Tag / best gifts for men

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.
Frank & Oak
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.

Men’s Style Christmas Wish List 2015

Editor’s note: To check out past Christmas Wish List posts, click here.

Alright, folks — you know the drill. In just a little over two weeks, Santa’s coming to town (yes, Santa!). And that hopefully means some stylish gifts for us menswear aficionados out there — but more importantly, some great time spent with loved ones. However, it can be pretty sweet undoubtedly to get just what you want under the tree. As to your humble style blogger over here — well, I’ve got my eye on some nice gear as well (just look at my Wish List Pinterest board for starters). Budgetary constraints definitely put some limits on these things the rest of the year, but a guy can dream … right? What’s on your Christmas Wish List?

#1. FRYE Company Grand Tall Lace Sneaker — $288

Antiqued leather and rawhide laces put these sneakers a cut above the rest.

Antiqued leather and rawhide laces put these sneakers a cut above the rest.

If you follow this blog, you’re probably well-acquainted with the fact that I love me a great sneaker (particularly from Brooklyn’s own, uh, GREATS). And throughout the fall and winter, I find myself always on the hunt for a terrific high-top leather sneaker — the style just seems to go well with the heartier textures and colder weather of the season. FRYE is normally known for its rough-and-tumble boots, yet these sneakers look absolutely superb. The rich cognac color would pair well with black, grey or blue denim, and they look dressy enough to wear with a navy blazer and some burgundy cords, too. Alas, they’ll have to stay on the wish list for now.

#2. Apolis Wool Chore Jacket — $328

A versatile color and an updated take on a classic silhouette make this item worthy of the Holiday Wish List.

A versatile color and an updated take on a classic silhouette make this item worthy of the Christmas Wish List.

Yet another item that’s pricey yet drool-worthy, and that’s why it fills out the second spot on this list. Apolis has done a great job combining quality product and an emphasis on doing business the right way. They don’t lose any style points in the process — its outerwear across the board represents updated takes on classic workwear styles, and versatile options ike this olive chore jacket provide great styling potential. That goes for blue or black denim, or even light grey chinos. Its indigo jackets are frequent hot sellers as well, but I think this colorway would be just as versatile — can you hear me, Santa?
Ben Sherman US
#3. Shinola Runwell 41mm Watch — $550

A football leather strap and a crisp dial are excellent finishing touches for a stellar timepiece.

A football leather strap and a crisp dial are excellent finishing touches for a stellar timepiece.

A Shinola Runwell watch made my Christmas Wish List last year too, and a new Shinola Runwell watch from the American-made brand is more than worthy of inclusion in this year’s edition. Shinola has a penchant for watches of exceptional quality, on top of subtle design touches that create a pleasing overall package. The dark camel football leather strap is one such feature here. The black dial and gold numerals build off the crisp style for which the brand is known, and that 41mm case diameter hits the sweet spot. Again, taking notes Santa?

#4. JackThreads The Bomber — $149.50

Just one of the many Wish List-worthy items from JackThreads' new menswear line.

Just one of the many Wish List-worthy items from JackThreads’ new menswear line.

Two jackets on one Christmas Wish List? Yes, sir — they’re both that great-looking. While this bomber jacket certainly isn’t as cost-prohibitive as the other items on this list, a buck-fifty is still a good chunk of change to throw down — and this is coming from a guy who loves his jackets.  JackThreads has done a tremendous job launching its new menswear line, and it’s filled with modern updates on stylish essentials; one such example can definitely be seen here. This is the kind of jacket I might wear with a great henley and some slim denim on the weekends, or over a knit tie and chambray shirt to work.

#5. Todd Snyder Great Lakes Sweatshirt — $198

A touch of home in a stylish (and expensive) sweatshirt.

A touch of home in a stylish (and expensive) sweatshirt.

Just as Shinola nabbed a spot on this list for the second year in a row, so too does Todd Snyder. There’s something about the noted American menswear designer and his penchant for mixing heritage sportswear and contemporary fits, as he continually does with his collaborations with Champion. I have a soft spot for the Great Lakes Sweatshirt in particular, as I love visiting my home state of Michigan. The piece on its own is the epitome of a casual weekend sweater — stylish, versatile and made with what looks to be high-quality washed cotton. Can you ask for much more in a crewneck sweater?

So that about wraps up my Christmas Wish List for this year, although I can say in advance that I’ll certainly be looking forward to spending plenty of high-quality time with my family in sunny Florida in a few weeks’ time. And if in the meantime, one of these gifts ends up under the tree, I certainly wouldn’t be mad about it!

What’s on your Christmas Wish List? Any of the above picks?
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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