Brian's Gift Guide! All The "For Him" Things He HIGHLY Recommends (+ Some That Are On His Wishlist)

Gift Guides

Brian’s Gift Guide! All The “For Him” Things He HIGHLY Recommends (+ Some That Are On His Wishlist)

Today

Has your man been wearing the same shirt and pant combo for ten years? Does he avoid shopping malls like a snail does salt? Do his clothes have little worn-out peek-a-boo holes (and not in a good way)? Then I’m sorry to tell ya— he needs your help. See, we dudes aren’t very good at updating our wardrobes. When we find something we like, we wear it until it’s dust. The good news is, we’re also pretty uninformed about style. Our Instagram feeds are less GRWM and more FVOGF (funny videos of guys falling). So the holidays are the perfect time for our partners to quietly intervene and steer us toward some good style. This is a “for him” list of items that are either owned and approved or on my wishlist. Your man will be stoked to get a fashion upgrade without having to set foot in a mall!

The Work Shirt

COTTON BUTTON-UP WORK SHIRT

SHOP SHIRT

DIVISION SHIRT

Cotton Button-Up Work Shirt: You can wear this button-up anywhere – work events, dude nights, date nights, or just TV time on the couch.
Shop Shirt: Talk about badass. I love the details on the chest and shoulders. This shirt makes me want to fix up a vintage motorcycle or something.
Division Shirt: This is one of my favorite shirts. I’ve got the “rinsed indigo,” and it gets a ton of compliments.

Flannels And Button-Ups

ARCHITECT FLANNEL SHIRT

TEAMKIT PLAID FLANNEL SHIRT

Architect Flannel Shirt: Flint and Tinder makes dope menswear, and this green plaid flannel is a score. Great style and comfort that will last.
Teamkit Plaid Flannel Shirt: Classic flannel that every dude should have in his arsenal. The lines are modern, and the collar is perfect for layering.

Stretch Twill Overshirt | Soft Classic Tee | Best Non-Denim Pants | Iron Ranger Boot

PLAID COTTON TWILL OVERSHIRT

STRETCH TWILL OVERSHIRT

Plaid Cotton Twill Overshirt: For the outdoorsy guy in your life. Picture him walking through the woods wearing this plaid overshirt, carrying an axe and hauling firewood.
Stretch Twill Overshirt: The “Grey Plaid” version of this is a mandatory add to any dude’s closet. It goes with everything, is super thick and warm, and will last for years.

Plaid Twill Button Up | Best Jeans | Cole Haan Sneaker

PLAID TWILL BUTTON UP

ORGANIC CHAMBRAY BUTTON-UP

Plaid Twill Button Up: Love the colors in the “Alexandre Olive Navy” version. It’s warm and cozy and goes with anything. And the fact that it’s J. Crew means it will last forever.
Organic Chambray Button-Up: A classic. I mean, what dude doesn’t look good in chambray? Try to find me one; I dare you. And I’m stoked that J. Crew has an “untucked” fit for this one.

Great Denim

STORM RIDER DENIM JACKET

SHERPA-LINED DENIM SHACKET

JAPANESE DENIM JACKET

Storm Rider Denim Jacket: Love the corduroy collar and stitching details that elevate it above your standard jean jacket. This one is great for casual date night.
Sherpa-lined Denim Shacket: A perfect warm layer for going out with buddies or on a date. Throw it over a T-shirt or a henley and wait for the compliments to fly.
Japanese Denim Jacket: I love a classic denim jacket, and this one looks better than the rest. Japanese denim, high quality, great details. Gimme now, please!

Sweater Weather

SHAWL COLLAR SWEATER

MERINO SHAWL CARDIGAN

Shawl Collar Sweater: Perfect for skiing, après-ski, or just a walk through the cold. This is super warm and cozy, stylish and cool. Bring on the snow!
Merino Shawl Cardigan: Boom. Look no further. This cardigan is what you want your man to wear. Thick and warm, manly and cool. A must-have.

CASHSOFT CREW SWEATER

SEAFARER ROLLNECK

Cashsoft Crew Sweater: This one is an easy “Yes” – it’s got the feel of cashmere without the price, and crewnecks are like Hansel from Zoolander – they’re so hot right now.
Seafarer Rollneck: Perfect sweater. No notes. The roll neck is small enough to not be a thing, and the Natural Donegal makes it understated yet masculine. Love this thing.

COLLEGE WOOL SWEATER

PERSONALIZED MERINO CREWNECK

College Wool Sweater: Sadly, the Ducks aren’t in this release, but if your guy went to any of these colleges, he’ll love this. It’ll spruce up any tailgate.
Personalized Merino Crewneck: A well-fitting crewneck sweater, but GET THIS: you can add a little embroidery patch on the wrist or bottom hem to personalize it for your man. Love it.

