Gift Ideas for Men & Women

The song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” But it can also be the most stressful. Unfortunately, gift giving often contributes to that stress, whether it’s because our budgets are stretched really thin or we don’t like to shop or we don’t know what to buy. Giving and receiving gifts should bring us joy and gratitude, but it’s hard to see it this way when we are struggling with ideas or money. This article is full of gift ideas for men and women.

GIFT IDEAS FOR WOMEN

I’ve always thought shopping for women is easier than shopping for men. There are exceptions, of course, but I have struggled more to think of ideas for the men on my list most years.

Gift ideas for women don’t usually have to be complicated. Often, simple is grand.

I once said if my child painted me a rock, I’d love it…and Aspen painted me a rock. And I love it. It’s glittery (which reminds me of her) and it’s purple (my favorite color). It sits on my bookshelf, to this very day, and I treasure it.

Of course, hand drawn pictures and cards and handpicked weeds melt a mother’s heart. I’ll bet I’m not the only mom who’s struggled to get a handful of blooms (from a thistle plant, no less) in a vase, actually touching water, when there’s not a stem in sight.

I think it’s safe to say that women enjoy a carefully chosen and lovingly offered gift.

So, heartfelt goes a long way when shopping for women. Consider how you might pamper or acknowledge or encourage the women in your life, and then decide which gift represents that.

Having said that, I offer these sure-bet gift ideas for the women in your life:

Spa/self-care: all natural soap, bath bombs, bath fizzies, bath soak salts, sugar scrubs, loofahs, inflatable bath pillow, foot scrubs, face masks, lip balms, lotion, finger nail polish (Butter London is all natural), hair mask, moisturizers, eye masks, pumice stones, lip scrubs

 Also: homemade sugar scrubs, face scrubs, lip balms, & hair masks

These are great ideas for a small but thoughtful gift for women for any occasion – major holidays, bridal showers, birthdays, to show appreciation for your hair stylist, etc.

Package small items in a mug that is decorated with a meaningful quote or a small metal pail or cute bath caddy.

While these are small items, they can be expensive when buying quality. Opt for best quality and fewer items, rather than lots of cheap, poor quality choices.    

Sweet tooth: candy, quality chocolate

Recommendation: Cocoa Mill chocolates at Amazon. I am fortunate enough to live close enough to get these chocolates straight from the shop and they are GOOD. The Grand Marnier truffle is my favorite – and what my cat is named after (orange cat, orange-flavored truffle = my brain) – with their chocolate dipped mints a very close second favorite.

For the gardener: flowers, flower pots, gardening gloves (good ones – I had never been able to wear gloves outside while working and I figured out why this year. I happened upon some high quality gloves on clearance and bought them. Oh. my. goodness. They are incredible!), small trowel, small rake ( & any other small gardening tool), garden flag, garden ornament, gift certificate to a seed catalog or local nursery

For the reader: book, bookmark, book light, gift certificate to a book store

Trust me when I say that avid readers will never be disappointed with a gift certificate to a book store. Ever.

Tea or coffee drinker: box of favorite tea, tea cup, coffee mug, assortment of teas, gourmet or favorite coffee, honey or agave, fancy spoon set

Summer refresher: favorite drink, favorite snack, suntan lotion, face lotion, moisturizer, aloe, flower, beach towel, ear buds

Package in a small cooler, drink tub, picnic basket, or lunch box/tote.

For someone who packs a lunch daily: reusable, nice containers, attractive lunch tote, ice packs, favorite snacks, encouraging notes or scripture cards

Especially for sentimental grandmas: Put young kids’ fingerprints on a flower pot (with paint) or a canvas tote (with fabric paint) or handprints on a tee-shirt or apron (also with fabric paint, so it can be washed). If the children are older, they can decorate a canvas tote bag with fabric markers and sign their artwork. Using fabric paint makes it washable so the bag can be used to carry groceries, knitting projects, books, etc. without worry of ruining it since it can be put in the washing machine.

I have done all of the above as Mother’s Day ideas with the children at church. They were always a big hit.

