gift guide: men

I LEARNED pretty early on from Free to Be You and Me not to make assumptions about which things in the world are meant for ‘girls’ or ‘boys.’ So I usually stay away from ‘mens’ and ‘women’s’ gifts because it can be pretty limiting. Generally you want to search for and choose a perfect gift for your special people based on their interests and passions and not worry about who it’s marketed to. BUT, I get SO many requests for ideas specifically for the men in your lives that I’m giving the dudes their own special spotlight. Obvs there are as many ‘man’ gift options out there as there are crazy hobbies, passions and dudes, but hopefully this will spark some ideas. And of course, most of these things would be awesome gifts for the women you love, too, so keep your mind and heart open while you read. Whether your man is most comfortable splattered in mud on the trails or clean + dry at home, there’s something on this list that they’ll love. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

The James Brand

Photo / The James Brand

MY HUSBAND somehow lost both his trusty knife AND multi-tool this summer. Ah, oops. They’re both tools that he uses ALL the time when we’re out adventuring. So… I think I know what he’s getting for his birthday (SHHH!). And I’m going straight to The James Brand. Founded nearly 10 years ago by a group of designers and adventurers in Portland who set out to improve ‘everyday carry’ for people like them (and my husband. And maybe someone you love), they make really stunning knives and other ‘essentials.’ Their attention to detail, premium materials and elevated minimalist style result in a collection that defines the balance of form and function, beautifully including everything you want and nothing you don’t. They have put so much thought into reinterpreting classic favorites with updated materials so that even your grandfather would recognize their impeccable traditional styling. They’re all so beautiful, I’m having trouble choosing just one. Right now I’m leaning toward The Folsom or The Carter… what do you think? They also have some super sleek mulit-purpose Carabiners and The Randolph, a tiny capsule meant to hold toothpicks, tightly rolled cash or meds while out + about in the wild. The James Brand is a really solid gift for anyone you love who likes to set out prepared with style.

man stuff

>> This is so cool. Tidbyt is a handsome, retro display that you can connect to 100+ apps to show real-time weather, sports stats, stock tickers, Spotify tracks and tons more. It can give you a ski report, quiz you about trivia or tell you when the next bus is coming, all without having to look constantly at your phone or laptop. So you can enjoy yourself and still get the info you want in real time. It comes in beech or walnut to match any decor and you can even personalize the top panel. Such a cool gift. >> $199

>> Take style, performance and comfort up like 18 notches with Vuori. Their crazy SOFT performance + loungewear goes seamlessly from workout to WFH to chilling without a blink. And Vuori makes their products with ethics and sustainability in mind, so you can feel good about feeling SO good in your clothes. My husband LOVES so many Vuori pieces, like the Ponto Half-Zip Hoodie, Kore Short, basically all of their Tees and he lives in their Strato Tech Polo all summer long. You pretty much can’t go wrong with any of their pieces. >>

>> Caldera + Lab is a men’s skincare line and with THE highest sustainability standards. They use all super potent wild harvested and organic ingredients, they have the most advanced certifications and transparency standards available in the industry and they’re a Certified B Corp. The list of ingredients they DON’T include in their products is longer than the list of ones they do. Plus it works really well, my husband is on his second round and loves it because he can see and feel the difference. Read more about why I love them here. >> from $29
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>> Challenge your favorite music-lover to a game of Lyrically Correct. This cool music trivia game comes in several editions depending on the type of music you’re passionate about and will have you dancing, rapping, rhyming, laughing, singing and basically just having a blast. >> $25

>> Arcade Belts are purpose-built to be comfortable and move with you no matter where you’re headed. The buckle design insures a perfect custom fit every time and it’s slender, so it doesn’t add any bulk to your ‘fit. They come in a mind-blowing number of styles, colors + designs, including some really cool collabs with The Grateful Dead, Jimmy Chin and some really unique artists. And they have a lifetime guarantee, so you have nothing to lose here. They also have Youth sizes and my son loves them. >> from $22.95

