13 choices for guys with good taste.
I’ll be honest: I’m an awesome gift giver. I wanted to find the balance between the unexpected and the practical (because I can’t stand giving a gift that is never used). Last year I told my wife we were going to take a day trip shopping for our daughters, but instead I drove her to our breeder to pick out a new puppy. The year before, I bought us tickets to a Penguins game (his favorite team) and an Airbnb in Pittsburgh for the night, across the street from the rink.
Here’s the thing: I’m really terrible at finding gifts for myself. And if your family is like mine, the texts started pouring in: Hey honey, I need some gift ideas for you and the girls. Sure Mom, here’s a whole list of things the kids want and some great ideas for Katie. As for me? Let me come back to you.
This year I made the effort to put together a list of items I would be happy to receive, and I’m sharing this list as a fastidious prepper who is much happier spending $3 on a single Blackwing pencil than 2 $ for a box of six. Ticonderogas. That being said, I’m a teacher, so when choosing gifts, I try to focus on gifts that I can’t necessarily justify buying for myself (three kids, a mortgage, you know how it goes passes), and that means durability and long-term use is paramount.
If you don’t know what to get your brother, your son or your husband, OR if you don’t know what to say to these people Youhere are some solid ideas.
The Sweater Upgrade
J.Crew Midweight Cashmere Hoodie $278
I love hoodies. I love cashmere. So a cashmere hoodie? Oh man, forget it. I have a soft spot for J.Crew’s cashmere sweaters because I find they have the perfect weight and softness; they keep me warm without making me sweat (and cashmere can make a man sweat).
Quince Mongolian cashmere polo sweater $79.90
Quince works on a factory direct model, which allows them to keep consumer prices low while maintaining high quality. This cashmere polo shirt would cost double at most other retailers, but at $79.90, it’s more than fair.
Blanket
Woolrich Striped Pure Wool Blanket $385
If you know me, you know I have a weakness for wool blankets. I’m particularly drawn to Woolrich because they were founded in Pennsylvania, just two hours from where I live. Even though Woolrich outsourced part of its production to Italy, the quality remained the same. There’s something cozy about a pure wool blanket: it maintains temperature without making you sweat, and the fibers are truly fire-resistant. And because wool retains moisture, you’ll only need to dry clean it once a year (or when you spill your coffee on it).
Faribault Woolen Mill wool trapper throw $139
Faribault has been making its wool blankets in Minnesota for over 150 years, and it’s a pretty exact science. The lightweight, breathable blanket comes in three neutral colors (although I think gray is best) and looks great at home, draped over the back of your couch or at the foot of your bed.
An oilcloth tote
Made from water-resistant waxed canvas in a beautiful dark colorway with full-grain leather handles, this budget-friendly bag is a gift that will be used for years.
An adult pencil
I have a weakness for drawing with pencils. The smoothness of graphite on paper, the ability to create different gradations of depth shades – all this is gold to me. A few years ago I bought this solid brass pencil from Kaweco (I also have a weakness for solid brass). The thick lead and brass shell has a weight that lends itself well to comfortable doodling during meetings. So even if it’s not on my list (because I already have one), it should be on yours.
When it comes to writing with a pencil, I use a Blackwing. They are made in Japan with a firm lead that is smooth on paper and does not require constant sharpening. They’re not cheap, but they’re worth every note you write.
Mobius and Ruppert brass pencil sharpener $9.79
Mobius and Ruppert manufacture their pencil sharpeners in Germany, in solid brass. They come in four different styles and the blades are replaceable when they start to dull.
The t-shirt more than a basic
Buck Mason Pima Curved T-Shirt, $45
Buck Mason recently purchased a 150-year-old mill and factory in Pennsylvania and moved some of their t-shirt production there, reviving a shuttered community staple and giving us our own upgraded basics, like this soft pima cotton tee grown and sewn in the USA, cut with a modern cut and a curved hem.
Gloves
Fort Belvedere Peccary Gloves $395
When I was in college, I worked for Cole Haan. One year at Christmas we had peccary gloves in stock, and they were the smoothest leather I had ever touched. Peccary is a type of pigskin and its incredible strength is matched only by its softness. These from Fort Belvedere are water-resistant and lined with cashmere.
Brooks Brothers Lambskin Gloves $138.60
For the classic leather look, these lambskin gloves from Brooks Brothers are a great choice. The cashmere lining keeps your hands warm and comes in three different colors, although the saddle color is best.
Sunglasses with heritage
American SkyMaster optical pilot, $215
American Optical sunglasses have been made in the USA since 1833 and worn by astronauts on the moonpresidents and movie stars.
Jewelry
Classic Studebaker Metals Brass Cuff, $58
Studebaker Metals manufactures its jewelry in Pittsburgh. Designed specifically to adopt a unique patina, this sturdy yet sophisticated minimalist bracelet is an accessory that doesn’t scream. Have I mentioned how much I love brass instruments?