Life
50 Awesome Holiday Gifts for Men
Whether he’s your father, brother, son or significant other, the last thing you want to give him is yet another tie — and it’s almost certainly the last thing he wants to receive. This year, get him something awesome. Here are 50 gifts dudes actually want.
THE Headphones
Are these not the most gorgeous headphones you’ve ever laid eyes on? But don’t give them for their looks, do it for the hand craftsmanship andsuperb sound.
Margiela Sneakers
They’re basic and go with everything, yet constructed of luxury materials and utterly, undeniably cool. This is the sneaker you wear with jeans to a board meeting because you know you’re the smartest guy in the room.
Champagne Sabre
You will forever be the sister/daughter/girlfriend/wife who gave him asword for Christmas or Hanukkah. How will he ever repay you?
Exotic Car Club Membership
He’s always dreamed of driving a Lamborghini or Ferrari. Now’s his chance. This experience will put him behind the wheel of a car that’s more expensive than some houses and allow him to drive as fast as he wants.
Imagine Lifestyle Exotic Car Driving Experience, $149.99,Imaginelifestyles.com
Everyman Skinny Tie
If you must buy a man in your life a tie, let it be this can’t-go-wrong one. Dude is bookish? The houndstooth feels professorial. Preppy? It’ll look good with a navy sport coat. Too cool for school? The skinny silhouette says Williamsburg/Omaha/Portland. And the style-conscious guy will love the bright blue twill facing.
'The Papa'
If he’s been talking about getting back in shape or wants to reduce his carbon footprint, this is the bike to buy. The rider can switch back and forth between fixed gear and single speed, and the bike comes 90 percent assembled so you won’t be up until 2 am on Christmas Eve. Feel-good bonus: the manufacturer, Pure Fix, donates a portion of its profits to charity.
Pure Fix Cycles “The Papa” Bike, $321-$350, amazon.com
A Man Bracelet for the Guy Who Likes Man Bracelets
So he enjoys braided jewelry. Giving is about him, not you, right? This one’s classic, made from exceptional materials, and won’t stand out too much. Wrap it up and remind yourself that at least now there is (probably) no danger of him wearing a hemp necklace ever again.
iPad Air
One of this year’s hottest gadgets, the Air is 28 percent lighter and twice as powerful as the original. The wifi, camera and display are better, too. If he lives for his iPad, give him the next generation.
iPad Air, $410, amazon.com
Felt and Leather iPad Sleeve
Soft, strong and renewable, felt is the ideal material for housing his tablet. This sleeve’s separate compartment for documents and earplugs makes it extra functional, and the leather detailing (hand-dyed with earth-friendly dyes) makes it a case he’ll want to show off.
Mujjo iPad Sleeve, $45, amazon.com
Golf Lesson with a PGA Pro
He may have taken a golf lesson before, but has he taken a golf lesson? Through Cloud9Living, you can get him paired with an instructor who’s a regional PGA Teacher of the Year, a collegiate golf coach, or a former professional golfer. The improvement in his game will last a lifetime.
Golf Less With a PGA Pro, $129, Cloud9living.com
Image: Fotolia
Cards Against Humanity
This may be the greatest game I have ever played in my life. It’s about time he let his “despicable and awkward” side loose.
FU Loafers
The ultimate statement loafer. No one he knows has shoes this cool.
Superhero Cuff Links
For the present or former comic book junkie, a way to make black tie occasions or French cuffs a little less serious.
Superhero Cuff Links, $89.95, Redenvelope.com
The Art of Shaving ‘Royal Shave’
Getting a shave is one of those things that you don’t know you love until you finally get to experience it. It’s amazing how relaxing having someone hold a sharp blade to your neck can be.
Battle Scene Watch
Going to work can feel like going into battle. Help him do it with valor with this wrist watch picturing a battle scene from classical art. Perfect for the history buff.
Battle Group Watch, $100, amazon.com
Roxbury Boot
I’m not sure if boots ever went out of style, but recently it seems like everyone is wearing them. These motorcycle style boots are just the right amount of rugged. Note: bike not included.
