What is your best homemade gift for men?

**pollypurebred39** · 07-13-2009, 02:04 PM

I'm looking for ideas for homemade Christmas gifts for men. I have 11+ men on our gift list and VERY LIMITED funds. I need some great homemade gift ideas. My sewing skills and yarn needlework are almost non existent.

Any great inexpensive, homemade men's gift ideas that do not require sewing or needlework?

**rsbs** · 07-13-2009, 02:06 PM

FOOD!

Especially if any of them are bachlors!

**Contrary Housewife** · 07-13-2009, 02:41 PM

Cookies. Their own plate that they do not have to share. Simple recipes like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and even rice crispy treats are always winners.

There are a lot of free fleece project patterns for no-sew scarves or lap blankets. You can make things like fleece caps with very limited sewing skill. I know my husband is always losing his winter scarf. If you watch for sales you can get fleece quite cheaply.

Rice filled microwave hot packs are also easy to make. Or you can use tube socks. Again, free instructions are on the web.

**akolb** · 07-13-2009, 03:01 PM

Made a no-knit scarf for my boyfriend and a few friends last year.
I can't post a link yet, but its on marthastewart.com under good-things / no knit scarf.

good luck!

**dean** · 07-13-2009, 03:05 PM

I canned hot mustard one year and gave a gift wrapped jar to each man on our Christmas list. On the tag I listed some serving suggestions. (Dip chunks of cheese, pretzels, crackers, etc.)
I made cute little cardboard carriers one year that held 2 little jars of different hm jams.
For a golfer take 2 tees and 2 golfballs and put them in a little stocking.
You can buy a large package of each for a very cheap price. And make up several.

**mombottoo** · 07-13-2009, 04:48 PM

If the men on your list have a particular interest...such as golfing, fishing, sports, etc. and you can get your hands on a picture of them doing their interest you can make a special frame for the picture.

Get a frame and items pertaining to the interest, decorate the frame & put the picture in it. I made one for my hubby & used a picture of him with his 1st big buck as the inspiration. Did another for a friend of ours who is into golf.

Or, you can get a number of pics, put together a collage & put it into a 8" x 10" frame....

**sunshine** · 07-13-2009, 06:57 PM

I make homemade beef and turkey jerky -- it's always a hit.

I know you said you don't sew, but maybe you could manage rice heating/cooling bags?

**MaryCarney** · 07-13-2009, 08:54 PM

Food for sure - I used to bake for the local Farmers' Market - and pineapple upside down cake was ALWAYS purchased by men, or by women who would say "Uncle Bob just LOVES pineapple upside down cake"

Another idea is a subscription to a magazine having to do with their favorite sport. Tickets to sporting events - minor leagues if that's where you live.

**Debbie-cat** · 07-13-2009, 11:32 PM

Food, rice bags, if they are bachelors you could make up jar gifts.... see here.... http://www.heart4home.net/giftsinajar.htm

Some of the other ideas are great as well. How about items from the Dollar Store that you could put in baskets.

**dianeeileen** · 07-13-2009, 11:54 PM

One year I gave the men of my family bbq kits. I scoured the dollar stores and came up with bbq tongs, skewers, a long handled fork,wire brush, a long handled lighter, oven mits, a couple bottles of bbq sauce from the dollar store. Brands they never heard of (they thought it was expensive) I made up small baby food jars of bbq spice rub. I picked up some packets of marinaide and put it all in a dollar store basket, I bought a package of cheap plain aprons and used fabric paint to write their names. Total cost 12.00 a person. They loved them. Another one that went over big was when I made them up emergency kits for when they go fishing, I put a small bottle of suntan lotion, bug spray, band aides, triple antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, five dollar gift card for the gas station, Kleenex, a cheap compus, hand sanitizer all small sizes, put it in a small plastic tackle box that would fit in their bigger tackle boxes.

**dianeeileen** · 07-14-2009, 12:05 AM

For the teenagers I once did car kits, each one got a box with jumper cables, flashlight, duct tape, flares, gas can with a ten dollar bill taped on it, a can of fix a flat, a small med kit, a jug of water, windshield solvent, antifreeze, a rain poncho, a small heat blanket, a bag of kitty litter and a calling card. (before cell phones were so popular). I picked up the stuff all year long on sale and clearance. I stenciled their names on their totes. No they were not so thrilled but everyone of them told me latter how they were so glad to have had that tote for one reason or another. (flats, ran out of gas, etc)

**frugalfranny** · 07-14-2009, 01:09 AM

Lots of good ideas posted, ought to be able to come up with something.

I don't think you can go wrong with food.....like contrary said.....cookies and this would even work for teens. I have given a lot of choc. chip as it always seems to be a favorite, just have to know if it is w/nuts or w/o nuts.

My BIL also liked the flavored cocoas that you make and put in a jar. And homemade freezer jam was a hit with the guys....but these have been mentioned.

**pollypurebred39** · 07-14-2009, 01:41 AM

Last year I gave them all car kits. I've given the squeaky clean car kit before too. You know, a bucket, sponge, soap, amorall, fuzzy dice, ect. I've given bottles of wine with glasses too. (I think a few couples on our list will be getting some sparkling cider with glasses this year) I've given bottles of brandy and brandy snifters, and some other types of liquor and glasses. I feel like I'm running out of ideas. Men are so hard to pick for and they are even harder on a budget. Food is good, but I'm not thrilled about making all of it right before the holidays so it stays fresh. I did that last year for about 15 gifts and I was exhausted when I combined it with regular cooking and cleaning and baking for the holidays. I don't really care to repeat that.

I'm loving the barb-b-que kit idea, that would be great for a couple of them.

Debbie you suggested the dollar store for basket gifts. What kind of gift baskets did you have in mind? I seem to be drawing a blank. I know there's plenty to chose from, but help me see a idea. I can think of women's baskets or kits from there but I can't think of any mens.

**Dutchie** · 07-14-2009, 01:44 AM

I know the feeling - I am always looking for something for the men in my life (fil, my father, dh, four ds) and it is ALWAYS difficult.

The answers given so far have been great but maybe I have a couple more for you.

Again - this is assuming that you start now and gather the things at the lowest prices.

When the boys were small(er) I made them a gift basket/bag filled with things for their very own night at the movies. Either they stayed at home with their own DVD/video with snacks or I got them gift vouchers for the local cinema and once again filled the basket/bag with snacks/soda extra (of course they could make it an evening for their friends too).

When they were even smaller I can remember making a craft basket (this was a huge hit). I asked the grandparents for anything that they had left over that the boys could possibly use for crafts. I added on to this with things that I collected the entire year.

Three of my boys no longer live at home and they are always looking for things for their new appartment. This can be anything varying from - gift vouchers from their favorite supermarket to something that they still need to a gift basket filled with HBA - shaving cream/soap/shampoo etc. You get the idea I think.
Again buying this stuff throughout the year.

I hope that this has helped.

**old_lady_in_the_shoe** · 07-15-2009, 08:02 PM

I have always given jerky as gifts to guys and it is ALWAYS a big hit. I like to purchase a nice lean roast from the grocery store and have them slice it up right there in the meat department (they usually do it for no extra charge). Then I soak it in liquid smoke, soy sauce mixture over night then dehydrate it. YOu can make some peppered or some other flavors. I like to place then in recycled smaller tins that I save from last year. You can wrap the tin up to give it a festive feel and put a bow on top.

If you have an vegetarian friends, then dehydrate them some applese insted...make plain ones, cinnamon ones or sugared ones!