Few things make me happier than inspired and successful holiday gift shopping. Below are ten holiday presents to consider for your husband, boyfriend, dad, brother…or to pass along to well-meaning gift-givers with a nasty Christmas sweater habit.
.
1.// Travel Ashtray: Your guy fancies himself a modern-day Don Draper? It doesn’t get any more Mad Men than Phillipi’s Black Habana travel ashtray ($88). Its black leather case, magnetic closure and stainless steel details all make me want to go pick up a bad habit.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2.// Man-Bags: Gorgeous textured leather, intricate stitch detailing, and off-center zipper…this specimen, above left, from Doucal’s ($278) is the man-bag to end all man-bags. But lucky for obsessives like me, there will never be an end to man-bags. So if you are looking for something a little more undone, then check this on the right from Will Leather Goods ($289). I like the distressed leather, grommets, contrast handles and of course the buckle closure at the bottom (see here). Very vintage army feel.
.
3.// Manhattan Kit: Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey ($25-150), Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth ($25-35), Griottines brandied cherries ($25), Angostura Bitters ($13), and a tray that makes large ice cubes ($10). Side note: some people fear they “might look like a pansy” if they throw an ice cube in their whiskey glass. But Whiskey Expert Josh Wortman says it’s perfectly ok to use the ice cube trays above (and in fact as the ice melts, some liquid can open up the flavor — so it tastes better). Says Josh, “I use these trays all the time at home. The idea is you get good coldness with minimal dilution. You do want some dilution depending on the spirit.” So let your man enjoy his Manhattan with minimal watering-down and minimal pansiness with this all-encompassing kit.
.
4.// Shot Glasses: Ok, so I’m very a bit partial to bulls. In keeping with the cocktail theme of the previous entry is this bull’s head shot glass ($28). It’s perfectly calibrated so it balances right-side-up on its horns and nose. So your guy can attend to Important Things sans worry over spillage. (The shot glass also comes in bear, deer, moose, rabbit, ram, rhino.)
.
5.// Wool Coat: If your man still wears a fleece jacket or ski parka over his dress clothes, the jig is up. Every guy needs a coat that is both warm and grown-up looking. A great option is this wool driving coat from Rag & Bone ($795) because the style is classy, the length is modern, and the interesting details like double-welt pockets and black shawl collar give it a little extra steez. Buy it in the same size as his suit jackets (those that fit well!).
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
6.// Lace-Up Boots: My men’s boot obsession is no secret, and this season designers have failed to disappoint with all sorts of options for this style. If your guy is into intricate detailing and statement-making, then I’d recommend these from Roberto Cavalli (top row left, reg. $1150, now on sale for $690). The high shine, dramatic broguing, lug soles and buckle detail are all attention grabbers. A toned down option in the same color and with the same degree of shine are those above from Gucci (top row right, $795). If he prefers to fly even further below the radar, then check out those in the bottom row from Giorgio Armani. The matte finish leather is a much subtler statement. (Pant-tucking not required.)
.
7.// Glen Plaid Tie: Christmas ties get a bad rap. Take a pass on those that blink, sing or come with their own greenery, and give him something a little classier. This red and green glen plaid tie ($88) from Engineered Garments will give him that holiday flavor without the nasty aftertaste.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
8.// Man Jewelry: The problem with how many guys wear jewelry is that they take it to extremes (see Seasons 1 and 2 of Jersey Shore). For anything beyond the typical wedding ring/watch/cuff-links/tie clip, there’s an art to wearing men’s jewelry well. Two key points to keep in mind that will keep him clear of getting all Mr. T on you: keep it simple and not too sparkly and make sure he feels like himself in it, like he’s been wearing it for years. With that in mind, here are two options to consider. Nautical is always a big theme in menswear, and along those lines I like this Hooked bracelet from Miansai ($55, above left, comes in other colors). Pair it with a nautical watch and maybe a simple rope bracelet, and you’ve created a look that’s both easygoing and personal to him. If that’s too sporty, then consider this necklace from Maison Martin Margiela ($125). It’s solid and ruggedly stylish, and best of all, you won’t have a Situation on your hands when he wears it.
.
9.// Leather Belt: I love the non-traditional hardware and leather loops on this Apolis Pelican Belt ($138). Plus the fact that you get to roll it up and stick it in a tin can when you’re done wearing it! What guy wouldn’t love that?
.
10.// Rath & Co. Gift Certificate: But the most effective way to guarantee your man looks his best this holiday season? Give him a gift certificate to Rath & Co. Until February 15, 2011, we’re offering $50 off the purchase of all services. We’ll tell him his best colors, hair styles, patterns and styles. We’ll clear out his closet and even shop for him. We pretty much do everything except clean and cook dinner. Heck, we don’t even do that for ourselves.
