Category / Gift Guides

by Beau H.

Father’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Dad This Year

Editor’s note: Click through to peruse more gift suggestions for Dad.

Here at The Style Guide, we love our gift guides. Just as we had you covered with Mother’s Day gifts, so too are we doing the same thing for Father’s Day this year with our (read: my) picks for the best gifts for Dad. Shopping for an occasion like this calls that you recognize the father figure in your life for all that they’ve done for you, and a token of appreciation is just one way to do that. I know that I’m grateful as heck for my own father — his advice, support, encouragement and life approach are things that really have changed my life, and I wouldn’t be where I am without him! So it goes without saying that I hope to provide a gift that offers at least some of that back. And that should (ideally) be your goal, too. As budgets can get tight this time of year, we’ll try to keep everything within reason (or at least let you know why some pieces are investment-worthy). Does your recipient have a favorite hobby? That’s what we’ve targeted below, too. Read on, shop on and let me know if I missed any picks over on Twitter!

For The #Menswear Fan: Naadam Pierce Cotton Cashmere Grey Hoodie — $100

Just the sort of hoodie your Dad could use -- upgraded, premium and stylish.

Just the sort of hoodie your Dad could use — upgraded, premium and stylish.

A hooded sweatshirt for $100? Oh, yes. As is a constant theme here on The Style Guide, making small upgrades to your everyday style should be a goal for all of us. And if your dad still has that beloved old college hoodie, perhaps this Naadam cotton cashmere sweater is a better update to his weekend wardrobe. Plus, it’s made ethically with Peruvian Pima cotton, so you know it’ll fit well and feel fantastic.

For The Watch Hound: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono — $158

Not too dressy, not too casual -- just right. Very well-made, very sharp and very appropriate for Dad.

Not too dressy, not too casual — just right. Very well-made, very sharp and very appropriate for Dad.

Building an essential watch collection is something  that takes time (pun intended), but can often be pretty enjoyable — especially if you’ve got a neat case in which to store all those watches. If your recipient already has a dependable casual watch or perhaps even a dive watch, providing a change of pace is in order. The stellar, rugged and refined Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono (as previously covered on this site’s Style Pick of the Week series) is just the ticket, built with a thicker 42mm case diameter, a ridiculously tough Red Wing leather strap and all sorts of styling potential.
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For The Coffee Fiend: Timbuk2 x Blue Bottle Weekender Travel Kit — $139

For the guy who likes his coffee gourmet and on-the-go.

For the guy who likes his coffee gourmet and on-the-go.

Another pricey piece on this list, but one that’s definitely worth the investment — especially if your dad is into extraordinarily nice coffee. The waxed canvas Weekender Travel Kit from the good folks at Timbuk2 and Blue Bottle is packed chock-full of coffee essentials, including a sample of Blue Bottle’s delicious coffee, a Porlex Mini Hand Grinder, a travel dripper, two tumblers and a pack of compostable filters. The collaboration’s adage, “Brew Where You Are,” has never felt more fitting — it’ll be especially useful if you’re hitting the road in style this summer.

For The Golfer: Johnnie-O The Original Four-Button Polo — $89

Taking the classic polo and changing up the color and construction.

Taking the classic polo and changing up the color and construction.

A crisp, stylish summer polo is a definite go-to whether you’re a dad or not, so it only makes sense that prep style masters Johnnie-O deliver once again. The Original Four-Button Polo is an easy choice in this regard — the cotton jersey construction should be lightweight and breathable, the chest pocket and (small) logo add a bit of visual interest, and the Arctic color is a bit more subdued than stark white. And the best part? It’s not an athletic polo, and that means it can be worn off the links, too.

For The Amateur Chef: Bespoke Post “The Butcher” Box — $45 (With Bespoke Post Membership)

Just about everything a gourmet foodie could want -- including a seriously tough cutting board.

Just about everything a gourmet foodie could want — including a seriously tough cutting board.

Now, a box option from Bespoke Post made last year’s Father’s Day gift guide, but the brand’s smartly curated, downright useful boxes get a lot of things right for a lot of guys. Case in point — The Butcher Box features just about everything Dad might need to cook up a hearty meal (or two, or three…). We’re talking an edge-grain butcher block, your choice of gourmet meat or vegetables,  and other trappings like premium Sriracha sauce and mustard seeds. Is your mouth watering yet?

