I hear it again and again……
Men are hard to shop for.
Which is funny – as that most of us guys would disagree.
The fact is men are actually very easy to please – we just ask for the best 
Seriously – I find most men want high value gifts.
Things they’ll use that are built to last …….and it doesn’t hurt if the tool or clothing looks great!
Need help finding gifts like this?
Well – you’re in luck. I’ve compiled a list of 132 gift ideas that have met that criteria.
Enjoy!
The items on this list are all vouched for! I own or have used nearly all of them, and have had the rest highly recommended by men I trust.
Clothing & Wardrobe
1. Military Neckties from Bows-N-Ties
Most military-themed neckties tend to be kitschy novelty items. Not these. Each silk tie is done in dignified regimental striping, in the colors of a specific service branch, with the emblem and motto of the branch on the back. These are a limited edition run, and all proceeds are donated to the not-profit group Stop Soldier Suicide. Jump on them while you’ve got the chance — less than 100 are left in each style!
2. Lee Jeans
An American classic and my premium sponsor – and I say that with pride as they offer real value that you can find in about any department store out there.. These are the original wear-’em-anywhere, beat-’em-up jeans. Their “Modern Fit” is fantastic – close without being silly about it. Perfect for work indoors or out. And checkout their new jean jacket below!
Simple spray-on waterproofing for boots. Silicone-based and non-staining, although it may darken light colors. A great stocking stuffer for outdoors adventurers of all kinds.
4. Chrome / Tabacco Modern Wood & Metal Suit Valet Rack Stand Organizer
Part nightstand, part charging station, part closet space, and all of it elegant. For the man who needs a little help getting ready in the morning.
5. Made in Maine Rogue Wallets
Did you know that RFID-chipped credit cards — which are becoming increasingly common — are vulnerable to remote hacking? It sounds like the stuff of sci-fi, but thieves have been able to steal hundreds of people’s personal information at a go just by sitting in a parking lot near a large store and running a scanner. Rogue Wallets block the RFID signal, keeping your cards safe — and they’re slim, stylish, and fitted to your pocket, too.
Ultra-durable, ultra-tough, and ultra-cool. A belt that’ll last a lifetime. Perfect for the rugged outdoorsman in your life or a man that conceal carries!
Pick your own fit and style. Handmade, lightweight jeans are perfect for men in warmer climates or go with their regular weight for winter. Keep ‘em cool and stylish with Buckley Denim – every pair is designed and made by the man Jim Buckley himself.
8. Shoepassion Winter Dress Boots
Smooth, sturdy boots with a soft lambskin lining. VERY hard to find here in the States – that’s why they’re coming out of Germany! Really, they’re the most beautiful pair of winter boots your lucky friend (or you) will ever wear. The rest of their catalog is worth a look, too.
9. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Primo Chronograph
A solid sportswatch powered by light — natural or artificial — so that it never needs charging or winding. I’ve been using this when I workout for the last 6 month – a solid addition perfect for timing between sets or just making sure you’re not late for your next appointment!
Yeah, the name is goofy. Yeah, it looks like something you’d buy on late-night TV (and it is, in fact, sold on late-night TV). But it actually works. We can vouch for this as a functional solution to sweater fuzz, pilling, and general fabric unevenness. A couple quick passes will even out even the most explosive hand-knitted sweater from Grandma.
11. Soul Socks
A great new company that we love to recommend. Every month they release a new, colorful sock design and ship it straight to the subscriber. No repeats –it’s a unique wardrobe item every month. Who wouldn’t love it?
12. J. Crew Sweaters
Upscale sweaters for the discerning man. If you want to give something a little more wardrobe-friendly than the “ugly Christmas sweater,” we recommend J. Crew as a good starting place. Lots of good options in their catalog.
13. Eddie Bauer Kettle Mountain Stormshed Jacket
Warmth and waterproofing all in one. The classic wax jacket style with a soft corduroy collar and cuffs. Stylish and rugged.
14. Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boot
Work boots that really work — novel thought! Touch leather, stitched welts, and non-marking rubber soles. If you know someone who beats the hell out of his work boots, get him these. They’ll last longer than just about any other option.
15. Timberland Lambswool Donegal Full-Zip Sweater
Sturdy and stylish, right at that sweet spot between an indoors sweater and an outdoors jacket. One of our favorites for layered looks.
