It’ll be here before you know it. So if you’re in need of a few ideas on what to give (or in some cases, what to put on your own list) this year, this is the place to be for the next couple weeks. Our annual 12 days of Dappered covers highly giftable ideas with a few examples piggy-backed onto each. All will be reasonably affordable. See the growing archive here.
It’s crunch time. Meaning at this point, unless you’re willing to shell out exorbitant amounts of cash for expedited shipping, or, you’re fine with standing in enormous lines at a retailer… it’s time to focus on services instead of goods. Think local experts where you can drop in, get a gift certificate for the style-aficionado on your list, then get out. If he’s into style, chances are he’s got stuff that needs to be taken care of. Here are a few ideas on how to give the gift of style-centric maintenance:
The Straight Razor Shave / Barbershop Trip
Chances are the guy on your list already has a place to go and get his hair cut, but what about a shave? The resurgence in classic barber shops has provided ample opportunities for 21st century men to get a 19th century close-as-hell shave. Art of Manliness used to have a barbershop locator, but changes in google maps caused them to put that to rest. A quick google search should suffice, or, hit barbershopsnearme.com.
Detailing for his Transportation (car/skis/bike/etc)
Not everyone loves their car. But if they do, getting it detailed is a real treat. Do a bit of research and see which places have the best reputations. If it’s a certain make, there’s always the dealership. You’ll pay out the nose, but chances are it’ll be spectacular. Is he not in love with his ride, or, takes public transportation? What about getting his bike tuned up? Or his ski’s prepped for the season? A warning: Lots of guys are VERY particular about their equipment (that sounded… never-mind), so if he’s a bit obsessed, he might not like someone else’s mitts on his stuff.
Shoe Recrafting / Shoe Shine
The Shoe Shine was previously mentioned over here, but a full recrafting service might be a great idea for a long term wearer of Allen Edmonds, or, another brand that offers recrafting services. More about Allen Edmonds recrafting can be found on their site.
Housecleaning Service
Beth already mentioned this in the Gift Guide for Women, but it’s probably more applicable to the dude side. Why? Because if the world sees one more WIWT pic featuring an impeccably put-together outfit… in front of what appears to be a toxic waste dump of an apartment…
Sports/Deep Tissue Massage
“I want you to get married. I want you to have nine children. And if you only spend five minutes a day with each kid, that’s forty-five minutes, and I’d at least have time to go out and get a massage or something.” – Danny Kaye as Phil Davis in White Christmas
Chances are most fellas, even those who pay attention to style, wouldn’t know what the hell to do with a Spa gift certificate. That said, if he’s an active guy who hits the gym, the slopes, or the beach with some regularity, he might need to get a few knots and tweaks worked out. A warning: These aren’t always relaxing. Often, you get put through the wringer, but you’ll feel much better when you’re done. Also, if you’re unaware, there are certified massage therapists, and then there are those who work in massage “parlors”. They are not the same. Choose incorrectly, and you might find yourself in the middle of a police sting.
Follow along with the rest of 2014′s edition of the 12 Days of Dappered here.