I like to do my Christmas shopping before the rush. While aunts and girlfriends are easy and fun to shop for, it’s gifts for the guys that make me scratch my head.
So I thought, who better to ask than the people themselves for some gift-giving intel. But as I took my poll around the table, the first answer they usually gave was “money… lots of money” or a shrug paired with an “I don’t know” before diving into a general list—usually spanning underwear, socks, or laptops, occasionally half-joking that they want a Rolex or a Patek Philippe.
So what do you actually get your father, uncle, significant other, or male friend for Christmas? Here’s a realistic, crowdsourced breakdown.
Socks, boxers, and other things that spark joy
I’ll tell you now, I’ve spent a pretty penny on gifting fancy leather oxford brogues, crisp dress shirts, and designer ties—only to be met with lackluster reactions. But buy a man a pair of socks and their faces light up like you gave them the moon. Replace their boxers—particularly the ones with holes in them—and they’ll be dancing around the room.
Sometimes, the simplest gifts are the safest bet. Good sock brands include Uniqlo’s everyday essentials, classic Darlington socks, and Dickies. For the more active fellow, Nike Dri-Fit socks offer cushioning and arch support. A fresh set of underwear from Calvin Klein, Hanes, and Jockey is reliable, too.
Then there are the caps that protect from sun and rain. A classic Ralph Lauren or Carhartt baseball cap is hard to go wrong with, while local labels like Palawan-based brand Walang Problema are a little more playful. There are so many niche caps, too. I remember seeking out a hat from Dad Brand Apparel with a little stitched helicopter and the words “Catalina Wine Mixer” referencing the film “Step Brothers.” How silly can you get? Cozy graphic tees are also another way to give something a little more personal.
The finishing touches, gentleman
According to some of the gentlemen I polled, accessories are a decent place to start. Knowing what sunglasses might suit a face is tricky, but if you know a person well enough, this is a good gift. Sunnies Studios offers plenty of everyday options, while COS has more understated silhouettes. You can also never go wrong with classic Ray-Bans.
Most men honestly just like to chill. So for the man who appreciates a good pair of slippers, consider leather sandals or comfortable home slippers from Liliw, Laguna, where local makers have been crafting footwear for generations. Otherwise, rubber Islander slippers are a dependable Filipino classic.
And if you’re willing to spend a little more on long-lasting quality, a pair of Birkenstocks can last for years.
If you know his shoe size, a good pair of sneakers will always be a hit. And we’ve never had as many sneaker brands as we do now, from On to Hoka to New Balance. These brands in particular have a good range of dad sneakers that are sure to make a guy walk with a skip in his step.
For the men with good music taste
If he’s constantly wearing headphones or takes forever to pick a playlist in the car, tune into his audio habits. For the vinyl enthusiast, find out his favorite album, be it ’90s hip-hop like A Tribe Called Quest and Biggie Smalls, classic rock like a little Led Zeppelin, or maybe just some good old jazz. Even if he doesn’t spin it every day, it’ll make for good room decor.
If he actually plays an instrument, look for something more niche. Our office drummer, for instance, specifically asked for carbon-fiber drumsticks, which are durable and lightweight.
For the casual listener, a waterproof JBL Bluetooth speaker is perfect for the shower or the beach. And for those who like listening to music or podcasts while running, cycling, or working on the go, Shokz open-ear headphones are a clever option, letting him enjoy audio without completely tuning out his surroundings.
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For the man of the house
For the coffee enthusiast, a Hario pour-over set is a wonderful kitchen addition, or even a new Nespresso machine or pods.
Most guys have hobbies, and niche coffee table books are relaxing to flip through on slow days. There’s the classic “A Man & His Watch” by Matt Hranek, which looks at personal stories from Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, inscribed by his wife with “Drive Slowly, Joanne.” Or Sir Edmund Hillary’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which he wore during the very first summit of Mount Everest.
Depending on his hobby, there’s a range of books on niche interests—from cars to architecture, photography, or other picks.
No frills attached
At the end of the day, most men are practical. A reliable power bank is always a good idea, as are a fast wireless charging pad, multi-port charging station, or portable SSD for the man with far too many files.
For the work-from-home type, a tactile mechanical keyboard, quality wireless mouse, or noise-canceling headphones can upgrade his desk setup. For gamers, consider a new controller, gaming headset, or titles for their existing console. If you’re feeling particularly generous, there’s always the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, or Steam Deck. Just make sure you know what he already owns before making the investment.
READ: Gear Acquisition Syndrome and the preoccupation with looking the part
It’s the thought that counts
As it turns out, men aren’t all that difficult to shop for. Their wish lists just happen to swing from a fresh pair of socks to a solid gold watch. If neither is quite within your Christmas budget, there’s always something in between.
And really, it’s the thought that counts (Though we’re pretty sure they wouldn’t mind the Patek Philippe).
