The Non-Generic Guy Gift Guide
Well-priced ideas for him if he's even remotely into style.
The original plan was to make a newsletter on travel but as I was writing it, I bored myself. Visually it was also very unappealing — no one wants to see product photos of travel pillows and packing cubes, despite how necessary they’ve become on my sojourns. So instead, I bumped up the schedule a little. I asked in the chat if we’re sick of gift guides yet and the consensus was yes but with some caveats. One of them being what to get your boyfriend, partner, husband,, or however you want to define your relationship. I’ve mentioned this before but Chris and I don’t actually exchange gifts. Some people find it weird but I think of it as a better use of our collective budget. We’re more experiences over presents people although I’ll pick things up along the way that I think he’ll like and vice versa. This year is a tiny exception because he needs a new pair of snowboarding boots and we’re headed to Furano in January, so that’ll be his Christmas gift.
Blame it on my frugal Chinese parents but I’m definitely more into practical over whimsical gift giving. Sure, you want to get them something they’d never think to buy for themselves but it also has to make sense for their lives. That’s the philosophy I’m applying to this gift guide. It’s fashion-related ideas, with the bulk on sale, for the guy who isn’t averse to expanding beyond the tyranny that is the Patagonia vest and Bonobos combo. The price point is reasonable relative to the brand’s normal prices because if you’re going to drop real money on a watch or some other big ticket item, chances are you’re not reading this newsletter for ideas. Let’s get into it.
I fell in love with this entire collection when I saw it at the Dover Street Market changeover but I somehow missed this piece in the mix. Covered in white buttons and priced very moderately for a CdG piece, it’s an infinitely more interesting take on shirting. SSENSE only has a few left but you can also find it on Farfetch, although some of the sizes are priced weird.
I’ve talked about my love for Nanamica before but it’s truly such an underrated menswear brand. Founded by Eiichiro Homma, who also heads up The North Face Purple Label, the designs are equal parts minimal style and function, bring a performance wear approach to everyday pieces. We make it a point to hit up both brands the minute we’re in Tokyo, especially in the past year with the great exchange rate. But for the sake of the holidays, you can find it SSENSE. One of my favorites is this blazer. It’s slouchy and made for everyday wear but also has details like moisture-wicking, heat regulation, and quick dry. I love how everything can be layered and complement one another. One caveat for this brand: it’s cut on the small side since it is Japanese.
I also am a big fan of Nanamica’s take on the field jacket with its hood and tonal color palette. Designed to be breathable and water-repellent, it also features a cotton flannel lining for insulation from the chill. If you want more of a classic look, it also comes in olive with a dark brown corduroy collar but sizing is limited.
As I type this I can feel my husband leaning over and drooling over this seemingly simple button down. A boxy, camp-style shirt has been high on his list and this Snow Peak one also happens to be breathable and quick dry to boot — two features he loves in the summer since he gets so sweaty. If you need it in a size small, it’s also available here.
One more Snow Peak find that’s great for everyday wear is this black wool shirt that can double as a shacket when layered over a sweater, button up, or a fleece.
Speaking of The North Face, these puffer slippers are super warm and plush. It’s like a little sleeping bag for your feet. You can wear them indoors but they also have traction soles for outdoor use as well. They’re currently marked down for Black Friday and I find these to be the easiest gift for anyone, regardless of age — unless they happen to live somewhere tropical year round.
Another Black Friday markdown that’s worth taking advantage of is at Naadam. I love and wear my classic cashmere sweater to death over the course of the last seven years, so it only makes sense to recommend the men’s version too. If you find this sizing too limited, there’s a similar option at the same price that has the full range.
It is a cardigan? A jacket? Both, technically. I think of this as a dressier version of the Snow Peak version, rendered in cashmere for those who prefer something softer on the skin.
Adding this sweater to the list purely for nostalgic reasons because this was THE sweater that defined the mid to late 90s. It makes me miss the old J.Crew on Prince Street and how it was the place to shop for decades. There was also a striped hat that was made in the same fabric back in the day — it sorta looked like an elf hat that extended down to your butt. Does anyone recall? I wish they’d bring that back, it was so festive.
Once I introduced Chris to the wonders of Homme Plissé, he hasn’t looked back. They feel like sweatpants but look infinitely less schlubby. Yes, we’ve become that couple that does his-and-hers pleated pants. But given that they’re machine washable, wrinkle-proof, and nearly indestructible, he’s able to wear them without panicking about accidentally ruining them.
After the paywall, more gift ideas that while still practical, definitely skew more fashion.
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