This is also a good idea for dads trying to help children come up with a personal gift to mom!

For scent lovers: Candle, wax melts, wax warmer or diffuser and essential oils

Movies or TV series: If you know her favorites, this is a great idea. A recommendation for moms: Moms Night Out

Winter lovers (or people that want to hibernate!): scarves, toboggans, gloves, chapstick, muffs, moisturizing lotion, hot cocoa, mugs, extra soft blankets

Christmas lovers: ornaments, mini trees, holiday outdoor flags, plaques, ugly Christmas sweater

Jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, rings (if you know size), earrings

Make sure you know the preferences of the woman you are buying for. Most women have definite and specific tastes in jewelry. Does she wear lots of beaded necklaces? Does she love large jewelry pieces? Gold? Silver? Vintage? If you know what she likes, jewelry might be a great gift idea.

A few more ideas: gift certificate for an ice cream or coffee shop, subscription to favorite magazine, gift cards to a shop you know she loves (local or online)

GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN

My husband is as manly as it gets. His boots are an abomination and shouldn’t be allowed in the house and too often he piles his dirty clothes just anywhere. (Don’t get me started…)

But even manly men often appreciate gifts that encourage them to pamper themselves a little, and all men appreciate a gift that has obviously been carefully chosen with their preferences in mind.

Self-care: hand creams, lip balms, face masks for men, moisturizers, all natural soaps, bath bombs, lotions, after shave lotions.

My husband loves all of these things. His work is mostly outside, and he loves quality soaps, after-shave lotions, etc. Don’t discount things like this just because he’s a guy…although, as I suggested for women, instead of filling a gift bag with low quality items, opt for less items with higher quality.

These could be packaged in a bath caddy, a toiletry bag, a travel bag, or a cinch sack.

Winter ideas: winter scarves, toboggans, nice gloves (not $1 for a  pack of 3! I cannot stress how amazing quality gloves are), face shields, bandannas, moisturizing hand cream

To hold their stuff: cinch sacks, messenger bags, leather wallets, money clips

Humorous: boxers or pajama pants with cartoon characters or funny quotes

My kids used to pick out boxers with cartoon characters on them for Sam on Father’s Day and his birthday. They always thought it was hilarious and tried to find the most comical characters because, after all, it is “his underwear.”

Hobby & interest specific: gift certificate to gourmet chocolate or bread shop, auto store, building supply store (like Lowes or Home Depot), farm store, hunting/outdoors store, coffee or ice cream shops.

These ideas depend on the hobbies and interests of the man. My husband loves locally owned, small specialty stores – he thoroughly enjoyed a gift certificate one year to a local shop specializing in gourmet olive oils and vinegars.

More gift certificate ideas: gift certificate to a restaurant, movie theater, sports event, musical, theater…

For men that love jewelry: bracelets, rings (if you know size), necklaces, earrings. If you know a guy that always wears beaded necklaces, then keep an eye out while shopping for ideas similar to the style you’ve observed he likes. The same is true for a guy that likes leather bracelets or titanium rings.

Easy but useful & usually always appreciated: mugs, travel mugs, thermos, water bottle

For a guy with a favorite team, breed of dog, hobby, TV show, etc.: tee-shirts, cinch sacks, pictures/canvases, blankets, key chains…

Movie lover: movies, popcorn, favorite sodas. Buy all of these for a movie night at home.

Old school games: board games, Escape Room games (one–use board games). There are some really interesting board games and card games on the market. This is also a great idea for a family.

For readers: books or a magazine subscription. Have an avid fisherman in the family? How about a subscription to a popular fishing magazine?

WRAP IT UP

Here’s an idea that I really, really love: Make the package part of the gift.

For children, I still wrap gifts. Because of course it’s exciting to rip open those packages and end up swimming in a sea of wrapping paper…but for teen or adult gift recipients, I really love the idea of incorporating something useful as part of the gift that holds (at least part of) the gift!

