Hunting for the perfect gift can be stressful. Should you get something practical or sentimental? Something they can keep forever or a consumable? Every year around this time, we come out with our gift guide to help readers find that special item they can set under the tree. For more suggestions, don’t forget to check out our previous guides, where you’ll find dozens of other ideas. And, of course, don’t forget to take a look in our own shop, where you’ll find beautiful vintage items, handmade pocket squares and scarves, and who knows what else.
A Humidifier
I’ve been shocked at how my body has responded to keeping a humidifier in my bedroom. I live in Los Angeles, where it’s dry all year, and I think I’d just come to accept that every morning my mouth would feel like I ate a handful of sand and my skin would feel like wrinkly kraft paper. Using the humidifier was transformational — and I think it improved my breathing at night, too. Maybe more women know this than men? But I was grateful to learn. I bought this one for about fifty dollars and it’s been a life changer. —Jesse
Joy Ride by Susan Orlean
Susan Orlean is one of the keenest observers of all time. If you’ve ever read her books (like The Orchid Thief or Library Book) or her writing in The New Yorker, you know that she can find perfect details about any person or situation. Funny, telling, moving. She’s been doing this about other people and the world around her for years, but this is her first memoir. It’s about writing and reporting, but I think the lessons contained within could apply to anyone’s life work. —Jesse
A World’s Fair Scarf
I guess the World’s Fair petered out right around the time I became a conscious human – maybe 35 or 40 years ago. But there’s still some magic in the idea of bringing the world together. Years ago I found a rayon scarf from the 1939 New York World’s Fair like this one , and I’ve bought a few in a few color combinations over the years. That one’s the perfect size to use as a pocket square, but some are larger, scarfier sizes and some are smaller, handkerchief-ier sizes. You are by no means limited to New York, either – take a look at this Montreal number from the 60s. I love a World’s Fair collectible in general, but scarves are a particularly easy gift. —Jesse
Irish Linen Handkerchiefs
I’m pretty bald, so when it’s hot I have to wear a hat. Of course, when I’m wearing a hat, my head sweats. Then I need something to mop it. I feel a little like Foghorn Leghorn or someone overseeing the construction of the Panama Canal when I do it, but that comes with the territory. When I venture out, I try to keep a linen handkerchief in my pocket. Linen is more absorbent than cotton and dries faster as well, which makes it better for nose blowing and brow mopping, the two key jobs of the hankie. Sure, you can buy a one dollar bandana at Wal-Mart, and it’ll do the same work, but it’ll be ugly and unpleasant and it certainly won’t make much of a gift. A three pack of real Irish linen costs about fifty dollars new — try Brooks Brothers or even more lovely, Belfast-made hankies from an Irish import shop. And there are plenty of new old stock on eBay as well. It’s a classic gentleman’s gift that will mop ably for years to come. —Jesse
Jacques Soloviere Edouard Shoes
I ran across these odd, beautiful French shoes in a Japanese magazine one day, and I’ve been lusting after them ever since. They have an unusual tongue fold that leaves them looking casual, but also strangely elegant. Very French. They’re expensive and goodness knows whether you’ve got the foot size know-how to buy shoes for someone else, but boy are the pretty. —Jesse
Mexican Movie Posters
Maybe it’s because I just got back from Mexico City, where I picked up a few posters for the Put This On Shop, but I’m in love with the cheap newsprint and bold graphics of Mexican movie posters and lobby cards. Don’t we all need El Hijo del Diablo in our living room? Or Neutron El Enmascarado Negro? There are hundreds of choices, and they are often quite reasonably priced. —Jesse
Carla Fernandez’ Incredible Designs
On a recent trip to Mexico City, I saw an amazing exhibit of clothing designed by the Mexican runway designer Carla Fernandez. Fernandez partners with traditional craftspeople and designers around Mexico to co-design and co-make incredible, forward-looking clothes with traditional techniques. Most of the clothes are unisex, though only some are all that suitable for the kind of guy who doesn’t really wear unisex clothes. I am gaga for these incredible jaguar bags which also come vibrantly painted. Nothing is cheap, but it’s all very affordable relative to most runway fashion. I wore this coat around New York City recently and multiple people stopped me in the street to tell me how much they loved it. —Jesse
Cabin in the Sky by De La Soul
When De La Soul’s Trugoy the Dove passed away two years ago, we all wondered what could be next for one of the greatest groups in rap history. It turns out that Maseo and Posdnuous patched together a few wonderful verses from their late friend with their own mic gifts and those of folks like Nas and Killer Mike, plus some incredible beats from folks like Pete Rock and DJ Premier. Cabin in the Sky is their first album in almost a decade and it’s a memory of a lost friend, but also a hopeful and lovely reminder of why De La are so wonderful. —Jesse
An Informal Guide to Workwear
If clothing is a type of visual language, then Anthony Sylvester’s debut book, An Informal Guide to Workwear, teaches you the ABCs of menswear’s most popular casualwear style. The book is organized by garment type, and each of those are broken into subsections about the things you might find in a wardrobe: chore coats, painter pants, engineer boots, Red Wings, chambray shirts, and tote bags. Although there are pages that suggest how you might want to wear or style an outfit, it’s not overly dictatorial. Instead, each of the chapters cover the history of these types of garments, which deepen your appreciation for this style’s semiotics. I think it would be a good book for someone who’s interested in exploring menswear, but isn’t interested in suits or sport coats. Also, I wrote the foreword. —Derek
