Tis the season. And by now you’ve probably been walloped over the head by 82,000 gift guides. So what’s a few more? This year, we’re departing from our past reluctance to do full blown gift guides. You guys ask for em’, so, we’re giving the people what they want. But instead of doing a highly generalized, throw-everything-against-the-digital-wall gift guide, we’ll be breaking it up by category. Gifts for the guy who likes watches. Or the rugged type. Or the guy who’s really into shoes. Etc. We’ll cover all those, and hopefully a few more in the coming weeks. As a note, know that the gifts listed will be in ascending order, starting with gifts for those who have been kinda sorta naughty, and finishing up with gifts for those who have been extra nice.
A Tipped Pocket Square: The Tie Bar – $11.99
Tipped pocket squares are great, because while the base is a dependable white linen or cotton, it’s the edges that bring a bit of color and personality. Think about what squares you’ve seen him wear. Does he have a preferred color? Have you seen him wear a tipped one before, with that color as its border? No? Then there’s the one to get.
Wide Shouldered Suit/Sportcoat/Blazer Hangers – $19.99 / 5pk
Is it the sexiest gift? No. But wide shouldered hangers are gold to a guy who loves to wear suits, sportcoats, and blazers.
Skagen Leather Card Case – $23.45 ($35)
Guys in suits often carry slimmed down wallets, or, a card case and money clip combo. This one is inexpensive, yet still really sharp looking. Blue + Black = slick as hell. And, it ships/returns free in case he doesn’t dig it.
Made in the USA Brass Money Clip – $30.36 w/ 72HOUR ($37.95)
What was that about guys in suits often carrying slimmed down card cases and money clips? That’s not always the case, but it often is. Here’s a money clip suggestion. Made in Brooklyn. Great angles. Good tension for holding onto cash. 20% off for a limited time through CoolMaterial’s shop. Also available in a black oxide in case he’s less of a bling dude.
Karas Kustoms Brass Retrakt Pen – $67.96 w/ 72HOUR ($84.95)
“I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen.” An insult, right? Well, depends on the pen Lloyd. Heavy on the style, and heavy on the… weight. This thing has a good, solid mass to it. So, less of a pen to carry around in a shirt or inside jacket pocket. More something to use at the desk or on the nightstand. Pens can get stupid, stupid expensive. This one is made in the USA, takes easy to find refills, and is one solid work of art.
Kent Wang Made in Italy Grenadine Necktie – $75
Skip giving him cheap ties. If the guy on your list wears suits a lot… he knows where to get cheap ties. Instead, if he’s been extra nice this year, opt for a splurge tie. Like this classic, silk grenadine tie from Kent Wang. Solid in color but with that unmistakable texture. Made in Italy. And unlike cheap ties, the construction and quality/weight of fabric makes it tie easier, and drape better.
L.E. 100% Cashmere Breton Stripe Crew – $119.40 @ 40% off ($199)
If he’s one to dress up, a lot, then even his casual gear is probably chosen with some intent. And this thing is a fine bit of luxury. Often 40% off. Sometimes 50% off. Super smooth, tightly woven cashmere. Midweight. Easy to layer over or under, but warm enough on its own. Not a super slim fit, but more tailored than LE’s other sweaters. Size shown above is a medium.
A really nice steamer: Rowenta IS6300 Master Valet – $129.99
The dry cleaner can be terrible on suits, sportcoats, and blazers. And tiny handheld steamers sometimes spit out huge blasts of steam out of nowhere, and/or have to be refilled all the time. Going with a professional style steamer like this one is the way to go if you can spend the dough. Steam will release those wrinkles and freshen up your duds, so you can go longer between dry-cleanings.
Persol PO 714 Folding Sunglasses – $136.14
A classic that looks as good with a suit and tie as it does with a t-shirt and jeans. Benefit of these though, while suited, is that they fold up nice and compact, and don’t take up much room in an interior jacket pocket. Less bulk/jacket bulge the better. 54mm should fit most average head sizes. 52mm is for the smaller guys or ladies. Unmistakable, key-hole bridge shape.
Ledbury Fine Twill Semi Spread Collar Dress Shirt – $145
Bar none, the best dress shirt to wear when going tieless in a suit. Great collar. Perfectly placed, slightly lowered second button. Terrific fabrics and construction. Yes, they’re an investment. No, they don’t go on sale that often. And be warned. You might hook the guy on Ledbury if you give him one of these.
Hook & Albert Canvas or Leather Weekender – $395 – $585
Genius design that’s made to minimize wrinkles and creasing as you and your suit get from point A to point B. Even has specialized pockets for your shoes, that add balance to the weight of the bag when zipped up.
Suitsupply 100% Cashmere Topcoat – $699
For the extra, extra, extra, nice. 100% cashmere. Made by Suitsupply, so, they know a thing or two about how a coat should fit over a suit. Ships & returns for free.