When it comes to finding the perfect gift for men, the challenge often lies in choosing something they’ll truly appreciate but might not realize they need. While they may express interest in the usual gadgets or sports memorabilia, many men overlook everyday items that can elevate their comfort, convenience, or style. These hidden gems can make a lasting impression because they not only fill a gap in their lives, but enhance it in ways they never thought of. The key is to choose thoughtful, practical gifts that blend into their routines while adding a touch of unexpected luxury or functionality. It’s not that they “secretly” want them—they don’t know they want them.
Manly Scented Candle
Take for instance these three candles by Darsee & David’s available at Hobby Lobby. When you think of candles, you don’t think of men, but your grandmother sitting in her rocker with enough lit candles that it’s not only is enough to heat the entire house, but smells like a thousand different things. When I walked into my grandmother’s house, it smelled—black. Because black is what you would get if you mixed all the colors of the rainbow. Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, pine, perfume, patchouli, and everything in between.
Many men have a special retreat in their homes, often referred to as “The Man Cave.” It’s their personal sanctuary where they can relax, listen to some Sinatra, watch the game, or simply unwind after a long day of hard work. Some might enjoy a cigar, sip on a cold beer, or even have a throne of their own for a bit of peace and solitude. But no matter how hard he tries, that space can start to develop a musty, stale odor over time. That’s where these candles come in—man-tested (and loved by women, too). The scents, like a classic barbershop, evoke the warmth of dark wood and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in the cave. Bookends is my personal favorite, but they also offer other unique fragrances like Kona Coffee and Maple & Cream Latte, which are fantastic for anyone, not just the guys.
Dash Cam
As a kid my father and I shoveled our snow and would take care of neighbor’s sidewalks too. One day asked him why he used so much ice melt. He replied, “It’s cheaper than a lawyer.” That’s kind of what it’s like to own a dash cam. Because the savings and security it gives you for little money far outweigh the potential hastle and aggrivation trying to tell your side of a story in an automobile accident, even if you are a cautious driver.
Now, when it comes to which one to get, I don’t have any personal recommendations. But there are some things to consider when purchasing.
First, I personally would get a camera that shows a wide area in front of the car as well as the back. You can get hit from all different angles, but the two most important is the front and rear of the car. You want to capture all the action from start to finish. Some cameras only capture the front, but if you get hit in the rear, it only shows the effects of you getting hit, not what led up to the accident. If the person is on a cell phone, distracted, speeding, or otherwise, one just in the front will never let you know.
Second, I recommend one that has a great picture to capture all the details of a potential accident. The better the camera quality the more likely to win your case. Most countries do not have automobile insurance and have to rely on these cameras to take quality video. 4K picture is probably the best you can get, and honestly if it were me, that’s one I would choose. Also, one that is easily views nighttime shots as well as during the day with the sun blasting on the windshield is preferable too.
Third, it may not mean much to you, but I would recommend one that takes up less real estate on your dash. I swear, some of these cameras look like movie projectors. Big, bulky, and hard to see around them. Others also are small, elegant, and undistracting. Also, some are wireless whereas others you need to run wires and may need to be professionally installed. If that is the case, it might not hurt to buy a unit at like at Best Buy and purchase installation.
Lastly, the dash cam isn’t just for protection from potential accidents, but you get to replay cool stuff that happened on a trip. Some have captured plane crashes, meteors streaking across the sky, and near-misses with deer. He would be a hit at the office for sure if he could capture these one-of-a-kind moments.
My Fireside Mobile Firepit
For many of us, 2020 was a horrible year; but for some it was lifechanging for the better. United States Marine Corp veteran, Adam, launched the website Myfireside.com, mid-2020, put obnoxious graphics all over his truck, set up on a dirt corner off a major road in Agoura Hills, and sold some pits over several months. On Jan 27, 2021, some guy pulls over, to check him out and his firepits. They have a great conversation about God, country, and their plans. This guy began telling Adam about his own campfire plan for the country – the American Campfire Revival. Well, he turned out to be Kirk Cameron! He decided to use the MYFIRESIDE pit, people who follow him asked where he got it, and the next thing you know Adam had hundreds of orders…as a garage start-up, he was blown away and forever grateful to Kirk for pulling over and taking a leap of faith with him and his product.
These handmade stainless steel fire pits are amazing and the attention to detail is mind-blowing. Each pit includes 3 stock panels of your choice or pick a preselected bundle. There are two sizes to choose from: the big guy or the little guy. You can buy extra panels from a wide variety for both sized pits, or have one custom made to suit your style, business, or hobby. Even though these pits are pricey, shipping is always free! Adam also sells accessories like deck armor, candle sleeves, and grills and griddles.
Check out the My Fireside Pit today for the special guy in your life.
Custom Gifts from Etsy
Last year I featured my friend’s Etsy site, Elemental Pens, for genuine and unique gifts for men. He still has that site today, and I highly recommend them. But there are many other gifts on Etsy that are just as unique. By typing MANCAVE in the Etsy search engine, pages upon pages of potential gifts came up. Here are some of my personal favorites, besides Elemental Pens of course:
- Custom Engraved Bamboo Whiskey Stone Set
- Personalized Billiards Sign Modern Farmhouse
- Handmade Refrigerator Bullet Magnets – Set of 5
- Handmade Damascus Pocket Knife – Customizable handle and engraving
- Repurposed Valve Cover Spark Plug Hat/Coat Rack
As you can see for yourself, nothing impresses a man more than a hancrafted, American-made product. The attention to detail with these unique gifts is stunning.
Men, what do you have your eyes on this Christmas season? Ladies, what do you plan on getting the special man in your life this holiday? Post them in the comments section; we all want to check them out!
Pens & Wrenches 
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