--Let's face it: Guys are picky and seemingly have everything they could want or need. It’s hard to appease the self-satisfying gentleman.
I put a lot of thought into gift giving for my own special darling. Throughout the year, I take the time to hunt for gifts that might not be an obvious necessity or an easy acquirement, in order to offer a true surprise for pesky gift giving holidays.
Antique Binoculars: During the months of February and March we walk out to Rome Point in North Kingston to watch seals dive off rocks a little ways out in the bay. I found this pair of binoculars for $15.00 at an estate sale and am certain Kiel will enjoy getting a closer view of his whiskery friends.
Triton Eight Knot Bracelets: An easy to wear accessory for men that have a passion for the sea. Made in RI by myself and team, I think a lot of guys will enjoy wearing this useful boating knot around their wrist to remind them of warm days spent on the ocean.
Vintage Shot Glasses: Shot glasses dating back to the prohibition era are certain to add a bit of conversation and novelty to any guys’ mini bar.
Antique Camera: I purchased a very old camera that still worked beautifully, albeit it took some time to hunt down the proper film for it. I left a little note in the box that this camera was to be used during Summer ’12 excursions. With only a limited amount of shots in a roll of film, it is a perfect way to enhance memorable (hopefully unpredictable) moments.
Smathers & Branson Wallet: For years Kiel carried around the same plaid wallet he proclaimed to own since he was 4 (I think I’ll have to take his word on this considering it was extremely tattered and had a Transformers sticker on it). After a little convincing he finally agreed to put the wallet to rest as long as a suitable replacement could be found. Luck came in the form of a Smather’s and Branson four leaf clover needlepoint wallet, fitting for an Irish boy. These wallets have a lot of character and come in a variety of designs. You will be certain to find one that matches your guys’ personality and taste.
Pipes: Not sure if this is just a thing my dear and his friends are into but they are obsessed with collecting pipes new and old, finding various flavored tobaccos form all over the world. I’ve found pipes are always welcomed with a grin when given to a boy (pocket knives too and old coins).
Corgi Socks: Conversational socks are always a popular topic amongst the gents. They sport wild and crazy socks in a seemingly attempt to top their friends. I recently discovered a brand of socks “Corgi” that offers a wide variety of quality socks in wild patterns.
Leatherman belts: Fly fishing, hunting, sailing, drinking… these belts capture the essence of “man.” With so many great unique styles to choose from you’re sure to find a belt your BF doesn’t have yet.
Vintage Colognes: Scouring the internet, I’ve come across antique colognes in all sorts of neat little bottles. Some discontinued and some just age-old favorites, these colognes remind gents of their dads and granddads. They love adding unique distressed bottles to their collection on their dressers.
Izod Lacoste Polos: They don’t make ‘em like they used to. These classic 70’s-80’s preppy staples are rare but worth the hunt on EBay. With classic tennis tail, loosely-knit pique cotton, and a particularly thick collar the Izod Lacoste polo will certainly remain in your loved one’s wardrobe for a lifetime.
Vintage Neckwear: Perusing through Etsy I came across several vintage J-Press and Brooks Brothers neckties dating back to the 40’s and 50’s. Boys go crazy for unique neckwear to rival their friends’ novelty motifs. All I can say is the stranger the better. Kiel and his friends battled over a necktie with stegosaurus’s all over it!? I recently discovered "Jeremy Taylor" on Etsy who offers many interesting antique neckties at an excellent price.
Hard cover first edition books: Every guy has his favorite classic novel. I always make sure to check through church sales and antique stores for hard to find first editions. I recently came across an entire set of Native American novels by J. Fenimore Cooper (Pathfinder, The Last of the Mohicans, Deerslayer.) The intricate and beautiful artwork on the cover alone is certain to make any gent eager to add these classics to their collection.
Vibrant Pants: Guys love wearing them, and there is no better excuse to don them than when they receive them as a gift from their wife or girlfriend. It is a safeguard from the heckling they may encounter from other men who are not so brave. “It was a gift… I had too”. I found Brooks Brothers this season had quite the array of colors to choose from in a slimmer fit, so I was sure to snag a couple pairs.
Dooney and Bourke Boat Shoes: Made in Maine circa 1984-1985 these boat shoes are beautifully constructed. The pebbled leather is exquisite and who can resist the original all leather weather duck logo. Kiel hunted the internet for months before he was able to able to acquire a pair. Luckily for me a customer clued me in on a unused pair in his size and I was certain to grab them.
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