Murano Glass Cufflinks.
You’re golden – Silver Boullion
We live in uncertain times. But one thing that has been constant throughout the history of man, precious metals are valuable. Whether your recipient is a devoted silver stacker or just a guy who’s tough to buy for, silver bullion makes a great gift. Silver can be purchased from reputable metals dealers online in various denominations and shapes. Fine silver is also marked .999. One Troy Ounce silver rounds look like silver dollars and look like classic coins or can be fashioned into cartoon characters, historical figures, and even wild animals. Silver prices are crazy these days because everybody wants it. $75. Link to Fine Silver Round.
Seems you can never find a corkscrew when you need one, especially when traveling. So what a nice gift to receive a corkscrew better than the $9.99 one you get on the wine aisle at Kroger. But be warned, TSA will confiscate it if you forget to pack it into checked luggage. And for the man in your life who drinks beer, how about a nice horn-handled bottle opener? $20. Link to Cork Screw.
Chill out – Yeti Tumbler
The Yeti tumbler craze changed my life. Wallet, keys, cell phone, sunglasses, and now Yeti are things I never leave the house without. And with cold water available at my fingertips, I stay hydrated and refreshed wherever I go. Give the gift of health, hydration, and eerily cold beverages. The handle and the straw options are available for $10 each too. $40. Link to 30 oz Yeti Rambler Tumbler.
Wrap it up – Bath Robe
Face it, robes make great gifts. They always have. The sizes are easy to guess or often one size fits all, and it is the type of thing, like underwear, that men don’t replace often. Since Covid, many hotels removed robes from their rooms so I pack a thin satin robe, or even lightweight cotton. Thin robes are nice to have all year in the south. Robes obviously run the spectrum from low cost satin to velvet with a quilted lapel, Hugh Hefner style, which can be quite high. But most men I know like a plain old, comfortable cotton robe. $55 – 125. Link to Land’s End Plush Robe for men.
Nothing fits like a Glove – Gloves
Nothing fits like a glove, which makes gloves a perfect gift ideas for him. I keep a pair of gloves in my glove box and they always come in handy whether on a chilly day or for help in gripping a heavy object. Again, steer clear of the glove rack at the grocery store and aim a bit higher than Isotoner. And speaking of the grocery store, I often wear gloves while shopping to keep from touching all the filthy surfaces. $38 – 65. Link to genuine leather Driving Gloves.
+ one more, Hang a gift for a lifetime – An Oil Painting
A friend and client’s cat died recently–she used the pet portrait that I did to announce his passing on social media. Whether a painting from me or by supporting another artist, art makes a better than imagined gift. Whether a custom pet portrait, a souvenir from a favorite city, or just a pretty picture, artwork is the one gift that will always be there, hanging in the background for a lifetime.
Of course there are many retailers for these gift ideas for him. I have included convenient Amazon links to make shopping easy. Again, keep in mind that as an Amazon Associate I could earn from qualifying purchases.