From your nerdy dad to your frat-boy bro to your stylish New Year’s Eve
escort, we have you covered.
1. Ralph Lauren’s knit vest is the rare vest that doesn’t look ridiculous outside of a hot cocoa commercial. $145, www.ralphlauren.com
2. There’s a little something Indiana Jones about Saddleback Leather’s classic briefcase, which is made from hardy boot leather so it breaks in like a trusty pair of go-to shoes. $519, www.saddlebackleather.com
3. Designed for cyclists, Levi’s Commuter jeans have a utility waistband for easy U-lock storage, reflective tape on the cuffs and just enough stretch for comfy pedaling. $78, at Urban Outfitters stores
4. Everyone expects a chunky cable-knit under the tree, but Orlebar Brown’s lightweight, cotton-silk scarf is more suited for a cool night on the beach. $79, www.orlebarbrown.com
5. For every pair of their hand-painted One for One series, TOMS will donate to provide prescription glasses or sight-saving treatment to a person in need. $135, www.toms.com
6. The Onions’ Beer Lover Gift Pack includes an “I Enjoy Drinking Beer” tee, two pint glasses with measures for liquids from barium to soda, a framed front-page beer story and, of course, the reason you’d buy someone this: A magnet featuring the headline “Study: Alligators Dangerous No Matter How Drunk You Are.” It’s true. $82, www.store.theonion.com
7. Seltzer’s “Seven Year” pens can write up to two meters a day for seven years thanks to a barrel that holds about six times the amount of ink as your average pen. We particularly like this dapper fellow. $7.50, www.seltzergoods.com
8. With their stylish plaid wrappers, Sir Richard’s condoms are the only prophylactics we’d recommend as stocking stuffers. Plus, for every condom brought, Sir Richard — ever the gentleman — donates one to a developing country. $13-$14, at Whole Foods stores
9. Chivas Regal’s holiday bottle comes in a fancy limited-edition tin by New York illustrator Dan Funderburgh. You know what it doesn’t come with? Brookstone stainless steel ice cubes. You’ve gotta add those to the package for the whisky win. Whisky: $35, www.chivas.com; ice cubes: $25 for six, www.brookstone.com
10. MCMC’s woodsy, spicy beard oil is 100 percent natural and 100 percent dude-approved. $65, www.artintheage.com
11. Got a gadget-head on your hands? Goal Zero’s portable speakers are solar-powered and ready to hook up to your phone, laptop or MP3 player. $39, www.goalzero.com
12. At the risk of making sweeping generalizations, boys like maps. The National Geographic store is full of them, but our pick is for the personalized aerial view jigsaw puzzle. Your house is at the center of the satellite photo. $50, www.shop.national geographic.com
13. A pack of personalized tees will never cut it after the GolfBuddy World GPS rangefinder. Pre-loaded with 33,000 courses and room for another 7,000, it maps out every single hole on the green. $299, www.golfbuddyglobal.com
