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Posted: 2023-12-03T10:45:29Z | Updated: 2023-12-03T10:45:29Z Men Did The Unthinkable And Shared What They Actually Want For The Holidays | HuffPost Life

Men Did The Unthinkable And Shared What They Actually Want For The Holidays

Apparently you cant go wrong with a meat smoker, card games or beer.
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Sephora, New Balance, Amazon, Vinyl Junkies
Jack Black beard oil , a pair of 574 New Balance sneakers, the new reissue of Steely Dans Aja, and a Makita job site coffee maker .

It may be just my experience, but whenever I ask the men in my life what gifts they want for the holidays , I’m typically met with a shrug and the ever-popular, “I don’t know.” It’s only after a hefty amount of cajoling and recollection work on my end that I’m able to come up with a list of possibilities. If you’re faced with a similar challenge, I may be able to offer some assistance.

In the name of journalism, along with a touch of curiosity, I asked men (and some of their gift-givers) what they actually want for the holidays, as well as what were winning presents from previous years that have continued to be a memorable favorite. 

Of course, all men have different tastes, hobbies and wants, so I also took to the pages of Reddit, HuffPost Facebook groups and our newsroom to create a well-rounded selection of goods that may be just what you need for some gift-giving inspiration. Keep reading to find things like personalized celebrity video messages, durable clothing and job site essentials that are functional, but also just plain cool.  

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
A Makita job site coffee maker
Brandon Jenkins , a professional muralist who frequently paints outdoors, said he really wants this job site coffee maker by Makita, a power tool brand that he touts as "one of the best." It's powered by the same rechargeable batteries that operate your favorite Makita power tools and brews up to three cups of coffee at once, without the need for single-use paper filters.

"It's something that's not only functional but really cool and it can save money in the long run because I wouldn't have to run to a coffee shop while on a job site," Jenkins said.
2
A lightweight insulated rain jacket
According to Jenkins, Carhartt's line of Rain Defender jackets are great for anyone who works outside in the elements or spends a lot of time outdoors. If he could, he would ask for one in every version, ranging from heavily insulated jackets to lightweight hooded windbreakers. "They are just really functional and great quality," he said.

This particular rain jacket is moderately insulated for partly cold conditions and features a water-repellent coating that will keep your guy completely dry in rain or snow. The relaxed and non-bulky fit means it's easy to move in, and it comes in six colors and sizes S-3XL as well as tall sizing.
3
A splurge-worthy camera drone
Another gift request from Jenkins: a camera drone, which he said would be great for capturing large outdoor shots of artwork or cityscapes. According to some knowledgeable users on Reddit , the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a great beginner-friendly option that's worth the price and suitable for a number of needs. This agile drone features multi-directional obstacle sensing to help avoid crashing, is ultra-compact for travel and has a variety of film and photo-capturing capturing abilities for shots that are clear, vivid and professional-looking.
4
A personalized celebrity message from Cameo
Cameo.com is a website offering short personalized video messages from well-known celebrities. Buying one is a winning gift, according to Monika Porch , a reader of the HuffPost Women Facebook page.

"My dad is a massive fan of the show MASH," she explained. "...He just rewatches over and over again. I got him a Cameo from Jamie Farr and he was over the moon. I revealed I had been debating between Jamie and Loretta Swit and he asked if I could get him a Cameo from her as well. Both actors were very kind and Jamie even showed off some of his MASH memorabilia and now my dad has the biggest street cred in his retirement community and shows it off constantly to people."
5
A pair of universal Glasvin wine glasses
HuffPost Shopping managing editor Emily Ruanes husband, Chris Grosso, recently picked up one of these Glasvin wine glasses and wants to add a few more to his stash. Theyre as close to the feel of Zalto some of the best wineglasses in the world but for half the price, he said.

Having handled one at home recently, Ruane said, she can vouch for the fact that the glass is astonishingly light and thin-rimmed, and yet somehow didn't shatter when she accidentally knocked it into the sink while doing the dishes.

