Not sure what to get that special man in your life this holiday season? There’s no doubt that dudes, bros, and men of all stripes can be difficult to shop for, but there are a few must-haves that every man in your life will appreciate, so if the striped cardigan you gave him last year was an epic fail, read on to get some crazy and clever gift ideas to stuff in a stocking or slide under the tree this year.
1. Watch. Men don’t get too many accessories, but one way to make their look more sophisticated is to give them a nice wristwatch.
2. Wallet. Like their underwear, most men refuse to buy a new wallet even when it’s completely falling apart (“But hon, I just got it broken in!”). It falls to their loved ones to say enough is enough and get something new (then forcibly remove the old one from their vice-like grip). Leather is always a good option, but there is a fine line between having enough card slots and being too bulky, so go conservative with size.
3. Tie. Every man can use a couple of nice ties in his wardrobe, even if he doesn’t wear a suit daily. Go for something in bold, masculine colors for the everyman in your life (red, blue, green) and opt for a geometric print that’s not too loud.
4. Cufflinks. If you know someone who does wear a suit every day (or attends a lot of black tie affairs), a classy pair of airplane cufflinks could fit the bill. Don’t go for anything too ostentatious or off the wall unless you’re sure that his sensibilities lean that way. Less is more when it comes to accoutrements for men.
5. Shaving kit. If you see your man using disposable razors and soap to shave (and suffering the razor burns and chafing that go along with utilizing the wrong tools), shape up his morning routine with a suave kit from The Art of Shaving. You can include a razor, foaming shave soap (with applicator brush) and even a handy stand to hold it all. Throw in some aftershave or other skincare products for a little something extra.
6. Flask. The only way this could be a bad idea is if your man is a recovering alcoholic, in which case a snappy water bottle and a date to go hiking is in order. If that’s not the case, offer this classic male gift (along with a bottle of his favorite sipping alcohol) to make him feel like a bona fide member of the rat pack.
7. Cigars. This goes right along with the flask. Even men who don’t smoke (cigarettes) enjoy a good cigar once in awhile and you can easily find cigars online cheap. It is a super-masculine way to hang with the guys. Just don’t get anything too petite or fruity and if you think he’ll hang onto them for more than a few weeks, consider a humidor as a companion gift.
8. Leatherman. A handy multi-tool, the Leatherman can easily fit into a front pocket and comes equipped with pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, and just about any other small tool that might be useful on a day-to-day basis. It’s the new Swiss Army Knife.
9. iPhone. The must-have phone can be a must-give gift this season. With prices dropping and rumors that it will soon be available on other carriers, you can’t go wrong with the iPhone 4, which will allow you to pictorially teleconference with your honey when he’s away on business.
10. Adventure. If you happen to know one of those guys who has everything, consider giving the gift of adventure by signing him up for skydiving, bungee jumping, racing lessons, or a white-water rafting trip. You’re sure to send him over the edge with one of these creative and exciting gifts!
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Pinstripe Magazine. Creative thinker and menswear designer who has been writing articles dedicated to men’s fashion, lifestyle, luxury items, home design, gear, grooming and gadgets since 1998. For info on PinstripeMag, any editorial needs or to contact me please email at marv@pinstripemag.com.
I know that men need ties. But not too many of them. So I think they are not really on every man’s wishlist.