2022 MEN’S GIFT GUIDE – NICK’S PICKS
Nick is back as a guest writer with his annual wish list + tried and true gifts!
Readers of this blog, let me paint a picture for you. Your holiday shopping is almost complete. The kids’ presents were ordered in July and have been stashed in the closet since. For the holiday party, you’re bringing a butter board, Pinterest-worthy of course. White Elephant gifts, done and done. But for the men in your life, somehow their gifts have been left to the last minute…again. Here are a few items they won’t mind receiving, even if USPS can’t get them to you by the 25th.
SEE OUR PREVIOUS MENS GIFT GUIDES
2021 Men’s Gift Guide // Father’s Day Gift Guide
A Good Shacket is Hard to Find
A Good Shacket is Hard to Find could be the title of my 2022 menswear memoir. Some are just oversized shirts while others are “too lumberjack-y” (a bad thing, apparently).
- J.Crew Factory has an affordable waffle that looks nice for layering.
- Faherty has a highly rated “stretch blanket-lined jacket” that is well-made and comfortable. It’s definitely more of a jacket than a layering shirt, and a size Small fit me well. They also have a lighter weight sweater shirt, which is a men’s cult favorite and can be worn open as a layer, or by itself buttoned up. Use code JEANW20 for 20% off at Faherty.
Give His Old Clunkers The Boot
Cole Haan Boots
Just because it’s damp out doesn’t mean you have to look like you’re heading out on a fly fishing expedition. These Cole Haan waterproof boots are a stylish upgrade for wintry weather commutes. Heck, they’re sleek enough for wearing on a sunny day too. Update: if you have wide feet, this runs a little narrow across the front.
What in Pod’s Name is This
Cometeer Coffee
As someone who masochistically enjoys hand-grinding and manually brewing my own coffee every morning, I swore off anything that comes in a pod. But we tried Cometeer coffee at a friend’s house and all I can say is: wow. The best single-serve coffee I’ve tried with no machinery necessary (just add water). NOTE: This is a frozen item, so don’t put it under the tree. You can also give a gift card so they can choose their own mix pack.
$25 off a first order →
A Stand-Out Stocking Stuffer
Sleek Metal Phone Stand
No bells and whistles here. Just a sturdy, good-looking phone stand at a good price. Perfect for Zoom calls, or for watching World Cup games on your phone while pretending to pay attention during Zoom calls.
Shop the gift →
Worth the Weight?
Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets have been the gift list rage the past few years, and I’m finally ready to find out if it truly is a nonstop ticket to cozy town. At the very least, it should aid in my favorite holiday activity: instantly falling asleep on the couch when Jean turns on a Netflix holiday movie. Guidelines say choose a blanket that’s under 10% of the user’s body weight.
Shop the gift →
Yes, Lululemon. Again.
Lululemon Gear
As noted in previous years, I wear my short-inseam ABC pants and joggers so much they’ve practically melded to my skin.
The Always in Motion everyday underwear received TONS recommendations from blog readers, so I’m currently giving them a try. So far so good—they do run snug, and I actually sized up one from Medium (my size in the joggers) to a Large in the boxers.
- ABC Joggers (short & tall avail.)
- ABC Pants (5 inseams avail.)
- Underwear
Sneak These Under the Tree
Rothy’s Sneakers
If I’m ever unsure what sneakers I should be wearing on a given day, I almost always lace up these. They’ve got the retro fabric vibes of Vans. The sleek, low-profile shape of a high-end leather sneaker. And the supportive, walking comfort of your dad’s SAS shoes. Bonus points: they’re washable!
Code JEAN20 for $20 off a first order →
A Stout Recommendation
Beer Box
I loved last year’s Extreme Beer Fest box, and this year’s stands to be no different. It is exclusively stouts, and high ABV ones at that, so do make sure the recipient is into that style (and remind them to take it slow!). And Jean, if you are wondering, yes I already ordered it for myself. Note: Arrives in January, so maybe wrap an empty or a single can to indicate it’s coming soon!
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Looking to Upgrade the Backyard? You’re Getting Warmer.
Solo Stove
My “for when we have a big backyard” list just keeps growing. Last year it was a pizza oven, and now it’s this portable smokeless bonfire pit that several of you mentioned has been a hit gift. It comes in a few sizes depending on your space and portability needs. Alas, it will be microwave s’mores for us in the meantime.
I love these guides from Nick! I look to these guides to find good quality and nice looking items for my husband. It’s makes it so much easier for him to buy a few items to look current. Thank you both! Keep ’em coming!
A shacket recommendation for you – my husband is absolutely obsessed with his wool pieces from Anian. They’re wind and water resistant, great fit (he wears size S and he’s 5’9 and usually wears blazers in size 38 for reference).
Thank you for the recommendation!