The hand-blown glasses are created from lead-free crystal and promise to complement any and all vintages.
6
Williams Sonoma
A Santoku cleaver-knife
Grosso would also be happy to receive this 7-inch hollow-ground santoku knife from Shun. This is a really good multifunctional knife for chopping vegetables and carving meat, he said. [Its] highly functional and very stylish. Made in Japan, this knife-cleaver hybrid has a sturdy handle made from a wood-resin composite material and a sharply tapered blade thats layered with 34 ultra-thin sheets of stainless steel.
7
A portable commercial-grade pizza oven from Gozney
Of this popular and relatively affordable pizza oven (it's currently marked down $100), Grosso says that making pizza is fine, but I want this for what it does to steaks. [It has] the ability to give a steakhouse-like sear to your meat. Gozneys insulated Roccbox has a stone floor and a rolling propane-powered flame that mimics that of a wood-burning oven, with internal temperatures reaching up to 950 degrees. Thanks to the foldable legs and built-in thermometer, it can be ready for action in a matter of minutes. It comes with a professional-grade pizza peel valued at $85.
8
A smart drink fridge that doubles as a bar cart
Grosso spotted this stylish wine fridge when it launched earlier in the month and noticed its unique styling and smart design. Its equipped with reversible racks that can be re-arranged to accommodate bottles and beverages of all shapes and sizes, and temperature zones powered by the same compression technology thats found in Sub Zero refrigerators. The triple-thick reeded glass door is both attractive and functional, providing added insulation and diffusing any incoming light, protecting the contents of bottles.

I like that they seem to have engineered it so that it doesn't rattle the way most wine fridges do, and it looks nice enough to blend in with your dining room decor, he said. If youre going to serve wine, you might as well serve it at the right temperature.

The appliance also promises to run quietly, something thats hard to find in a cheaper model. Lesser fridges can be extremely noisy, which is something you definitely don't want in an area where youre hanging out, Grosso said.
9
An electric meat smoker
Melanie Gray , a member of the HuffPost's Parents Facebook page, said her husband wants a smoker. We found this well-rated option with a spacious vertical interior that can accommodate up to three chickens, two turkeys, three pork butts and three rib racks all at once. It's fully electric for easy operation and has an analog temperature dial to precisely set your desired temperature control, along with a pull-out wood chip tray for infusing meat with a delicious smokey flavor.
10
A highly rated 3D printer
We found this impressively rated 3D printer from Amazon; it's an item also inspired by Gray's husband's wish list. The brand claims it takes just two hours to assemble, has the ability to resume a printing job even after an interruption and features an updated extruder component that's less likely to clog.
11
Give Them Beer
A selection of craft beer
My father, Eliazar Flores, is a big beer lover and says a hoppy brew is always a welcome addition to his gift list. In the past I've gifted him an assortment of craft beers, similar to this 12-day advent calendar by Give Them Beer. It features a top-rated selection of beers that range from rich stouts to bitter IPAs sourced from microbreweries from across the country.
12
A pair of durable, work-ready overalls
This is the second year in a row that my dad has asked for another pair of these trusty relaxed-fit overalls by Carhartt, his uniform of choice for outdoor gardening and landscape work.

"I like how durable they are and that I don't have to wear a belt with them like I do with regular pants," he said, adding that they fit perfectly around his waist.

Made from a heavy duck cotton, these overalls feature elastic suspenders and tons of pockets and are less likely to wear at the knees thanks to a double layer of fabric. They are available in four colors and 22 sizes, including longer length options.
13
A helpful robot vacuum
Noah Michelson , head of HuffPost Personal, hasn't been this excited about a gift in a while. He recently gave himself this Roomba vacuum by iRobot.

This beloved automatic vacuum intelligently cleans floors using row-by-row navigation, and with the accompanying smart app, users can schedule cleanings and pair up with other smart home systems for a voice-command operation. Even tight corners and baseboard crevices are no match for the multi-surface brushes and powerful suction promised by this helpful household friend.
14
A classic game with a grownup twist
Game night advocates may appreciate this adult version of Telestrations, a gift Michelson said he recently purchased for a fried. "It's so fun and stupid in the best way possible," he said.