>> This Topo Designs Global Briefcase is such a perfect blend of form + function whether heading across town or overseas. It’s bomber, super stylish and can be carried in three different ways, with leather handles, a detachable shoulder strap or hidden backpack straps. It also has a pass-though panel for attaching to a wheelie bag for travel and big exterior pockets for keeping essentials close at hand. >> $129

>> Hedley & Bennett is the industry gold standard for high quality aprons, awesome for pit masters, home chefs, artists, tinkerers and general mess-makers. They have a variety of styles and fabrics depending on what it’ll be used for, including a heavy duty waxed canvas that just gets a solid wipe down when it’s dirty. >> from $75

>> I gave my dad these Grey’s Outdoor Slipper Boots and he LOVES them. The best of both form and function, the handsome wool blend is cozy and warm, but the rubber sole allows you to leave the house so you can take out the trash or run for a coffee. >> $108

>> More than a cool party trick, this Cocktail Smoker Kit will infuse your favorite recipe with a unique depth of flavor [plus it does look really cool]. It comes with everything you need, including 4 different types of wood chips to experiment with. Very cool. >> $35.99

>> Love someone who loves to make their own pizza? These Dreamfarm Scizza Pizza Scissors will elevate their game for sure. They have a heat-resistant spatula base and curved stainless blades that don’t drag your toppings off while you cut. And you’ll look like a legit Italian pizza chef, so the cool factor is high. They’re dishwasher safe and finger-safe, too. Molto bello. >> $34.95

>> NOCS Provisions Binoculars are compact, waterproof and built for exploring the unknown. The 8 fun, bright colors they come in belie their serious ruggedness. We’ve dragged ours down rivers and up mountains and they’re easy to use, super durable and awesome. You can also get a cool Woven Tapestry Strap to go keep them safe and secure. And they just added a SUPER cool Photo Rig Smartphone Adapter that allows you to photograph what you can see through your binoculars. SO fun. >> from $95

>> Make lasting memories around the campfire at home or on the go with a Solo Stove. There’s no need for white rabbits with these because they’re totally smokeless. They come in several sizes depending on your space, including a tabletop version for intimate little fires. They now also come in some awesome colors. They’re easy to clean, easy to assemble, durable and portable. And of course, there are a bunch of rad accessories to go with them. This is an awesome gift for homebodies, tailgaters and adventurers alike. >> from $119

>> I love this sweet Custom Travel Map that highlights up to 25 locations of your choice. It also includes a name, date and a caption that you love to commemorate special journeys. >> from $55

>> Get targeted, cooling relief for everyday aches + pains with Prima’s R + R Stick. It’s a powerhouse blend of organic CBD and potent cooling herbs that will sooth sore muscles. The convenient re-fillable stick makes it perfect for dragging to the gym, on the plane or for keeping at home. >> $48

>> This old school handmade Baseball Board Game is good analog fun for the whole family. And it can be personalized with a name or logo for a special added touch. >> $65

>> You can go totally gourmet on your day trips or short getaways [or just have super cold drinks] with Yeti’s impressive Hopper M20 Backpack. It’s roomy enough for all you want to haul and durable enough for any type of adventure. It comes in 4 handsome colors >> $325

>> Royal Stag’s exquisite custom hats are painstakingly crafted by hand in Colorado using traditional methods with an eye toward modern styling. The result is a timeless heirloom piece that would be a gift passed down for generations. >>

>> Ice Cold: A Hip Hop Jewelry History tells a comprehensive visual story of blingy hip hop jewelry from the 80s to today. It features all of the most iconic hip hop artists and jewelry designers and has a forward written by Slick Rick. >> $100

