If you don't know what gifts to buy for the holidays, this episode is for you. I'm giving you gift guides for her, him, mom, dad, and coworkers (starting at 14 minutes). The beginning is a new segment I'm calling "Working On It" featuring something I'm working on (new), something I've worked on (successfully), and something I'll continue to work on (unsuccessfully so far), that you start doing alongside me if you want. 

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guides + Monthly Goal Setting That Actually Works

This episode features new sections I'm testing out for the podcast - gift guides for everyone in your life plus a goal-setting method called "Working On It" that's way better than New Year's resolutions. These would normally be newsletter content, but I wanted to share them here first.

Welcome to a different kind of episode. Instead of one big topic, I'm introducing new recurring segments that'll appear at the beginning or end of future episodes. Think of this as your monthly toolkit for both personal development and holiday shopping.

"Working On It" - Monthly Goal Setting That Actually Works

Instead of waiting for January 1st to set massive, unrealistic resolutions like "sleep more" or "eat healthier," try this monthly approach. I break it into three categories that create a realistic framework for continuous improvement.

What I'm Working On (New)

Being a better Hinge texter/responder. I've missed so many opportunities by just being shit at texting on dating apps. Here's the thing - I mentally separate texting and Hinge messaging. Hinge doesn't feel as important as regular texting because these are literally online strangers until you meet them.

The problem: Days or weeks go by because I think "if I'm not free in the next couple days, why should I respond and set a date for a week out?" But that mentality has caused so many missed connections to slip through the cracks.

Why this matters: If you want to go on more dates and meet new people, you have to respond and keep conversations going. It only works when you actually engage.

What I've Worked On Successfully

Consistently getting my ass to the gym. I did a whole episode called "gym confidence" about being nervous to start working out around people lifting much heavier weights. In the beginning, I was lifting 20-pound weights while surrounded by guys lifting much more.

Why it works: Going to the gym helps me mentally and physically. I feel so much more productive and my day is better when I've gotten some sort of movement - whether it's lifting, running, walking, or doing a class. I've been going four or five times a week and I'm really proud of that success.

Key insight: It's important to acknowledge when you do something you're happy with. Write down or say out loud that you've been successful at building something into your routine. Reward yourself by recognizing your progress.

What I'm Still Working On (Unsuccessfully)

Getting more sleep - but I'm changing this goal because it's too big and lofty. The new goal is getting in bed at an earlier time because that's something I can actively implement starting tonight.

The problem: I've fallen into a bad habit of being on my phone at night before bed - scrolling TikTok, Instagram reels, YouTube shorts. I know it's bad for my sleep and keeps me up later than I want, but I've gotten really bad about it.

The fix: Instead of "get more sleep" (too vague), the goal is "get in bed earlier" (actionable). That's something I can actively change to work toward the bigger goal.

How to Use This System

Write it down. I'm telling you exactly what I wrote because writing goals down makes them real. If you just have goals in your head, it's much easier to forget them.

Make it monthly or weekly. You can do this every week if you want - I actually recommend that because it's easier to make goals happen when you check in more frequently.

Three categories only. One new thing to work on, one success to celebrate, one ongoing challenge to refine.

Each month, goals either move to the "successful" category, the "still working on" category, or fall out completely if they're no longer a priority.

Gift Guides: What to Actually Buy This Holiday Season

Based on Instagram story responses where people told me "what to buy for blank" with price ranges, here are my curated recommendations from cheapest to most expensive.

Gifts for Her

The jewelry warning: Don't buy jewelry unless you know exactly what she wants. Girls either feel obligated to wear something they don't like because you bought it, or they won't wear it and you've wasted money. Run it by her friends, siblings, or ask her directly.

Best recommendations:

• Experiences you can share together - concerts, shows, cooking classes, dance classes, couples massage, or a small trip

• Dyson Airwrap - expensive but girls won't usually buy it for themselves (if you've been in a long relationship)

• Pajamas - Eber J brand was specifically recommended

• Check their Pinterest boards - apparently lots of girls have these and you can get friends to help you investigate

• Ice roller from The Skinny Confidential - for your face, like sticking your face in ice but in handheld form (great for puffy post-hangover faces)

• Weighted blanket

• Class pack for their favorite workout - but only if you know they want it and won't think you're telling them to hit the gym

Budget-friendly options: Nice beanie, gloves, scarf, slippers, Uggs. We're old enough now that you can ask what people want - drop hints and see their reactions.