Brut Hoodie
I find joy in three types of garments: the perfect sport coat (navy hopsack or brown tweed), the perfect pair of jeans (blue, straight legged), and the perfect hoodie. The hoodie is the working man’s shawl collar cardigan — less refined, but no less cozy. Earlier this year, I bought one from Brut, a former vintage shop turned menswear label in Paris. Brut makes all sorts of great things, such as vintage inspired fishing jackets and patchwork Barbours, which will appeal to guys who enjoy labels like RRL or enjoy shopping at Wooden Sleepers. Their hoodie fits in perfectly with that aesthetic. It’s a classic mid-century fit without veering into the cropped, dropped shoulder, boxy silhouette that has been trending lately. It’s made from a stout, soft fabric and, importantly, has a large enough hood to cover your eyes when you want to take a nap. That said, the price a bit expensive. For something more affordable, check out House of Blanks, Original Equipment, or American Giant. —Derek
Stoffa Scarves
I bought my mom a Begg scarf back when they were merely exorbitant, rather than stratospherically expensive. The company makes some wonderful designs, but the more interesting ones tend to be north of $500. Recently, however, Stoffa released some naturally dyed, cashmere-linen scarves that I think deliver on that same appeal. These are made in Italy and feature a bit of variation in the knitting pattern, which visually give them a bohemian patchwork effect. Importantly, like the Begg I purchased a decade ago, they’re generously sized, which makes them warm and beautiful. They’re not inexpensive, but they’re a good gift for a close family member who gets cold easily. —Derek
The Devil’s Grin by Alex Graham
Alex Graham’s self-published comic series The Devil’s Grin is SO good. It’s about a community of artists in the 1940s through ’60s who are all experiencing supernatural visions (or visitors?). Each one is suffering and hiding their experience from everyone else. Some aspects of the story are so far-fetched that it’s a bit like magical realism, and the story goes with it. They’re complicated and sad; there’s drugs and sex and rock and roll and horror. I recommend this book! —Ryan
Chroma Scissors
It’s nice to give an expensive version of something which your loved one would use, but never buy for themselves. Who buys a $50 pair of scissors? Sounds crazy, but I’ve used one of these scissors and they feel GREAT. I wish someone would buy ME a pair. —Ryan
Fox Fibre Socks
I think undyed, unbleached cotton clothes are cool. These FoxFibre organic cotton socks are nice and you can buy a 3-pack from The Good Liver. By the way, The Good Liver is a whole store of amazing gifts. Check out their online store or visit them in the downtown LA arts district. —Ryan
Victorinox Explorer Swiss Army Knife
I’ve never been one to think much about everyday carry, but over the past year, I kept finding myself wishing I had scissors, a knife to open a box, or even a corkscrew. Rather than carrying three separate tools, I decided to solve all these problems at once with a Swiss Army Knife.
Researching Swiss Army Knives can send you down quite a rabbit hole. There are countless sizes and tool combinations, and you’re constantly second-guessing what you actually need versus what sounds cool. I settled on the Explorer model, which hits the sweet spot for me. It has 16 functions, including a large and small blade, scissors, and a corkscrew, plus two features that set it apart: an inline Phillips screwdriver (much easier to use than the standard attachments on other models) and a magnifying glass. The magnifying glass might seem like a novelty, but it’s surprisingly helpful when you’re trying to read tiny print on electronics or examining something up close outdoors. —Edwin
Wuben G5
Once you start down the EDC path, you really commit. In addition to a knife, I wanted a dedicated flashlight that was easy to carry yet stronger than my iPhone’s light. The Wuben G5 is precisely that.
It’s about the size of a lighter, has adjustable brightness, and features a rechargeable battery. The head swivels, and there’s a magnet at the base so you can stick it to your car hood or toolbox while you work. Most of all, it typically sells for around $20, making it an easy gift that won’t break the bank but will actually get used. —Edwin
Brucato Chaparral
In my search for a Green Chartreuse replacement for a Last Word, I stumbled upon Brucato Americano, a Bay Area amaro maker that uses botanicals foraged across the region. They make three expressions, and while I’m a fan of all three, the Chaparral is my favorite. The yerba santa mixed with cardamom and anise gives it an earthy, almost cannabis-like finish that works beautifully in cocktails. It’s not a perfect Chartreuse substitute (nothing really is), but it’s delicious in its own right and worth having on your bar. —Edwin
Casatlantic Assilah Merino Wool Knit Polo
Sometimes you want to look put together without putting in much effort. The Casatlantic Assilah merino wool knit completely fits that bill. The knit texture sets it apart from standard polos, adding visual interest and a relaxed, sophisticated vibe. It’s comfortable enough to wear all day and looks great on its own with chinos or dressed up under a blazer. Casatlantic makes them in both black and brown this season. If the person you’re shopping for has been especially good this year, why not get both? —Edwin