>> Nomadix Original Towels are awesome for travel, camping, yoga or post-sweaty workouts. These quick-dry beauties are made from recycled bottles, resist odor, sand + pet hair AND pack down super small and light. There are a ton of prints to choose from, including the National Parks Collection. Our whole little family has them and loves them. They also make a Mini Towel for your gym or golf bag, Changing Ponchos and Festival Blankets that are all awesome. >> from $27.95

>> Bring back the old-school vinyl sound with a new-school beautiful Pro-Ject Debut Turntable. This one has a carbon fiber tonearm and comes in several really gorgeous colors to elevate any space. I gave one to my husband last Christmas and he LOVES it, it has been such a cool addition to our space and music-listening. >> $599

>> Courant makes super sleek, functional wireless chargers that blend perfectly into your decor, like the handsome MAG:3 Dual Device Charging Tray. It has been updated with both MagSafe and Qi technology, plus it has a USB-C port on the back so it can charge ALL the things AND function as a pretty catchall for your other essentials. Just set your devices down on the gorgeous Belgian linen or leather pad and carry on while it powers up. So pretty and useful for your office, kitchen, entryway or anywhere else. >> from $150

>> Give your dude the gift of timeless music on vinyl from a favorite local record shop like Paradise Found Records & Music in Boulder. You’ll very likely be supporting two people’s passions with one awesome present. >>

>> Any wine lover, whether novice or connoisseur will love The World Atlas of Wine. It’s won a bunch of awards since its first publication in 1971, including the coveted James Beard Award. This 8th edition is considered an essential guide, complete with maps, infographics and gorgeous photography. This baby won’t just look pretty on your coffee table, it’ll teach you all you need to know. >> $65 [$30 on sale right now…]

>> I LOVE my Japanese House Shoes. They’re unisex, machine washable, reversible, roll up super tiny for travel and are just straight comfy. I wear them at home all of the time, but I really love them for travel. Some now come with a durable leather sole, too. >> from $59

>> Fellow set out to make a to-go mug that doesn’t compromise the taste of what’s inside. Their Carter Move Mugs are designed to tick all the boxes of taste, durability, heat-retention and style. Choose from 11 awesome colors or one of their awesome Artist Series Mugs. I LOVE mine. >> from $27.50

>> Legendary ski artist, James Niehues, painted the trail maps of more than 200 iconic ski resorts. The Man Behind the Maps compiles all of that awesome detailed artwork into one beautiful place for proper pouring over. >> $95

>> VSSL Kits pack teeny tiny canisters of essential outdoor gear inside a top-of-the-line, completely indestructible flashlight and compass unit, creating a sort of Swiss Army Knife of survival necessities. They come in several varieties based on your focus, from First Aid to general ‘Camp’ to Flask. Or customize your own based on your individual needs. Read more about why I love them here. >> from $75

>> This is so cool. HitchFire is a hitch-mountable, super powerful propane grill that can go anywhere your vehicle can; camping, tailgating, skiing, the park... This beefy F-20 model has two burners for feeding the whole crew and the handy swingarm feature provides easy access to the car’s contents. My husband would LOVE this thing. >> from $549

>> Rummikub is such a fun game. We’ve played it with family ranging in age from 10-78 and everyone loves it. It’s a perfect combination of strategy and luck and it’s one of the best-selling games of all time, so… >> $21.99

>> The SKI Passport is part journal, part guide to the most rad US ski resorts. You can use it to find your next destination or to document the pow you shredded. Keep stickers, notes and mementos inside so you can relive and share your best days out on the hill. >> $24.99

>> Help relieve tension and tightness and foster muscle recovery with a Theragun. There are several different models to choose from depending on your specific needs. They’re all quiet and come with multiple attachments for different types of therapy. >> from $199

>> Montana-based artist, Mandy Mohler of Field Guide Designs, creates ‘portraits’ using iconic + vintage gear and supplies to tell her stories. From Fly Fisherman [pictured] and Ski Patroller to Baker and Camera Collector, Mandy’s taxonomy beautifully captures the essence of each passion. >> from $10