A classic manufacturer, and your starting place if you’re buying a leather jacket for anyone. We’ve just linked to their catalog in general, because there are some fantastic winter parkas and sweaters in there that are worth your time, too, but if you need a specific product highlighted, you can’t go wrong with their Cowhide Casual Racer. Slim, sleek, and sexy.
17. Charles Alexander Neckwear
Still some of the best neckties out there. The stuff on the department store racks just can’t compare.
My friend Hendrik put this package together – 5 neckties, a pair of great looking socks, and one box tie. All built around the premise that we are more productive certain days of the week than others……which I’m not sure I agree with, but I love the uniqueness, quality& value of this gift set.
19. Kenton Sorenson Leather Goods
Wallets, electronics cases (think iPads etc.), and more. Every piece is handmade, in the original sense of the word. No shortcuts here.
20. Leather Honey Leather Conditioner
One of my favorite leather conditioners! It’s both a conditioner (keeps the leather soft and supple) and a protector (helps keep the pores of the weather sealed against water and dirt). Simple to use, good for your leather, and a great price. If you’re not convinced, see my review here!
A series of numbered products for a thorough leather treatment: #1 for conditioning, #2 for cleaning, and #3 for waterproofing. For anyone who wants to really pamper his or her leather goods.
22. Kirby Allison’s Hanger Project Clothes Hangers
The hangers your wool jackets and trousers deserve. Thin wire hangers will crease and damage jackets — Kirby Allison’s hangers off thick wooden support, smoothed and rounded into natural contours. Why ruin a $500 suit with a $2 hanger?
Undershirts don’t have to be those non-functional pieces of gauze you buy in five-packs at Walmart. Invest in quality and you — or a lucky gift recipient! — can have undershirts that fit, absorb and wick moisture, and in general keep the wearer looking stylish and feeling great. Who knew?
24. Deo-Go Armpit Stain Remover
An aggressive stain remover specifically formulated for sweat stains. The shirts it saves are worth so much more than the product costs it’s almost funny. Great value for you or anyone you give it to.
25. Maui Jim Kapalua
Yes, the hype is true. These shades will last a lifetime — and look great while doing it. Great for anyone that’s tired of buying at least two pairs every year at the drugstore.
Made in the USA, tough as nails, and beautifully styled. What more could you ask of luggage? Upgrade any man’s travel look with a few pieces of Blue Claw.
An English company making hand-crafted Italian leather products for sale in the United States — how multicultural! Fantastic bags and briefcases for the classy traveler.
28. Zaharoff
For the artistic dressers, this Chicago-based designer has classically-styled menswear with a modern twist. Very unique. You can safely bet that anyone you give a Zaharoff piece to won’t have received anything else like it this year.
A father and son operation from South Carolina making slim, elegant leather belts with a customizable “microadjust” system. For the perfect belt fit — and a sharp look!
If you really love someone, and he really loves jeans, introduce him to Christopher of Brown, Diem. This is true bespoke denim — tailored to each customer from start to finish. There’s no way to make this one a surprise (the person getting the jeans will need to be involved in the construction process), but whoever you’re getting them for will forgive you once the pants arrive.
31. D’Accord
South American style made right here in the USA. A great (and subtle) way of encouraging your friends to wear something other than T-shirts in the summer…
32. Fifth & Brannan
Boutique menswear at reasonable prices. Gorgeous stuff. There’s always something new and interesting in their collection.
33. HommeDelicacy
Your one stop shop for classy stocking stuffers. They do menswear accessories: hats, scarves, belts, etc. Something for everyone, here.
34. 5th & Lamar Slim Fit Dress Shirts
Off-the-rack dress shirts are huge in the waist. They don’t even come close to fitting slender or athletic men. So if you know a man with a slim build, get him one of 5th & Lamar’s slim fit shirts, and watch him smile when he tries it on. They make sweaters, too, just as slim-fitting.
Bespoke clothing at value prices. Raja is from Bangkok, so you’ll be working with him remotely, but he’s happy to Skype and does a great job. A good friend and someone whose work I’m very impressed with.
36. Lucchese Classics 1883 Boots
A trusted brand, a classic style, and fantastically sturdy leather. What more do you want? True cowboy. 