Even when shopping for someone besides yourself, it’s best to step into their shoes and get something that syncs up with their interests — heck, I’d be psyched to get any one of the items on this list. And you might be able to pick up a little something extra along the way as a, y’know, reward for a shopping job well-done. Of course, essentials like a great book are always welcomed, and customizable gifts can’t go amiss either. For rugged-yet-refined menswear accessories, I’d also recommend Owen & Fred’s extremely well-curated selection. You simply can’t go wrong. What will you be getting Dad this year? Let me know how it works out in the comments below!

Thanks, as always, for reading,

-Beau
Florsheim

by Beau H.

2016 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Editor’s note: For some other suggestions on what to pick up Mom, head to last year’s Mother’s Day gift guide.

While many of us are experts at exactly what’s on our style wish list, things can get a bit … dicey when it comes to holiday shopping, and particularly, Mother’s Day. Wait? You didn’t know it was coming? Surprise! It’s almost here — May 8 might feel like it’s a ways away, but if that day caught you off-guard to begin with, we’re here to help. We’re covering a few choice picks for every type of mom, and you might even find some gear you like at the very same brands (looking at you, Shinola). Have a question on a style situation or a gift-giving scenario? Shoot me a tweet (on Twitter) and I’ll be happy to help. Good luck out there shopping — without further ado, catch the gift suggestions below…
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For the Style Aficionado: Shinola Wide Double Wrap Bracelet — $85

Different than a thin bangle or a standard piece of jewelry, and crafted with some neat attention to detail.

Different than a thin bangle or a standard piece of jewelry, and crafted with some neat attention to detail.

$85 is a lot to drop on a leather bracelet, to be sure, but Shinola crafts these pieces with the same attention to detail it applies to its stunning watches — that goes for both men’s and women’s accessories. The look of this wrap bracelet (in an eye-catching, rich navy leather) is a bit more unique than a standard thin leather bracelet or a silver bangle, although something along those lines could work, too. If the recipient in question isn’t so much into jewelry, one of the brand’s lovely small leather goods (like a wallet or a phone case) could be of interest.

For the Gardener: Air Plant Pods and Air Plant Set (Cost Varies — $10 to $15)

A delightful addition to any area of your home, and quite easy to maintain.

A delightful addition to any area of your home, and quite easy to maintain.

If you haven’t really planted or done much gardening lately due to weather or space constraints, air plants are a cool way to brighten up a living space and add a pop of color to various areas of your home. If the lucky mom is into gardening or simply caring for plants, the gift is all the better. Depending on where you buy them from, the air plants themselves are a downright steal. And the air plant pod purchasing options vary, too — a word that you have to hand over an email to gain access to the particularly colorful pods shown here, but that small move could definitely pay off in the form of a well-thought out gift.

For the Bookworm: “Eligible” by Curtis Sittenfeld — $17.12

A brand-new release that updates a modern classic.

A brand-new release that updates a modern classic.

This particular category was part of last year’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide, and it makes a triumphant return this year — after all, who doesn’t love to read in the spring or summertime? Particularly if it’s “Eligible,” an update of the classic “Pride and Prejudice”? Tough to top, especially written in a slightly cheeky and entertaining manner. A fun beach or travel read, at a low cost to you, the mindful shopper.

For the Foodie: Chrissy Teigen’s “Cravings: Recipes for All the Food you Want to Eat” — $14.95

It's been praised as maybe the "best celebrity cookbook of all time" -- test it out for yourself!

It’s been praised as maybe the “best celebrity cookbook of all time” by SELF — I’d say that’s a mighty fine gift.

Although Chrissy Teigen is arguably more famous for her modeling pursuits and being married to some dude named John Legend, she’s a pretty great chef, at least according to her Instagram — oh, and this book. She’s well-known, funny and engaging on social media, so there’s a good chance Mom might be a fan. On top of that the cookbook is a collection of her favorite recipes over the years, and it’s all put together in a fun, engaging and colorful manner. If her social media shares are to be believed, the food should be excellent — and enjoyable to make for whomever might receive this cookbook!

