I feel completely unqualified to cultivate this particular gift guide. The men in my life (dad, husband and father in law) are notoriously difficult to shop for. They like what they like and don’t want “things,” if that makes sense. That said, I feel like there’s always room for a few items that they didn’t know they needed. I’ve broken things down into three categories: Around the Kitchen/Garage, Fashion (ha!) and Stocking Stuffers.
Around the Kitchen/Garage
If there’s one thing my men always enjoy, it’s a good steak. The price of steak (along with all other food items) is wild right now, so this is a splurge, but that’s the whole point of gift giving, right? To give someone something they’ll love but wouldn’t necessarily buy themselves. Nanny frequently gifted her sons in law filets from Lobel’s in NYC. Lobel’s offers many cuts of meat, but we only ever get the filets. The customer service is excellent as well. I was so excited to randomly walk past the storefront while in Manhattan this summer. It’s legendary! Check it out for yourself here: https://www.lobels.com/ Lobel’s can also help with business gifts if that’s something you’re in need of.
Lobel’s of New York Filet Mignon
A perfect gift to pair with the steaks is a Boos Block. These are the ultimate cutting boards. We’ve had ours since our wedding and it’s still the best carving board we own. I need to add another to our arsenal. They are not cheap, but the quality is unsurpassed. For meat, I’d suggest a board with a juice groove.
Boos Block
I was thrilled to discover that Boos products are sold on Amazon. Get your Boos block here: https://amzn.to/3Rfd9Tv
In keeping with the meat theme, I’m also buying these tongs for some of the fellas. I feel like the perfect grilling tongs are hard to come by…they need to be long enough to not burn yourself, have a lock for storage, and the piece de resistance: a built in spoon rest. I’ve yet to get my hands on these actual tongs, but I feel like Toadfish may have answered my prayers with this utensil. The fun color is just icing on the cake. (So maybe this gift is more for me than the fellas, but shhhh….)
Toadfish Grill Tongs
Try for yourself here: https://amzn.to/3RdSO0E
I’ve got one last meat item to finish the kitchen portion of this guide: meat claws. Bodie and Ben are really into smoking butts and brisket on the weekends while we watch football. These may come in handy.
Meat Claws
Meat Claws are available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3DYsBk5
I’ve shared my love for WeatherTech products on this blog multiple times throughout the years. Every inch of my car is covered, from floor mats, to seats to even the backs of the seats! WeatherTech is a great company with wonderful products. Ben is not overly concerned with his truck staying pristine, so he does not have the WeatherTech gear situation that I do, but he does need some help with keeping items corralled in the cab. I found the perfect solution: The WeatherTech Under Seat Storage System!
WeatherTech Storage
From the WeatherTech website:
“WeatherTech Under Seat Storage System is a custom-fit pickup truck storage bin that fits underneath your rear seat to keep all of your essentials organized. The Under Seat Storage System is the easiest to install, custom-fit solution for storing and organizing your cargo in your truck. Protect your investment against stained and torn carpet by perfectly lining the rear truck floor. The liner’s “soft touch” material and built in dividers help to prevent cargo from shifting, and provides easy loading and unloading of your essentials.
Made from a 100% recyclable and odorless thermoplastic elastomer; Under Seat Storage System is durable and chemical resistant. Custom-fit for each application, Under Seat Storage System securely fits the exact contours of each vehicle, and will not crack, break or warp in even the most extreme temperatures.
Installation takes only minutes without the need for drilling or use of chemical applications. Under Seat Storage System is secured to your truck with a simple buckle and strap that allows for an effortless installation and the ability to easily remove the storage system if necessary.”
I’m sold. Order one here, all you need is make and model: https://www.weathertech.com/under-seat-storage-system/#
Side note: I just learned WeatherTech makes golf cart gear. That would be fun if someone you know is getting a golf cart from Santa.
Fashion
None of the men on my shopping list are trendy fellas. They prefer classic fits and styles, which is surprisingly hard to come by. Last year I had good luck at Smith & James and will likely visit their beautiful storefront again this holiday season. However, they do not have an online shopping option, so here a few things available on the world wide web.
A belt is a great way to add some flair to an ensemble without an in-your-face effect. Hubs is in need of a new belt and I stumbled across these on Red Clay Soul’s blog. He’s my go-to for men’s fashion. Follow along with him here: https://redclaysoul.com/ RCS shared a photo of some La Matera belts on his Instagram several months ago and they really caught my eye. The color options are plentiful and they’re the perfect mix of current and classic. I am particularly torn between El Campo and Corbina. I don’t think I can go wrong either way.