>> These Polaroid x topdrawer Supercolor 600 Cameras are all vintage 80s cameras that have been totally refurbished with analog parts. [except the cool colored moldings, which are new and inspired by 70s and 80s culture]. They use Originals 600 Color or B&W Film and are just so cool. >> $175

>> Brooklyn-based American Heirloom makes State Cutting Boards in the shape of all 50 states. They’ll even inlay a little heart or house to mark a special city or spot in the state. They’re all designed and made in the US from durable, sustainable bamboo and are all made-to-order, so plan ahead. >> from $61.50

>> This Stanley Adventure Happy Hour Cocktail Shaker Set is one of the MOST used pieces of adventure ‘gear’ we own. It comes with a stainless steel shaker, 2 cups, a citrus reamer and a jigger cap all neatly nested together in a compact package. It’s easy to clean, easy to pack and indestructible. >> $40

>> Brightland’s Olive Oils are super delicious, made entirely from fresh California-grown olives and always stunning to look at. They make a bunch of gorgeous infusions, including Ardor, a 100% Chili Olive Oil. It’s fantastic on roasted potatoes or broccoli, chicken wings or on a simple salad. Gift a bottle with a Spout or go big with a whole beautiful Capsule. They also make fabulous vinegars and honeys. >> $40

>> Boulder local, Alexa Allen, hand forms these gorgeous leather bowls and then inks unique designs on them. They’re perfect catch-alls for keys, watches, rings or any other loose stuff. >> $48

>> After All is Said and Done is a fantastic gift for super serious Deadheads. It documents in-depth the history of the bootlegs that helped define The Dead’s legacy, including the recording, trading and distribution of SO many tapes. It also features epic artwork from some of those cassette covers. >> $50

>> Charleston-based Smithey Ironworks’ cast iron and hand-forged carbon steel cookware is stunningly beautiful and deigned to use for life. They call the pieces ‘Modern Heirlooms’ for good reason; they’re just gorgeous. Like all of their pieces, the Cast IronTraditional Skillets are made with a special polishing process that makes for a fantastic non-stick surface. >> from $80

>> Change up your golfer’s next round with a deck of Fore! Cards. There are 50 different suggestions for mixing up each hole, including Scramble, Best Ball and One Club. It’s a super fun way to get out with your buddies and add a bit of silly variety to your game. >> $24.99

>> Pela makes super durable smart phone and tablet cases out of PLANTS and they are fully compostable so they don’t litter the landfill until the end of time. There are lots of really cool designs for every size + model device out there. A gift for your special person and the planet. YES! >> $59.95

>> Everyone loves a snuggly blanket and all of Seek & Swoon’s Throws are inspired by beautiful places around the world, but proudly made here in the USA entirely from recycled yarn. They’re soft and snuggly and they have some great prints, like this Adventure Throw. >> $175

>> The whole crew will love being able to view the night sky through a Celestron Telescope. They make a wide variety of models + price ranges depending on how serious you want to get. We have one designed for travel so we can bring it adventuring and it’s awesome for looking at the moon. >> from $54.95

>> Bring your favorite brew wherever you’re headed with a Hydro Flask Growler, knowing it’ll be fresh and cold. The ‘Fresh Carry System’ keeps your beer carbonated for up to 24 hours and the ‘Temp Shield’ keeps it cold. Pair it with a few pint-sized All Around Tumblers to share with a buddy and you’re set for making memories. >> $64.95

>> My husband loves his CamelBak Podium Flow Belt for mountain biking. He uses it most for mid-distance rides when one water bottle isn’t quite enough, so he has one in the cage and one in the belt. Plus it has a pocket for tools, a tube and super light jacket. And the Podium Bike Bottles that go with it are his fave. >> $45

>> These Personalized Waxed Canvas Dopp Kits are so handsome. They’re handmade in Brooklyn from sturdy, water resistant waxed canvas and the inside is lined with cotton duck canvas for even more durability. They can be personalized with a monogrammed leather tab to make it feel even more special. >> $90