For the On-Trend Mom: Apprécier Mother’s Day Gift Shop

A sneak peek at what the site can do for you -- quickly and stylishly!

A sneak peek at what the site can do for you — quickly and stylishly!

If you find yourself in a really tough bind and can’t quite figure out what to get, see the above picks again — oh, and head over to Apprécier, where former InStyle Fashion Director Cindy Weber-Cleary offers up a few quick picks for Mother’s Day. The selection is well-edited, relatively affordable and varied — something for everyone, right?

While the above picks don’t cover the full range of options — perhaps consider a well-thought out exercise or travel-related gift if the mom in question loves either of those, for example, hopefully the above ideas get you thinking beyond a more typical gift. It can be tough to put yourself in another person’s shoes when searching for that ideal gift, but we’ve got your back here at The Style Guide! Stay tuned for this week’s Friday Read and Style Pick entries, and let me know how you do gift shopping over at The Style Guide Facebook page.


by Beau H.

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Women

Editor’s note:  For more gift ideas to get your gears turning, click here.

Although in actuality it’s 13 days away on the calendar, perhaps Valentine’s Day feels a little closer for you — particularly if you’ve got a big night or a big trip planned, or if you still need to sort out a gift. I’m certainly no travel agent, and I can’t offer up a great dining recommendation (unless you’re a Brooklyn craft beer fan), but I can hopefully help you start to think about a nice gift for your significant other. Ahh — and as to what to wear, that’s coming next week! Hang tight until then, and know that you can always rush delivery on both a gift for her, and a new outfit for yourself, if need be.  Some of these picks lean on the budget-friendly side of things, and others are a little more spendy — of course, handmade touches, things like a card or some nice flowers, can be just as thoughtful as other experiences. So the ball’s in your court now!

For The Writer (Or Crafter): Shinola Light Pink Medium Paper Journal Two-Pack — $9

A simple-yet-functional and refined-looking gift for the writer.

A simple-yet-functional and refined-looking gift for the writer.

Gifting something as simple as a paper journal can seem just that — too simple. However, as a writer myself, and a person who likes to actually write things down (different yet related, ya dig?), there’s nothing more satisfying than mapping out a to-do list and crossing things off. They’re also handy to jot down random thoughts, and they lend a cool aesthetic sitting on a bookshelf or coffee table. Plus, these Shinola Medium Paper Journals are made in America from sustainably-managed forests. These would be a great gift as part of a larger gift package (maybe with a nice carrying pouch and pen?), and they’d look pretty neat in tandem with some of the other items on this list (hint, hint).

For The Fashionista: Kate Spade Cedar Street Cami — $148

Just two of a multitude of color options in a refined leather accessory.

Just two of a multitude of color options in a refined leather accessory.

Kate Spade is a brand that, much like J. Crew or Bonobos on the #menswear side of the equation, can do no wrong as far as designing fashionable, refined basics that bring a lux touch to everyday items. Take, for instance, the Cedar Street Cami, a small leather crossbody clutch. I don’t purport by any means to know a thing about women’s accessories, but I can assure you that something like this Kate Spade bag echoes refinement and class, and it’s reasonably priced. At any rate, this purse leaves room for the essentials and looks nice doing so.

For The Jewelry Collector: Shinola + Inesse Ceramic Squat Jar — $100

A slightly unexpected gift that adds some nice color and functionality to any space.

A slightly unexpected gift that adds some nice color and functionality to any space.

Shinola again pops up on this gift list for the second time, but for good reason. Again, I don’t know jack-squat about women’s jewelry (which this piece looks like it’d be great to hold), but I do know this squat jar …. would look great on a dresser or desk! The Shinola + Inesse ceramic jar is handmade in the small Inesse studio in Minneapolis, hence the higher markup than you might see from somewhere else — but it adds a welcome shot of color in these dreary winter days, and the Inesse name is a neat one (it’s a play off the Latin phrase meaning”in actual existence,” a reference to the tangible experiences the company wants to create for its customers through its products. Neat, yeah? And as to the jewelry to place therein — might I direct you back to Ms. Spade?

