Gift ideas?
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Please help?
I know it's pretty late to be buying holiday gifts. I'm done with my list with everything wrapped and shipped (if applicable) except for one person. It doesn't matter so much if the gift arrives late, though I'd like it to arrive before new years (I'm in USA). I was hoping you all may list some suggestions as I'm hitting a wall this year with this person. Usually they are not hard to shop for, but I honestly think I'm just brain fried. Gift shopping on top of work and personal things going on right now was exhausting, usually I enjoy it!
Here are the details: Male, late 50s, lives with roommates and pets Lives somewhere warm year-round (no use for scarves, beanies, etc.) Likes gadgets, but already has a lot of them Gift cards and/or cash not appropriate as gift Subscription gifts OK Does manual / outside labor (not an office job, has no desk) Likes condiments, no alcohol, roommates will "steal/share" food gifts
Things I've gotten him over the past few years: Candy and baked items, pajamas, books, audiobooks, magazine subscription, terrarium, Christmas ornament, funny coffee mug
Ideas appreciated! Budget is $30-70 Feel free to post your own "gift roadblocks" and I (and hopefully other users) will try to post suggestions.
If he likes spicy food, how about a variety pack of artisan spicy jams like this? I almost bought these for my husband, since he is a huge fan of spicy/sweet combos.
He definitely likes spicy. I've gotten hot sauce packs before but never hot jelly - that's a good idea, definitely going on the list! The one you linked says delivery around Jan 11, but I may be able to find something similar that would deliver sooner... Thanks :D
You're welcome! I'm glad that I was able to help. I love gifting. :D
Outside job - does he have work / steel-toed boots? Even if he does, a second pair/backup pair could be a really nice gift. You can get a very nice pair in that price range, and often you can find some on sale for even cheaper. I've gotten steel toes for as low as $15-$20, and when doing manual labor they can be really important to have a good pair of.
I also think of like, work gloves (the kind that are more grippy and contoured, for protecting your hands more than warmth), a "dad cap" (softer brimmed baseball hat) for keeping the sun off one's face, maybe a really nice outdoor-rugged water bottle that has a carabiner (metal clip) so it can be attached to a belt loop on pants and kept by one's side on hot days?
EDIT: Oh!! If they don't have one already (they may, but worth mentioning) a rugged phone case like an otterbox could be really useful as well. They can withstand larger falls, usually have a screen protector, and can even protect a submerged phone for a bit. Definitely useful for keeping one's phone safe if it's in their pocket on a worksite.
Thanks for the ideas! I'm not sure if he has steel-toed boots but I could ask one of his roommates. I really like the water bottle idea too. I think right now he refills a plastic jug every day. Something he could clip would be easier/safer to take up on a ladder or scaffold.
Does he have any hobbies - if so, what about a gift certificate for an adventure? (Kayaking, Deep Sea Fishing etc.)
Sports Fan? - Maybe a sport team related gift
He used to enjoy hunting but his hunting partner moved away and because of his health he can't really go alone (it's not safe). Maybe a membership to an archery or gun range nearby (he could practice and maybe meet somebody)? I'll have to see what I can find online... Thanks for the ideas!
When I worked outdoors in situations where I didn't need a helmet, a cowboy hat was great for not sunburning my nose, and got me some real butch points for wearing it.
Sun will really damage your skin. Get him some moisturizer-for-men. It makes a big difference. If it's too smelly or Axe-like co-workers might razz him for it though (otherwise, how would they tell and if they do he can razz them back for actually noticing).
I live somewhere warm year-round, but nevertheless a fancy but still butch sweater is a way to be casual but look dressed up if I'm out at night or on the few days in the dead of winter when I really need it. Yeah, he won't use it all the time, but he probably only has a functional one if he has one. Because he's a guy.
Keep the ideas coming guys! I did buy his Christmas gift for this year but 1) his birthday is in January so this thread is pulling double duty and 2) I'm writing these on my gift idea google spreadsheet for the future!
Hm, I never thought of getting him a moisturizer. I actually think he would use it! He's good about putting on his sunscreen and bug spray when needed. His skin has been damaged by his job, he's been doing it for 30 years and wasn't always so good with the sunscreen. Thanks for the great idea!
He doesn't have a nice sweater, just a well-worn jacket that he uses when needed. I'm not great at buying clothes for myself, so I often don't think about buying them for others. He would probably appreciate one. I like the idea of the cowboy hat and he would get a kick out of it, but doubt he would wear it. I am writing that down for future idea for my brother though. My brother also has an outdoor job and absolutely would wear and enjoy it :D
So, what did you get him? Inquiring minds want to know!
Yeah, you do (eventually) learn to take care of your skin. My grandfather used vaseline, died looking like a teenager. :). This made me less resistant to starting to do this.
If the weather is especially hot, there are hats in cowboy hat style that have sides that are mesh, partially mesh, or raffia. This lets the breeze through while still keeping some of the dust out. Sometimes a gift is just fun so even if he doesn't wear it it coudl still be much appreciated.
I got him two spicy honeys (inspired by 's jam suggestion) and some "natural" jerky in beef, venison and bison. I think moisturizer and water bottle are at the top of my list right now for shopping for his birthday in Jan. But I'm gonna take a break from gift shopping until this weekend to enjoy the holiday (not like we're doing much, but still). I appreciate all of the suggestions! You guys are the best ❤️