37. Black Socks Subscription Service
High-quality socks delivered every month (or at other intervals of your choosing). Wouldn’t you like to never have to shop for socks again? Way better than the Cheese of the Month club.
38. Sharp & Dapper Shirt Stays
Yeah, they look weird, but don’t let that fool you! These are a clever little product with military origins. Shirt stays keep the front of the shirt looking smooth and flat all day long.
Colorful yet classy. The perfect sharp-casual meeting place between black dress suspenders and bright red (or tape measure print) lumberjack suspenders. Perfect for the man who indulges in braces from time to time.
Simple, elegant suit brushes. The nicer the brush, the more likely someone is to use it, right? Get the nice one and encourage good habits.
41. SteamFast SF-717 Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron
Business travelers may not know they need a good travel iron, but trust us — they do. This one’s sturdy, lightweight, portable, and dual voltage for international travelers. And the great thing is, it works just fine at home too!
42. Jiffy Steamer J-4000 Pro-Line Series Garment Steamer
Your go-to tool for steaming wrinkles out of anything. Clothing, rugs, curtains, whatever — it’ll do the job.
Grooming
43. Philips Norelco D-Finer Precision Trimmer
This year’s pick from the surprisingly competitive nose/ear hair trimmer category. One handle comes with two heads: a tube-style trimmer for noses and ears, and a flat shaping tool for trimming beards, sideburns, and necks. The painless, tug-free trimming might just make this the best gift you ever give someone — not that he’ll admit it.
44. Tweezerman Petite Tweezer Set
Tiny and sturdy, with a leather carrying case and a lifetime sharpening guarantee. Perfect for air travel, now that the TSA is allowing tweezers again!
45. HeadBlade The Groomster Manicure Set
Putting the “man” back in “manicure.” A tough leather pouch holds six trimming tools. Classy.
46. Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer
Something that really works for cracked hands, without all the fruity smells and oily feel. Fantastic gift for anyone that’s always rubbing lotion on in the winter. A hand cream that even the most macho men can feel proud to use.
47. Merkur Model 180 Long-Handle Safety Razor
The classic double-edged safety razor. Heavy steel shaves smoothly, and the replacement blades are about ten to fifty cents a pop at any drugstore. Convert a cartridge razor shaver for Christmas this year.
Tools & Home Improvement
48. Stanley 94-248 65-Piece General Homeowner’s Tool Set
All the basics: measuring tape, hammer, screwdriver set, ratchet set, hex keys, and more. A great starter set at a great price. Perfect for anyone whose “tool kit” still consists of a couple Phillips head screwdrivers and a rusty box cutter thrown in a draw somewhere.
49. Maglite Heavy-Duty 3 D Cell Flashlight
Still the champion in its category, after all these years. An aggressively practical gift for aggressively practical guys. No nonsense.
50. Paracord Planet Nylon 550lb. Type III 7-Strand Paracord
Your basic utility rope. Everyone should have a spool in the trunk of the car. Make it a novelty gift with one of Paracord Planet’s patterned options — they’ve got about fifty of them, ranging from plain black to mottled neon pinks.
51. Black & Decker Cyclonic Action Cordless Dustbuster
Lots of reach, onboard brush and crevice nozzles, and smooth, powerful operation. Not the most glamorous gift you’ll ever give — but if a household needs one, this is a nice one to get.
Wall-mounted boot rack keeps wet boots off the floor and hangs them upside down to air-dry. A must-have beside the door during the snowy season. We use two of these!
53. Cosco Max Work Platform Step Stool
Simple. Sturdy. Functional. Gets the job done. If you know someone that doesn’t have a good step stool yet, this is your boy.
54. Bosch 4000-07 15 Amp 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw with Folding Saw
An on-the-go work table you can pull out of your trunk and set up in minutes. One-wrench blade changes just add to the convenience.
55. Jump-N-Carry 660 Battery Booster from Clore Automotive
The gift of never having to beg a jump from a stranger again. Charges from a regular wall socket, and then holds its charge for ages. Every car should have one.
56. Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum
A light, simple, and sturdy vacuum cleaner. Great gift for a starting household, first time homeowners, or kids just graduating college and looking for their own place.
57. Kats 1160 300 Watt Magnum Magnetic Heater
Thaws anything. Use it on engine blocks and oil pans (makes starting a LOT easier on the engine!), or take it out of the car and thaw gutters and frozen locks. A must-have winter tool for those of us in temps below zero.
