Gift Guide 2014: 20 Best Gifts for Men - Nada Manley

I once tried to make a case to Kevin that my many, many car accidents (a long time ago,of course) make me something of a safe driving expert. After all, I know exactly what not to do. I take the same approach to shopping for men. I have made so many mistakes, that I can safely say I know exactly what not to buy. Here’s a short list, with a little help from my husband: Anything too trendy. Unless you’re married to a hipster. Especially if you’re married to a hipster. Anything too techy. Unless you totally understand the technology and no the specific item he wants. Down to the SKU. Shoes. Kevin just informed me that guys need shoes that fit. Weird. (Yes there are shoes on this list. Couldn’t help myself.) Flowers. Socks, underwear, or ties. Unless they’re incredible. He also nixed hats and sunglasses, because he is picky about both and likes to choose them himself. But I think they’re a great idea. What you can buy: A new fragrance. Guys don’t smell themselves anyway, so all he cares about is that you like it. Clothes. Leather goods. Something related to a hobby or passion. Unless it’s a tchotchke. They hate those. And the rest of the stuff on this list of the 20 best gifts for men… I chose them, but I think Kevin would approve of them. And they might just renew his faith in my ability to buy him a gift. (Our trust has never been restored since I bought him those cropped pants early in our relationship). Which one of these would your husband like to receive?

Slater Zorn

Game day wear that doesn’t scream “stuck in college.” Yes! Slater Zorn makes everyday pieces in your favorite team colors.

A sweater in his favorite team’s color is destined for game day greatness. Collegiate Crew, $350, Slater Zorn.

Smart Sensor Basketball

This ball works with his smartphone to perfect his game, so he’ll look like his favorite pro athlete on the court. $174.95 on Amazon.

Smart Sensor basketball helps improve his game, $174.94, Amazon

Derek Rose

At last, lounge pants that won’t embarrass you. $125 on Amazon.

Maybe these Derek Rose “Basel” denim lounge pants, $125 on Amazon, will convince him to ditch those old sweats.

Thaddeus O’Neil

This casual luxury line makes some of the most sought after board shorts and casual wear.

Thaddeus O’Neill board shorts, $275

L’Occitane

He needs to shave, so he might as well smell good doing it. $80 on usa.loccitane.com or buy them individually right here.

L’Occitane “Cade” luxury shaving set, $80, usa.loccitane.com

Man Crates

His answer to the Birch Box, and an easy solution for gift giving.

Crates of man stuff, delivered. This one is for fans of retro gaming. $99.99, Man Crates

Aesop

A grooming kit for the jock, and the wannabe. $120 from Mr. Porter.

He may not be a jock, but that doesn’t mean he can’t shower like one. AESOP The Athlete grooming kit, $120 from Mr. Porter

Paul Smith

Dapper with a dash of cozy. $125 on Mr. Porter.

Paul Smith scarf, $125, looks cool and keeps him warm. Mr. Porter

Ettinger London

These are the kinds of details that make a man look like a gentleman. $147 on Amazon.

Smythson

A sleek black wallet with a dash of color from an old, luxe label. $285 on Moda Operandi.

Smythson zip top leather currency case, $285, Moda Operandi

Dune London

This hip label features cool, affordable styles for men and women. These make me so happy. $155 on dunelondon.com

Dune London “Banger” brogue in burgundy, $155, dunelondon.com

Lafont

The chic-est, posh-est, French-est eyewear around. $312 on Amazon.

Lafont “Newman” glasses, $312, Amazon

INC Cufflinks

The force will be with him when he wears these conversation starters. $60 at Macy’s.

INC Star Wars cufflinks, $60, Macy’s

Number 288

High end kicks for the aficionado. $390 on number288.com.

Number288 “Lafayette” sneaker, $390, number288.com

Brookstone

I sat on one of these once, and didn’t want to get up. Seriously the best thing ever. $3000 at Brookstone.

I sat in this once and never wanted to get up. Unbelievable. $3000, Brookstone

Billy Jealousy

If No Shave November has spilled into December, buy him some groomers from this cleverly named label. From $20, on Amazon.

Beard Wash, $19.95, and Control, $20, on Amazon

Penhaligon

Shaving oil is a lifesaver for men with difficult beards, but even if he doesn’t use it, at least you’ll enjoy looking at the bottle. They even make something called Mustache Wax, which sounds pretty serious. $80 on Amazon.