Many people save buying for the men in their life until last. This might, in part, be due to not knowing what to buy. I can help with that problem! Here are 13 gift ideas to help you get started. Just because guys wear the socks, pajamas, and ties you bought them, doesn’t mean they actually like any of those things. It just means you saved them a trip to Target to get it for themselves. Take these suggestions and surprise your guy with something he forgot to ask for this year. Did you find a great recommendation not listed on the list? Let me know below or tell me about it on twitter. Remember to Shop Local!
1: Tumi Messenger Bag
There is an increased presence of bags being seen around Indianapolis. It is great to see local guys carrying more than just a brown briefcase. One of my personal faves is the TUMI: Alpha Bravo Benning Deluxe Messenger available at Saks.
2: D&G Square Sunglasses
Sunglasses can be worn in all seasons. (Guys! Please resist wearing them at night and inside!) A black or brown frame is a safe choice when it comes to guys eye-wear. The shape of men’s glasses are getting a lot more interesting too, so it makes it more fun to shop for men eye-wear. The D&G sunglasses, and other great options can be found at Saks.
3: ORIGINS for men
I personally have used the Origins product line. The Origins for men is perfect for my skin type. I would recommend two specific products for men: “Blade Runner” and “Firefighter”. It is two shaving products that work way better than the traditional shave gels and foams. One of the things I like about the product is that I don’t smell like my grandpa after I shave. Origins also offers free facials at their stores, just call and schedule a time. A perfect way to test out the product. A great item to add to the stocking.
4: DIRT by Johnathan
Get this product now because it is actually available on the website. This is by far the best hair product for the stylish man. Trust me I have had many hair styles and product in my hair. It is a great way to style short or long hair types. The product isn’t heavy, doesn’t smell, doesn’t get flaky as it dries, and best of all it is pliable. With the many hairstyle trends for guys right now, men need a product that can adjust to their needs. Go ahead an add it to the stocking this year.
5: Michael Kors watch
Many guys often have one watch they wear all the time. This might be a good time to add another option for the wrist. For many guys, a watch is the only accessory they wear. There are many reasons why I love this blackout watch. It is both perfect for everyday street wear, but also can be worn when going to a nicer social event. The Michael Kors watch and other great options are available at Nordstrom.
6: Eddie Bauer Twill shirt
Eddie Bauer is an interesting company to watch develop and redevelop. The brand is getting back to what made Eddie Bauer popular in the first place: Men’s garments with function. I like the thin plaid shirts for summer, but when it comes to the other seasons a thicker shirt would be nice. Eddie Bauer has a collection of bright colored plaid twill shirts available for men. The fit of the shirts is also a perfect balance between the H&M European fit shirts and the Tractor Supply work shirts. (Yes, only in Indianapolis does it make sense to write about fashion/style finds and also mention Tractor Supply stores.) The color options are great as well, check them out at Circle Centre mall in Indianapolis.
7: Hayes & Taylor vintage T shirts
I have written about the guys behind the brand before (Check out my post here) The vintage graphic prints are perfect for guys who love local sports. They have also launched a girls line and released some hoodies. There are two reasons why I think this is a great gift for men this year. First, the quality of the shirt is excellent. Think about your favorite worn-in, soft tee and that’s what you get with H&T. Second, the graphics on the shirt are perfect ways to remember why Indianapolis is such a great city. Most importantly this year, make sure you shop local! Hayes and Taylor is just one of the great options. Oh! And Hayes & Taylor has also partnered with us here at Pattern and are releasing a Pattern logo tee in the next couple of weeks. 😀
8: BLEU DE CHANEL
Cologne shopping is one of the hardest things when it comes to buying for men. I have two that are my favorite, but don’t wanna give all my secrets away. Instead, I decided to ask a stylist I met recently for her recommendations. She hails from London and when I saw her for the first time, she walked in wearing an amazing outfit that included Top Shop heels and classic Channel shorts. Only later did I find out that she has styled real celebrities. You know me, I am not one to name drop but she knows what she is talking about in regards to style. She recommended Bleu de Chanel so I went to Saks to try it out and yep! it smells amazing. It is a good scent for those special social events. Conveniently, a great gift set available on the Chanel website.
9: House of 5th scarf
House of 5th is another great local brand here in Indianapolis. The brand “specializes in urban luxury” offering men and women apparel and accessory options. House of 5th has a hand screened scarf that offers a great graphic print on a fine cotton jersey scarf. The scarf is great to wear inside and outside as an accessory. I was able to check the scarf out in person at The Snappy Dresser. It is a large scarf that feels super comfortable around your neck.
10: Express 1MX Modern Fit shirt
My standard go-to dress shirt is the Modern fit shirts at Express. Not to be confused with the slim fit shirt. There are a lot of color options for guys that are perfect to be paired with everything. They are a standard in my wardrobe and an easy go to for any man needing a dress shirt.
11: Johnston & Murphy Wool Blazer
I was walking through Circle Center mall last week and decided to check out the Jackets at Johnston & Murphy. I talked to the store manager, Ron Rose, about a jacket I saw in the store. It was the wool Donegal blazer. I tried it on and it fit me perfectly. Online it only shows the brown jacket, I tried on a slate colored jacket in the store. There are two really cool things about the jacket. First, the jacket has an incredible lining. The slate colored blazer had a deep rose colored lining. When the sleeves were rolled up the lining added a great pop of color. The wool jacket was a perfect weight as well. The second benefit of the blazer was the detachable faux suede under collar. It made the jacket a perfect option for those who are on the go for work.
12: 6 piece bar set
Brookstone has 6 piece bar set that is perfect for the wet bar or dry bar in home bar. The set comes with all the tools that the “at home” bartender needs. The stand and tools look great displayed on the bar or counter. A perfect surprise for under the tree. If your family is like mine, you will probably want to make sure it is opened first. 😀
13: Calibrate Tie Bar
This accessory is often forgotten for men; a tie bar. Nordstrom offers a small range of really nice options. Trust me you can’t go through a GQ without seeing a tie bar styled on their models. It is a really cool way to make wearing a tie a little more hip. A tie bar would be a perfect match with some cuff links in the same style.
*** I didn’t not receive any special compensation for the recommendation of the gift options