58. Stanley 84-024 10-inch Bi-Material Groove Joint Pliers
Your basic adjustable pliers. Good quality, comfortable grips, and no fuss. 
59. Stanley 84-058 4-Piece Pliers Set
This set plus the joint pliers above equals every pair of pliers any homeowner is likely to need. Set includes slip-joint, diagonal, linesman, and needle-nose pliers.
60. Toro Ultra 12 Amp Electric Blower/Vacuum #51599
It’s a leaf blower! It’s a shredder! It’s a hand vac! The all-in-one garage and yardwork power tool. Nifty.
61. Poulan Pro 18-Inch 4 HP Electric Chainsaw #PP400E
No one is going to give a cooler gift than you if you’re giving a chainsaw. This one’s small, lightweight, and portable, but packs a punch for its size. A great gift for landowners.
62. Coleman Cable 14/3 100-ft Hi-Visibility Low-Temperature Outdoor Extension Cord #02469
An insulated outdoor extension cord — good for Christmas lights and brand-new Christmas power tools alike.
63. Black and Decker WM425 Workmate 425 450 Pound Portable Work Bench
One adjustable bench becomes a solid plane, a sawhorse, or a vice as needed.
64. Makita LXT600 18-volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit
All the power tools a man could want in one beefy bag. Hammer driver-drill, grinder, 6 1/2″ circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, and portable charging system.
65. Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool
The Holy Grail of belt-worn multitools. Call it the “least likely to get tossed in a drawer and never used” option in its category. Every Boy Scout’s favorite.
Camping & Sport
66. KA-BAR Straight Edge Knife
If it’s good enough for the United States Marine Corps, it’s good enough for you. So tough there’s a whole genre of YouTube videos showing people trying to break theirs. Oorah.
Your all-in-one woods tool. Great for backpacking and long hunting trips. Tough enough to stand up to plenty of goofing around — throw it, smash things with it, whatever you want. Good fun.
68. Teton Sports Mammoth Queen Size Flannel Lined Sleeping Bag
Room enough for two at 94″ x 62″. A serious bag, rated down to zero degrees Fahrenheit, with a mummy-style hood and side baffles to keep out drafts. Great for family camping – my wife even approved of it
69. KEEN Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
A mid-weight hiking boot perfect for family camping and day hiking. The protection of a trail boot without the weight of more serious backpacking gear. Great for the casual outdoorsman and family camper. As an added bonus, they make serviceable winter boots for the first few inches of snow.
70. Zip Stick Retractable Lip Balm Holder
It clips to your zipper, and it holds your lip balm there. The retractable cord keeps it connected to the zipper while you use it. If it sounds goofy, you don’t do enough winter sports. Great for kids too!
71. Coleman Red Canyon 17-Foot by 10-Foot 8-Person Modified Dome Tent
Your go-to family camping tent. Take that “eight person” with a grain of salt — eight is doable, but it’ll get tight. My family used this tent over the summer and it stood up to multiple rainstorms in the Black Hills & Rushmore National Park!
An absolute beast of a camping lantern. Each of the four sides is its own removable lighting panel, which holds about an hour and a half of charge (drawn from the eight D cell batteries that power the central column). Very cool design. A bit of a battery hog, though, so maybe throw in some rechargeable D cells when you give it as a gift.
An large pincer with a strong grip — great for snagging a tick and pulling it straight out with no twisting or squishing. Very kid and pet friendly, with less pinching than tweezers or needle-nose pliers.
74. Pearl iZUMi Men’s Elite Barrier Convertible Jacket
An incredibly lightweight and flexible windshell designed with biking in mind. Close-fitted, breathable, and “convertible” from jacket to vest with zip-off sleeves. Includes a back pocket large enough for U-bolt style locks. Exactly what the biker in your life needs, for fun or for commuting.
75. CatEye LED Headlight/Taillight Combo
One is good; both are better. AAA battery powered bike lights with powerful LED lights and long battery life. If you’re looking for bike-themed gifts but don’t do much biking yourself, trust us when we say this matched set makes a good starting place.
76. Kryptonite Kryptolock Series 2 U-Lock with Bracket and 4-Foot Flex Cable
Locking your bike up safely is a production these days. Really nice bikes need at least two or three locks to secure both the frame and the wheels. Upgrade someone’s security with this set: a beastly-thick U-bolt with a mounting bracket and a 4-foot steel cable. No one’s getting that bike without a lot of work.
