You know that old saying: Men. Can't live with them, can't figure out what the heck you're supposed to get them for the holidays. Another sweater? A necktie maybe? Do they still make The Pocket Fisherman? Oh, how about a gift card! They like gift cards, don't they? No, no. It just sits in their wallets forever. Gift cards are terrible. Thankfully, you have this handy guide to help out. Just hone in on that one perfectly special item he'll love. Whether a practical, yet so stylish, winter parka to keep him warm, or a smart telescope that lets him ponder the mysteries of the universe, the male on your list will be most impressed with your gift-bestowing prowess.
Crosley C6 turntable
Crosley’s stylish C6 classic turntable with a built-in preamp sounds as good as it looks. $179.95, Nordstrom
Restoration Hardware hammered brass barware
Give his next cocktail party an upgrade with Restoration Hardware’s stylish hammered brass barware. Cocktail shaker, $80, and four-piece bar tool set, $107, restorationhardware.com
Apple Watch Hermes
Apple Watch Hermes is a sleek twist on an Hermes classic. A nod to the equestrian heritage of Hermes, the hidden deployment buckle opens with a click of the two side buttons. In addition to the leather strap, each Apple Watch Hermes also comes with a Hermes orange sport strap. $1,400, hermes.com
Stellina Smart Telescope
The Stellina Smart Telescope brings the wonders of the universe close to you. This user-friendly smart telescope connects to your smartphone or tablet. Via its app, the Stellina lets you explore and capture the beauty of the universe, from galaxies to lunar craters. The telescope uses a smartphone GPS system to select a star and start photography. Within minutes, your device will receive details of famous celestial locations, such as the Andromeda galaxy and the Orion nebula. $2,999, store.moma.org
Grilling cookbooks and accessories
Grill in style with this stretch denim apron by Vans x Hedley & Bennett, $85, hedleyandbennett.com. Add two great reads for the top chef in your life: “French Grill: 125 Refined & Rustic Recipes” by Susan Herrmann Loomis, $19.46; and Michael Symon’s “Playing With Fire: BBQ and More From the Grill, Smoker, and Fireplace,” $24. barnesandnoble.com
Zara parka
Yes, there are ways to stay warm and look good at the same time. Zara’s orange padded parka with removable, faux-fir-trimmed hood does both perfectly. $179, zara.com
Classic vinyl mini collection
He can use his new turntable on the spot with a mini collection of classic vinyl. Try American blues master Robert Johnson’s “The Complete Recordings,” The Clash’s triumphant “London Calling,” Elvis Costello’s 1982 masterpiece, “Imperial Bedroom,” and hear a young Elton John sing about the America he and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin dreamed of in “Tumbleweed Connection.” $5-$23.99, amazon.com
Polaroid's OneStep 2 instant camera
Polaroid's OneStep 2 instant camera is based on a first-generation model from 1977. It has the same retro charm as the original, with a few design tweaks to improve the picture quality. It’s equipped with a powerful flash for ideal lighting, and a self-timer so you can get in on the fun. $120, mrporter.com. Pair the camera with Impossible Project + Third Man Records Black & Yellow Polaroid 600 Film, a collaboration with Jack White's label, Third Man Records. This limited-edition run of black-and-yellow film gives images a vintage-inspired feel, with a black frame that adds a moody touch. $19.95, focuscamera.com
Mayfair brushed stainless steel and leather watch
If you want to help him elevate his style, start with his wrist. Bamford Watch Department’s brushed stainless steel and leather Mayfair watch is the perfect upgrade. It’s refined enough for the office and sporty enough for the weekend. $560, mrporter.com
'A Sidecar Named Desire: Great Writers and the Booze That Stirred Them'
From Jane Austen’s beer brewing to E.B. White’s cure for writer’s block - a dry martini - “A Sidecar Named Desire: Great Writers and the Booze That Stirred Them” takes you on a literary bar crawl. Illustrator Greg Clarke and editor/art director Monte Beauchamp’s graphic volume is packed with historical factoids, anecdotes and fascinating detours into the lives of your favorite writers, along with literary-themed cocktail recipes, such as Ernest Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon. $19.99, amazon.com
VSSL Supplies Utility Light & Survival Kit
VSSL Supplies Utility Light & Survival Kit contains the outdoor gear you need — wherever your adventure takes you. The aluminum tube weighs only 18 ounces but neatly contains an LED light/lantern, a compass, a six-hour beeswax candle, a razor blade, six water-purification tablets, a wire saw, an emergency whistle, a waterproof matches, Tinder Quik fire starters, fishing gear, a signaling mirror, 25 feet of marine-grade rope, reflective trail markers, a military-type can opener, first aid supplies and the VSSL “Priorities of Survival.” 99.95, vsslgear.com
Wacaco Minipresso GR
On the go or at the office, Wacaco’s Minipresso GR featherweight espresso machine has powerful extraction pressure for a rich and bold espresso. It comes equipped with a built-in espresso cup and scoop. $49.90, amazon.com
Macon & Lesquoy’s hand-embroidered pins
When you need to class it up a little, pin one of Macon & Lesquoy’s tiny hand-embroidered pins to your lapel. The yellow submarine and match pins are the perfect touches of hip. $28 and $23, maconetlesquoy.com
Kent & Curwen trucker jacket
Kent & Curwen’s shearling-trimmed, midnight-blue corduroy trucker jacket embodies the cool style of the British brand’s partner, David Beckham. $745, mrporter.com
Lumos smart helmet
Clever engineering meets slick design with the world’s first smart helmet by Lumos. Integrated are 48 LED lights, plus hard brake and turn signals to be ultra safe when riding. $179.99, lumoshelmet.com
Tom Dixon Dégradé Beer Glasses
Have you ever had a pint in a glass as nice as Tom Dixon's? Part of the designer's Tank series, the glasses are mouth-blown to create a handsome sculptural shape that helps preserve a brew's head. Set of two glasses. $90, mrporter.com.
Wallets and card holders
Cool accessories can take his style to a new level, and Coach’s Rodeo wallet and Paul Smith’s quirky Dino leather card holder are two perfect ways to start. $195, coach.com, and $125, paulsmith.com (Coach)
Beanies
Beanies aren't just protection for when your ears are about to fall off. They’re the finishing touch to your winter look, and these look so good that you might just keep them on. CA4LA rib-knit cap, $105, and Thom Browne wool and mohair beanie, $190, barneys.com
Nike Metcon DSX 2 sneakers
Nike’s breathable, Flyknit and rubber Metcon DSX 2 sneakers are designed for everything from sprinting and sled-pushing to serious weight-lifting. $150, Mr. Porter
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The ultimate 2018 holiday gift guide: Here's something for everyone on your list
1
Updated collection
Nine tech gifts that are actually useful
2
Updated collection
10 perfect stocking stuffers under $10
3
Updated collection
9 gifts for beer lovers — that aren't actually beer
3 updates
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