I’ve received emails, messages, and comments asking for small gift ideas for men lately. So here are some super-rad items that your man just might wet himself over. Oh, and a special note for all of you hyper-sensitive, “THIS POST IS TOTALLY SEXIST blah blah blah” people who are ready to pounce on me – it’s cool…breathe…if you happen to think these things are great and you happen to not be a male, that just means you’re super-rad too. Simmer down.
1. Gerber Compact Sport Multi-Plier with Sheath, Black
Always needed, always coveted by other men, always awesome Gerber Multi-tool. Yes please.
I hiked through Honduras with these socks on my feet and I find myself rifling through my sock drawer, casting aside the lesser feet coverings in search of these prized pairs. If I were Bill Gates, I would put on a brand new pair of these puppies every day.
3. LaCie iamaKey 8 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive 130870
I can’t tell you how many crummy, plastic flash drives I’ve gone through or lost. This one is smaller, it’s metal, and it goes right on your keyring that is always with you. I want this one bad!
4. Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul
Men (and women) NEED to read this book. It’s a life changer that helps to explain what true masculinity can look like. I was given this book the day I was baptized. I don’t remember who gave it to me, but it’s the best book I’ve ever been given.
5. Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras
The Gorilla Pod is cool, cool beans. It can be a sturdy tripod wherever you go without lugging around a huge one. It’s flexible legs will wrap around a light post, a car window, or whatever you can find to provide stability in situations where you just can’t handhold the camera.
If his game is anything like mine…
7. Petzl TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp
Whether it’s climbing around in caves or climbing around in the attic…so good to have.
8. Merrell Men’s Chameleon Iso in Bungee Cord
I’ve got the older version of these shoes and they are hands down, without a doubt the best shoes I’ve ever owned. The comfort and quality of these shoes makes up for their hideous appearance.
9. William Elliot Whitmore – Animals In The Dark
This CD is incredible. Careful though, he does say the f-word in it.
10. KINTREX Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser Targeting
For the gadget-obsessed cook who wants to know exactly what temperature that pan has heated up to before attempting to sear that steak! I got a good deal on one of these a while back and I’m surprised by how often I use it. Very helpful for all kinds of other uses as well.
So…there’s 10. I own a few of these things and I admit that I want all the rest of them. Hopefully this will help you if you just can’t figure out what to buy…or, to throw a significant monkey wrench into things…go to www.adventconspiracy.org and see what you think.
(I’ll be posting images of these items later today, but for now I am off to do some actual work)
I am considering getting the Wild at Heart book for my husband… I am just concerned about him feeling like I am pointing out something wrong… etc. Any advise on something to write inside or tell him?
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I am not a male, but I do live with one who likes to play. Ryan, sorry to bring up a rivalry but the Leatherman Squirt P4 is a mighty multi-tool that’s small enough for a keychain. Very handy. Also any book by Jon Krakauer is most welcome under our tree. And you can’t have enough Smartwool =)
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You just can’t have too many multi-tools. I once dated a guy who had so many things on his belt he looked like Batman; i felt like we were prepared for ANYTHING.
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Well cool beans Ryan. My honey has a few of those things already too and would drool for #3. His motto is never too many tools. Now if he’d just use them. But why is it that I end up with the tool in my purse that he always needs??? I still ask after 17 years together is where is MY toolbox. My dad always told us girls to look after ourselves.
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I actually have this:
4. Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul
My man is into techie stuff… He really loves www_thinkgeek_com And motorcycling anything. He just ordered some stuff yesterday at a riding website. I’m all for these things you listed Ryan. Afterall, I’m a tomboy! Haha… believe if you like.
Merry CHRISTmas!
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I got a pair of smartwool socks last Christmas from my AWESOME mother-in-law and I love them. I also dig through my drawer for them. I’m hoping for another pair this year too! Great ideas.
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If you shop http://www.mastgeneralstore.com you can buy socks Buy Three Get One Free. We have Smartwool and lots of them! Get some for you, for your wife and some crib booties for Finn! We don’t have kids socks this season but come Spring we will have some for Ava too!
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I usually buy our SmartWool socks at sierratradingpost.com – especially when they have great sales!
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Ryan, every Christmas,my husband only wants stuff for his guitars. So great to get new ideas from a man! Thank you! I wish you and your beautiful family a happy and healthy holiday season!
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I find it funny sometimes when I look at certain products and realize that I’ve handled the paperwork for it while its being processed and created, and your number 1 is one of those items
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I am a smartwool socks addict, I have ummmm….at least nine pairs and I want more!
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The coloring on this site (blue and brown) is totally not readable. I love your site. Please change it back!
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Andrea says:
December 18th, 2009 at 7:54 am
@lynn mcintosh, hmmmmm….I went back and I don’t see what blue and brown you are talking about? Maybe your browser changed the colors, because my computer shows white on blackish/grey? Maybe my computer is weird, but I am not having a hard time reading anything.
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Ryan says:
December 18th, 2009 at 8:28 am
I’m also unsure of what you’re talking about.
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that’s a great list. I’ve read Wild at Heart, but my husband hasn’t. That would be a great audio book for him. I think I’ll add that to the list.
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Just got the infrared thermometer for my husband. He’ll love it for grilling and other applications around the house. Thanks! Looking into some smartwool socks for my stepdad.
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Ryan –
Great suggestions! Thank you!
Also, I just love your blog. Excellent writing. Excellent content. Just excellent.
Thank you.
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Okay, the first item on your list looks like something out of the movie Transformers.
My husband read “Wild at Heart” and really seemed to connect with it. Quality socks are always a good choice for you guys. Love that tripod…for *me*.
I bought my hubby a new iPhone for Christmas and books. Since he’s a former US Navy submariner and enjoys reading fast-paced sea stories, he’s working his way through the “Ramage” series by Dudley Pope and the “Master and Commander”/Captain Jack Aubrey series by Patrick O’Brian. We’re reading them together, which makes it even more fun.
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I donated 2 pair of babylegs.. one in your name, one in my little angels name and one just gp.
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Ryan says:
December 18th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Well thank you Teri…that’s veddy, veddy nice.
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that should say 3 pairs..doh
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I got the flexible tripod for my stocking. it is awesome!!!
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Thank you thank you thank you!! I need ideas BAD!! Your suggestions are AWESOME! Thank you!
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You’ve been a good boy this year. I’m sure Santa will bring you all those things!
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Thanks for the suggestions! I second the merrell shoes, those are the best!
I know of a certain man in my life who is getting Wild at Heart this year…
I hope you get at least some of those things!
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Okay, Ryan: I ordered #10 for my bro, the man who has everything…I’m picturing him sitting on his deck with a beer in one hand, the thermometer in the other, pointing it towards the steaks on the grill and loving that he doesn’t have to get up to check to see if they’re ready
Plus he’s in construction, so it will be a nice addition to his plethora of tools. Cheers and Happy Holidays!
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What are you talking about ugly? Those shoes are AWESOME! Then again… I’m color blind.
Thanks for the ideas, my fil is IMPOSSIBLE to buy for and when I saw that multi-tool it was a ray of sunshine.
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OMG! You have got to be the easiest man to buy for. I have four men in my life to buy for and for the life of me can’t get any of them to tell me what they want three days before Christmas! I would love a list like this one! Merry Christmas!
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