77. JiMarti TR22 Sport Wrap Sunglasses with TR90 Unbreakable Frame
For sport, not for style — but they’ll look pretty sharp with someone’s activewear anyway. Multilayer lenses are anti-scratch, anti-fog, and anti-glare, paired with an unbreakable, flexible frame.
78. OXO Good Grips LiquiSeal Travel Mug
If someone you know needs a travel mug, get them this one. Simple, sturdy, and to the point, with no kitschy logos on the side. Can be sealed and unsealed one-handed, making it convenient for commuters.
79. Aero Sport All-Terrain Queen Bed
An inflatable mattress big enough for two (or even two plus a couple of small kids, in a pinch). Makes camping much more comfortable for everyone, and it makes a handy guest bed in a pinch as well.
A great American company making a great American product. Serious under-layers for prolonged outdoor activity in cold weather. Think UnderArmour, but more intense.
Computer & Electronics
81. Fujitsu SnapScan iX500 Document Scanner
If you’ve been telling yourself for years that you’re going to finally go paperless, this is your starting point. FAST, double-sided scanning that saves straight to your computer, or to cloud storage services like Evernote, Dropbox, and Google Drive. Documents can be saved directly as PDF, searchable PDF, JPEG, or Microsoft Office formats like Word .doc and Excel .xls I love this scanner!
82. SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 4 GB MP3 Player
Just the basics: a small, lightweight MP3 player with plenty of storage space and a microSD slot for expanded memory. Great for runners, business travelers, and anyone else who prizes storage space and battery life over media features. It’s not the latest and fanciest iPod, and that’s because it’s not trying to be. As an added bonus, mine survived an accidental trip through the washer and dryer, so you know it’s sturdy…
83. ChargerCity Smartphone Tripod Adapter Kit
A one-step adapter for tripods to make them smartphone-compatible. Works with any standard tripod (1/4-20 connection). Adjusts to fit different brands and models, including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones.
84. Tiffen 72mm UV Protection Filter
A simple, lightweight filter you can leave on your camera at all times. Filters out UV light, reducing wash-out and blue tint, especially on shots taken at high altitude or across water. As an added bonus, it provides an additional layer of protection between the lens and any dirt, grit, and moisture.
85. Snugg iPad Case with Flip Stand Cover and Elastic Hand Strap
A simple, sturdy case that flips open to make a stand for an iPad. Wakes the iPad up when it opens and puts it to sleep when it closes. Comes with a stylus loop and an elastic hand strap for comfortable holding. Available in different sizes for all models, including the Mini and Mini 2. If you know anyone who still carries his or her iPad “naked,” here’s their gift for the year.
86. Nikon 18-200mm Telephoto Zoom Lens
The glass is where it’s at, and this one brings business. A basic Nikon camera body plus this baby equals good photos, all the time. Forget lugging around dozens of speciality lenses. This one will make most hobby photographers happy than any number of specialized options.
87. Koss “The Plug” In-Ear Headphones
Nice, basic ear bud headphones with impressive sound quality for their price range. Great for anyone’s music on the go needs.
88. Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone
Anyone who’s seriously into audio production already owns his own industrial-quality mic. For everyone else, this is the one to give as a gift. A simple plug-and-play interface pairs with high-quality construction for a seriously smooth recording experience.
89. Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
Mounts on top of the computer, replacing the tiny little built-in thing forever. 1080p, HD, internal mix, zoom capable — it’ll change a friend’s webcasts forever.
90. AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control for Nikon DSLR
A neat little accessory for the Nikon family of DSLR cameras. Wireless remote control works great for group photos and multiple exposures over time, or for setting up “photo booths” for parties and events.
91. Kindle WiFi with 6″ E-Ink Display E-Book Reader
Any Kindle makes a great gift. This is still one of our favorite styles. But really, take your pick.
Know any guys with tangled clusters of chained-together extension cords lurking behind their computers? Get them this one, massive uninterrupted power source, and simplify their life forever — as well as saving them from data loss power interruptions.
93. TrippLite TLP1008TELTV 10 Outlet Surge Protector
Lots of outlets with plenty of space between them. Just what every home entertainment system needs.
