Carpool Candy holiday gift guide for guys

Wilson is difficult to buy for because he often feels uncomfortable receiving gifts. He doesn’t think he needs anything and would truly rather spend money on the kids.

But that’s no fun.

I listen all year for the few times he utters a need or want….and strive to find just the right thing. Past successful ideas include sessions with a trainer, a fire pit for the back yard, a new briefcase, and a vintage box filled with printed out notes from friends and family about why he’s so great.

But if none of that works for you,  check out these suggestions (each one has a link you can click for easy access) for the man on your list.

Popcorn and movie package – Wilson and I love to watch movies–when we can find the time– and he often makes popcorn as a late night snack. How about an air popper ($40) (or box of microwave popcorn for the less motivated)  and these salty and sweet seasoning mixes ($10)  paired with a subscription to Netflix  ($48 for 6 mo)  or a few DVD’s he’s always wanted to see, or would watch over and over. This gift has the bonus of romantic evening potential.

Baseball bat bottle opener –  If your guy’s a sports fan, he’ll like this tool made from the wood of a real MLB bat from his favorite team. Sports memorabilia that opens your beer. It’s a win, win. ($85)

The MAN CAN – Is your guy a metrosexual, or do you sometimes wish he were? If you want a gift that encourages self-care in a masculine way, try this grooming kit with shaving essentials, soap and cream. ($50) And while you’re at it, throw in some Man Candles with scents like pizza, sawdust, and fresh-cut grass. ($14)

Custom smartphone/tablet case – The fun ones seem too expensive for what they are but that’s why they make the perfect gift– this might not be something he would splurge on for himself. Wilson would love a University of Michigan case but you can pick from many schools, classic colors, or a custom design with a photo or monogram. If you can’t decide, how about a gift card to case-mate.com?  ($28 and up)

Golf toys –  If you’re buying for a man who likes the links, try this laser putter, which attaches to his club to provide instant feedback on the speed and distance of his swing. ($18) Or these gag balls are fun: one explodes on impact, another doesn’t putt right, and one ejects ribbon when you drive it. Your guy can be a course cut up while his buddies are slicing. ($9)

Personal crossword puzzle – If you like a creative and personal gift, check out this website where you can provide information for a completely original crossword puzzle, for the man who thinks he knows all the answers. ($195)

Coffee table books –  If your guy is bookish, how about a cool coffee table book that says who he is? Here are a bunch for varied interests: Sports Illustrated Greatest Pictures, The Complete Cartoons of the New Yorker,  Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, Headless Body in Topless Bar: Best Headlines from the New York Post or try a masculine take on cooking with How to Cook Like a Man.

Fit Bit – Let’s face it, guys like techy stuff more than say, socks or ties. This wireless gadget tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, and stairs climbed during your waking hours, and measures your sleep cycle to improve your zzzzz’s  at night. I don’t understand how it works, but men do. ($99)

GPS running watch – And speaking of gadgets, the Forerunner 10 from Garmin not only tracks your distance, pace, and calories,  it will also  automatically alert you when you complete each mile, and report your time for that mile. It can summarize your run and even let you know when you achieve a personal record, like your fastest mile or longest run to date. Too bad it can’t take out the garbage. ($130)

Hope there’s something here for the dude in your life. If you have other gift ideas, tell me in the comments. I’m always on the hunt for that perfect something for Wilson, whether he likes it or not.