Top Picks To Accommodate a Man's New Year’s Resolutions

GPS Smartwatch

The Garmin Forerunner 35’s primary function is a running watch, but it’s packed with additional features that all GUYs (and gals) will appreciate. A pedometer, heart rate monitor, calorie tracker, smartphone notifications, and Garmin’s legendary built-in GPS functionality are among some of its best features.

• Easy-to use GPS running watch tracks how far, how fast and where you run
• Estimates heart rate at the wrist, all day and night, using Garmin elevate wrist heart rate technology
• Connected features: Smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking and music controls 
• All-day activity tracking estimates steps, calories and intensity minutes and reminds you when to move
• Automatically uploads your data to Garmin Connect

Why we recommend it: While the Garmin Forerunner 35 is awesome for serious runners, it also makes our list of cool Christmas gifts for men because of its versatility.

Fitbit Smartwatch

The Charge 4 keeps track of virtually every fitness, health, and wellness metric imaginable. Aside from logging workouts and other activities, there are functions for heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and keeping a diary of what you eat and drink. It’s also waterproof and has built-in GPS.

Use built-in GPS to see your pace and distance on screen during outdoor runs, rides, hikes and more and see a workout intensity map in the app that shows your heart rate changes along your route. Track workouts in real-time with goal-based exercise modes. It’s swimproof and water resistant to 50 meters

Aside from providing workout metrics, the Charge 4 offers sleep tracking, food logging, a heart rate monitor, and more. Our favorite features are the Spotify integration, built-in GPS without needing your phone, and the fact that it’s waterproof. The Fitbit app is also extremely helpful.

Why we recommend it: This Fitbit is one of our top Christmas gifts for men because let’s face it, every GUY needs a bit of help keeping up with his goals. GUYs need accountability and the Fitbit Charge 4 offers exactly that, making it one of the best gifts for men who workout.

Portable Gym

The BodyBoss 2.0 can simulate any gym workout with a collapsible bar, resistance bands with handles, a door anchor, and more. The resistance levels can be adjusted, so GUYs can continue to use this as they crush their new year’s resolutions.

Why we recommend it: We love this product because GUYs can use it anywhere, from their living room to apartment patio, plus it can be used while traveling. 

• Designed to simulate all the bulky equipment and machines
• Work out your upper and lower body
• Burn calories like never before
• Compact and portable

Beard Grooming Kit

I personally wear a beard (gotee). Have to admit, that thing can get pretty itchy - even when showering daily. Of course keeping a beard trimmed is important but maintaining the hair and skin beneath are absolutely key. 

I know a guy who can't wear dark shirts because he sheds so much skin and wisker debree. It's pretty distracting to talk to him. I've seen food in it and often wonder if it's got critters too.

Guys need to keep the scruff groomed and clean.

Recommendations;

• find a shampoo that does the job
• adding product to longer beards can really help their look and feel

Traegar Smoker Grill

We have a number of family friends who use Traegers all the time. At family get-togethers we have some of the best meals! One of the GUYs cooks brisket and ribs. He smokes them for hours. I've seen him sitting in church with his phone checking in on the mobile thermostat. LOL

Another GUY only smokes salmon. He's a fishing guide and brings home Chinook and Kings all the time. No salmon tastes better than salmon smoked on a Traegar.

Traeger is synonymous with all things GUY. GUYs who love delicious smoked barbecue and who love to grill, anyway. If you know GUYs who love grilling (let’s be real, GUYs love grilling), one of the best gifts is a Traeger grill. It’s the creme de la creme of grills.

Grilling with wood pellets offers a superior taste to charcoal and gas, plus it’s significantly better for the environment. We love this product because the Traeger Pro Series 34 gives GUYS 6-in-1 cooking functionality: smoking, grilling, roasting, braising, baking, and barbecuing. The cooking surface is massive and the grill is easy to clean, as well.

This grill offers six cooking functions aside from grilling, including smoking, braising, and even baking. Any GUY will tell you that Traeger dominates when it comes to cooking “low and slow,” and the grills are very easy to use.

Why we recommend it: Traeger is legendary in the BBQ world, plain and simple. If you’re interested in cool gifts for men, your search stops here. A grill is a time-honored gift for men, but a Traeger puts you in a whole different class.

