High-quality finds for les men in your life

A bonus holiday gift guide to inspire your shopping

Dec 03, 2023

I couldn’t resist sending one final holiday gift guide to you all, but this one has a bit of a twist. I’ve assembled a list of recommended gifts for the men in your life - the partners, brothers, dads, grandfathers, best friends, and all around standup humans who deserve something high quality and stylish. In all honesty, my husband inspired some of these ideas as I’ve looked around our house and his closet, reflecting on products that have remained staples year after year. I aimed to choose the best of the best that would reflect capsule gifting for the opposite gender.

So let’s jump in…

Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots - Red Wing is one of those iconic, American brands founded in 1905 that stands by its products. They are the definition of timeless since their silhouettes never go out of style. The Iron Ranger boots come in multiple colors and finishes and I’ve been told they’re some of the most comfortable pairs of shoes once they break in.

Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew - Over the last few years, Buck Mason has rolled out new colors of this sweater and every time, I snag one for a family member. These sweaters are a nice mid-weight and the quality lasts many wears. I especially love the marled coloring, which gives it more visual interest. Buck Mason is a fantastic place to source timeless apparel gifts, so might I also recommend their beautiful, thick Felted Field Shirt, the Craftsman Corduroy Sportsman Jacket, the Pull-Up Rambler Suede Trucker Jacket, the Brushed Loopback Hooded Sweatshirt, and the Slub Curved Hem Tees.

RRL Denim Work Shirt - Pronounced “Double RL” - this Ralph Lauren brand is named after his Colorado ranch and inspired by workwear and high-quality denim. RRL pieces skew a bit more expensive, but always deliver on style and durability. If you’re looking for other denim shirt options, there’s an Indigo version of the Work Shirt and one with an Indigo Herringbone Twill.

Saddleback Leather Duffle Bag - My husband discovered this brand about a decade ago and purchased this exact bag. Every time we’ve traveled together, without fail, someone comes up to him and asks about his bag - no matter the country. This thick leather bag makes even more of a statement with age - and it comes with a 100 year warranty. The bag is available in 3 different sizes - the Baby Beast, the Adolescent Beast, and the Waterbag.

Madre Mezcal - This brand is run out of Los Angeles and sourced from Oaxaca. I’ve had the privilege of tasting all of their mezcals and have to say that this is one of my all-time favorite brands. The smoky flavor is delicious on its own, but also the perfect addition to classic cocktails like negronis and margaritas.

Todd Snyder x Champion Sweatshirt - If you’re a Ted Lasso lover, you may recognize this sweatshirt. Jason Sudeikis wore a few colors of this sweatshirt in the more recent seasons. The sun-faded options are particularly soft and stylish. The sweatshirt is a nice mid-weight fabric that is perfect for winter layering.

Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger - Vuori continues to be the D2C brand that continues to defy the odds when it comes to their growing success. Their fabrics are soft, functional, and durable for any wearer. Their joggers are particularly comfortable and perfect for casual dog walking, weekend errands, and holiday snuggles while watching Christmas movies and drinking Baileys.

RoToTo Socks - RoToTo is a premium Japanese brand that was founded on the concept of “lifetime consumables.” My husband typically pairs thicker socks with his boots and after trying multiple brands throughout the year, the RoToTo options are his absolute favorite. You can purchase these at a number of mens boutiques and they come in various materials and styles. Here are the options at Todd Snyder, Bridge&Burn, and Stag Provisions.

Tanner Goods Belt - Tanner Goods was founded in Portland, Oregon with the goal of creating exceptionally crafted leather goods and tableware. They’re known for their belts, which come in different styles, colors, sizes, and buckle options. I promise you, they don’t disappoint. The moment you touch these belts and see the leather quality, you’ll know you’ve made a great investment.

The James Brand Pocket Knife - The James Brand makes modern tools for everyday life and is known for its sleek pocket knives. If your recipient is someone who is handy or has a number of hobbies that require the use of a pocket knife (fishing, camping, hiking, etc.) this could be the perfect way to elevate one of their everyday tools.

Corridor New York Raga Cardigan - If there’s a guy in your life who loves a bit more color and texture in his wardrobe, Corridor has a unique selection of shirts and knitwear that showcase different fabrics and color combinations - often while remaining more understated. I’ve seen this cardigan in real life and it really is something special. Some other favorites from Corridor include the Acid Plaid Woven Shirt, the Striped Seersucker and Floral Eyelet Shirts- for tropical escapes in the winter, and the Acid Wash Cardigan.

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry - A Pulitzer Prize winner and American classic about a final cattle drive among a group of men and the bonds they forge. Another recommendation is Mick Herron’s Slow Horses (also a truly excellent show on Apple TV) and you can expand with the second in the series, Dead Lions, and then Real Tigers….and if you think your recipient will love them because they’re sure to love a good, thrilling, British spy novel, you can buy the full Slough House series.

I hope this inspired some of your holiday shopping. If you have additional ideas you think readers would enjoy, please share them in the comments.

x jz

High-quality finds for les men in your life

A bonus holiday gift guide to inspire your shopping

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