Kids Games & Toys
94. Melissa & Doug My First Temporary Tattoos Set
Kid-safe temporary tattoos in a variety of designs. A great, affordable stocking stuffer from a trusted toy company. Keeps ‘em busy on Christmas morning!
95. Crash Pad
Designed for autistic children, but fun for any: a big, bouncy, cushiony mat that kids can throw themselves around on as much as they like. The perfect alternative to bouncing on the bed. Everyone will be grateful for it during the cold winter months — making it a perfectly-timed Christmas gift.
Seriously – I use daily with my kids – a VERY cool toy that encourages a bit of rough housing
96. Gymnic Hop!45 Exercise Ball
Every kid should have a bouncy ball at some point in his or her life. Nothing fancy here: it’s a big, bouncy ball with a handle on top. Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best, for kids as well as adults.
97. Battleship
The family classic. What kid (or dad) doesn’t like it? It’s educational, too, teaching children spacial reasoning skills, but you don’t have to tell them that.
98. Spot It!
A travel-sized container with four different games in one. Great entertainment for road trips and air travel.
A storytelling game that’s never the same way twice. The fun kind of “educational” game.
Reading Material & Self-Improvement
100. Inc. Magazine
Do you know someone that runs his or her own business? Inc. magazine is targeted specifically at leaders and owners of businesses. Get them a year (10 issues) for the price of a basic stocking stuffer.
101. Men’s Journal
Style, technology, health, fitness, and travel — all the good things in life, targeted specifically at men. A great subscription for anyone with a Y-chromosome.
102. Islands
Know someone who dreams of cruises and tropical jet-setting? Get him (or her) a year’s subscription to Islands. It’s equal parts practical information and fantasy fodder, and both make a great gift!
103. The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom
Know someone that needs a little help becoming a happier person? Give him or her this book. Jonathan Haidt unpacks the psychology behind ancient philosophies, explaining what does — and doesn’t — work from our history’s most famous teachings.
104. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
For the deal-makers, power-brokers, and businessmen in your life. A fundamental business text with personal life applications as well — everyone needs to negotiate an agreement of some kind at least once in a while. And yes, that means it’s a good gift for almost anyone.
For the deep thinkers: a psychologist’s argument for a meaningful life, drawing on his own experiences as a Holocaust survivor. Heavy stuff. It’s been called one of the most influential books in America, and for good reason.
106. National Geographic Traveler
An easy gift for traveling families. More beautiful destinations than even the most dedicated vacationers can reach — but happily, the fantastic National Geographic photos are almost as good as really being there.
107. Popular Mechanics
The classic tinkerer and do-it-yourself guy magazine. A favorite for generations. Makes a great present for someone who already has all the tools you were thinking about giving as gifts this year.
108. Fast Company
A unique business magazine that specializes in the inside look, interviewing managers and administrators to get the scoop on successful companies. Perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered how the guys that made it big got to where they are today.
Still some of the best news reporting in America. Take the editorial page with a grain of salt (they don’t have a comics section, so they gotta put the funnies somewhere), but you can’t find a better daily subscription to give as a gift.
110. Esquire
A classic among men’s magazines. Pretty much anyone with a Y-chromosome will find something in there that he likes. It’s not all fancy wristwatches and girls in their underwear, either – Esquire still does investigative journalism, and from time to time breaks a major scoop. An impeccable gift for impeccable tastes.
111. “How to Be a Man” by Glenn O’Brien
A brilliant antidote to the hyper-masculine take on “being a man” that you get online so much. A handsome book full of witty fun and humorous artwork, yet still surprisingly poignant.
112. “Handmade Shoes for Men” by Lazlo Vass and Magda Molnar
A beautifully illustrated book that gives you everything you need to know about well-crafted shoes. If you know a guy who’s always buying expensive leather shoes, this is the book for him.
113. “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg
If you know someone who’s working on a self-improvement goal, give them a hand this Christmas with Charles Duhigg’s insightful book. The science behind how our brains form habits — and how to break them.
114. “The Mind and Heart of the Negotiator” by Leigh Thompson
A powerful look at the science of negotiation and bargaining. Textbook levels of information — you could teach a course based on this one. Get it for serious wheelers and dealers in your social circle. A very technical and thorough work on negotiation and bargaining. Not light reading — but powerful stuff. Good for the Wall Street crowd, lawyers, and anyone with an overdeveloped competitive streak and a taste for deal-making.