>> Garmin has a whole collection of incredible tech for the golfers you love. There are several models of the Garmin Approach Smartwatch that come preloaded with more than 41,000 courses around the world to give you the most accurate information. They’re sunlight-readable, too. There’s also a cool Golf Laser Range Finder that boasts accuracy up to 10” from the flag. >> from $149

>> Goldbelly partners with a HUGE variety of small restaurants around the country to ship nostalgic [or new] food favorites to your door. They’ll send pretty much anything your heart desires from samosas to lasagna to kolaches. >> from $25

>> Spiceology Blends are made for chefs by chefs who source the freshest and best ingredients for the final product. Any of their blends would make a fantastic gift, but this Derek Wolf Spirit-Infused Collection was created with the founder of Over the Fire Cooking to make your grilling, compound butters and cocktails so NEXT level. >> $52

>> Elevate your ice game like a pro with W&P’s Peak Ice Trays. They have a huge range of molds that produce perfect spheres + spears and crushed + cubed ice for any cold drink you love. Or check out The Ice Box for bulk cubes that doubles as a sleek serving bucket. I gifted it and a few others to my husband and he loves them all, it totally upped his bartending cred. >> from $11

>> OneFortyThree hand-makes stunning molded plywood furniture, lighting and accessories one-by-one in their Nevada studio. They expertly combine industrial materials with natural ones to create beautiful things for your home, like this Acoustic Guitar Stand and gorgeous Office Accessories that would elevate anyone’s space. >> $155

>> At the perfect intersection of form + function, you’ll find Fellow. Self-proclaimed ‘coffee nerds,’ they work tirelessly to create home brewing products that are both gorgeous to look at and fully maximize the coffee-drinking experience for everyone from beginners to award-winning baristas. Their Ode Brew Grinder will give you the perfect grind for your favorite bean [except espresso]. It won the Specialty Coffee Association’s Best New Product Award for 2021, so… See the Gift Guide for Coffee + Tea Lovers for more. >> from $299

>> The Franklin Barbecue Cookbook is a ‘Manifesto’ of meat smoking and grilling tips from the country’s most celebrated pitmaster. Pair it with an H&B Apron or the follow-up book, Franklin Steak, for a fantastic meat-lovers gift. OR buy the new Boxed Set that includes both books. >> $29.99

>> I love Rumpl Original Puffy Blankets for just about everyone. They’re awesome for tailgating, camping, kiddo sports games, travel, backyard fires and cozying up on the couch. There are sooo many prints to choose from and they pair up with RAD artists to create really cool, unique collabs. Love their Everywhere Mats, too. Rumpl is just a perfect gift. >> $129

>> Meater is a wireless, bluetooth-enabled meat thermometer that will seamlessly guide you to the perfect internal temp. The Meater app will help you determine the right internal temp goal for your cut, then track your cooking progress while you just sit back and chill. >> from $69.95

>> Nomatic makes minimalist travel bags with maximum organization features. They have a huge range whether you’re headed out for a few days or a few hours. From Luggage to Camera Bags to Laptop Bags, they have travelers covered. This Navigator Lite Sling is perfect for commuting, it’s lightweight, but can fit your small laptop or tablet and all of the other essentials you need to drag around. >> from $99.99

>> Regular bocce is fun, sure. But Playboule LED Lighted Bocce is so much cooler. Each ball has a little light inside that can be turned on and off with just a push. We’ve used our set in our own backyard and camping and it’s so fun. >> $72.95

>> When you don't want your drink watered down, use Areaware Geometric Whisky Stones instead. Just pop these gorgeous soapstone and marble beauties in the freezer for a bit before happy hour and they’re ready to go. >> $45

>> Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks combines two favorites into one. It pairs craft and traditional cocktail recipes with classic records from the 50s to 2000s to help create a serious vibe. >> $26

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