La Matera Belts
Ben may get both of these for Christmas! Check them out for yourself here: https://lamaterashop.com/
If your fellas are in need of socks this holiday season, I’ve heard good things about Nice Laundry. Socks are usually a stocking stuffer around here, but these boxes are so nice that I think I’ll wrap and place under the tree this year. The no show, athletic, CleanKnit, Core and dress socks can all be included with the “build your box” feature. The patterns are plentiful. Some can even be monogrammed! I think you know my feelings on that.
Nice Laundry Socks
Build your box here: https://www.nicelaundry.com/collections/build-your-box/products/small-box
Many fellas seem to want the casual look and feel of running shoes, but without looking as if they’re about to go knock out a 10K. I’ve been paying attention to the various brands who offer something along those lines and I think the Johnnie-O version is the best looking on the market. I really like both colors available. It’s very likely that these will be under the tree for some of the gents in my family.
Johnnie-O Sneakers
Johnnie-O has plenty to offer, not just shoes. The sneakers are linked here: https://www.johnnie-o.com/collections/men/products/sneakformance?variant=39337908306095, but the entire web site is worthy of a look.
I don’t know a ton about men’s clothes, but some Holderness & Bourne items caught my eye recently. These are dressy enough to wear out, but also perfect for the golf course in the winter months. I think pants are tough to buy for others, so I will steer clear of those. However, the Conrad Vest, the Sullivan Pullover, the Nagle Shirt and the Burke shirt have all been added to my cart. I particularly like that the Burke shirt has long sleeves. It’s great for business casual work attire and also the links.
Holderness & Bourne
Like I said, I’m far from an expert on this topic, but H&B seems like a solid choice. Shop here: https://holdernessandbourne.com/
I’ve exhausted my knowledge of men’s fashion, so now I’m moving on to stocking stuffers.
Stocking Stuffers
Now that Bodie plays golf almost as much as Ben, I am acutely aware of just how expensive golf balls are. Heavens to Betsy! The overhwelming favorite among the Slagel men is Titleist Pro V1. A box of these babies will set you back $50! I’m sure my fellas will be thrilled to find a Titleist box in their stockings Christmas morning.
Titleist ProV1
Fortunately, Amazon Prime is a great resource for Titleist balls. You can get them quickly here: https://amzn.to/3CvRkLu
Sorry to be a downer for a minute, but did you know that men are more likely to die from melanoma than women? This is largely due to the fact that women tend to take better care of their skin AND are more likely to make doctor’s appointments. I’m constantly preaching to my kids and Ben about the importance of sunscreen. The fellas HATE anything that turns their skin white. This is especially problematic when stubble is involved. However, my favorite daily tinted sunscreen also comes in a clear formula that is ideal for men. I’m not saying they’ll be thrilled to find this in their stocking, but they’ll thank Santa later. I’ve mentioned this exact product several times on this blog and I’ll probably continue to do so. It’s that good.
Elta MD Clear Sunscreen
We keep these little bottles in pool bags, golf bags, tennis bags, the car, etc. You can purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ryjsl2
Hubs has been on the hunt for a casual, rugged watch that he can wear daily. He has a nice dress watch, but doesn’t want to wear it at work. And he definitely doesn’t want a smart watch. I did some research and landed on this Casio watch that I think checks all of the boxes. It’s durable, easy to use, and looks good.
Casio G Shock
I’ve purchased many of these gadgets over the years. We keep one in the first aid kit that we always travel with. Unfortunately, I’ve had it confiscated by security at the airport more than once when I travel with a carryon only, which is why this is a repeat purchase. It’s such a handy tool to have around. The screwdriver and bottle opener are used frequently. Mossy Oak tools are a great stocking stuffer for any age lady or gentleman!
Mossy Oak Tool
Amazon FTW! https://amzn.to/3RzOfy5
Side note: I occasionally put a lighter and a Mag light in Ben’s stocking as well. For whatever reason, we seem to have a tough time keeping up with those things around our house.
Mag Lights
I like this size and the color options. Emery and Bodie will likely get these as well. https://amzn.to/3y8JW5W
I know I’m not alone when I say, “men are so hard to shop for!” I hope this list helps inspire some gift ideas.
