The Best Holiday Gifts for Men: Something Special for Every Style

It’s that time of year when you begin thinking about the perfect gifts for the special man in your life. The team at INSIDE+OUT Upstate NY has come together to share some of our favorite gift ideas from local artisans and shops in the Hudson Valley. Whether shopping for outdoor lovers, creatives, foodies, or adventurers, we found something special for everyone! Check out our editor’s picks for unique holiday gifts for him.

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE OUTDOORSY TYPE

MINNEWASKA LODGE | Gardiner NY | Learn More Here

Share the gift of a Weekend Getaway or a Staycation gift at the Minnewaska Lodge, a haven for the adventurous spirit, catering to mountain climbers, nature lovers, entrepreneurs, and couples seeking a romantic escape. Set in the stunning Shawangunk Mountains, the lodge offers breathtaking views and plenty of activities for adventurers. Surrounded by 25,000 acres of preserved wilderness, Minnewaska Lodge provides a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.

CATSKILL CANDLE STUDIO  | Campfire + Fir Candle

Picture this: You’re comfortably settled in a cozy cabin in the Catskills, surrounded by the refreshing scent of evergreen trees. The woodsy, resinous aroma of fir blends with the smoky essence of a crackling campfire, capturing the spirit of outdoor adventure and the appeal of the wilderness. If that resonates, so will this special scented candle.

HUNKER & VIBE RETRO GIFTS | Stainless Steel Insulated Thermos

Our editors fell in love with Hunker & Vibe’s fabulous plaid thermos. Everyone gave this an immediate thumbs-up! 

FINDING FORM DESIGN |  The Camp Stool

Also known as a campaign stool, Tijuana stool, or painter’s stool, this lightweight yet durable folding stool is ideal for living rooms, campfires, seated massage sessions, or painting. It features three tapered legs that support a supple seat made of Italian leather known as “Buttero” from the renowned family-run tannery Conceria Walpier in Tuscany, which becomes more pliable with use. The hardwoods are locally sourced, and the wood finish is made without petroleum products, using shellac and wax paste. The stool easily folds for transport and is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, supporting up to 325 pounds. It encourages a natural and upright posture, making it great for practitioners of the Alexander Technique, meditation, and zazen.

FOR THE CREATIVE SPIRITS IN YOUR LIFE

BOSCO’S MERCANTILE |  Dusen Dusen Terry Slippers

Living in color! For a colorful stroll around the house, these slippers are what dreams are made of. Gender Fluid, Terry slippers for everyone in your life.

GIFT A VINTAGE GUITAR from Strawberry Fields | Imperial Guitars | Stockade Guitars | Folkadelic

If your child, partner, husband, or father enjoys sitting by the fireplace strumming a guitar, or perhaps he’s performing on stage, here are a few great places to find fabulous vintage guitars: Strawberry Fields in Woodstock, NY; Stockade Guitars in Kingston, NY; Imperial Guitars New Paltz NY and Folkadelic in Phoenicia NY. 

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GIVE THE GIFT OF ART – Explore the various galleries in the Hudson Valley. Working with a local gallery provides access to a diverse array of artists, unique styles, and price points; and you know we’re all about supporting local businesses and artists.

BCMT GALLERY | Learn More Here

Contact BCMT Gallery to see all works by artist Josh Vogel of Blackcreek Market. Josh creates stunning objets d’art and exquisite solid wood furniture that showcases the beauty of 100% domestically sourced, sustainable hardwoods, bringing both artistry and eco-friendliness into your home. BCMT Gallery represents various artists, so be sure to check out their website for inspiring works of art! 

THE LOCKWOOD GALLERY | Learn More Here

To purchase a striking piece of art for your man, contact Alan Goolman, the curator at Lockwood Gallery. Featured in the gallery this month is an exciting exhibit from James Holl‘s “Indeterminate Landscapes” series.

JAMES COX GALLERY | Learn More Here

Located in the historic art colony of Woodstock, New York, the James Cox Gallery specializes in 20th-century artists and represents the estates of several notable artists. The gallery focuses on American artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. For a tour of the gallery and to explore the artworks in his gallery, contact James Cox.

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS MEN IN YOUR LIFE

SKYDIVE THE RANCH |  Learn More Here

Take to the skies over the Hudson Valley! Skydive the Ranch, owned and operated by professional skydivers, has been bringing the gift of flight to hundreds of thousands of people for over 44 years. Soar over the Hudson Valley with views from the Catskills to the Shawangunk Mountains to the Manhattan skyline! Our fearless writer Paul Willis shares his first dive experience here – and he LOVED it!

BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN | Learn More Here

The best snow and only gondola in the Catskill Mountains! Belleayre offers 171 acres of skiing in the Catskills with 50 trails and glades. There are options for everyone, from challenging slopes to scenic trails. The resort also provides private lessons and kids’ programs. Gift cards make a great gift and can be used for lift tickets, lessons, and rentals at Belleayre, Gore, Whiteface, and the Lake Placid Olympic Venues. They do not expire and can be reloaded anytime!  Other mountains to consider are Hunter Mountain, Windham Mountain Club, Plattekill Mountain, and Catamount Mountain Resort. 

GIFT IDEAS FOR FOODIES

THE GIFT OF FINE DINING IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

Who doesn’t love a special night out on the town with a romantic meal for two? Consider putting together a small gift box or a fun holiday card filled with gift cards from your favorite local restaurants. If you’re lucky, you might just be the one receiving that invitation!  Here are some of our favorites:

The Maker | Hudson NY | Gift Card

Isola Wine & Tapas | Kinderhook NY | Gift Card

Foxfire Mountain House | Mount Tremper NY | Gift Card

The Klocke Estate Restaurant | Hudson NY |  Gift Card 

Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Bar | Big Indian NY |  Gift Card

The Red Onion | Woodstock NY |  Gift Card

Elizas | Kingston NY | Gift Card

Lone Wolf | Kingston NY |  Gift Card

Annarella Restorante | Saugerties NY | Gift Card

THE GIFT OF ARTISANAL FOODS FROM LOCAL SPECIALTY MARKETS

Who doesn’t love watching a man in the kitchen? Show your appreciation with a gift of love from some of the area’s top food specialty markets. Here’s a link to a roundup we did on specialty markets – enjoy!

Grazery | New Pattz NY | Gift Cards

Black Eyed Suzies | Kingston NY | Gift Card

ImmuneSchein | Woodstock NY | Gift Card

Scarborough Fare | Beacon + New Paltz NY | Gift Card

Talbott & Harding | Hudson NY | Gift Card

Bistro-to-Go | Kingston NY | Gift Card

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Happy Shopping!

Explore our Directory for anything you’re looking for, whether you’re living, visiting, or working in the Hudson Valley!