Welcome to crunch time. Christmas is fast approaching, and if you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re running out of time to find something for your pal, brother, boyfriend, or husband. The good news is that it’s not too late, even if you’re shopping for a guy who’s got tastes that are a little more honed in compared to the general dude-public. All picks & suggestions below should be easy-ish to source locally (barring living in the middle of nowhere) or, should ship fast enough to get to you, in time, for a quick wrapping. Happy Holidays, and good luck!
Gift certificates to get his shoes shined
Got a cobbler in your city? Drop in and see if they offer gift certificates for shoe shines. Sure, plenty of guys actually like the process of shining their own shoes, but every so often it’s nice to just hand em’ over to the pros.
The Target Sourced Timex: $30 – $45ish
- Brass Case Field Chrono – $45.00
- Weekender Slip Thru Gray/Blue – $30.00
- Originals Black Case Tan Leather Strap – $37.50
- Weekender Chrono with Leather or Nylon Slip Through Band – $40 – $45
Almost everyone has a Target near them, and thanks to Target’s website, you can choose the “pickup” option and not have to stand in line at a regular register. Just give em’ a couple of hours to dig up that watch, then duck inside and hit the customer service desk. Avoiding the regular crush of humanity is key, and many of their great looking (yet super affordable) Timex’s are marked down.
The Slightly Unexpected Bottle of Booze
Ah yes. A trip to the liquor store. Sorta feels like a cop-out, but if you’ve got an imbiber on your list, it’s always appreciated. Especially if you go off the beaten path just a bit. If he drinks gin? Try gifting a bottle of Old Tom style gin by Ransom. If he drinks Scotch? Look for something that’s aged a bit differently (say, in rum casks). If he’s a whiskey guy, try gifting a bottle of perfect-for-the-season Canadian, like Pendleton’s 1910. A little sweet, a little spicy, it fits in perfect around the holidays. Got someone who doesn’t drink alcohol on your list? Try a sixer of good ginger beer. Perfect for parties when you don’t want to be sipping on a coke.
Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen – $30 – $35ish
Going from writing with a cheap ball point to writing with a fountain pen is kinda like switching from crummy square toed dress shoes to classic, well made oxfords. There’s no going back. The good news is that this sleek pen from Lamy is relatively inexpensive, writes real smooth, and ships free & fast from Amazon (especially fast if you have Amazon Prime).
The Un-Boring Pair of Gloves
- Ralph Lauren Quilted Deerskin Zip Gloves – $79.99 ($135)
- AllGloves Made in Italy I-Touch Tech Gloves – $$74.96 w/ HOLIDAY10 ($178)
- J. Crew Buffalo Check Leather Gloves – $54 w/ GIFTNOW ($90)
- Club Monaco Half Knit Leather Gloves – $59.40 & ships free w/ FREESHIP ($119.50)
Even if he’s already got a pair of gloves, having a backup pair or a pair to stash in the car is never a bad idea. Wander off the well worn and beaten Isotoner path, and try to dig up something with a slightly different detail. Quilting, wool tops, textured deerskin… whatever. Just something a bit different. All picks above should (key word: should) get to you by Christmas Eve if you order by today, 12/21.
The Amazon Sourced Watch that comes w/ free 1 Day Shipping (exp.)
- Orient Duke Automatic – $184.37 (review here)
- Citizen Black Dial / Brown Band Chrono – $206.25
- Timex Intelligent Quartz Chrono – $88.39 (review here)
- Invicta Pro Diver Automatic – $85.90
One day shipping? For free? Not all of their watches get that treatment, just a selection, but that’s still an impressive bit of enticement that Amazon is dangling out there. It’s quite a bargain, especially around this time of year with the crush of parcels. You’ll get it in plenty of time to wrap it and stash it under the tree or in a stocking.
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector – $13.24
Having your thumb split open from winter dryness, and then bleeding all over your favorite shirt or sportcoat is a drag. This stuff, which is sold direct by Amazon or easily found at any mall with a Body Shop (so, almost all malls) helps prevent that. Lots of people complain about the smell. It smells a bit like… dirt? Outdoorsy? It doesn’t smell like the Body Shop, that’s for sure. Or just get him some O’Keeffe’s
Wide Shouldered Hangers: Extra Wide Wood Coat Hangers – $16.99 / 3 pk
Yes really. Hangers are key, and nothing can shorten the life of his favorite topcoat, suit, or sportcoat than hanging it on a thin, standard hanger. Yet, most guys just don’t keep enough of these hangers on hand. So having a few extra helps out quite a bit. Fufilled by Amazon, or, if you don’t want to risk shipping times, just hit your local Bed Bath and Beyond and you should be able to find some there.
A vintage book or two
What’s his favorite genre? Does he have a favorite set of movies (like the Bond flicks) based on books? Does he have any particular interests (politics, playing the guitar, basketball) that have been written about by legends? Hit your local used book shop, and try to dig up a classic that would fit his tastes.
For the couples: Dinner out, with you wearing that thing he likes
Go get a gift certificate for dinner out at his favorite spot. Doesn’t have to be something super fancy, just his favorite place that also allows him to wear some of his favorite clothes. Meanwhile, if you’re so inclined, take a selfie of yourself wearing that outfit he’s complimented you on a million times (hint: that means he likes it when you wear that), and wrap those two things up. All too often there has to be a special occasion to get dressed up and head out for a fun night on the town. Doesn’t have to be his birthday or an anniversary this year. It’s just a well thought out Christmas gift, and he can cash it in at a later date.