Monday, December 13, 2010

Gift Guide: The Gentleman

From Flickr User Dae-Sue Found Photos
He's a man of the 21st century with a touch of class from the past. Part James Bond, part Don Draper, part diplomat. Buy him gifts that appeal to his love for fine clothing, cocktails and cars with a nod to the needs of modern man.
A tough and sleek briefcase to handle his tech with a touch of class. From Tumi.


Socks that make a statement, while staying office appropriate. In stripes, spots and argyles of every variety (for girls too!) Happy Socks.

Bond on Blu-Ray, what could be better? On Amazon.

A cool tool to shake up his cocktail hour. The ice ball maker - for drinks on the rocks without the dilution. You can splurge on the weighted mold that compresses a block of ice into a sphere for crystal clear results or opt for a stocking stuffer sized modified ice tray from MoMA
Malt Advocate's whiskey of the year, Stranahan's small-batch artisan Colorado Whiskey. Available online from Total Beverage.


And if whiskey isn't his drink, he might prefer award-winning Bluecoat gin. Distilled in Philadelphia, PA in a pre-prohibition copper pot. This year's top artisan gin. Available online from Drink Up NY.


For reading material while enjoying a cold drink and inspiration for more drinks worthy of such swish ice cubes, Boozehound by Jason Wilson. Available on Amazon.


Silver collar stays with a secret message. From Red Envelope



 Unless he opts for a truly classic shave, Jack Black's Electric Shave Enhancer adds a bit of luxury to his daily routine. 


A subscription to my gentleman's favorite publication. The Economist.  


 A manly cuppa in cool industrial packaging. Definitely more dignified than red zinger. From Steven Smith Teamaker.


A vintage edition of a classic game that's more chic than childish, and adds an air of sophistication to game night. Monopoly Vintage Edition for Restoration Hardware (they also have Scrabble)


A coffee mint scented body wash to jump start his mornings. From Wash With Joe.


 For taking notes, reading the news and maybe a little bit of Angry Birds. And because it's an iPad,
the iPad.


A super slim front pocket wallet featuring a money clip, three credit card slots and a clear ID window. Available on eBags.

A classy way to leave a hint. Nice Parking cards, for slipping under windshield wipers of offending vehicles. From Jack Spade

A special edition from a men's fragrance master. John Varvatos 10th Anniversary edition is "assertive and powerful" with notes of bergamot, orange and cinnamon...
A sterling silver tie clip to inject some Mad Men ad exec style into his work wear. From J Crew.



Call them wingtips, oxfords or brogues - for more television inspired style, a pair of these evokes the prohibition era suiting of Atlantic City's boss, Nucky Thompson on HBO's Boardwalk Empire. Cole Haan available from Nordstroms. For the real deal that Buscemi sports in the opening credits, splurge on these from Forzieri.


For the love of cars.  Britain's best race everything from roadsters to RV's in this madcap and supremely masculine series. Buy him a season, or all 15 or a selection of greatest hits, such as the above Great Adventures. All available on Amazon.


A neat and tidy typography desk calendar from Studio Hinrichs featuring fonts from the archives of 20th century design superstars. No Comic Sans in sight. Available on Veer


A wool topcoat in a herringbone tweed helps him break out of the sea of basic black. From LL Bean Signature.


Finally, some essential tongue-in-cheek etiquette, for today's gentleman. Need something a little rougher? Try The Rogues' Handbook  both available on Amazon.