Casual And Comfy

ATHLETIC CREW

SUNSET CREW

EVERYDAY FLEECE CREW

Athletic Crew: This crewneck is a little more sporty than the rest, with a smooth texture and stretchy fit. It can go casual or upscale and is super high quality.
Sunset Crew: A washed blue crewneck that looks vintage but elevated? Give me a break. I’m wearing this thing every single day.
Everyday Fleece Crew: Super comfy, well-made, and versatile. No wonder they call it their “Everyday” crew. It will get a lot of use.

CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT

FLEECE SWEATPANTS

ESSENTIAL HOODIE

Crewneck Sweatshirt: By far, the best version of the classic crewneck I’ve found. The details on the stitching make it unique but timeless. Good for any occasion.
Fleece Sweatpants: Sweatpants that you can actually wear out in the world as well as lounge around the house. The best of both worlds – super cozy but cool-looking.
Essential Hoodie: My go-to hoodie. Softest, stretchiest on the market. Something about the neck and fit makes it look cool, never schlubby.

Jackets I Love

STYLISH HOODED JACKET

CANVAS JACKET

Stylish Hooded Jacket: Big fan of the hooded jacket, especially in the spring and fall. This one has unique pockets, and the bomber-style weight and sleeves make it super cool.
Canvas Jacket: I’m always on the hunt for a mid-weight jacket that looks good but is also functional. This one’s super comfy and cozy but stylish enough for date night.

Duck Canvas Barn Jacket | Best Pocket Tee | Best Jeans

DUCK CANVAS BARN JACKET

ORGANIC WAXED TRUCKER JACKET

THE RYDER JACKET

Duck Canvas Barn Jacket: Everything about this jacket is amazing – the fit, the color, the weight… but the plaid flannel lining puts it over the top.
Organic Waxed Trucker Jacket: The lines on this jacket make it much more stylish than most waxed trucker jackets; this one will get a lot of compliments at holiday parties.
The Ryder Jacket: I know, I know, there are quite a few trucker jackets on this list, but they’re all different. This one is a little more fitted and rugged.

The Best T-Shirts

Best Pocket Tee | Best Non-Denim Pants | Iron Ranger Boot

BEST POCKET TEE

PIMA COTTON TEE

Best Pocket Tee: This tee makes me feel buffed while hiding my little beer belly. It’s lightweight and soft but still has good form, and is fitted in the right places.
Pima Cotton Tee: This one fits great but has no pocket, if that’s what your man prefers. More colors in this version. Stock up!

SOFT CLASSIC TEE

VINTAGE WASH HENLEY

Soft Classic Tee: Get your guy three of these; they’re cheap (Under 20 bucks!) but look very expensive. (My color suggestions: Gray Wash, Dark Spruce, and Brown Wash).
Vintage Wash Henley: J. Crew makes the best henleys, end of story. This one comes in classic, slim, or tall – perfect for any body type.

The Best Pants Around

Stretch Twill Overshirt | Soft Classic Tee | Best Non-Denim Pants | Iron Ranger Boot

BEST JEANS

BEST NON-DENIM PANTS

Best Jeans: It’s tough to find a pair of men’s jeans that fit well, are super comfy, and still look high-end. I’ll never look for new jeans again.
Best Non-Denim Pants: Unbeatable pants. Stretchy but not too tight, comfy yet structured, stylish and still casual. I own five pairs. The best.

Cool Coats

DOWN QUILTED JACKET

COLLEGIATE BOMBER JACKET

QUILTED HOODED JACKET

Down Quilted Jacket: Down-filled (responsibly sourced) quilted, with a hood, and the design is modern and athletic. Quince knocked it out of the parka with this one.
Collegiate Bomber Jacket: This is a perfect gift for a dude who needs an in-between jacket. It’s got sleek lines and the bomber style that looks good with anything.
Quilted Hooded Jacket: An everyday classic for winter. It’s insulated and fleece-lined to keep you warm, and the ribbed cuffs and diamond quilting make it stand out.

Casey Sherpa Jacket | Vintage Wash Henley | Best Non-Denim Pants | Cole Haan Sneaker

SHAW WOOL JACKET

CASEY SHERPA JACKET

Shaw Wool Jacket: When you want to look stylish but can give a good hug – this is structured and cool with a modern fit, but the soft wool makes it approachable and warm.
Casey Sherpa Jacket: Warm, chunky, manly, and plaid? Check, check, check, and check! Plus a fur-lined sherpa collar? I think we’ve found a winner.

EVERYDAY PARKA

UTILITY POCKET PARKA

Everyday Parka: This thing will get you noticed – In a good way. Sporty and fun, but also legit warm and comfy. A true “everyday” parka.
Utility Pocket Parka: I love the collar on this, and the pockets make it look like an upscale military jacket, which I’m a big fan of. And under a hundred bucks!

Essential Accessories

GYM SOCKS

COASTAL MERINO BEANIE

Gym Socks: A comfy sock that can go to the gym as well as a date night? Let’s go. I’ll take one of each of these designs.
Coastal Merino Beanie: Classic and simple, yet somehow hard to find the right one. Marine Layer has perfected the beanie. Colors are unexpected; the shape and weave are perfect.