For The Foodie: A Night Out at Your Favorite Restaurant OR A Great Meal In

Whether you make something like this or order it, a nice meal can be a great part of Valentine's Day.

Whether you make something like this or order it, a nice meal can be a great part of Valentine’s Day.

There are some things in life that are less tangible than jewelry or accessories, but still just as appreciated — and that certainly is still in play even if your significant other isn’t a true gourmand. Something as simple as a nice night out on the town, be it a lovely dinner or some upscale cocktails, can be an underrated experience that’s sometimes forgotten as we move so fast through life. It can serve as a nice complement to other gifts, too. If the restaurant or cocktail lounge has some special meaning, that’s all the better. And if cooking in is more your thing (admittedly, it’s not mine), then the terrific team at Dappered has some excellent “Make it For Your Date” suggestions to get you started.

So that brings us to the end of this gift guide — did you find what you were looking for? If so, I’m glad I could be of service! If not, best of luck to you in your search — and be sure to swing back through here next week to cross off that other Valentine’s Day to-do, your ensemble. It’ll be a good one, promise.

Until next time!

-Beau
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by Beau H.

Women’s Style Holiday Gift Guide — For Guys!

Editor’s note: For other potential gift suggestions for the lovely ladies in your life, click here.

It's the most wonderful time of the year -- once you get your shopping done, that is.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — once you get your shopping done, that is.

With the holiday season upon us, you might have it all set in your mind exactly what you’d like (and on that note, I’ll be sharing my Christmas Wish List on Wednesday). But shopping for a woman in your life, be it your mother, sister grandmother, girlfriend or wife, can be a bit tricky. And time is running short this Christmas season — although hopefully you’ve been paying attention for possible gift suggestions. Regardless, to save you a bunch of time and stress, I went ahead and put together a handy little gift guide — one that hopefully doesn’t need to be used out of desperation (you won’t make that mistake again, right? Right). What follows below are one man’s suggestions for gifts this Christmas, each with a rather affordable tilt to them; each can also be altered or changed accordingly (for example, might not want to give a piece of jewelry from Tiffany & Co. to that girl you met a few weeks ago, yeah?). So read on, fill up your cart and then shop for all the #menswear you’ve had your eye on.

For Your Girlfriend or Wife: Duet Snap Clutch: $98 OR Madewell Adjustable Knotshine Bangle, $17.50 AND An Experience [A Special Dinner or Trip]

Two choices, one chic and pricey, the other more cost-effective yet just as fashionable.

Two choices, one chic and pricey, the other more cost-effective yet just as fashionable.

So you can take your pick of two gift options here — a rather pricey (for us younger guys) black leather clutch that’s simple, fashionable and usable with anything. or a much more cost-effective yet no less chic Madewell bracelet. Add on something that’ll create a lasting memory, whether that’s a nice dinner out, a special day trip or perhaps a neat class that fits both your interests, be it cooking or wine tasting.
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For Your Mother: Le Pavilion Dot 3-Piece Kitchen Set — $35

Simple dots to upgrade some basic kitchen items.

Simple dots to upgrade some basic kitchen items.

If you grew up in a household like mine, you might have had a lovely mom (Hi, Mom!) who really enjoyed putting together delicious meals and desserts galore (Editor’s note: Very much looking forward to all those Christmas cookies). If that’s the case for you as well, this neat set of Kate Spade kitchen products  (a dish towel, oven mitt and pot holder) might fit the bill accordingly. Think of it as a mini-style upgrade for your mom — the small touches count in the kitchen too, so fun items like this can make cooking even more fun. Conversely, a premium candle is always a nice way to brighten a home (maybe augment this one with a personalized card).

For Your Sister: A Great New Book + “Travel the World” Calendar — About $26

A book and a desk calendar that complement each other quite nicely!

A book and a desk calendar that complement each other quite nicely!

So let’s say your sister is quite into reading in her spare time – – you’ve won half the battle right there! While it could also be great to consider a book that fits her particular interests, there’s a good in-between option if you’re stuck: A Field Guide To Getting Lost  is, by all accounts, introspective, fascinating and well-written. And who doesn’t like a book that checks those boxes? It’s a nice deal that’ll provide good value beyond just one read, too (see, this is just like menswear!). A cool desk calendar with some nice color is a simple way to brighten up a space, and it complements the wanderlust theme of the book — a one-two punch!

For Your Grandmother: Kate Spade Raise A Glass Tidbit Plate — $30

Patterned plates make cocktail hour more enjoyable for everyone (not that it's not fun already).

Patterned plates make cocktail hour more enjoyable for everyone (not that it’s not fun already).

As we talk about style upgrades in the menswear world, the same idea can apply to little things like cocktail plates. This set of Kate Spade plates  in particular plays off that motif quite nicely; the patterns are pleasing and just a bit fun, too. This is another gift that you could complement with a nice handwritten card or perhaps, a photo of yourself. If your grandmother is more into something like understated jewelry, this silver cuff could be the perfect gift. Conversely, playing to her interests with a book by a well-loved author could also be just the thing to do.

The key when giving gifts is to play to the interests and hobbies  of the recipient — and the biggest thing that goes into that is putting thought and attention into what you give! I hope your holiday season is fun-filled, and that your shopping goes smoothly — let me know your thoughts on this gift guide below, and thanks very much for reading.

-Beau
Florsheim

by Beau H.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

FathersDayTopperBuying for your old man probably isn’t as difficult as it was living under (or continuing to live under) his roof … right? Take the time to thank your dad or the father figure in your life for his hard work, reliability and guidance (good talk, Dad). A gift is certainly a nice way to do that, although a phone call or visit on top of that are ideal. If you do go the gift-giving route, finding something with sentimental and meaningful value can really be one way to convey your love and appreciation. Tailor that gift to suit the recipient’s interests, and you’ve got yourself a winner — particularly on Father’s Day.

For The Traveling Dad: A Huckberry Field Guide ($17.95 for One, $88.98 for the Full Set)

Buy just one, or buy the whole set -- your call. Packed with tons of unique information.

Buy just one, or buy the whole set — your call. Packed with tons of unique information.

Got a dad or father figure in your life who likes to travel? While a sharp weekender bag is certainly one way to go, a Huckberry Field Guide is a memorable change of pace. These things provide a wealth of information in a refreshingly old-school paperback format.These guides are certainly designed to go lots of different places; they’re packed with interviews, local lore and information, memoirs and hand-drawn maps. Featured cities include cool locales like Austin, Texas and Brooklyn, New York, as well as on-the-rebound Detroit and perennial road trip favorite San Francisco.

Ben Sherman US

For The “Cool Dad”: GREATS Brand Rosen Sneakers, $49

Durable, very comfortable ... and possibly a good gift for Dad this time around? Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Durable, very comfortable … and possibly a good gift for Dad this time around? Photo credit: Liz Todd.

While not everyone’s dad would be a fit for these sneakers, if you’ve got one on your list who appreciates crisp design and retro styling touches, the GREATS Rosen would be a nice buy. The fit on these is comfortable, the color options offer nice variety in terms of versatility, and the price is hard to beat. Wear ’em with chinos or jeans, and perhaps pick up a pair for yourself if you’d like a discount. An upgraded pair of swim trunks (like these striped board shorts from United By Blue) could also be a great buy.

For The Grillmaster: Bespoke Post “Charred” Box, $45

American-made tools, a tasty hot sauce and some nice smoked wood chips -- everything Dad needs to grill out.

American-made tools, a tasty hot sauce and some nice smoked wood chips — everything Dad needs to grill out.

Simpler alternatives like a nice bottle of barbecue sauce could also hit home for the dad who loves to cook, but the Bespoke Post Charred box offers up the complete package. A word to the uninitiated: You need to hand over your email address to access the site, but that knocks $10 off what would be a $55 purchase without a membership. Like the rest of Bespoke Post’s exceptionally well-curated boxes, it really goes above and beyond — a set of high-quality grilling tools, maple wood chips for smoking meats, and a tasty-looking bottle of hot sauce are yours with purchase.

For The Beverage Fiend: Owen & Fred Carving Leather Coasters, $29

Durable leather makes for a very nice coaster from which to enjoy a hearty adult beverage.

Durable leather makes for a very nice coaster from which to enjoy a hearty adult (or regular!) beverage.

Owen & Fred certainly has a number of gifts worth picking up for Dad, from cheeky money clips to neat pens and sharp notebooks. However, if your dad fancies himself a nice beer or glass of wine, a set of four coasters made from lovely yet durable 8 oz. carving leather could be just the thing to buy. Complete that with a value-added accessory, like the brand’s truly sweet “You Earned It” bottle opener or something like a beer variety pack and that’d be one heck of a gift set. On the more expensive side of things, a dad with a love of old-school style and design could also appreciate this kit from Baxter of California.

What’s on tap for your Father’s Day? Any of these gifts catch your eye?

Florsheim

Ernest Alexander

by Beau H.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Enough said, right? (Editor's note: Just a joke!)

Enough said, right? (Editor’s note: Just a joke!)

Even if you’ve got your own personal shopping habits and interests covered, it can still be a little difficult to know what to get your mother, grandmother or significant other (or all three!) for Mother’s Day. Well, that day is quickly approaching (mark your calendars for May 10, in fact), so the team over at The Style Guide has put together a handy little guide for the sorts of gifts that convey thought, meaning and a little bit of fun. Of course, this is all dependent on who you’re giving the gift too, so the below suggestions might not work for everyone. If you need more general gift suggestions, head here. And in the meantime, best get to shopping if you haven’t already!

For The Homemaker: Dreambirds Dessert Plates — $16

Buy just one, or buy the whole set — your call.

Buy just one, or buy the whole set — your call.

These dessert plates come to you courtesy of Anthropologie. They’re small, functional and decorative, plus they’re a nice touch if you have a recipient in mind who enjoys nature and a touch of quirky color. While just one on its own is $16, a duo or a trio of plates could be the way to go. The Web site and physical Anthropologie store itself (if you happen to be near one) also stock all manner of excellent goods for the stylish women in your life, from smart & colorful bags to tech accessories that combine the stylistic touches of chic jewelery.

For The Small-Business Shopper: Silver Wrist Bracelet — $10 (via Etsy)

Small, understated and made using fine attention to detail.

Small, understated and made with fine attention to detail.

Etsy really has turned into a remarkable source for all manner of goods, from slim bracelets like the one pictured here to neat notebooks and other design-minded accessories.  The best part about shopping through Etsy is perhaps the feeling and knowledge that you’re supporting a small business focused on personal touches and craftsmanship — some of that is lost by buying through other, larger retailers. A combination set featuring another simple piece (like a fun notepad or small picture frame) could make for a nice gift set.

For The Bookworm: The Girl on the Train — $14.82 (Hardcover) And a Local Flower Delivery

GirlOnTheTrainBook

One of the more popular books this year to date.

 

Across the past few months, I’ve heard more about The Girl on the Train than perhaps any other. And if the mom(s) in your life are really into literature (or just enjoy a good read) and haven’t gotten around to picking it up yet, this would be the perfect opportunity to do it for them! While this tome is also available for purchase via the Kindle, it’s sometimes nice to hold a physical, sturdy book in your hands. The addition of flowers from your local florist would certainly be a fine complement to any of the gifts listed here — and it’s yet another way to buy local.

For The Entertainer: Monthly Wine Club Membership — $50/Month

A monthly wine club membership — the gift that keeps on giving.

A monthly wine club membership — the gift that keeps on giving.

A monthly wine club membership is an excellent way to recognize the recipient’s love of entertaining, fine wine and often, fine dining. Club W and other sites offer specific ways to customize the membership, including the method delivery and the inclusion of a special note. $50 is quite a lot for just one month (so one year does shoot up in price quite a bit), and in that case, a nice bottle of wine itself could perhaps be a good alternative. The WSJ Wine Club does offer a better price if you want to go the club route, however.

What do you think of these suggestions? Any categories or gifts you would add? What are you picking up for Mother’s Day this year?

Editor’s note: Looking to pick up something for yourself? Head here for a blog post by yours truly on a great spring trend — luxe, laidback joggers!