An interactive game that relies on miscommunication, poorly drawn sketches and hilarious guesses, Telestrations After Dark promises to be endlessly entertaining and perfectly crass.
15
New Balance
A classic and comfortable pair of sneakers for wide feet
For as long as I can remember, my father has always loved these exact 574s from New Balance, a shoe that he frequently requests as a gift for holidays and birthdays. He said he likes that they are good for the gym, work or everyday wear and they also remind him of when he was in high school during the '80s. They feature an ultra comfortable soft foam midsole, come in a wide range of color options and, according to my dad, are one of the only tennis shoes that work with his short, wide feet.
16
A vitamin-rich beard oil
If you're looking to gift a proud beard-owner in your life, this beard oil by Jack Black would make the perfect stocking stuffer, according to my dad. This nourishing formula contains a blend of vitamin E and Kalahari melon oil to tame coarse beard strands and hydrate skin.
17
Vinyl Junkies
The latest reissue of Steely Dan's "Aja" record
Michael Metzger , a member of the HuffPost Parents Facebook page, said that the only thing he wants for the holidays is the latest reissue of Steely Dan's 1977 classic, "Aja." A reissue that's a year in the making and was personally overseen by founding Steely Dan member Donald Fagen, this remastering comes in a collectible box set and can be a great gift for music collectors.

Before You Go

We Asked Women In Their 40s and 50s About The Skin Care Gifts They Actually Want
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate cleanser(01 of16)
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HuffPost's editor-in-chief, Danielle Belton (46), has this beloved cleanser on her list. It's loaded up with AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid and natural enzymes to help refine the look of skin, minimize dark spots and uneven texture and help you maintain your radiant self. (credit:Sephora)
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor refillable invisible face moisturizer SPF 30 with niacinamide(02 of16)
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Like all her faves, Belton uses this SPF daily and loves it. When you know someone has a go-to skin care product, it's so easy to make their life easier by slipping one into the pile of presents. This sunscreen is made with niacinamide, so not only are they getting essential sun protection, but it's nourishing their skin as well. (credit:Sephora)
Tatcha The Water Cream(03 of16)
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Like so many of us, Belton can't get enough of Tatcha's iconic Water Cream. This lightweight moisturizer is the ultimate gift for skin care lovers. It feels glorious on the skin and can help to reduce oil and refine pores. (credit:Sephora)
Dr. Dennis Gross Drx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro mask(04 of16)
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This high-end cult-fave light mask uses LED lights over the entire face to target the look of both wrinkles and breakouts. Many brands have their own versions, but Dr. Dennis Gross FDA-cleared technology uses a combination of 100 red lights and 62 blue lights that work together to target common skin issues. Red light is said to support natural collagen production, which helps to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles and diminish visible discoloration, scars and damage, while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, helping shorten the length of breakouts, calm red skin and prevent future breakouts.

