The countdown is on. We are less than a week away from Christmas and you haven’t even started your holiday shopping. You are stressed and worried; how will you get all your holiday gifts bought in so little time? More importantly, how can you make sure you hit home runs in the gifting department? Not to worry, we get it. The workload and, more importantly, the holiday parties have taken up much of your time. But they were fun, weren’t they? Well now it’s time to hunker down and bang off that gift list. And we are here to help. This is our quick and dirty, easy-to-follow list of great last minute gifts that will make anyone (and everyone) on your list happy.
Gifts for the well groomed:
We all have those friends on our holiday gifts lists that always look perfectly put together, and perfectly groomed. They love to post selfies on the daily showing off their bright white smiles. So what do you get them? First off, maybe upgrade their shave game with the all new Philips S9000 Prestige Shaver. This bad boy can tackle even a seven day beard with ease, which means it’s also perfect for a close, smooth everyday shave. Plus it recharges on a cool charging pad that’s included; high tech grooming at its finest. But if that is a little too rich for your blood (or the level of their gift worthiness), perhaps toss them some great grooming products from American Crew. They have multiple sets, from beard kits to hair styling options, that will please every man on your list. Got a guy on you list with a mean mug? Perhaps it’s time to show him a softer side (and improve his skin) with some great skincare. May we suggest one of our skincare favourites at AmongMen, the full face and body skincare regime from Bulldog? And last but not least, everyone deserves a brighter, whiter (and healthier) smile for the holidays. So switch them over to the Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 from Philips. This rechargeable toothbrush will give them a brighter whiter smile than their manual they have been using all these years.
HINT: all these gifts are also great hint gifts for those you think should up their grooming game.
Gifts for the outdoors lovers
While many of us may love the holiday season yet hate the impeding cold and snow. There are also many of us who embrace winter and all it has to offer. This crew of peeps is all about fresh snow, exploring nature, and hitting the slopes hard (while you Après Ski). So what do you get them? First off, if you have a true skier on your list. The easiest and best gift for them would be some Bolle Googles. Renown for their superior lenses, these babies will guide your friends through all types of terrains and ski conditions without ever fogging up. Now how about we keep them warm? With more collabs and drops than any other outerwear brand out there, Canada Goose keeps its cool factor while keeping you warm. Their latest, The Toronto Jacket, might be a bit more on the premium price point side but it’s sure to win you points for best gift. Or save some cash and gift them some new, and affordable, winter boots from Helly Hansen or perhaps some Heattech base layers from Uniqlo, or even new tuque from Mark’s. All will be easy on your pocketbook and sure to keep the outdoor lover on your list happy (and warm).
Holiday gifts for the design lover
From the outdoor enthusiast to the indoor aesthete, we all have many friends and family members on our lists that prefer indoor time to outdoor time. But these aesthetes are a bit more particular about what indoors looks like. That’s right, this is the list to help you gift the design snobs on your list. Show off your trend awareness and gift them something handmade, after all craftmanship is what 2019 was all about in the design world. May we suggest a custom painted (and sustainably sourced) Norquay Paddle. Or perhaps a modern take on a classic quilt from Rox Textile Art. These design beauties feel modern yet rustic at the same time, perfect for the modern farmhouse. Need something more contemporary? May we suggest handmade Portuguese pottery from Casa Cubista? Their bold modern graphic patterns will update any home or kitchen. Or if your gift has to be more on the pop art side, head over to Jonathan Adler for some tongue-in-cheek coasters that will put a smile on even the most discerning. Or keep it dead easy and gift them the latest coffee table book, Figures of Speech, from Virgil Abloh.
Gifts for the foodie
The latest lustful kitchen tech gadget is the AARKE Carbonator II machine. This sleek, shiny brass machine makes swoon-worthy carbonated water. This is the ultimate countertop bling (which also looks great on a bar cart). Chef approved All-Clad Pots and Pans are sure to please any at home cook or chef. All-Clad is known for their high quality Copper Core Stainless Steel Cookware; these sets the standard for the perfect equipped home kitchen (from $140). Every home cook or baker we know that has a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer in their house pledges utmost allegiance to this small, yet mighty, appliance. So gift one to a friend or relative who wants to up their game in the kitchen. Speaking of a new appliances, while last year was all about the Instant Pot, the 2019 holiday season is all about the Airfyer. I mean after all, who doesn’t love the comfort of fried food with less oil and fat? At around $100, Hamilton Beach offers a great airfryer at the perfect price.
Holiday Gifts for those who need fashion help
We all have those friends, or uncles for that matter, who need a little fashion help. So make it easy for them to dress better by sharing some of your style wisdom with them through a gift. All men own a pair or two of chinos (or khakis as they may call them) but not all chinos are created equal. Upgrade their khaki game with some slim fit (but not too skinny that it scares them) Dockers Smart 360 Flex Trousers. They will feel like the can run a lap around the track in them and also look good enough for a dinner date at the same time. Add in some great button downs from Muji, they make the perfect organic cotton classic oxford that will work into a business wardrobe, and they have an instant closet upgrade. Now onto their feet… may we suggest some great classic kicks like the Flexure T-cap from ECCO for the more casual option. Or dress them up with the latest shoe collaboration between Christopher Bates and Harry Rosen. Every foot looks more fashion forward in patent leather.
And if you need a few stocking stuffers for those in need of a little more style – opt for some underwear from BN3TH or some Stance socks.
Gifts for the music lover
The holiday season is all about music. It instantly brings back your favourite childhood memories and the joy of the season. So why not gift music? Vinyl is making a huge comeback, so why not kick start a collector by gifting them a turntable. We would recommend the AT-LP120XUSB from AudioTechnica as a great option for the beginner to intermediate audiophile. It offers great sound at a great price. But if your holiday gifts recipient is more of a digital music fan, perhaps it’s time to gift them some great speakers. IKEA dropped an amazing collaboration this year with SONOS called SYMFONISK. We don’t know how to pronounce it but we do know these smart speakers offer great sound and design at an IKEA price point. Or opt for the latest Airpods PRO from Apple. The gift of sound is one they will remember you for.
Host and hostess gifts
Last but not least, it’s always important to show up to those holiday parties with great gifts in hand for your host and/or hostess. We always suggest opting for a more original gift like a modern take on a classic game like Jenga. It’s sure to make everyone put down their phones and play a game together. Or why not show up with a pre-mixed cocktail, like a Lazy Old Fashioned, and some chic glasses (you can find some great glassware for every style at Cocktail Emporium). This will be sure to impress your host. Short on time and foodie ideas? Head over to the latest Eataly location and create your own custom gift basket. It’s simple and will bring you lots of Italian love in return. And of course, you can still gift them a bottle of wine but make sure it’s a good one. Opt for a more limited edition (that won’t break the bank) like the Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon from Robert Mondavi.