115. “For Better or for Work” by Meg Cadoux Hirschberg
Help keep a family together this Christmas! The “Survival Guide for Entrepreneurs and Their Families” helps the self-employed keep a sane work-life balance while still giving their business the energy it needs.
116. “One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way” by Robert Maurer
A clever “mindset” book for anyone with a self-improvement project. Based on the “kaizen” way, a series of small, incremental changes over time that originated in the post-WWII Japanese corporate culture. It’s still the textbook strategy for companies like Toyota, so you know there’s got to be something there.
117. “Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard” by Chip and Dan Heath
Perfect for all those upcoming New Year’s resolutions. A nice, simple book about removing obstacles to change.
For the go-getters — or for the friends who need a little boost becoming go-getters. A great guide to financial and business strategy that focuses on self-awareness and social conscience. It’s a great antidote to the anything-for-money school of business; this one focuses on creating real value and worth as your path to success. J. V. Crum III’s mindset is the exact opposite of a get-rich-quick scam — but it still gets you rich (well – no guarantees there!)
119. “Dressing the Man” by Alan Flusser
One of Flusser’s two classic, game-changing fashion texts. He literally wrote the book on menswear in the 20th century, and then he wrote it again. Don’t worry — we’ve put the other book next on our list.
120. Clothes and the Man
Another of Flusser’s classics. Good information and beautiful illustration and photography make it readable, decorative, and useful. Someone can keep it on his coffee table and actually learn from it. How often does that happen?
121. Details Style Manual
Based on the men’s interest magazine of the same name, the Details Style Manual has a great casual-contemporary aesthetic. Very light and easy-reading — a great fashion guide for men who prefer more of a magazine format to a textbook.
122. Dressing the Man You Love
If you can’t encourage a male friend to dress better, try giving this to his wife or partner. A must-read for women who do take a hand in their husband’s wardrobes. Menswear has some unique terms and measurements that a female shopper may not have encountered before, and Dressing the Man You Love lays it all out.
123. The Elegant Man A beautiful and informative book about the finer end of menswear. Chock full of details on suits, jackets, and “sports wear” in that original, tweedy sense of the word. For the man who appreciates fine clothing.
124. Nordstrom’s Guide to Men’s Everyday Dressing
A visual guide on casual men’s style. Very simple and quick-reading, with lots of illustrations. A good beginner’s piece — start a friend who needs some wardrobe help out gentle with this one.
125. Icons of Men’s Style
Don’t worry — the “icons” in question are styles, not celebrities. All the true classics of menswear in one elegant book.
A neat, compact little guide to style by one of the authorities of our generation. Says it all with no fuss or muss. If you’re looking to give someone one comprehensive style manual, this is one of the best options.
127. Sweet ‘Stache: 50 Badass Mustaches and the Faces Who Sport Them
The title says it all, really.
128. Art of Manliness Boxed Set
Collected wisdom from a site of devoted hundreds of hours and dozens of articles to. A great gift for any man.
129. Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle
A healthy, natural, and no-nonsense approach to building a leaner body. Designed for regular people with regular lives, rather than the career bodybuilding set. Know anyone with a weight-loss or muscle-training New Year’s resolution coming up? Get ‘em this one.
130. How to Build Shaker Furniture
For the woodworker in your life. Shaker furniture is a beautiful blend of form and function that we still admire today. This gorgeous book shows the techniques behind it with full-color illustrations and 45 measured diagrams for specific projects.
Miscellaneous & Last Minute Additions
A gift box that’ll actually get eaten! And as a bonus, the truffles and the facility they’re made at are gluten-free, making it a safe gift for friends with allergies (their website does caution that the pecan and peanut butter truffles are not gluten-free guaranteed, because of ingredients that come from a different facility, but other than that you’re safe).
132. A Spartan Rises Workout Program
Assuming you buy the chocolates above – you’re going to need my friend Ryan to help you get back in shape
Seriously – Ryan is a good friend and kick-ass virtual fitness trainer. Designed for busy lifestyles and people who don’t want their whole life to revolve around fitness and bodybuilding. Includes gym-alternative exercises for men who don’t belong to a gym and want to do their entire workout program at home.