Ideas:

• reusable shopping bags
• canvas bags
• totes
• baskets
• decorative storage boxes (I’ve seen some made to look like books! There are many, many countless options in various colors and sizes.)
• metal pail
• drink caddy or or bucket
• bath caddy
• crates (there are wooden and plastic ones, large and small)
• makeup pouches/bags
• toiletry bags
• travel bags
• cinch sacks
• back packs
• mugs
• flower pot (for the gardener or yard enthusiast on your list)
• scarves

Use your imagination and keep an eye out for ideas while you’re shopping!

Canvas totes can be bought in packs, and your kids could decorate them. If your children are very young, you could put their handprints with fabric paint on the bags; older kids could draw on them with fabric markers. Even teenagers might be interested in providing some artwork or lettering for this project, at least for close friends and family members.  

THE IMPORTANT THING ABOUT GIFTS

The most important thing to remember when buying gifts is, it’s not the material value of the gift that counts the most. There are several things that make a gift stand out as heartfelt, and price is not one of them.

A LITTLE OF THE GIVER & RECEIVER

A gift that reflects both the person giving the gift and the one receiving it is a gift that someone has put some thought in to. This gift idea works well if the giver and receiver have something in common.

An example: A tea lover might gift another tea lover with their favorite teas to try, as well as the receiver’s favorite teas. A mug and some attractive tea spoons could be added.

CAREFULLY CHOSEN, OBVIOUSLY WITH THE RECEIVER IN MIND

A gift that was carefully chosen and clearly reflects the personal likes or tastes of the receiver is obviously enjoyed. This implies knowledge of the person you’re shopping for. Think of that person’s favorite brands, color, hobbies, home décor, etc. You don’t have to know EVERYTHING, if you only know SOMETHING. Keep a watch out while shopping for things you know about that person.

An example: you’re shopping for a woman who loves blue, dogs, hot tea, and is a recycler. A small but specific gift would be a pair of blue ‘fuzzy’ socks and an organic lip balm in a mug with a saying about dogs or picture of her favorite breed of dog on it. A larger gift could be the socks, pajamas, a bath bomb, the mug, chamomile or other relaxing tea, all in a reusable shopping bag.

Shopping for a man that works outside through the winter and is a fan of a particular football team:  carefully chosen moisturizing hand creams, chapstick, & bath soaks to soothe aching muscles, sturdy work gloves, mug or blanket with team on it or entire gift packaged in a cinch sack with team logo on it.

DOWNLOAD A FREE GIFT GUIDE TO HELP YOU THINK OF MORE IDEAS FOR THE PEOPLE ON YOUR LIST:

First Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human:

THE GIFT THAT PAYS IT FORWARD

If you know that the person loves cats, you might give a donation to the local cat rescue or shelter in that person’s name. This is also true of dog rescues, building funds, wildlife rehabilitation centers, Heifer International, Samaritan’s Purse, and local homeless shelters, to name just a few.

Choose an organization that has meaning or would be special to the recipient, not just one you prefer.  

Madison bought some chickens through Heifer International in my name one Christmas, and I sat on my couch and cried like I had won the lottery.

THE SENTIMENTAL GIFT

This idea takes into account intimate knowledge of the recipient.

Some people really love gifts that remind them of a fond or shared memory, or that use items of sentimental value. Some ideas would be a framed picture or handwritten recipe, handmade or homemade items, or something crafted from an item that holds sentimental or significant value.

For example, I know of a family that had some of their father’s shirts made into throw pillows after their father passed away.

My granddaddy was a farmer, and one year, I discreetly ‘stole’ the bags he had purchased that the alfalfa seed came in. They were cloth and had been tossed aside to be thrown away. As you may know, alfalfa is not a crop that you plant every year. I washed them and used them as squares for a quilt I made for him. It was my first attempt at making a quilt – actually my first attempt at any major sewing project. It was far from perfect, my stitches were most assuredly not straight, and anyone experienced with a sewing machine would find countless flaws. But he absolutely loved it, and used it frequently for the rest of his life.

EXPERIENCES NOT THINGS

This is a great idea, and as you brainstorm, remember your gift ideas don’t all have to be THINGS.

