Are you ready for the holidays yet? If you’re anything like my Mom, you’ll have bought all of your gifts by July, wrapped them by the first of August – and come October, your festive foods have been planned and prepped 
" data-orig-src="http://blog.forthefit.com/wp-content/uploads/christmas-sack-1007767_1920-179x300.png" alt="Christmas Gift Guide" width="139" height="233" />(the woman is a superhero, I swear.) For the rest of us mere mortals, though, Christmas creeps up on us – you’ve barely put away the Halloween candy and suddenly it’s Christmas Eve, we’re rushing around the mall half an hour from closing time, and oh goodness, you’re going to have to get gifts from the gas station. Again. But not this year. Not you. This year, dear reader, you’ve decided to plan in advance! So, come Christmas Eve, you can sit in your PJs enjoying a cookie, hot from the oven, and feeling smug about how well prepared you are. And you’ll probably get plenty of brownie points, too… Congratulations! So, without further ado, here are some ideas for the perfect gifts to buy for the men in your life, be they boyfriends, dads, husbands, brothers, bros’ or friends!
The Netflix Addict
Everyone has that one friend who binge watches the entire new series of House of Cards on the very same day that it’s released. This guy really likes television – he may even be ‘in a relationship’ with his TV set according to Facebook. He’s probably bemoaned the fact that TV marathons aren’t an Olympic sport more than once. 
" data-orig-src="https://ml8spaa3zguy.i.optimole.com/EjQ_0w-aAWOBENy/w:auto/h:auto/q:55/http://www.forthefit.com/v/vspfiles/photos/SLPBFTSP15GRN-2.gif" alt="Forest Plaid pj - long tall" width="160" height="192" />And for every serious television watcher, an appropriate uniform is necessary for them to perform well in their… um…‘sport’. They require ultimate comfort – and in this case, pajamas can’t be beaten. These forest plaid PJs are available in both tall and short sizes. Not only are they made of ultra-soft heavyweight flannel that will keep the recipient cozy and warm, but they’re also specially adapted to fit men who are taller or shorter than the average. That means a great fit – and unparalleled comfort. Perfect for bingeing on the finale of Breaking Bad for the third time. (Hey, it’s a great show!). Not a fan of the color? ForTheFit offers tall and short men’s pj’s in a wide variety of colors, and materials. Have a look at our pjs for tall men here, and shorter men here.
The Winter Sun Seeker
For many of us, the arrival of cold weather just means a perfect excuse to indulge in hot chocolate and deck the sofa with duvets and blankets. But for some, it signals alarm bells that shout “TIME TO LEAVE TOWN” inside their heads as they try to wear their entire wardrobe in an effort to trick their bodies into believing its
" data-orig-src="https://ml8spaa3zguy.i.optimole.com/EjQ_0w-0GLGTWr5/w:auto/h:auto/q:55/http://www.forthefit.com/v/vspfiles/photos/BTCAR15JAS-2T.jpg" alt="shorts - tall or short" width="207" height="248" /> still summer. For The Winter Sun Seeker, cold weather is nothing short of awful. You can bet that they’re planning a trip away to some far flung tropical destination even as you’re reading these words. So what better gift for them than a new pair of shorts to pack in their suitcase? These shorts are available in short and tall sizes, specially adapted so that they fit perfectly, and are available in three great colors. Now, all your grateful recipient needs is airfare…
The Outdoorsy Type
" data-orig-src="https://ml8spaa3zguy.i.optimole.com/EjQ_0w-a6V83L8r/w:auto/h:auto/q:55/http://www.forthefit.com/v/vspfiles/photos/CSSAN798T-2T.jpg" alt="waterproof jacket - tall and short" width="174" height="209" /> The weather has no effect on this guy. Come rain or shine (and occasionally even seven feet of deep snow), his favorite thing to do is head out for a long walk, preferably up some form of mountain. Yes, even on Christmas Day. And even if you don’t feel like accompanying him on one of his six mile ‘jaunts’, you can still help to ensure that he’s comfortable while he’s enjoying it (while you enjoy staying comfortable and cozy on the sofa). A waterproof jacket is the ideal gift for this man. Available in tall and short sizes, this one features plenty of technical wizardry to make it waterproof and windproof, and there are waterproof pockets to ensure that his phone stays dry – so he can send you that fist pumping selfie from the top of a mountain.
The Gym Fanatic
Let’s face it – we all want to be this guy. He springs out of bed at an unnatural hour to head for a run before work, only to hit the gym after he finishes at the office. He eats healthy food all the time, and is constantly trying to get you into soccer. This guy lives and breathes exercise, so you can bet your bottom dollar that he’ll appreciate some decent gym pants. 
" data-orig-src="https://ml8spaa3zguy.i.optimole.com/EjQ_0w-pflAiuRx/w:auto/h:auto/q:55/http://www.forthefit.com/v/vspfiles/photos/01031511-2T.jpg" alt="athletic gym pants - for tall and short men" width="163" height="196" />And ForTheFit gym pants are about to become his new favorite pair. Because they’re specially adapted for shorter and taller guys, and they’re available in a huge range of sizes and styles, they’re sure to fit perfectly – meaning he can forget about being distracted by extra fabric or pulling around the seat and thighs, and focus on his workout. So really, you’re giving him the gift of an optimum workout – what could be better? To help improve the comfort of his workout, take a look at our short men’s athletic pants. Or, if you’re after tall men’s athletic pants, shop them here.
