Nick is back with his annual gift picks for guys!
From Nick: I’ve been doing these gift guides for several years now featuring “tried and true” gifts, and I think Jean is getting the idea that since I already have these items, I no longer want to receive them. Not the case at all! The wonderful thing about many of these gifts—they’re perfectly fine in multiples. I do not mind receiving two pairs of the most comfortable long johns I’ve ever worn. More olive oil will never go to waste in this house (our children practically drink). And as for an abundance of TopGolf gift cards? Oh no, what will I ever do.
So, here’s my list for 2023. Pick one, many, or many of the same—they’ll surely be excited if any of these show up under the tree. Happy holidays!
Zip Me Up In This Until Spring
Lululemon Oversized Half-Zip Fleece
It was my absolute pleasure to be informed that pillow-soft oversized fleeces are once again socially acceptable to wear outside of the house. Granted, compared to the Chaps one I wore in middle school, this Lululemon Half-Zip is more well-proportioned and has a sleek, generously sized zippered kangaroo pocket. Sleeves and length run a little short, so I took a M (I’m usually a S / M in Lululemon shirts/tops).
Pairs well with their ABC pants and the below mentioned Uniqlo Heattech for my daily uniform.
A NON-Alcoholic Beverage Box
Near-beers have boomed in the last year or two, and gotten more and more tasty in the process. A great gift in preparation for dry January (or anyone looking to drink less in general). Athletic Brewing makes it easy to put together a sampler box of six-packs. And unlike actual alcoholic beverages, these can easily be ordered online.
Cometeer Coffee
The favorite from last year’s gift guide. As a serious coffee person (fine, “coffee snob” according to Jean) this instant coffee that’s *actually good* arrives frozen—all you do is add hot water after storing pods in the freezer. Choose from a variety of blends and popular craft coffee roasters. Use the refer-a-friend link to get $20 off your first order.
Fore the Aspiring Golfer
A gift card for a golfing experience
Indoor golf simulator bars and gamify’d driving ranges like Five Iron Golf and Top Golf have been popping up faster than Krispy Kreme shops in the 2000s. These spots are fun for a date night together, a small group of friends, or a solo visit, and unlike playing 18 holes on a course it won’t take up an entire Saturday (and can be done in bad weather).
Sunday Golf Bag
A small, stylish 6-club bag—great whether he’s just starting out or needs a 2nd bag for the driving range (or needs to stash all the random clubs piling up in the garage that he swears he’s going to sell on FB Marketplace).
(Note: I am a golf novice, so take their level of proficiency into consideration.)
Grown-Up Team Apparel
47brand NFL Hat
My head shape is too oblong for most classic dad hats, but 47brand always comes through with their various hat fits. For my big-headed brethren, the Captain or Hitch usually have enough capacity for all that cranium. And if their favorite team is too shameful to rep *cough Chargers cough*, then maybe opt for something totally logo-free.
Bonus gift: these would pair nicely with something from the A&F NFL collection.
Fancy (and Functional) Footwork
Two returning gift picks based on how well mine have lasted through frequent use. The RS01 sneaker continues to be my go-to sneaker for everyday wear when it’s not raining or snowing, and they just released a slew of new colors.
For damp and cold weather, my OG Mizzle Allbird shoes (surprisingly on sale) are still going strong after many years, and they’ve since released the Mizzle Plus with even more water resistance.
Get the (Apple Watch) Band Together
If other guys are anything like me, they got an Apple Watch with the intent of swapping out the sport band and…1 year later still haven’t. It’s time to check out one of these stylish options.
Get That *Ultra* Warm Fuzzy Feeling
Ultra Warm, Fleece-lined Layers
These are not your granddad’s long Johns. The Heattech Ultra Warm is Uniqlo’s thickest layer, but it’s still ridiculously comfortable with a soft, almost fleece-like lining and stretchy fabric. It has the look and feel of a thin sweatshirt, making it easy to layer or even wear on its own. Uniqlo runs a little small (I have this in Medium), so size up unless you are looking for a tighter fit.
The Somewhat Boring But Always Reliable Coat
As always, the true-to-size J.Crew Ludlow coat, when on sale is hard to beat for a classic wool coat. It also comes in harder-to-find mens sizes starting in 36 Short. If it suits your gift recipient’s style, the Club Monaco Funnel Neck Coat is on sale for $249 in some colors.
Squeeze Please
Graza Olive Oil
Yes, it’s trendy. Yes, it comes in a plastic bottle. But that doesn’t stop it from being delicious and making you feel like an Instagram chef every time you flick your wrist and drizzle a little of this onto a pan or dish.
Legos (for Adults)
Why should kids get all the fun? Think of pretty much any interest or hobby, and there is a Lego set to match. Land Rovers? Yes. Star Wars? Of course. 14th Century Japanese architecture. You got it. There’s even a reissue of a CLASSIC Lego set that was the envy of every 90s kid on the block.