Globe Lamp
Feed his wanderlust with a gift that highlights the array of destinations still left to explore. A good companion for late nights at work.
Orion Relif Globe, $59, amazon.com
Zombie Bow Tie
Right, another tie. But this is no ordinary tux topper. It looks standard from afar so he won’t look weird in pictures, but up close, he becomes the guy who dared wear a zombie tie to your cousin’s wedding.
Ceramic Speakers
These speakers are gorgeous, but that’s just the beginning. Made from simple materials — porcelain, cork, birch, sheet metal — they deliver nuanced sound, whether he listens to mp3s or is a vinyl geek. If you don’t want to spring for the whole system, you can purchase just the speakers and amp or just the subwoofer.
'Dark Knight' Poster
This is no dorm room movie poster. The graphic print captures The Dark Knight’s timeless themes in a striking, unforgettable representation of the film.
“Dark Knight” by Brandon Schaefer, $20 and up, Inprnt.com
Classic Duffel
Rustic and luxe at the same time, this classic, take-anywhere bag will get compliments for years.
He’s a huge football fan, but he lives in a city where his home team’s games aren’t broadcast. If he has DirectTV, he’ll never miss another touchdown.
DirectTV NFL Sunday Ticket Package, $59.99/month, DirectTV.com
‘Doomed’
If he loved Fight Club enough to read the book, he’s likely a Chuck Palahniuk fan for life. Palahniuk’s 2012 novel Damned was acclaimed for its hilarious depiction of Hell. With Doomed, the author takes on Purgatory. It’s exactly the kind of holiday reading that makes a few days with the fam bearable.
Doomed by Chuck Palahniuk, $12.30, amazon.com
Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch
A watch that allows him to answer calls, emails and texts all from his wrist? If he’s a gadget geek, this is the timepiece he needs.
Canvas Messenger Bag
Clean-cut, casually elegant, and the coated canvas is water resistant. He’ll take it everywhere.
A Message from Jesse
He can’t quite let go of Breaking Bad, and now he doesn’t have to.
Yamaha Guitar Starter Kit
You once caught him standing on his bed, air-guitaring to “Stairway to Heaven,” and he’s a recovering Guitar Hero addict. Help him graduate to the real thing with a starter kit that will actually get him somewhere.
Beer and Cheese Class
If he’s NYC based, this class will teach him how to pair his favorite brew with a cheese that brings out all of the flavors of both. The session concludes with private, after-hours shopping at Murray’s at a 10 percent discount.Murray’s “Harmony of Beer and Cheese” Class, $75/person,Murrayscheese.com
Stance 'Don P' Socks
If there’s a skater guy in your life, who’s also not afraid to rock bold fashion choices, he needs these socks. Don Pendleton’s artwork has decorated skateboards for years – now your recipient can have it underfoot even when he’s not on wheels.
“Don P” Socks, $14-$22.50, amazon.com
Top Siders
Known for their timeless design and bold colors, these classic shoes flex some serious fashion muscle while also being comfortable. After he wears them once, they’ll be in constant rotation.
Authentic Original 2-Eye Relaxed Leather Boat Shoe, $50-$95,amazon.com
Bottle Opener Fridge Magnet
Sometimes he wants a beer and doesn’t want to root through a packed drawer for ten minutes trying to find a bottle opener. Save him the time and frustration.
UP Band
One of the most popular fitness trackers on the market, the UP band allows users to track their activity, sleep, and diet to optimize health. If wearing a wifi-enabled device doesn’t freak him out, you may want to fork over another $20 for the new UP24, which will automatically and wirelessly sync with his phone.
Jawbone UP Band, $149, amazon.com
All-Inclusive Poker Set
If he wants to learn poker, the best way is by playing with friends who don’t mind busting his chops. This set has everything he needs to play casino style poker and practice until he can play with the pros.
