december simply kc magazine column: men’s holiday guide.

Become the most beloved giver in your social circle after reading my December column for Simply KC Magazine: Men’s Holiday Gift Guide.

Men’s Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday shopping season is upon us. Let’s band together to combat Madison Avenue’s trite characterization of men as imbeciles in the gift department. Here are a few tips that help make my shopping responsibilities as painless as possible. I’ve also included a few items that belong on the discerning man’s wish list.

The largest leap forward in gift technology in recent years is Amazon’s addition of the Universal Wish List Button. This liberating piece of technology now makes it possible to add items from anywhere on the internet to your Amazon Wish List. I keep two lists: one public list for items I’d like to receive and one private list filled with gift ideas for others, collected throughout the year. It’s a simple tool that makes me a more thoughtful giver and helps anyone tasked with buying me a gift.

Under $50
Thermos Vacuum Insulated 18oz Stainless-Steel Hydration Bottle (Amazon.com; $17)
This is the most reliable vessel I’ve found to transport and dispense liquids. The double wall stainless vacuum insulation performs admirably and the opening mechanism’s locking ring provides enough peace of mind to throw it into my bag of electronics without fear of leakage. Its 2.5 inch cup holder-friendly diameter and one-handed flip top mechanism makes it the perfect way to enjoy a cup of coffee on your drive to work.

Baldwin Denim – The KC Wool Hat (Baldwin Denim, baldwindenim.com; $42)
Baldwin Denim’s KC hat has quickly become the first one I reach for when I head out the door. It’s a subtle way to rep the city without expressing specific allegiance to a team. Baldwin commissioned Ebbets Field Flannels to produce these, each one designed to match vintage MLB specifications and constructed with period-correct wool broadcloth. It’s rare that I don’t get asked about it, especially when traveling.

Chester Mox Slim Vertical Dogleg Wallet (ChesterMox.com; $44)
This wallet is the perfect marriage of a slim profile and enough room for up to 8 cards and cash. Each is American made, cut and sewn by hand from Horween’s Chromexcel leather and will develop a beautiful patina as it wears. Chester Mox also offers laser-etched personalization for $10 making these wallets a great custom gift idea or a stylish groomsman gift.

Under $100
Amazon Prime 1-year Subscription (Amazon.com; $79)
An Amazon Prime membership is a no-brainer if you order more than twice a year. In addition to free two-day shipping on all orders (no minimum purchase), you also receive access to Instant Video streaming (think Netflix) and to Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. Look it up…free eBooks. It’s the kind of gift that makes the recipient think of you every time they see those wonderful words “FREE Two-Day Shipping” at checkout.

Amazon Kindle Touch (Amazon.com; $99)
If you’re planning to read long-form books on your e-reader, the Kindle’s E Ink display is still king. In addition to the massive Kindle library, you can also access free books from your local public library and from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library mentioned above. Save some money and get the $99 non-3G “With Special Offers” version. The instances you’ll need to download books immediately and won’t have WiFi are minimal and the ads only appear when you’re not reading, like a screensaver. It’s definitely worth the $90 savings versus the 3G ad-free version.

$150 & Up
Baldwin Denim – The Reed in Duck Canvas (Baldwin Denim, baldwindenim.com; $158)
It’s your favorite pair of jeans, transformed by heavy duty 12 ounce duck canvas. This is the garment I didn’t know I needed, then never took off once I got it. It’s a truly chameleonic item, pairing well with sneakers, boots or brogues.

Seiko SKX007K2 Diver’s Automatic Watch (MSRP $400; $163 at Amazon.com)
I like the idea of a fine timepiece, but my sensible nature reminds me that I have a history of losing them. The Seiko Diver is the sharpest sub-$500 automatic wristwatch I’ve found. Even better, Amazon.com frequently sells this model for under $175, a price at which I can afford to lose it. It’s already happened once. After purchasing mine, I immediately popped off the band and replaced it with a nylon Maratac 22mm NATO strap (CountyComm.com; $17).

Patagonia Piolet Jacket (Patagonia.com; $299)
Everyone should own a trustworthy GORE-TEX shell. I like the Patagonia Piolet for its minimal branding and understated style. Its waterproof/breathable protection is versatile enough to keep you warm and dry in urban rainstorms, on a windy hiking trail or layered over a fleece on the ski slopes. Patagonia sells GORE-TEX performance shells ranging up to $599. The Piolet provides protection for a wide range of conditions at an entry-level price. I wore mine in a nasty KC deluge this week and was very pleased with the comfort it provided.

“A Man’s Perspective” appears monthly in Simply KC Magazine. You can view my archived columns here. If you have any ideas you’d like me to explore, let me know. I’d love to investigate and include them in an upcoming column.