• They make mobile thermostat adjusters for phone adjustments
• Follow the safety guidelines to avoid fire and burns
• Get the right size for your normal get-togethers
• Try flavored pellets

Best Leather Basketball

We've tested dozens of these Wilson basketballs over the years. At this point, they're the only ball we'll purchase. They hold up forever and have the perfect bounce and exterior feel. 

We use them in practice, league play and AAU tourneys. It's the first and last ball you'll need to own.

Recommendation:

• inflate to 7-9 PSI
• don't use outside

Calvin and Hobbes Complete Collection

"Calvin and Hobbes is unquestionably one of the most popular comic strips of all time..."

I wonder some times if our kids identify too much with Calvin. :)

A couple of them are on their second round through the famous comic collection. Our guests pick them up. We find them in the bathroom. We find kids curled up in their beds with them.

Calvin and Hobbes and their adventures are staples for our kids.

Leather Handbag

The bag you carry for your mobile devices, files, books and other gear says a lot about your style. We researched a number of bags and this one has the best ratings. It scores well for size, materials, compartments, and durability.

We like the multiple colors and options for style. The feel of the leather is great - doesn't feel cheap.

This is a great gift for a GUY in business, for church, or for school.

Recommendations:

• condition the leather regularly 
• while the bag repels water, it is leather and shouldn't be soaked

Ski Goggles

Hit the slopes ready for a day of snow-filled adventure! See everything with a great peripheral range and the ultimate eye protection.

• One size does not fit all - be sure to get the right size
• Design is inspired by the helmet visors of fighter pilots
• Maximized field of view
• Engineered for seamless compatibility
• Change lenses quickly

Helmet - Unisex-Adult ATV/Motorcycle

We ride ATVs and motorbikes a lot! The need for a great helmet is not lost on our riders. This off-road bike helmet is a great looking safety accessory. We like the black because it matches any accessories and gear.

We had a friend get severely injured a couple of years ago on a motorcycle. His protective gear and some very astute friends and first responders saved his life. Having the right helmet and gear can make all the difference.

When shopping for safety equipment we always pay attention to the reviews. This helmet is very highly rated for function, fit and comfort. Besides being stylish, it seems to be very qualified for protection. 

Recommendation:

• read up on the review on Amazon
• get the right size - consider other gear you may wear often

Ancestry DNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test

The Ancestry DNA testing kit plus the Traits add-on helps people build their family tree and learn a great deal about who they are and where they came from. If you’ve ever wondered why you have very distinctively-shaped ears or when your great-great-grandfather went bald, this kit can tell you.

My grandmas have binders and books and software housing hundreds of family stories and origin documentation. They respect their ancestors and value their posterity. Family is everything to them. We hear stories about gold miners, homesteaders, pioneers, land owners, poverty, interesting marriages, etc.

The AncestryDNA test is a great way to get back to your roots. GUYs who value their family will find value in tracking down their heritage. 

Why we recommend it: Ancestry DNA makes some of the most popular DNA testing kits. The addition of the traits feature makes this one of the most unique gifts for GUYs.

• be sure you're sure about your parentage before gifting this DNA test - most GUYs don't want a Maurie Povich moment
• have multiple extended family members take a test
• people who have very little information on their roots can find additional information on ancestry websites

Waterproof Hiking Shoe - Keen

Historically I've been a Merrell shoe guy. However, when I saw the aggressive, nobby traction on the Keen hiking shoe soles I had to give them a try. 

I'm on the trail 4-6 times a week hiking, biking, camping, packing, climbing, fishing, etc. As of end of September of this year I've had 156 trail days. I have to trust my shoes to hold up and get the job done. 

I bought my first set of Keens and instantly loved the tread on the soles. They're aggressive and stick to EVERYTHING. 

However...after a month, the rubber part of the soles started to peel away from the foam base. I was SO disappointed. I contacted Keen and they were super responsive so I decided to give them another try. They sent me another pair and they've held up really well. I get 1 year of use from my Merrells. I hope I can get the same duration out of the Keens. 

If they hold up, they'll be my new go-to shoe.