When asked what she wants this holiday season, Greta Geiselman (47), HuffPost senior director of global workplace and security, said: "You know its that Dr. Dennis Gross mask for me!" Kristen Aiken (41), who heads up HuffPost Life and Commerce, also has this highly-coveted item on her list.
(credit:Sephora)
Lyma laser(05 of16)
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This is a first-of-its-kind at-home medical-grade laser designed to help rejuvenate and revitalize skin. And if she somehow knew a multimillionaire, Aiken said, she would hope they'd get her a Lyma Laser for Christmas. It's a mega-splurge, but for those who want to take the leap, it's a major investment in their skin care. Lyma promises its laser will give skin all the benefits of an in-office treatment, including improving the appearance of wrinkles, skin elasticity, texture, tone and more. It uses a patented lens technology that diffuses micro-dots of invisible light over a large surface. The internal lens emits a cold beam of light that penetrates deeply through the layers of the skin, and promises to reset cells without causing irritation or redness. (credit:Lyma)
Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging face cream(06 of16)
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Aiken wouldn't say no to a gift of this celeb-loved cream, either. It's made with yummy, rich ingredients that can help to plump up wrinkles and smooth and soften the skin. It's got a pretty hefty price tag, but it's definitely a show-stopping gift. (credit:Sephora)
Neocutis Lumiere Firm Illuminating Tightening eye cream(07 of16)
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45-year-old Janie Campbell, a senior editor at HuffPost, would love to see this popular eye cream in her stocking. It uses growth factors, peptides and caffeine to help boost collagen production, hydrate, reduce puffiness and provide antioxidant protection. Nothing but the best for your sweet peepers. (credit:Dermstore)
Jones Road Miracle Balm(08 of16)
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Multiple people reported that they had the cult-fave Jones Road Miracle Balm on their wishlist. This light-reflecting, multitasking product is full of skin-loving ingredients and can be used for everything from blush to highlighter, lip balm to eye shadow. Technically it's a makeup, but it's chock-full of skin care ingredients that make it a versatile must-have. HuffPost reader Jenni Miller (51) said that "about two years ago I discovered Bobbi Browns new brand, Jones Road Beauty. It is amazing!!! I never thought I could like makeup, let alone love it." It's available in 10 different shades. (credit:Jones Road)
Olay Regenerist Max wrinkle serum(09 of16)
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You can't go wrong with Olay products, especially this wrinkle serum. Facebook user Mary Jeannette (44) is a big fan of this particular product. It's powered by peptides that are great at nourishing the skin and delivering powerful anti-aging results. (credit:Amazon)
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum(10 of16)
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If you're into skin care, you've likely heard people sing the praises of this cult-favorite serum, and with good reason. The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum has been hailed by dermatologists for its ability to help lighten fine lines, firm skin, provide environmental protection and brighten a dull complexion. The stabilized formulation means all ingredients are working at the peak of their powers, in tandem with each other. It's not cheap, but would make a pretty incredible skin care gift. It's on Aiken's luxury skin care wish list as well as that of Facebook user Tricia Arana Mifsud (49), who noted that "it's the best but crazy expensive." (credit:Dermstore)
Korres Night-Brightening Sleeping Facial(11 of16)
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Give your loved one the gift of waking up to the best skin of their life with this cult-fave overnight treatment. Facebook user Emilee Moorhead (age 41) says it "smells like heaven and makes my skin feel soft and smooth. Putting it on at night is like a mini-retreat!" (credit:Sephora)
Medicube Age-R Booster H device(12 of16)
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If you haven't heard of the Medicube device, it's time to add it to your list. It's a wildly popular K-beauty device that claims to help improve product absorption and leave you looking deliciously dewy. Facebook user Jen Cave (41) has two Medicube devices but wants to try them all! If you don't have this one, it's a must. It's ideal for someone who wants to splurge on their skin care-loving pal. (credit:Amazon)
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting serum(13 of16)
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There's a good chance the skin care devotee in your life has been eyeing this popular Murad product for a while now, but has been hesitant to splurge. Make their year by popping one in their stocking stuffer! Facebook user Laura Blough (40) said Murad products are the best, and she's not wrong especially when it comes to this one. (credit:Sephora)
Clarins Double Serum Firming & Smoothing Anti-Aging Concentrate(14 of16)
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Facebook user Tammy Sarver (55) has been using Clarins products for over 30 years and is keen on all of the brand's products. This powerful concentrate is Clarins' top-rated product at Sephora, with thousands of reviews speaking to its prowess. It's made with powerful and effective plant extracts that can smooth and firm skin, leaving it radiant and renewed. (credit:Sephora)
Dr. Brandt Skincare No More Baggage eye gel(15 of16)
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This eye gel went viral on TikTok earlier this year for videos of its effectiveness, and Facebook user Charlotte Shaff (52) thinks it "is the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for man or woman!" it quickly tightens and smooths the eye area, making it perfect for someone who is always looking for the perfect eye cream. (credit:Sephora)
Typology tinted serum(16 of16)
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Facebook users Emily Dross Winship and Morgen Peters (46) would both love to see some goodies from Typology's tinted collection in their stockings. Peters uses the serum and loves it. It's made with vegan ingredients including vitamin C, squalane and aloe vera to leave skin hydrated, radiant and clear. (credit:Typology)

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