I always find it so hard to buy for the men in my lift – my husband, my dad my brother. Its just so hard! So what I have attempted to do is compile a list of some gift ideas whether it is a birthday, anniversary, Christmas or just because.
Books, books, books
In our house books are always a winner. I love giving the gift of books when the pace is slowed right down and in my mind anyway there is no better way to wile away a few hours. I have set out my own top picks below:
- Gas Man – Colin Black
- That Place We Call Home – John Creedon
- Fight or Flight – Keith Earls
- Saving the State – Ciara Meehan & Stephen Collins
- The Thursday Murder Club – Richard Ossman
- Did ye hear Mammy Died – Seamus O’Reilly
- Missing – Barry Cummins
- Recovering – Richie Sadlier
- Diddly Squat – Jeremey Clarkson
- A light that Never Goes Out – Keelin Shanley
You can buy most of the above direct from Gill Books or most online book retailers.
Personalised Frame
Another good idea I find is something personal and even humours. We are loving these character family portraits from Breezy Family its super easy to design your own portrait on their site as it guides you through the process step by step. There are multiple options to choose your likeness, your hobby or occupation and even to include pets.
Delivery is fast and pricing starts around €18 and increases depending on specific requirements. We were fortunate enough to have been sent one and the quality is really superb. Can genuinely recommend. They are a family business who run the workshop from their home in France. Such a lovely story.
I have been very kindly offered a discount code to share MAMMAFAIRY10 will get you 10% of your order.
Cool Merch
My 9 year old informed me that the word for these types of gifts is “merch“!! Feeling very cool. You really can’t go wrong with gifts themed around their favourite computer games or TV shows. For me this is the old reliable and my go to for Kris Kindle gifts also. Seeing as now a lot of gifts are bought on-line and sent direct to the recipient, I find sites like Zavvi are excellent for branded gifts. We are Pokemon obsessed in this house and Zavvi have a great selection of Pokemon products. What I find great is that you can search Zavvi by brand such as Lego, Marvel, Pokemon, Ghostbusters and many more which to be fair makes gift purchasing a lot more straightforward. In terms budget you can find most budgets catered for here.
Prints
Jando
Pre-Covid I was based in Dublin City centre very close to the Jando studio. There is something about their prints that I find so captivating. I think the year that’s in it they would make a really lovely gift idea particularly for somebody living away. I love the Trinity print, having went to college there and spent probably 14 years walking around the campus on my break I think it’s a really love gift idea. I believe a portion of sales of this particular print goes to supporting Trinity and its academic mission. Really worth a look and our support this Christmas. They are a husband and wife team of award winning printmakers. I promise once you have a nosey you will want them all like me!!!
Conor Merriman
Staying with local products and the art theme, another really nice gift idea is an art print from Conor Merriman what I like about these is that they are statement pieces and a real talking point. Personally im not very adventurous in terms of decorating but I really love statement prints to showcase personality and vibrancy. Conor’s work is built on a eco friendly mission all is produced in Dublin which is makes the gift even more thoughtful. Do check out the Christmas card bundle – love them.
Hampers
Its very hard to go wrong with food and/ or drink hamper this time of year and there are many great options out there. My own husband is very partial to some nice chocolate so an ideal gift for the chocolate lover in your life is a cool hamper from Chocolate Bouquet Shop.
WineLab
I know I have this article titled gift ideas for men but if any of my own family are reading this….ahem this would be good for me 🙂 Loads of great options on WineLab here from monthly subscriptions to gifts boxes where you can select wine colour and the types the person usually drinks and once you pick your budget you get a carefully curated box of wines giving you the chance to try wines you might not usually choose. You can also team up it with a card from Jando – perfect combo. Well worth a nosey and comes in at a good price point.
For the outdoorsy
One thing I will say is that since Covid we have all made huge efforts at embracing outdoor living. It does the head and the heart good to get out and about. We have always been an outdoor loving family but at the moment we make that extra effort. Good outdoor accessories should not be underestimated. Our favourite accessory aside from good winter wear which I have a post on has to be quality water bottles. We love both the Hydro Flask and Lifestraw and while they can be pricey you need to think about 1) it’s in almost daily use and 2) the sustainability credentials of your decision.
A surprise find this year was some Zippo products – my absolute favourite is the Zipp heat bank – a hand warmer and power bank in one! Genius.
Self Care
Aside from the old reliable of the persons favourite aftershave. One other good idea is some teeth whitening sets from Spotlight they have some great products including gift sets.
I use their sonic toothbrush, the new flosser and the whitening products and really do think they keep my teeth really white.
Or for something more general and gifty looking have a look at the stocking from manlymanco.com they have a great selection of gifts suiting all budgets.
I love the look of the Christmas sets see pic opposite, the tactical sock makes a very nice looking gift. I know this is something my brother would really appreciate.
I hope the above gives you a steer in terms of gifts for the men in your life. If you have any other suggestions do leave them in the comments below.
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