Good morning! I’m back with another gift guide…the one that I struggle with most: the men. The men in my life are simple fellas. Ben likes bourbon, skiing, his smoker, pickle ball, golf and watching football. He already has everything he needs to do those things. And if something does pop into his head that he wants, he buys it. He couldn’t care less about clothes. My dad also enjoys bourbon. He loves reading and Notre Dame. He has everything he needs and doesn’t get excited about “stuff” the way the ladies in my life do. Don’t get me started on my father in law. He’s the toughest of them all.
Needless to say, shopping for these guys is tricky. However, I do have a tried and true gift that works for Ben and my dad: whiskey. Ben’s a straight up bourbon kind of guy whereas rye is my dad’s jam. Based on labels they currently enjoy and reviews from Caskers, I’ve come up with a few that are sure to please the brown water lovers in your life. These bottles are pricey, but that’s part of what makes them so special and worth giving.
I feel like Blanton’s and Pappy Van Winkle are the gold standard when it comes to bourbon. I know I want to get one of those. This Blanton’s actually outscored Pappy, so I guess I’ll go with that. Bonus: the bottle is gorgeous. Order here: https://www.caskers.com/blanton-s-original-single-barrel-bourbon-whiskey/
Blanton’s Original 23 Year Old Single Barrel
For the rye guy, you can’t go wrong with WhistlePig. This is a great option. Shop here: https://www.caskers.com/whistlepig-10-year-old-straight-rye-whiskey/
WhistlePig 10 Year Old Rye
As my kids’ bikes have gotten bigger, it’s become nearly impossible to get all four Slagel bikes on my bike rack. I still love my bike rack for 1-3 bikes, but we need something else for all four. This tailgate pad will work just fine and is much easier to store than another rack. And much less expensive. If you’re a biking family and own a truck, this will likely come in handy. It’s available here: https://amzn.to/3SwfLR3
Yakima Tailgate Mat for Bikes
Your fella will work up an appetite biking, so give the best of the best and order steaks (filet is the best, IMO) from Lobel’s in Manhattan. I’ve shared this before and will continue to do so because it’s truly the best gift for anyone who enjoys a good steak. Nanny always gifted several filet mignon to Ben from Lobel’s each Christmas. I will continue the tradition now that Nanny is no longer with us. We all miss her terribly.
You cannot go wrong with anything from Lobel’s, but trust me that the filet is out of this world. Save these babies for New Years Eve and end the year in style. Order the filet here: https://www.lobels.com/natural-prime-filet-mignon-918 Lobel’s will also work with you to create corporate gifts if you’re in need of something for employees.
Lobel’s Filet Mignon
Another repeat offender in this gift guide is a Boos Block. We received our Boos Block as a wedding gift almost seventeen years ago and it’s just as gorgeous today as it was then. The occasional oil application keeps it in prime condition. They’re the industry standard when it comes to cutting boards. The carving board is reversible. It has a groove for meat juice on one side and flat on the other. The flat side is great for prep and also serves as a charcuterie board. They’re simple and handsome. A Boos Block paired with the Lobel’s steaks would make a fabulous gift. Click here: https://amzn.to/3SvD3Xx.
Boos Block Reversible Carving Board
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention steak knives with the above items. The steak knives Ben and I registered for many moons ago are still in mint condition. I chose them for the brand (Henckels) and because they do not have a wooden handle. I know me and I knew that I wouldn’t hand wash my steak knives. They’re sleek and pretty and work well. They’re on Amazon for a great price here: https://amzn.to/47kJRLM
Henckels Steak Knives (Set of 8)
One last item in the food category that my friend, Stephanie, suggested is this DripEZ XL prep tub. She says her husband has one and loves it. This would actually be extremely useful when Ben is getting wings, brisket, ribs, etc. ready to throw on the pellet grill. It’s collapsible, adjustable, the bottom serves as a cutting board, and it has a lid! Perfect! Get it here: https://amzn.to/3SxJJEr
Prep Tub
I asked my sister for help with this gift guide since men are so hard to shop for and she suggested Rhoback golf shirts. She’s given these to her husband and our dad in the past and they are well received. Excellent quality and fun prints. There’s something for everyone from cities to colleges to hobbies. Dad has the shamrock, of course. https://rhoback.com/collections/mens-print-polos. Here’s a snapshot of a few that caught my eye. There’s over one hundred choices!
Rhoback Golf Shirts
Ben’s been on a johnnie-O kick lately, probably because it’s sold in the pro shop at our club. I like what he’s purchased (or been given as tournament swag) because it looks good and washes well. His favorite quarter zip is dressy enough for dinner, but performs well enough for a round of golf. He needs another.
The best performance option, in my opinion, is the Jameson Striped. The subtle design keeps it interesting, but not loud. It’s linked here: https://www.johnnie-o.com/products/jameson-jmko3550-23sp?variant=42699141972143
Jameson Striped 1/4 Zip
If your fella needs something more business casual, the Sully is the way to go. I love this brick color! All of the colors are great, but Ben doesn’t have anything this shade. Shop here: https://www.johnnie-o.com/products/sully-1-4-zip-pullover-back-yoke-logo?variant=42700987596975
Sully Pullover
I shared the Airfly device on my tween/teen boys gift guide, but I really should include it in all of them. If you fly, you will want this. Ben flies more than the rest of us, so he definitely needs this nifty little contraption that enables your headphones or air pods to connect with the in flight monitor. GENIUS. Great stocking stuffer for the traveler. Add to cart here: https://amzn.to/3s4lDGp
Airfly Bluetooth Device
My sister introduced me to Patrick Lewis art recently. To be honest, I wish she hadn’t! They are expensive and hard to come by, but they are STUNNING. I can’t stop thinking about all of the Patrick Lewis originals that I know Ben would love but that I can’t afford to buy for him. However, if you have a big budget for your fella or are saving up for a milestone birthday or anniversary, Patrick Lewis pieces are incredible. The good news is that his prints are very reasonably priced, so that may have to tide me over until I win the lottery. Regardless, it’s fun to peruse his gallery here: https://www.patricklewisart.com
Patrick Lewis Paintings
See what I mean? STUNNING.
Another idea that doesn’t involve “stuff” is to schedule a mobile detail for your fella’s car or truck. I know that a clean car instantly lifts my mood and makes me feel like I’ve got things under control. Spoiler: I don’t. But at least I have that allusion for a few hours. Who wouldn’t want someone to show up and clean their whip? Local friends, I’ve got a guy for you. Send me a message if you would like his contact information.
Happy shopping! I hope these ideas help you celebrate the season with those you love most.
