10 Man Christmas Gift Ideas

Finding the right gift for my dad, fathers-in-law, brothers and brothers-in-law is always a little challenging for me. These guys don't ask for much. As a group, they are pretty content. They work hard and if they get an idea for something they want, they figure out a way to get it. When I finally think I've got their styles down, they change their whole look. I'm serious! And if I even dared to venture into the world of gadgets, I am sure to pick out the ones they'll never use.

4. Cure for Memory Loss - If there is an item he is always losing, get him one for every room of the house...and the car, if need be! For instance, guitar picks (that would be for my husband), pairs of scissors, nail clippers, slippers, tools, vitamins, ...you get the idea.8. Relaxation at Its Best - There isn't a guy I know who wouldn't want a really comfortable recliner. You can find sales on new ones all the time or if you really need to save, check out the classified ads in your newspaper or some good local used furniture stores. The ones I like to visit regularly have nice recliners at very discounted prices. Whatever you do, sit in the chair before you buy it. Some are more comfortable than others.3. Memory Film - Collect slides, photos or video footage of him as a child on one video or DVD. Put it together yourself using a home editing program, order a package deal from a reputable editing company or hire someone you know to do it for you. Add his favorite music as the background sound.10. One Man's Treasure - What does this guy collect and treasure? Make him a display or collage to put up in his office, garage or room. You may need a shelf to hold things, a board to pin items to, a scrapbook, or a closed cabinet to protect his collection. If you can't think of anything he collects, it may be that he is like my dad, who treasures his friends more than any of his "stuff". He would enjoy a framed collage with photos of his hundreds of friends.1. T-shirt With a Funny Saying - Look online for a company that specializes in unique shirts or create your own with fabric paints or markers. You can put a joke with the first line on the front of the t-shirt and the punch line on the back OR you can find humorous quotes from one of this man's favorite authors, politicians or celebrities. One idea is to take a solid colored t-shirt and put a big gold star on it that says, "TV Sheriff" with the words "REMOTE CONTROL" on the pocket. Whatever saying you choose, make him extra happy by getting the right size t-shirt. My husband is a smaller guy who really appreciates a shirt that fits him properly, after receiving many that could fit two of him! Don't forget that 100% cotton will shrink some the first time it is washed.Well here are ten man holiday gift ideas I have found that almost any guy would like. Quite a few are humorous, maybe because my favorite thing to do for all these hard working men, is lighten them up.6. Night of Laughs - Order him a new or used DVD of his favorite comedian doing a stand up routine. Give him tickets to a local comedy club. Download hilarious clips from the internet, creating your own collection. Whatever you do, make him laugh.2. Rare Indoor Plant - Where I see caring for plants as a chore, many guys I know look at it as an art form. My brother-in-law collects bonsai trees, carefully working them into the shape he plans. He shows us pictures of miniature oaks and maples with the button sized leaves turning gold and red in the fall. My husband enjoys miniature cactus and has kept one growing in a tiny cup of sand since we got married almost ten years ago. Read up on plants that would match with your guy's lifestyle, decor or interests. Consider a plant from his favorite country or one mentioned in a book or movie he likes.9. Special Delivery - Find a toy truck he would like - dumptruck, low rider, antique pickup - at a toy store or antique store. Fill the bed of the truck with all his favorite goodies such as candy bars, homemade cookies, caramels, etc. If you really want to surprise him, hide a gift certificate underneath all the treats.

10. One Man's Treasure - What does this guy collect and treasure? Make him a display or collage to put up in his office, garage or room. You may need a shelf to hold things, a board to pin items to, a scrapbook, or a closed cabinet to protect his collection. If you can't think of anything he collects, it may be that he is like my dad, who treasures his friends more than any of his "stuff". He would enjoy a framed collage with photos of his hundreds of friends.

Thanksgiving Gift Ideas

Most people I know don't expect a gift in the fall. That's what makes a Thanksgiving gift idea so much fun. I don't have to get anything expensive. I don't have to search for the "perfect" gift. I simply have fun putting together a hostess gift or fall holiday gift basket. Its a way I like to say thank you to my friends and family and celebrate the coming cold weather - we've got to celebrate it or else we'll mourn it!

Fall Scene Puzzle to Work on After DinnerCouple Dozen Fresh or Mail Ordered Tamales OR Other Prepared Ethnic Food for a Day After Thanksgiving FeastNew Ornament, Lights, or Other Holiday Decoration plus a Commitment that You Will Come Help Decorate for an Hour or TwoCeramic Pumpkin Dish (with lid) OR Fall Themed Tin Filled with Dried CranberriesThanksgiving Cactus (which blooms in November, not to be confused with the Christmas Cactus which blooms in December)With all the other holiday expenses on the way, I don't want to spend more than ten or twenty dollars on a Thanksgiving gift idea. Better yet, I like free gifts I can make or put together myself. These are all my favorites:Have a very happy Thanksgiving!Pumpkin Spice Bread MixSupplies For a Letter Box Hunt Including Stamp, Ink Pad, Notepad and Directions for a Local Hunt (Find out more about letterboxing at www.letterboxing.org . My children love this treasure hunt activity. I love the exercise we get while doing it.)Plan ahead for an activity Thanksgiving gift idea to draw family and friends together and create your own traditions:Party Music - Buy new OR create a custom mixture tape or CD at home.Wreath for Door OR Table Center PieceNutcracker and Bag of NutsSmall Booklet or Scrapbook Titled "Things I Love About My Family" - Pass it around for everyone to write in.Framed Fall Themed Photo of You or Your Family - Years ago, my mom and dad got all seven of my siblings and me to dress in jeans and flannel shirts and took us to the Oklahoma Ouchita mountains for a photo shoot. The photographer? My future husband! And boy, did he take some nice pictures. You might also use a photo from a past Thanksgiving gathering.A Scavenger Hunt List with a prize for the Winning Team or PersonSeasonal CookbookLight Solid Colored Table Cloth and Fabric Markers - Have family and friends write on the tablecloth what they are thankful for, along with a signature and date. Make it a yearly tradition to add thank-you's to the tablecloth.Use these personal Thanksgiving gift ideas for friends and co-workers who need to know that you are thankful to be apart of their lives:Memory Jar - Cut colored paper into small pieces. Using just a few words, write on each one a memory of an experience you had with the recipient that you are thankful for. Keep your memories short so you have time to think of dozens.Jar of Gourmet Cranberry Relish or Apple ButterIf you are invited to dinner, bring a quick and easy gift for the cook or the other guests:An Apron - There are pretty aprons, funny aprons, white chef aprons. Take your pick.Holiday Organizer Notebook - You can buy one or put it together yourself with an ordinary spiral notebook, scrapbook or wrapping paper, stickers and headings like: Winter Calandar, Work/School Gift List, Family Gift List, Friends Gift List, Holiday Meal Planning, Events/PartiesSample of One of Your Favorite Holiday Dishes plus a Hand Written Copy of the Recipe - When I give a recipe as a Gift, I like to include a little story or memory about that recipe.Board Game for Those Uninterested in Sports (like me!)

Have a very happy Thanksgiving!