“Um,” he said. “I could use a new pair of khaki Dockers?” GROAN. I wanted to get him something special. Something unique. But… Buying pants, especially when my husband gives me the exact kind he wants, is boring. I could totally take the easy way out. Maybe wrap it nicely and tie a candy cane on top. I’ve taken the easy route before—many times. But this Christmas, I sorta want to do better. I mean, I love the guy. So, I’m up for the challenge. Are you with me? Ready to find some Christmas gifts for your husband?
Shopping for your husband after a few years of marriage might not be as much fun as shopping for the kiddos, but we can make it more exciting just by using a little more forethought. Here are 7 Christmas gifts for your husband to make the occasion extra merry.
1. Time Away From the Kids With You
Don’t underestimate this gift! I’d bet money your husband would rather have an evening alone with you than a new tie. The thing is, our kids need us, but our husbands do too. And quality time can definitely be a Christmas gift for your husband. Whether it’s watching a movie, taking a walk, or just sitting together, giving your husband your undivided attention is an important part of any relationship and necessary for maintaining intimacy.
Ideas: Wrap up a handmade set of 10 vouchers for time alone with you: 30-minute walk, Netflix movie on the couch, dinner at the restaurant down the street, etc.
2. A Culinary Adventure
It’s easy to fall into a rut with meals. But whenever I make something new, my husband gets unusually excited. So, one of my ideas for this Christmas is to step out of my comfort zone and make some new dishes. Whatever his preferences, try to meet him there. And if cooking isn’t your thing, stake out some restaurants that have takeout. Or, plan to do a cooking class together.
Idea: Buy a new cookbook and put sticky notes on the recipes you’re willing to try. Or gather some takeout menus and wrap them up with a new set of chopsticks or plates.
3. The Sports Thing He’s Wanted to Do
He’s talked about seeing a Bucs game for years. But they’re pricey. And they take all day. And you’ll be stuck at home with the kids (or worse, in the bleachers.). He hasn’t pressed it, but you know it’s something he wants to do. Well, maybe this year’s the year to give him this gift.
Idea: Buy two tickets to a game, or a wrap up a box of golf balls if the PGA Tour’s been on his bucket list. Then give him your blessing.
4. The Free Pass
My husband grills dinner a couple times per week but hates cleaning the grates afterward. Does your husband get up early to drive the kids to school? Does he do the grocery shopping? Your husband might appreciate you lifting one of these burdens off his shoulders. Don’t underestimate the impact of this gift!
Idea: Write down the thing you’ll do and clarify for how long (a week? A month?). But if he’s using the free pass in March or July, remember to do it with Christmas cheer! And if it’s a free pass on something he doesn’t want to do (like that weekend away with your folks), you can include a box of donuts for him to enjoy while you and the kids are gone.
5. That Thing With His Friends He’s Talked About
A golf weekend or a hiking adventure. With him gone, you know you’re responsible for everything—kids, food, house. But absence makes the heart grow fonder. Maybe a little time for him to hang out with his buds will be a boost (rather than a burden) to your relationship.
Idea: Tell him you’d love to see pictures and will look forward to nightly FaceTime calls. If it’s just one day, prepare a snack bag and tuck drawings inside from the kids.
6. An Experience You’ve Always Said No To
My kids were tweens before I agreed on a vacation with just my husband. He was so excited to finally take a grown-up trip that he planned all our excursions. Is there something your husband has wanted to do for years?
Idea: “The boring zone can be dangerous for a marriage,” says Alexandra Kuykendall for Focus on the Family. She suggests breaking out of your routine and trying something new: Join a gym or tackle a home improvement project together, lead a small group together at your church, or agree to look for a family pet.
7. A Tangible Gift He Can Unwrap
When morning comes, having a couple Christmas gifts for your husband under the tree will probably excite him. But what else can you get him besides clothes?
Ideas: Hot sauce, binoculars, desktop photo, smoothie blender, outdoor speakers, s’mores making kit, framed map, gourmet goodies, or one of these timeless treasures you can make yourself.
What Christmas gifts for your husband have been a hit and you can recommend to others?
