The trick to a great men’s Christmas gift is something that is both useful and unexpected. It’s quite a trick to pull off, but when you choose wisely it can be a Christmas gift for the ages. And this year men’s apparel seems to be a trend. Lots of men only bought casual wear in 2020 and now we’re starting to head back to the office. So men’s dress clothing has jumped in 2021 and might be the perfect men’s Christmas gift for this year. When was the last time he added a new sport coat?
Along those lines, we’ll start with a great sports jacket:
Why this jacket? It is the perfect balance between dress and casual wear. He can wear it with jeans or dress pants and it will look perfect. The wool blend construction makes it warmer, so perfect for the upcoming season. And that herringbone look will attract attention.
Technology is always a good idea for men’s Christmas gifts. And this year will be no exception. This ultra cool coffee mug allows you to set a temperature for your coffee and will keep it there. No more running to the microwave to heat up that coffee after a long Zoom call. This Christmas gift will confuse him for just a second, until he realizes what it is. And that seems like a great way to start your Christmas day. Wash it ahead of time and fill it up as soon as it’s out of the wrapping paper.
As we age, those workouts get slightly tougher on the body. But we never hold back, do we? Here’s a Christmas gift idea that will improve his recovery time. A portable massager that can be used on the go as those sore or tight spots pop up. The Theragun works through the tightness like a professional masseuse. And he’ll be pushing himself even harder the next day. A men’s Christmas gift for the man who can’t slow his workout – no matter his age.
Sachel & Page Diplomat men’s bag
After a long season of Covid, it’s probably time for a new work bag. His old one isn’t making the grade anymore. And this Sachel & Page Diplomat bag is an excellent choice. Full grain leather, quality connectors and just the right size for a laptop. This is a Christmas gift that he’ll use for the next decade – and fondly remember the gift giver.
Does he love to learn? Is he focused on improving himself each year? Then stop here and get a Masterclass gift subscription. Masterclass gives him access to the best teachers in the world on any subject you want. Stephen Curry teaches you how to shoot. Samuel Jackson teaches acting. I think you understand: this is a men’s Christmas gift that makes him a better man. How do you top that?
Scott Barber Cotton-Cashmere Sport Shirt
Ahh, the softness of cashmere in a warm, winter-ready sport shirt. This classic choice isn’t just another flannel shirt. But it feels as soft and warm as flannel. The upscale buttons and quiet style make it work with a suit (or that sport coat above) as well as with jeans. For winter, you need a new favorite shirt and this one is many a man’s favorite. A classic Christmas gift that he’ll love. But made to work without the tie.
A music lover needs more than the classic Apple headphones. These are the upgraded version by Beats. And they add another level of clarity and sound to your music listening experience. Yes, they work great for cell phone calls, too, but really come alive when you push your favorite music through them. And they hook around your ears to hang on when you’re doing jumping jacks or your Crossfit class. Better music means a better workout, right?
Finding relaxation in the age of Covid is an exercise in itself. But there a few things that can help with that. This Christmas gift is one of those. The smooth, delicious taste of this single malt scotch whiskey somehow ends your day on a higher note. And seems to wash away the rest of the year with ease. We recommend this bottle for the week from Christmas to New Year’s. And then we’re on to 2022.
Let me guess: he added a beard in the last year. Don’t let it get out of control. This is a Christmas gift idea that will help him look sharp no matter the situation. The Bevel beard trimmer is the best in the business. Clean, crisp shaving lines for that perfect professional look. If he’s using his 20 year old shaver to trim his beard, then help him out. This will definitely improve his morning routine.
Handsome. Classic men’s shoes with slip-on comfort and high class style. If you want to surprise him (in a good way), go with these shoes. They will be his lifeline for the next year. Ultra comfortable men’s shoes that don’t just work with a suit, but improve it significantly. Another great men’s Christmas gift.
The Pike Pocket Knife by James
Every man needs a good pocket knife. And this is an excellent one. James crafted a modern man’s version of the classic knife: just enough blade to get the job done and a handsome look and minimalist feel. This is the knife you dream of pulling out to help break down an Amazon box or cut up that summer watermelon. He will be proud to carry a knife that looks this beautiful. Add this to your men’s Christmas gift idea list – he will be thrilled to open it (every time).
Every man needs to escape a bit. And escaping to the metaverse can be cool, especially when you have friends around the world you’d like to connect with. We have a sneaky suspicion that the Oculus Quest might be the surprise men’s Christmas gift of 2021. It lets you get out without getting out, if you follow. And it includes a lot of fun games that aren’t just for him. Even if Covid roars back, he’ll have a way to get out of the house for a bit.
Pantherella Multi-stripe Socks
Ties are a big no-no. He does not want a tie for Christmas. But if you have to get a classic gift, at least make it interesting. These Pantherella socks have style. And they are comfortable. So use these as stocking stuffers and let him pick his own ties. That’s where I’ll leave it.
Hopefully you’ve found the perfect men’s Christmas gift from this list. It seems like every type of man is covered: the gym rat, the outdoorsman, the techy guy, and the stylish man. If you didn’t find the perfect Christmas gift for him, hopefully you at least got a Christmas gift idea that you can use. I’m sure he will love whatever you choose as long as it’s from the heart.