If the person you’re buying for enjoys movies, ball games, the ballet…consider tickets. If there’s a family on your list, you might consider buying tickets to a museum, aquarium, or movie theater for the whole family.

Movies, local attractions, museums, zoos, planetarium, park fees, bus tours… this list is a teeny tiny glimpse into endless possibilities. Whether it’s a season pass or a one-time ticket to a local or nearby attraction, experiences and events are great gift ideas. Use your imagination, look around, and the sky is the limit here.

Another idea for an experience based gift: a gift certificate for a massage, yoga class, or nail salon, and similar ideas. (Make sure you know the receiver – I shudder to think of a trip to a nail salon, although I might be the only woman on earth that doesn’t like the idea of getting her nails done!)

WHAT ABOUT HOMEMADE GIFTS?

Homemade gifts are wonderful, heartfelt, and often require a considerable amount of expense and time. To avoid your own disappointment, make sure the recipient understands this. Also, if you don’t know the recipient very well and you’re not sure if he or she would like something homemade, opt for a more generic gift idea like one of the ones suggested earlier in this article or a gift card.

Having said that, homemade items are great ideas, especially if you know the recipient. If you happen to put a lot of effort or thought into a gift, and it is seemingly not appreciated, don’t be discouraged: you may have misunderstood the response (some people are not comfortable showing emotion).  

Food is a valid homemade gift, again if you know the recipient. My mother-in-law gifts her fantastic homemade jellies and jams each year at Christmas – lots of different kinds of fruits and flavors. It’s a gift we enjoy all year long!

Thoughtful ideas that require little or no money:

One year, Madison cut slips of paper, on which she wrote things she appreciated or loved about me. She folded these little slips of paper, put them in a jar, and topped it with a pretty cloth lid, string, and tag that reads, “100 things I love about you.”

You can bet I cried buckets when I sat and read her sweet and thoughtful words poured out on 100 tiny little slips of paper.

Another year, when I was struggling with a stressful job, she bought an adorable little wooden box and again added little slips of paper. This time, there were instructions: I could only read one per day. On the lid of the box were these words: “Start each day with one positive thought.” Some of the papers had an encouraging Bible verse on them, some had words of affirmation and appreciation for me, and some made me laugh, like the one that alluded to her taking care of me in my old age. I looked forward to that tiny piece of paper each day, and I still smile when I see that little box, sitting full of a treasure that money could never buy.

The best gifts are not necessarily the ones that cost the most money.

WHAT NOT TO DO & LAST MINUTE IDEAS

What not to do: buy only what you like, regardless of other people’s preferences.

Also don’t opt for items that are very specific brand preferences unless you know the person would like to try something new. Make-up is a good example – most women have very particular preferences. If you don’t know for sure that they would absolutely love the lipstick color you just discovered, buy something else.

If you find it hard to imagine what someone else may like, instead of choosing something painted neon yellow because it’s your favorite color or a strongly scented candle or a giant canvas of sloths – because these are all of your favorite things – aim for more neutral options: gift cards for local stores or restaurants that everyone frequents, Amazon gift cards, gift certificates for movie theaters, ice cream or coffee shops, quality chocolate, nice but neutral colored dish towels and potholders (unless you know what color their kitchen is), or a basket of bath bombs and sugar scrubs.

Money or gift cards are never despised! If you feel disappointed because you wanted to buy a gift but you just don’t know what to buy, purchase a heartfelt or humorous card and add a personal note inside with the gift card or money. I have never met anyone that would be disappointed with that gift!

Remember most of all, that gift giving is not about the STUFF. It’s supposed to be about the joy of giving and receiving gifts with people that we care about. It’s about sharing love and appreciation, and blessing each other. Enjoy the traditions and shopping, spending this time in thought and gratitude for the people in our lives, and do not stress about finding the perfect gift.

A FREE GIFT GUIDE

If you would like some more gift ideas, download this FREE gift guide, which includes a gift guide questionnaire to help you think of gift ideas for the men and women in your life, as well as shopping list pages to take your ideas with you while you’re out shopping:

First Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human: