affordable gift-giving | The Style Guide

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.

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.

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.

For The Coffee Fiend: Timbuk2 x Blue Bottle Weekender Travel Kit — $139

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Tag / affordable gift-giving

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

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Women