Bond-worthy Poker Set
Another gift worthy of 007. If the poker player in your life already knows the ropes or is especially décor-conscious, this pricier but also more handsome set might be an even better bet.
Bond Poker Set, $543, amazon.com
Nixon ‘Big Player’ Watch
This watch is demure enough to go nicely with a suit, but the square face and numberless dial make it a little different.
‘Big Player’ Watch, $200, amazon.com
Bacon of the Month
For the meat lover, this is a no-brainer. He’ll get a new variety of bacon delivered each month, and for extra, you can throw in a “Bacon Jerky Sampler” and something called a “Bacon Pancake Pack.” Prepare to score major. points.
Bacon of the Month Club Membership, $39.66/month, Baconfreak.com
Round of Golf at Pebble Beach
This is the course that most golfers dream of playing someday. It’s almost impossible to become a member (not to mention financially prohibitive), but if you land a tee time, he’ll start the story with, “Want to know the best gift I ever got?”
18 holes of golf, $495, Pebblebeach.com
Derby Shoes
These are not your typical wear-to-work shoes, but he’s not typical either. The canvas material keeps these light weight, and the bold neon laces give them edge.
Men’s Derby Shoes, $44-$170, amazon.com
Monday Sweatshirt
Brighten his and everyone else’s least favorite day of the week with a garment that perfectly captures that Monday defeatism we all know so well.
Monday Sweatshirt, $37, amazon.com
The Original Wayfarer
There’s no replacing a classic. Here’s hoping they’ll inspire him to go allRisky Business on you.
Tarantino Movie Collection
In this writer’s humble opinion, Tarantino is a god. He creates big-budget features without sacrificing his art house influences, usually to huge critical acclaim. Give the gift of eight bloody, sexy and irreverent films from the master.
Slingbox 500
This is the stuff dreams are made of: a device that allows you to watch anything on your DVR anywhere you want. A lot of people don’t know this device exists. He’ll wonder how he ever lived without it.
Slingbox 500, $190, amazon.com
Homemade Leather Bound Book
He’s a writer, or just a dreamer. Either way, he’ll appreciate this handsome, handcrafted notebook for the ideas and thoughts that won’t wait until he gets back to his computer.
Homemade Leather Bound Book, $17.50, amazon.com
Olive Camo Toms
Classic Toms comfort and ease, and in an unexpected hue for camo. A stylish gift that’s gentle on your wallet.
Nokia Lumia 1020
Some people are iPhone people and some people are foolish. Just kidding, but if you happen to be anti-Apple, this is a phone worth looking into. Designed for those who want an upgraded camera, this phone takes crystal clear photos, and it’s ideal for folks who prefer a Windows operating system.
Nokia Lumia 1020, $199.99 w/ contract, Att.com
Bombfell.com Membership
Bombfell won’t just send him designer duds every month, although that in itself is cool. Based on his answers to a few questions and his social media activity, the startup’s algorithm chooses clothes tailored to his body, taste and lifestyle. Then a personal stylist makes the final selection. And if he doesn’t like it, he can send it back.
Bombfell Membership, $69/item and up, Bombfell.com
iCade
This gift lets him play contemporary games like Zen Pinball with the manual controls the iPad is missing in a setup that conjures the arcades he used to love.
The Perfect Pocket Square
He doesn’t just wear suits, he chooses them with care. Maybe it’s time he added this classic finishing touch.
'VOLT ink.'
Since the Voltaggio faced off on Top Chef , they’ve been on a straight path to culinary domination. For the chef who likes pushing his own limits, this cookbook offers a wealth information about specific foods and ingredients – buckwheat, citrus, mollusks — and how and why the Brothers do what they do.
Authentic Yankee Stadium Seats
This is the most expensive item on the list, but it’s a showstopper. Before Old Yankee Stadium was torn down, the seats were removed, and you can now purchase a pair for the Yankee fan in your life. If you have the funds, he’ll cherish them forever.
Authentic Yankee Stadium Seats, $1,360 per pair, amazon.com
