Men are typically difficult to shop for. Why? Because very seldom do we ever voice what we want (unless you are my friend who pleads with his wife why he needs a new truck). Men tend to sacrifice what we want for what our family needs. What men generally want — you can’t package: peace, love, respect, loyalty, and knowledge just to name a few. But being we can’t wrap these things up as gifts, let’s take a look at some inexpensive gifts the adult man in your life would like to have.
A.W. Tozer Tripple Threat
Yes, the triple threat sounds much cooler. Plus, it is the name of my favorite sandwich at the Pella Tulip Time Festival. But here, it is A.W. Tozer’s Three Spiritual Classics in One Volume: The Knowledge of the Holy, The Pursuit of God, and the Pursuit of Man.
Besides three great works of art in one volume, I love the look of this book. It is attractive to the eye with manly fall colors on the cover that pop. When you pick it up and hold it, this hardcover book fits snug in the palm of your hand. Not weighty or awkward, just settles in wanting you to read it.
There are plenty of pages to write in on the inside, front or back. You can take notes, write out an index, or even write a letter or your favorite manly quotes to the guy you are giving this too. Perfect for any holiday or graduation. Inexpensive and something he will treasure for a long time. Hardcover sells on Amazon for $14.99.
Personal set of chopsticks
This next item was a little bit of a pleasant surprise. I never thought I would want my own set of chopsticks, but I tell you, I was intrigued before even opening the box.
Glamfields Reusable Natural Wooden Chopsticks comes in a thin, but sturdy black box. Written on the outside is various Japanese writing and letters. You swear by looking at it that someone picked it out on their trip overseas and brought back something nice. If you really want to wow them, use Google Translator and tell them what the writing on the box says. They will be amazed.
But when I opened the box, I was immediately taken by the various manly colors, as in the book above. When you pick these puppies up, they just sit in your hand nicely. The best part — they are all made of wood. No fake plastic here. It is a genuine article. Trust me, he may wonder where and when he would use them, but once he did, he’ll be glad you gave them to him.
If you’re looking for something different, this is the ticket. Perfect inexpensive birthday or Father’s Day gift. Sells on Amazon for $7.98!
Personal contact cards
Many men don’t have jobs where they need business cards, but need to share their information with people they meet. Whether networking, dating, or making friends, they’re going to wish they had something to give out to keep in touch with the person in front of them. A nice set of contact cards would be a gift that can really impact a man depending on who he is giving them to.
The information you could put on is his name, email address and phone number. If he has a website, or social media accounts, you could add that as well. The only thing I would leave out is the address of his residence. No one really needs to know that.
Though I don’t recommend a particular place to purchase, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing. You don’t want them to look cheap, or feel cheap.
High quality, thicker card stock
Choose a thick card stock that will really impress him and the other person he gives this to. Thicker card stock will more likely be retained at a higher percentage than thinner stock. And if you don’t like the traditional business hard, there are several versions of NFID electronic ones that can be shared by touching a person’s phone or scan a QR code.
Logo
A name, phone number, and email are not enough. You need to impress the person. There are many logo designers to choose from that will help you design a logo that reflects the person you are giving these to. Some even do cards and logos all in-house under the same banner of business.
What does he do for a living? What are his hobbies? Does he collect anything? Play sports like golf? Whatever the logo, make it personal to him. If you can’t think of anything, maybe his signature or favorite saying or quote is the ticket.
Choose manly colors and fonts
Choose many colors and fonts for the cards. Look at old type like something Frank Sinatra would choose for his own if he were still alive. As Batman said in the Lego Movie, “I only work in black, and really dark gray.”
Give him something to carry them in
You should give him something to carry them in as well. This gift could be given by someone else, therefore splitting the gift up in a number of ways. If this is for dad, mom can give him the cards, and his son could give him the case. Like I said, prices vary, but it would be a memorable gift idea.
Lifekey Outdoor Safe Smart Wristband
A solo mountain hike: stunning. Watching the sun rise during your morning run: priceless. Feel calmer and more confident on your next outdoor adventure with this nifty wristband from Lifekey. It uses encrypted technology to store important medical info, like your blood type, allergies, medical conditions, and more, and it’s HIPAA-compliant. Plus, you can let loved ones know you’re safe with a simple tap of your smart phone. The cherry on top? It’s water-resistant, battery-free, and requires zero charging. That means you’ll always be safe, even if you set out on a multiday camping trip or get caught in the rain during your jog. Connects to Android or iPhone 7 and above. No batteries, no charging, no subscription — ever.
Sells for around $20
Ballpark Bucket List Journal
This is the perfect gift for the baseball enthusiast. It’s an adventure ultimate baseball fans should experience at least once. Chart a course across North America to visit every MLB stadium using this journal as your guide and archiver. Click here to see sample pages. Guaranteed wow factor. Inside this book:
- Filled with history about all 30 MLB ballparks, from historic Fenway Park to newcomers like Globe Life Field.
- Includes facts and locations of notable baseball attractions, including the Field of Dreams, Baseball Hall of Fame, and Babe Ruth’s grave site.
- Divided into regions of the US and Canada to help plan your visits to the East Coast, Great Lakes, Chicago, and Midwest stadiums.
- Capture moments on the field and in the stands at each site with sections for memorable plays, weather, opponents, and more (even your future Hall of Fame picks).
- Featuring a heated stamp cover design, this handsome vegan-leather flexibound book is adorned with baseball-like stitching along the sides.
Sells for around $20
Bedside Essentials Pocket
This may look stupid, but trust me when I say it comes in handy. Keep your bedside or couch-cuddling essentials handy with this convenient felt pouch. Slide the sturdy flap between your mattress and foundation or under your couch cushion, and the soft, open pocket holds everything from books to remote controls. The heather gray felt complements any decor. Choose from either standard or large. Just to make it even more manly…it can easily hold a gun at your bedside when you don’t need to lock it up and no children present.
It sells between $15 and $20. It comes in two sizes.
Many things to choose from with Etsy
Etsy has been the one stop shop for anything manly. They have some of the best gifts that are hand-crafted for the man in your life. As I sit here looking at the gifts for men they have available, there are so many things I want, and would be meaningful from someone I love with a personal touch. Many of these gifts would be well within the price range of anyone in the family.
Pocket knife
Speaking of the above picture, pocket knives make for great gifts, which are cool and useful tools that can be taken anywhere. One of the first and best gifts a father can give his son is a pocket knife; maybe even his own to pass down as a family heirloom.
There are so many types, styles and uses to choose from. Anything from a multi-tool like a Leatherman or Swiss-Army; to a slim, locking single blade from Buck Knives. No matter what you get him, he will be happy with it, and will bring out the boy in him.
Stay tuned for more
In my next article, I will talk about impressive gifts for men that may require more money out of pocket, but enhance the WOW factor.
If you have any ideas for inexpensive gifts for men this Christmas season, please add them to the comments below. We all would love to see them.
Pens & Wrenches 