Finding the perfect gift for your man or a special man in your life can be difficult. Our Men’s writer, Ash is the go-to man for gift suggestions and he has shared his top picks for Christmas.
Gifts under $50
Moises Printed Aqua Hankie from MJ Bale – $29.95
Whether for a wedding, the Polo, or simply to standout in the Rat Race, no gentleman’s outfit is complete without a pocket square to adorn the breast pocket. Rules for choosing patterns and colours are simple; one’s pocket square should complement one’s shirt/tie, or provide contrast to one’s outfit, however, it should never match one’s tie perfectly.
Crumpled Maps by Palomar – From $20.00 at www.thegoodstore.com.au
“One’s destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things.” – Henry Miller
Palomar have come up with a new way of looking at destinations which is decidedly old school. The Crumpled City map series will appeal to both the Low Tech sojourner as well as the sentimental collector. Made from an innovative polymer which is waterproof and exceedingly durable, these maps can be folded any which way, or even stuffed into a hip pocket without diminishing their legibility for future use.
$39.99 from Dymocks
The greatest story ever told was devised by Homer nearly 3,000 years ago, and every poet/author from Virgil to Shakespeare has been playing catch up ever since. Homer’s The Iliad is a must read for anyone who is serious about literature, and it’s insights into themes such as honour, glory, and fate are as relevant today as they were in Alexander’s time.
From $30 – Kiehls.com.au, Kiehl’s boutiques, Myer and David Jones
For the modern man, skin care is an essential part of daily life, and with Kiehls’ Facial Fuel range designed specifically for men, the perfect gift isn’t hard to find:
Facial Fuel Energising scrub
The coarse texture of this scrub works well to remove dead skin with only a light application. I have found this scrub to be particularly effective in the prevention of ingrown hairs when used 2-3 times per week. Apricot Kernel Oil is used to deliver an high level of Vitamin E, which helps to moisturise the new skin, and caffeine reduces puffiness and leaves the skin feeling firm and polished.
Facial Fuel Sky Flyin’ Foaming Muti-Gel
Kiehl’s ultra versatile multi gel uses a combination of Bamboo, Lemon, and Orange Peel extract to deeply cleans the skin and remove excess oil and dirt. Vitamin C and caffeine also helps to reduce visible lines and puffiness, while Vitamin E helps to moisturise the skin. The gel foams well, and is particularly purifying when activated with water.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye Alert
Kiehl’s Eye Alert is an emollient cream which is applied by hand. This is best achieved by dotting the cream sparingly around the eye with one finger, as this will help to disperse fluid which has built up under the eye (bags). A combination of Vitamin E and Caffeine awakens the skin beneath the eye and reduces the appearance of dark circles and line. Cucumber extract also reduces puffiness and fluid retention, while providing a cooling finish to the cream which lingers for up to 30 minutes.
Modern Gent’s Shaving Kit from The Body Shop ($49.95)
Help men look good and feel great with The Body Shop’s Modern Gent’s Shaving Kit that includes an invigorating shaving cream, a skin softening moisturiser as well as a shave brush all packaged in a reusable storage tin.
American Crew Style Out Loud set ($29.95). Available at salons stocking American Crew
The American Crew Style Out Loud set features American Crew Fiber, a styling product that helps thicken, texturise and increase fullness to hair. As a bonus, the set features an eco friendly silicone iPhone speaker for the iPhone 5.
Gifts $50-$150
RRP $84 – Available from Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies
Always a safe bet for last minute gifts, a quality fragrance is sure to satisfy the most discerning gentlemen. Opt for a sporty fragrance such as Armani Code Sport for a great summer feel. Unmistakably Giorgio Armani, this fragrance is bold and masculine. Beginning with a powerful burst of icy freshness, the scent begins to mellow through a citrusy heart before transitioning to long, warm, spicy base notes.
From $148 – online at www.truffaux.com or the pop up store at Chadstone
For the stylish gent wanting to add some summer flair, there is nothing quite like a quality panama hat. With an huge range of expertly crafted hats using fine equadorian paper, Truffaux hats match style with a custom fit service which is guaranteed to see you blocking out the hot Australian sun in style.
$120 from Foster the Label available online at fosterthelabel.com
New menswear brand Foster the Label offers great fashion forward shirt designs at prices which won’t break the bank. Perfect for the man that isn’t afraid to show a bit of personality through his outfits.
Sometimes it’s not just the thought that counts… Gifts over $150
$165 from Sunspel, 77 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Designed originally for Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, Sunspel’s Riviera Polo is the perfect way to get some James Bond style into your wardrobe without handing over $7,000 for a tailored Brioni suit. Cut for a slightly more athletic look than the classic polo, and with signature open weave cotton fabric, the Riviera Polo looks equally impressive relaxing in a rooftop bar, or behind the wheel of a DB9.
$200 – From Georg Jensen
Christmas is for many people about regaling family and friends with food, wine, and great company. And for any celebration, there is perhaps no greater party trick than Sabrage. Originating in the Napoleonic wars, Sabrage involves opening a champagne bottle with the use of a sabre.
The Indulgence Champagne Sabre by Georg Jensen is the weapon of choice for the modern Napoleon. A marriage of form and function almost as exquisite as a 1998 Dom Perignon.
From $230. Available exclusively from Bvlgari boutiques
There are Bvlgari ties, and then there is everything else. The quintessence of luxury, these ties are rich in the finest silk folded over itself 7 times to create a masterpiece of artisan craftsmanship. The perfect gift for a man with immaculate taste, these ties should nevertheless come with a warning – one is never enough.
Uxbridge Navy Jacket $299 from M.J. Bale or online at mjbale.com
An essential weapon in any man’s sartorial arsenal is a linen blazer. Relaxed and yet patently sophisticated, a linen blazer is as versatile as it is comfortable. Paired with tailored chinos and double monks for a refined summer look, or wear boldly with pastel shorts and driving loafers for a fashion forward preppy ensemble.