Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

Esquire’s Christmas Mall Shopping List – Part II

December 7, 2010 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Esquire’s 15 “Affordable” Chain Store Gifts for Men – Part II

Click here for part one from yesterday.

The recession isn’t completely over just yet, so it was nice to see Esquire put together a gift guide for those of us who aren’t swimming through money like Scrooge McDuck.  (Who on a side note, was one of the most nattily attired cartoon characters ever.  Tophat, spats, no pants.  That’s some serious style courage.)  But some of Esquire’s mall-ready picks are still on the high end.  $150 for jeans is a little steep, so there’s room for additions.

Jump on over to Esquire.com for their list of what they consider “affordable” and stylish gifts which guys can pick up at their local mall.  Then head back this way for some alternatives and further analysis from us.  The final eight get wrapped up today.
.

Click for Esquire's list of 15

.

8. Esquire: Florsheim Kenmoor Wingtips – $225 | Dappered: B.R. San Marcos – $140

Under $100 if you get them on sale.

Catch these on sale for 30% off and you can get them for under $100.   Will you be blown away by the quality?   No, but they look pretty good in person.  Especially if they’ve been shined up by a pro.  The toe isn’t super slim, but it’s far from clunky.  Not a bad choice for guys with wider (but not super wide) feet.
.

9. Esquire: Tissot – $350 | Dappered: The same Tissot – $250 | White Dial Chrono – $278.99

Nice time pieces. Not cheap, but... nice.

Slick Tissot.  But why over-pay by $100?  The same Tissot is available on Amazon for $250.  Although it’s not sold direct by Amazon, it is fulfilled by Amazon.  Those are safer buys and if you question the authenticity or there’s no warranty, send it back and Amazon has to deal with it.  The White Dial Chrono on the other hand IS sold by Amazon.  So you should be safe there.   The Brown Band is nice, but swapping that out for a black band would make it one sharp dress watch.
.

10. Esquire: Paul Smith Pajamas – $210 | Dappered: A.E. Plaid Slippers – $19.99

For when he gets out of bed.

Pajamas huh?  There are two types of guys in this world.  Guys who wear pajamas to bed, and guys who wear something else like gym shorts or boxers.  You don’t want to get the latter a set of pajamas.  And you don’t want to ask him what he wears to bed either (he might give you another answer you don’t want to hear.)  So slippers then.  Buffalo plaid.  Cheap.
.

11. Esquire: Jack Spade Carry-All – $245 | Dappered: Frost River Flight Bag – $120 – $140

All hail Duluth Minnesota!

Credit to reader Ben who has mentioned Frost River in a comment thread before.  This is one perfectly simple bag.   Everything you want, nothing you don’t, and it looks incredible.   Plus, at just over $100 you’d never expect this:  These are made in the United States.  Duluth Minnesota to be exact.
.

12. Esquire: CREED Aventus Fragrance – $140 | Dappered: Blue Coat Gin – $24 – $30

And you can drink it too.

Is it bad that when I first saw the bottle I thought of Scott Staap?  Is it worse that I’m suggesting a bottle of booze instead of colognes?  Blue Coat is made in the US.   Smells great too.  Tell the recipient that you first thought about getting him cologne, so… maybe he could dab a little of the Gin behind each ear?  Distilled in Philadelphia.
.

13. Esquire: Zirh Shave Cream – $22.50 | Dappered: Art of Shaving Starter Kit – $25.00

The unscented version (they do come in scented)

That Zirh shave cream looks nice & the price is good and low, but consider something that’s less of a commitment.   The Art of Shaving Starter Kit comes with two weeks worth of essentials.  That’ll give him an idea as to whether or not he wants to get on board the luxury shaving trend.  Plus, he’ll get a sweet Badger Hair Brush.
.

14. Esquire: Oval French Oven – $270 | Dappered: LamsonSharp Slotted Turner – $21.99

Also made in the USA

As lovely as that Oval French Oven must be, guys like tools.  Stuff they can wield.  And the LamsonSharp Slotted Turner is one of the best tools you can find.  It flips, scrapes, chops in the pan, and more or less directs whatever it is you’re cooking on the stove top in whatever direction you please.  It’s light, has a great flex to it, and there’s a nice edge that’s not quite knife sharp but is thin enough to pierce and slice.
.

15. Esquire: Williams Sonoma Glasses – $64 | Dappered: Luigi Bormioli Glasses – $29.99

Even cheaper if you use a Macy's coupon

There’s a million different versions of the double old fashioned.  The Bormioli “Crescendo” collection is all curves, has a retro feel, and won’t dent your checking account.  Under $30 for four glasses.  Made in Italy.

Questions, comments, additions, etc… all are welcome in the comments section below.  Here’s to hoping you find a decent parking spot at the mall this Holiday shopping season.

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Drink, Grooming, Shoes, Too Expensive, Watches Tagged With: affordable gifts, Christmas, Esquire, gift guide, mall, Winter

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Chelsea boots, suede sneakers, and a lot of dress oxfords. Ranking the 10 best from one of AE’s biggest sales of the year.

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Unconstructed blazers, lightweight chinos, and even swim trunks.

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Last call for those wristwatches at Macy’s too.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Steal and Stock Alert: Seiko 5 Sports GMT 20% off
  • J. Crew: 40% off select full + additional 40% off final sale
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Allen Edmonds Extra 20% off F2s, New BR Sale items, & More
  • Style Scenario: Feels like Spring – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.