Welcome to crunch time. Christmas is this week, 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 puts more effort into his appearance 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 job. Happy Holidays, and good luck!
Gonna be honest. This seems RISKY this year. Even if it’s Monday, and Christmas is Saturday, and you’ve got Amazon Prime… still feels like a gamble. But if you’re gambling, just make sure that the watch is being fulfilled by Amazon and it’s tagged as an item that “arrives before Christmas”. You should see that note somewhere below the price but above the “add to cart” button.
This could take the form of dog walker, a mobile car detailer, a yard service, a handyman repair. Think of the chores he normally tackles on the weekend, and pay to have someone else take care of that chore for a weekend. Even if he genuinely LIKES doing these chores (like dog walking or cleaning), give him the gift of time that he can use for, y’know, something else. For a change. Even if it’s tackling another chore he’s been meaning to get to. Photo via Merritt Thomas on Unsplash.
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 Director’s Reserve. A little sweet, a little spicy, and a heck of a splurge. Just go in, poke around a bit, and ask questions.
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 (it’s a bit like washing a nice car), but every so often it’s nice to just hand them over to the pros.
Almost everyone has a Target near them (almost, not all). Plus, thanks to Target’s website, you can see what’s in stock at your local brick and mortar before you head out, and even 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 what you’re after as long as they have it in stock, then duck inside and hit the customer service desk. Head here for a review of some of our favorites from this winter’s Goodfellow & Co line.
If you spend Christmas morning at home, and he’s a foodie, how about a super decadent brunch? Treat him like a king. Have his breakfast favorites a plenty, but step it all up in quality. If he likes to drink with brunch, start him with a hot or cold coffee cocktail. If you’re making scrambled eggs, an easy way to add decadence is to use cream instead of milk, and cook them up in butter. Bacon? Splurge on high quality, thick cut meat from a butcher. Waffles can be kicked up a notch will an impressive offering of toppings, and high quality maple syrup. You could even make the butter a bit more decadent. Have a starter fruit and cheese board. Offer a build your own mimosa or Bloody Mary bar. You can make it as simple or complicated as you want, but one thing’s for sure; it’ll be a jolly way to start his day. And then allow him the grace of a food coma and nap.
The world has come a long way since the Jelly of the Month Club. There’s only about 8.5 trillion of these services around now, and many of them are targeted towards guys who appreciate style and actually put some effort into their appearance. The Google shall help you, but it’s tough to go wrong with Bespoke Post. They’re (obviously) a favorite around these parts, and opting out of any boxes you don’t want is super easy. Shown above is the popular “Frontier” box.
“Pamper” and “guys” don’t really go all that well together. But this is about as close as we get. Heritage inspired barber shops are back in a big way. So if he doesn’t have a regular barber, or if he does and said person doesn’t offer shaves, get him a gift certificate to send him to a place that does just that. Ask around though. Last thing you want is to send the recipient to a place that’ll hack his face to bits.
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 book shop (used or otherwise), and try to dig up a classic that would fit his tastes. Books are functional art. They look great on the shelf, and re-reading a favorite during these cold and dark months is a terrific, very much NOT guilty pleasure.
Fair trade shops. Local knitters. Heck, even Whole Foods carries scarves this time of year, often made from nice materials and knit by artisans from across the globe. And scarves are a necessity if he likes topcoats, peacoats, etc. It’s a little late to get those needles clacking, but I’ve had three scarves personally knit for me as gifts over the years, and each of them are incredibly meaningful. If you’re a knitter or you know one, maybe make a plan for next year. Figure out his favorite colors. Pick out some nice wool yarn. But for this year and for last minute, try local shops, holiday fairs, etc.
Just a warning that this could be a time wasting wild goose chase. Or you could find something terrific, like the money clip shown above. Probably only best executed by season resale/thrift/vintage shop goers, who are really familiar with their recipient’s style.
Set up a movie night/afternoon matinee/post brunch couch trip. Unless you’re knee deep in family obligations, Christmas day can start to be a bit of a yawner by mid-afternoon. So get him a movie. Make some cocktails. Curl up on the couch and soak it up. Wrap up one of his favorite beers or drinks, and a bag of popcorn, and hit the couch.
Does he gravitate towards landscapes? Retro looking stuff? Portraits? Architecture? Lighthouses? Bears wearing funny little hats? Seems like a lot of restaurants and coffee houses have local artists on display with originals and prints ready to buy. Doesn’t have to be some ritzy gallery mega-piece that costs a fortune. And it doesn’t even have to be something to hang on the wall. Think sculpture, ceramics, etc.
If you have enough information about his 2022 goals or resolutions, is there something you can source for him that will support said goals? If the goal is fitness, you can go with workout gear, a few months covered at his gym or a few sessions with a trainer, or a gift card to a restaurant all about healthy food options. If he’s trying to focus his mental energy on things that matter, then maybe a book like this is a solid choice. Maybe he has the goal of keeping his physical space cleaner. See if there are any minimalist or clutter coaches in your area that you can buy a few sessions from or a program for him. Whatever his goals are, put your thinking cap on and either find something locally to support it, or rely on Amazon to get something shipped to you fast.
For those who own more than a watch or two (watch boxes come in various sizes with various amounts of slots/places to store stuff). Again, sourced on Amazon but be REALLY sure it says “arrives before Christmas.” Shown above is the Holme & Hadfield 4 watch display case. Goes for ninety bucks on Uncle Jeff’s Internet Emporium. Drawer allows you to store any every-day-carry accessories you might want to keep out of the way and organized. Big thanks to our man Zach for the tip on this one. He’s a fan.
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. If you’re so inclined, take a selfie of yourself wearing that outfit he’s complimented you on a million times, and wrap up that pic with the gift card. 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.
Need more ideas or want to test the limits of shipping speeds this time of year? Here’s a few more gift guides from us, with more options:
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