I am super pumped about this Practical Gifts for the Men in Your Life Gift Guide, you guys! I actually drilled my husband for some of his must-haves, and we came up with some really great ideas to share with you all.
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*I am using the “*” sign in all of my gift guides to denote stocking stuffers! If you see this at the start of a gift heading, know that I think it’d make a great stocking stuffer! I’ll be rounding up ALL stocking stuffer items in one post as I get all of my gift guides put together for the season.
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Minimalist “EveryDay Carry” Gifts for Him
Apparently, there’s this thing in the world of men that is referred to as an “Everyday Carry” (EDC). This was news to me, but makes complete sense! In fact, there’s an entire website dedicated to it! Are you familiar with this?
Here’s an excerpt from the EDC website: They’re the things you tap your pockets for before you head out the door, the things you feel naked without, and the things that would throw off your whole day if you had to do without them. They are especially valuable, and not just in a monetary or sentimental way. Your everyday carry is comprised of items that you find truly essential.
Basically, this is the equivalent of the essential items in a woman’s purse. So, I thought it’d be fun to make this part of my Gifts for the Men in Your Life Gift Guide! I am all about buying with intention and purpose, making my loved ones’ lives easier and better. So, without further ado, let’s tackle upgrading the EDC essentials for the men in your life!
Phone
iPhone 12 Mini – We are huge Apple product connoisseurs, mainly because of Eric. He loves the dependability and functionality of his iPhone and hopes to get this new one soon!
Phone Case – Current favorite phone case for his iPhone 7. It’s slim, slides easily into his pockets and matches other EDC items (black).
AirPods
Apple AirPods (wired charging) – Eric uses these things all the time (as do I!). Definitely an EDC essential.
Apple AirPods (wireless charging) – If you prefer wireless charging and have that capability, you can get these instead. More expensive.
*Apple AirPods Case – An easy stocking stuffer, but not necessarily an EDC. We got these last year for Christmas. Eric doesn’t use his because he likes to keep the case in his pockets and the case doesn’t slide easily. User preference.
*We are Apple product users, but I do provide links to other brands in my Tech Gadgets Gift Guide.
*Pocket Knife
A Good Pocket Knife – Eric said he likes a pocket knife that is slim, has a pocket clip and matches his other EDC items well (black).
Pocket Knife with Disposable Blade – These are great if the knife will be used a lot because you can just replace the blade instead of sharpening the knife. User preference.
Minimalist Wallet
The Ridge Wallet – If you have the budget, this is an ideal minimalist wallet. Can choose pocket clip or cash strap.
RFID Carbon Fiber Wallet – A dupe of The Ridge wallet, with a ton of great reviews. This is nearly identical to what Eric currently has and absolutely loves. He’ll never go back to a traditional wallet again.
*Keys
Minimalist Key Organizer – Eric doesn’t have this currently, but I think it’d be something he’d get into. If there are a few keys to manage, this might be a great gift!
Watch
Apple Watch – Eric wears his every waking moment. I love mine, as well.
*EDC Pouch
EDC Pocket Organizer – Again, I had no idea EDC was a thing, but there’s tons of products out there for men who are into minimalist living. Thought this was a nice organizer if needed.
Other Gifts for the Men in Your Life
*Sunglasses
Shady Rays – Eric is pretty obsessed with sunglasses. Over the last year or so, he’s finally found a brand that checks off all the boxes for him – Shady Rays. They’re stylish, have a great selection, and he likes the fit. They’re very durable and comfortable.
And, he’s really into them because they’ll replace up to two pairs for FREE (just pay a small processing fee), no questions asked. What’s also really neat about Shady Rays is that there are 10 meals to fight hunger donated with each purchase!
*Great Underwear
Tommy Johns – Look, I can’t believe I paid this much money for a pair of underwear, but apparently these are life-changing (according to Eric). He has one pair of these and they are by far his favorite pair. I’ll likely be getting him more because this link is the best deal I’ve ever seen on these (I spent $40 on his first pair).
David Archy – This is a bit easier to stomach. Not as good as Tommy John, but a good second according to Eric.
*A Good Pen
Fisher Space Pen – If the men in your life like to carry a pen, this is a great option. Eric says, “Love it. It writes well/consistently and can write on almost anything.”
New Shoes
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi – Eric wears these nearly every day for work. He’s on his feet a lot as a videographer. These look nice enough to wear on most shoots, and he loves the support and comfort they provide. We also like New Balance because you can order these in wide widths.
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v1 – I really like the look of these – more athletic.
New Tools
After food, tools are the next best thing to a man’s heart – at least in my experience. I’m highlighting a few tools that I’m considering this year for the men in my life.
An important note: Most men have a brand of tools that they are loyal to. I’d figure this out ahead of shopping and then look at that brand specifically (unless you’re starting completely from scratch). It’s helpful to add to the same line of power tools they already use because they’ll likely already have the rechargeable batteries (and chargers) to interchange with all of their tools. For instance, Eric uses Dewalt tools for the most part, so we just add DEWALT to his line of tools. That is what I will be linking here because I can vouch for the quality and functionality of this brand.
DEWALT Cordless Circular Saw – On Eric’s list this year. It’s cordless and lighter.
DEWALT Cordless Multitool – I think this is a handy tool to have around for any man!
DEWALT Cordless Drill Combo Kit – Essential for nearly every home project (we already have these). If budget allows, buy tools with brushless motors for energy efficiency and longer battery run times!
DEWALT Jobsite Radio – I got this for my dad one year and he loves it! He was using an old boom box type radio on his jobsites, so this was a nice upgrade that he enjoys!
*Awesome Measuring Tape
Left/Righty 25ft. Measuring Tape – I have to give credit for this one to Amanda at Love & Renovations. This is something I’ll be getting for a couple of people on my list this year! Excellent stocking stuffer for the handyman/DIYer in your life! I love that you can read it both ways and I like how it breaks down measurements so there’s no questioning involved.
Travel Duffel
Canvas Duffel Bag – If your loved one travels frequently, this is a great duffel that’s durable, holds a few days’ worth of items, and has tons of compartments. Eric uses this when he travels for work. I like the shoe compartment that’s separated from the rest of the bag.
Bluetooth Hearing Protection Headphones
3M WorkTunes Headphones – These things are awesome! Eric wears these doing house projects, mowing, you name it. I even enjoy wearing these when mowing. Protect your ears while also enjoying your audio entertainment of choice – win-win!
*Cord Keepers
Cable Clips – Our bedside tables have always been a cord management mess. But, I picked up a pack of these at The Container Store the other day and was pleasantly surprised to find that Eric was pleasantly surprised (haha) and enthusiastic about these little doo-dads.
He’s already got his installed and they work really well! The cord does slide in the hole for easy length adjustment, but the end still holds the cable in place. This is another must-have stocking stuffer, IMO.
That’ll do it for this Gift Guide for the Men in Your Life! Hopefully you’re leaving this post with a few items of inspiration for your loved ones. Men can be super tough to buy for, so I hope this gave you some ideas for upgrading some of their everyday items that will really make their life more efficient! Let me know which item you like the most in the comments.
To the Chaos!
-MG
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