Boots I Swear By

Stretch Twill Overshirt | Soft Classic Tee | Best Non-Denim Pants | Iron Ranger Boot

CLASSIC RED WING BOOT

IRON RANGER BOOT

Classic Red Wing Boot: If your man watches Reacher, he wants these boots. They’re super badass without any fuss, and they’re made by Redwing, which means they’ll last FOREVER.
Iron Ranger Boot: The best investment I’ve ever made (other than my marriage). I’ve had mine for seven years, and they look as good as the day I got them. Indestructible, iconic.

Comfortable Kicks

Essential Hoodie | Best Jeans | Gym Socks | Cole Haan Sneaker

HEY DUDE SLIP ON SHOES

COLE HAAN SNEAKER

Hey Dude Slip On Shoes: My go-to summer shoes. Lightweight and comfy, like wearing sandals that look like shoes. Just slip them on and go.
Cole Haan Sneaker: These are my go-to sneakers – they’re the most comfortable shoes I own, like walking on clouds. I’ve got the Gray, but I really like the White as well

BEST SLIPPERS EVER

BIRKENSTOCK CLOG

Best Slippers Ever: It’s hard to find sherpa-lined slippers that don’t flatten out after a few months. These have stayed fluffy and soft for over a year and then some.
Birkenstock Clog: I know I’m late to this trend, but these are super cool, hella comfy, and get me a lot of props from the local teens.

For The Man On The Go

FOUNTAIN PEN

ITALIAN SAFFIANO BRIEFCASE

CAR FRESHENER

Fountain Pen: I know a fountain pen sounds a little kooky, but I LOVE mine. Perfect stocking stuffer – It fits your grip, has simple pop-in refill cartridges, and feels absolutely amazing when you write.
Italian Saffiano Briefcase: A beautiful leather briefcase for the office. This would be over $500 anywhere else; the leather finish is so good. Time to step up your style.
Car Freshener: Finally, a subtle, sophisticated scent for your car that isn’t a hanging tree. These are quiet and masculine, like an artisanal candle in your car.

BLACK BACKPACK

FRONT POCKET CARRY-ON SUITCASE

Black Backpack: Perfect backpack for work or road trips. Simple, clean, and masculine.
Front Pocket Carry-On Suitcase: It’s time to upgrade that old carry-on. This is stylish and cool and has a front pocket for quick laptop storage or snack retrieval.

ITALIAN LEATHER TOILETRY BAG

NAPPA LEATHER TOILETRY BAG

NAPPA LEATHER DUFFLE BAG

Italian Leather Toiletry Bag: This is the toiletry bag that makes your buddies jealous when you pull it out on a dudes trip. It looks very expensive and holds a ton.
Nappa Leather Toiletry Bag: If your man likes more compartments in his toiletry bag, this is the one. Like a treasure box with all its little places to store things.
Nappa Leather Duffle Bag: I recently took a weekend trip to Seattle with my son and had to use a backpack. I looked like a high schooler. Not anymore. This bag makes me a MAN.

Manly Essentials

THE ONLY BOXER BRIEFS I WEAR

BEARD TRIMMER

BEST WORKOUT SHORTS

The Only Boxer Briefs I Wear: TMI, but these have two aspects that I find indispensable – a pouch that separates things and a fly for quick access to pee. I have a whole drawer full.
Beard Trimmer: I’ve tried a bunch; this is the best one I’ve found. It’s acutely adjustable, holds a charge really well, and doesn’t jam.
Best Workout Shorts: What I love about these is the compression short lining. They come in 7″ or 5″ inseam if you want to show off those quads.

It’s Never Too Late

BEGINNER GUITAR PACKAGE

Beginner Guitar Package: For the guy who always wished he’d learned guitar. This comes with everything! Including a mini amp (or headphones for your sake) and online lessons.

For The Sports Fan

COLLEGE STADIUM GOLF SHIRT

COLLEGE LOGO PICKLEBALL PADDLE

College Stadium Golf Shirt: Does your man golf? Did he go to a big football school? Trust me, he wants this: a high-end golf shirt made up of little icons of his stadium. So cool!
College Logo Pickleball Paddle: This is a Pro-formance-level paddle for the serious player, with lots of teams to choose from. Also has a $99 version for the more casual pickleballer.

Great Tech

RIDGE POWER BANK

JBL CLIP SPEAKER

Ridge Power Bank: This thing has saved my butt numerous times. It can charge a laptop or an iPhone, and comes in cool colors.
JBL Clip Speaker: When you need to pump up a pickleball party but you don’t want to lug out a big old boombox. It sounds great and comes in dope colors

I hope this gives you some ideas for your man. Trust me, he’ll be happy for the help. But be kind about that smelly old T-shirt he’s been hoarding for decades— it’s like an old friend at this point, a friend that’s been there for him through thick and thin, but a friend that needs to be tucked away in a drawer for a long, long time. Happy Holidays!

Want more gift ideas for him and more? Head to the SHOP PAGE for everyone on your list.