Remember: You don't have to spend tons of money. Pay for dinner, get flowers, take her ice skating, do a pottery class you've both talked about. If it's meaningful to both of you, that's what matters.

Gifts for Him

We're simple creatures. Here's what works:

Clothing and accessories:

• New shoes - Vejas (pronounced "VAY-zhaz") are great $100-150 white shoes for work or going out

• Bomber jacket or light jacket for going out

• New flannel or overshirt

• New hat, beanie, or gloves - guys never know where this stuff is and can always use it

Practical gifts:

• The Comfy - huge blanket sweatshirt that anyone would love

• New wallet

• Matt's Beard Bar - cleans beard trimmings from your sink (perfect for girlfriends whose boyfriends leave a mess)

• Amazon Alexa - I use mine every day and have an attachment issue with her

• Cocktail shaker or cocktail set

• Kitchen stuff - new knives, pots, pans, air fryer, cutting board

Experiences work for guys too: Concert tickets, game tickets, anything they've mentioned wanting to do.

Listen for hints: The best gifts come from previous conversations or things that would be useful to that person.

Gifts for Mom

Top recommendations:

• Ember mug - keeps drinks hot, my mom loves hers

• Stanley cup (not the hockey one) - the one that survived a car fire with ice still in it

• Arrow garden - lets her grow plants at home like mint and parsley

• Amazon Alexa - great for kitchen timers and general use

• Massage - go in with siblings on this one

Go in with your siblings - don't put all the pressure on yourself for parent gifts.

Gifts for Dad

Simple and effective:

• Theragun or Theragun mini

• Subscription services - "of the month" clubs for whatever they like (we got my dad "Dr. Pickle" - pickle of the month)

• Golf stuff if they golf, or anything related to their hobbies

• Experience gifts - game tickets, concerts, pay for dinner

• New wallet

• Lululemon clothes - we always get my dad this and he likes it

• New sneakers or shoes

Remember: Dads are simple and will appreciate that you thought of them.

Coworker/Secret Santa Gifts

For office gift exchanges or white elephant parties:

• Cookbook - easy and anyone can use recipes

• Something for their desk - funny mug from Etsy or actually helpful mug

• Funny t-shirt

• Kitchen items if they cook or bake

• Coffee-related items - matcha kit, cold press coffee maker

• Board game

• Hat or beanie (universal crowd-pleasers)

Golden rule: Don't get a gift card. Just don't be the gift card guy. If you're going to get a gift card, just give cash instead.

The Real Talk on Gift Giving

Don't overthink it. Gift buying can be really hard, but don't make it overcomplicated or stress yourself out. If they don't like it, get a gift receipt and call it a day.

People aren't that intense about gifts. If the person likes you enough (and I hope they do), they'll like whatever you get them.

Listen and observe. The best gifts come from paying attention to conversations and things people mention wanting or needing.

Spend what you're comfortable with. Don't blow your wallet because you think they'll like something expensive. A thoughtful, meaningful gift is always better than an expensive one you can't afford.

Getting Started

For the "Working On It" system: Take a post-it note, notecard, or your notes app. Write out these three categories and try them for a month. Share your goals with me on Instagram stories - I'd love to see what you're working on and we can be accountability partners.

For gift giving: Use these suggestions as inspiration, but remember that the best gifts show you've been paying attention to what matters to that person.

The key to both personal goals and gift giving is the same: pay attention, be intentional, and don't overcomplicate it.

Want more gift suggestions or to share your "Working On It" goals? Follow @theguyset on Instagram/TikTok or email josh@guyset.com. The full gift guides with 15-20 items each are available in the newsletter at guyset.com.

Thank you for listening! Subscribe or follow the podcast, give this episode 5 stars, and leave a review. Click HERE to check out Guyset.com, HERE to connect with Guyset on Instagram, and HERE to connect with Guyset on TikTok, and HERE to watch the full episode on YouTube. You can reach me on Instagram DMs HERE or email josh@guyset.com. See you next Tuesday!