]]>Running the Rapids
Here’s a trip that knocks off a few things: West Virginia (no offense, but when else are you going to hit this state?), a physical challenge, and a beautiful memory that won’t be forgotten. In West Virginia is one of the best rivers in the US to raft down. And it offers various levels of challenge depending on the amount of testosterone flooding your system. You can do this the hard way: bring tents, rent a raft and go on your own. Or settle down at a resort and make sure you rest up overnight. This is a perfect long weekend trip with the guys. And I can guarantee you won’t forget tangling with Mother Nature as you conquer the river. I recommend a fire, fish and beer to finish the day.
A Desert Challenge
Looking for a more direct way to beat your friends? Head to Flagstaff, Arizona and have a golf weekend at Forest Highlands golf course. It’s one of the best courses in the US, warm all year (ahm December golf). Camp out at Little America and be sure to hit the casinos one night. Thirty-six holes and two wins in a day is the perfect way to get a break from life. Oh, and to make sure your friends know who is more athletic.
Big Sky and Fly Fishing
Or learn to run a ranch. If you ever hit it big, you’re definitely going to want a ranch in your portfolio. So why not learn now and enjoy the time doing it. The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana is a hell of a way to spend a long weekend. Fly fishing, horseback riding, and skeet shooting all included. And you can end the day at a saloon for the perfect finish. This place is the perfect mix between activities and five-star relaxation. And the scenery is unbelievable.
More Sports for You?
Prefer a little less outdoors? Boston is a great city for a guys trip. You can tour Fenway Park and catch a game afterwards. Have a beer at the Cheers bar; make sure you invite at least one friend named Norm. If you want a challenge, go sailing in Boston Harbor (we recommend throwing some tea overboard). It’s a more laid back trip, but still a lot of history and life in a city that is worth visiting. How ‘bout them apples?
Survive the Wild
Not risky enough for you? Well Colorado has what you need. 14,000 foot mountains that will – literally – take your breath away. Or, learn to survive in the wild with the Boulder Outdoor Survival School. They teach you everything you need to know in order to make it post-apocalypse. If that’s a little too organized for your friends, I recommend Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks. Stay in Telluride as a perfect home base for this trip. There’s also another million trails around that you can tackle if you so choose. Or go early in the year and ski it all. In general, Colorado is a perfect state for a man weekend.
Bonus: Further Afield Fun
Need to get out of the US to really get a break? This one isn’t a long weekend, its for when you need a week with your buddies. Hike an active volcano and wake up near lava. Sound manly enough for you? Acatenango Volcano hikes in Guatemala are overnight and something you’ll tell your grandkids about. This isn’t a day hike and you’ll be pushed to your limits as well. But it’s something that the other board members won’t have the cojones to do. And when you walk out, you’ll feel like you’ve conquered Mother Nature and everything she has to throw at you. Every ten years, you need a trip like this with only the guys.
There you go. Some good ideas for what to plan on the next trip. And – if you’re like us – it’s overdue. Time to start the group text and figure out the weekend to make this happen. Good friendships require effort and a little competition, so pick your favorite and make it happen today. Carpe diem, as they say.
]]>Gin and Tonic. It’s hard to be a classic. And this one is classic for a reason. Hendrick’s Gin with a touch of lime is a perfect approach to life. Not sweet. No bitter. Just damn good.
Whiskey. We’re all gunslingers in one way or another. Travel really brings out the feeling of being on a dusty road for days at a time. Not much feels more manly than ordering a great whisky and wasting a half hour sipping it. You’ve gotta live. I generally go with Macallen if they have it. Or Blantons. Whatever your choice, get it on the rocks.
Sazarec. What? This one threw you for a loop? Of course it did. But try it. Legend has it that Sazarec is one of the oldest American cocktails. And you’ll need a ‘better’ airport bar to get this one (like Q or One Flew South). It requires Absinthe.
Old Fashioned. You’ll instantly feel a little stronger when you put in an order for an Old Fashioned. It’s survived 100 years of American change without even a glance. And it’s likely to outlive our troubles as well. So knock back one while remembering that this too shall pass.
Bourbon. The sweet taste of success is best when it comes from a bourbon bottle. And nowadays, there’s so many good ones to choose from. We may be partial to Woodford Reserve, but Basil Hayden’s is a great competitor. Generally, it’s best to focus on Kentucky bourbons if possible. They are more authentic, like us.
What’s your relaxation enhancer of choice? And where do you prefer to drink it? There’s something special about an airport bar, maybe it’s because I’m usually there when I’m travelling home. But it feels like the end of another successful trip to me. And pairing the perfect drink with the perfect bar is something of an artform that we can enjoy.
]]>We can dream of the perfect airport. Maybe that says something about us, but when you spend a ton of time in airports you definitely see opportunities to improvement. So we’re putting our advice out there.
]]>We have been through some stuff. Fear of dying at first. Then a lockdown that kept us from getting out and talking to …. well anyone. And we’ve done it without too many complaints. We’ll it’s been a year and half and it’s time to travel again. Even with a mask on, it’s nice to get out into the world and handle your business the way it should be handled, face to face. So welcome back to the time where travel was acceptable and normal. We’re getting there.
Williams & Kent didn’t create the perfect travel clothing for nothing. We made it because we love traveling. There’s an energy to hitting a plane to Chicago and locking down that deal. There’s something very masculine about being on four flights in a week and maximizing every second to push your business forward. I’m sure the ladies love it, too, but at Williams & Kent, we focus on men’s travel apparel, because that’s what we know.
So congratulations! Raise a glass at your favorite hotel bar and be proud that you made it through. It’s almost 2022 and we’re finally getting back to normal.
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