The Stocking Filler
" data-orig-src="https://ml8spaa3zguy.i.optimole.com/EjQ_0w-QdNKwjgw/w:auto/h:auto/q:55/http://www.forthefit.com/v/vspfiles/photos/ASTSAN15-2T.jpg" alt="scarf for tall men" width="182" height="219" />Looking for a little something to put in your loved one’s stocking? Forget about the novelty lump of coal (that joke only really works the once, anyway) and grab something they’ll really love, and for under $20! This scarf, for instance, is specially adapted to fit tall men – it’s extra-long so that he won’t have to worry about it falling off his shoulder all the time, and it’s super soft and warm, too. Meanwhile, finding a tee shirt to fit shorter guys can be tough (just ask my husband!), so if your recipient is 5’9” or under, this luxe-fit tee will be much appreciated. The specially proportioned design means it will fit perfectly, and look fantastic.
Wrapping Gifts for Guys!
" data-orig-src="http://blog.forthefit.com/wp-content/uploads/gift-1015702_1920-150x150.jpg" alt="Christmas Gift Guide" width="150" height="150" />Once your gifts are bought, you’ll need to decide how to wrap them. Lots of articles online tend to concentrate on sparkly, glittery or over the top wrapping ideas, which look absolutely gorgeous but aren’t necessarily guy-friendly or within the reach of mere mortals without extraordinary crafting skills! With that in mind, I’ve gathered together some of my favorite wrapping ideas that are simple, and guy-friendly.
- Chalkboard wrapping paper
If you’re feeling artistic, this is a great option – and it’ll look great even if you’re not a particularly skilled artist. You can get kits that include special pens you can use to draw or write on the paper, so you can add a personal touch to your gift. You could also choose a plain brown paper and decorate it with a metallic pen for a modern and personal look.
- Gift bag “suit”
This one is great for smaller gifts that can fit inside a gift bag. Cut out a bow tie shape from some colored card, and use glue to stick it to the top of the sealed bag. Then cut out three circles from the card to make ‘buttons’, and stick these underneath the bow tie in a straight line. Simple yet effective!
- Muted colors
Tissue paper in muted hues, such as burgundies, mustards, and racing car greens, can add a pop of color and interest to your presentation without looking garish. There is even place for some shimmer or glitter as long as you keep the colors dark – black glitter can look both fantastically festive and guy-friendly too.
- Add ribbon
Ribbons are traditionally associated with feminine touches, but if you choose the right color or pattern then they can look masculine, too. Tartans will add a festive touch to a plain background – stick to darker blues, greens and reds for a classy, sophisticated look. Not sure how to tie a bow? Priscilla Medders from Nashville Wraps shows you how – the first method that she demonstrates is great for gifts for men.
- Simple patterns
Wrapping paper with simple geometric patterns such as chevrons, stripes or shapes will keep the look understated. Plus, you’ll be glad you didn’t invest in overtly “holiday” themed paper when that January birthday gift sneeks up on you- simple patterns work well year-round.
Christmas Trees Guy-Style
" data-orig-src="http://blog.forthefit.com/wp-content/uploads/christmas-1015461_1920-150x150.jpg" alt="Christmas Gift Guide" width="150" height="150" />I know what you’re thinking… Christmas calls for sparkle and shimmer- nothing traditionally “manly” about it. But trust me – I’ve found some fantastic ideas that can offer a few masculine touches to your tree. They look super sophisticated, too.
- Polished wood
This fits into the Scandi home furnishing trend, so it will make your tree look incredibly fashionable! Simple polished wood decorations will add an understated look.
- Hammered metal
Another fashionable choice, this time tapping into the industrial trend. Décor made from hammered metal will offer a distinctly masculine vibe, but also a modern look and just a bit of sparkle .
- Evergreens
Head out into the woods and get foraging! Ferns, holly and ivy can be made into gorgeous garlands that look festive while staying gender neutral. Adding a few branches into the décor, perhaps sprayed with a little silver paint, will add a rustic touch, too – they remind me of antlers, which, hello, is there anything more traditionally “masculine” than that? Plus, if you scavenge for garland (or stop at the local tree lot- they often will give you trim pieces shaved off the trees for FREE), you’ll find you can decorate on the cheap (or FREE!). Save that green , to treat friends, family , and yourself- to a few extra special gifts this season.
Fun Food Ideas
The holidays can be a super busy period, and it can be tricky to find time to sleep, let alone organize a feast. But with these simple recipes, you won’t need to dedicate a whole day to cooking to be able to enjoy some festive food – and you’ll probably become the most popular member of your family or group of friends!
- Beer and bacon dip
Beer and bacon – two of my husband’s favorite things, which I think is typical of most guys, right? This dip incorporates both of them into a creamy, cheesy dip that is simple to make – all you’ll need is a food processor, an oven safe bowl, and about half an hour of your time. Mmmm!
- Praline coffee
" data-orig-src="http://blog.forthefit.com/wp-content/uploads/coffee-232188_1920-150x150.jpg" alt="praline coffee" width="150" height="150" />Oh, man… this delicious drink is definitely on my Christmas morning wish list! Guys, if you’re looking for extra brownie points this Christmas, take a cup of this to your other half before you open your gifts – they’ll love you forever!
- Slow cooker cocktail sausages
With just three ingredients and one step to follow, these smoky treats are a synch to prepare if you have a slow cooker – but I can’t promise they’ll last long!
Conclusion
Whatever your plans are this holiday season, a little preparation really can go a long way. Getting gifts, décor and food ideas prepped in advance will mean that you can enjoy all of those family get-togethers and parties with friends, without having to worry about your to-do list. Give yourself the gift of time this year, and get it done early if you can! If you have a friend who always leaves Christmas shopping to the last minute, why not share this post with them? You may just give them a hand- and isn’t that what the Holidays are all about?
Happy Holidays!
