Everyone likes getting a birthday gift present, even guys who say you shouldn’t worry about them. In other words, you buy one no matter what they say in the build-up. The thing you believe needs to be clarified.
To simplify that challenging task, we’ve put together a birthday gift guide for men. Because there are ideas for even the pickiest guys, the overused phrase “You really shouldn’t have” will mean “I’m happy you did.”
A NEW FRAGRANCE
Apply the spray if it’s not broken. Most guys think that way when they order their signature scent for the fifteenth time. With so many new releases every year, it would be a shame to stick to just one taste.
Famous woody and citrus notes that won’t upset the nose are used by classic fragrance names like Tom Ford, Acqua di Parma, and Chanel. When you buy something like Gosha Rubchinskiy’s “Eau de burning” skateboard, you usually buy something everyone likes. Also, a fresh scent is an excellent present for someone who already has everything.
DESIGNER SUNGLASSES
Designer sunglasses are easy to look down on because they’re expensive, break easily, and don’t get much use in the northern hemisphere, which doesn’t get much sun—all good points of worry.
But choose a standard Hollywood style that looks good on many different face shapes, and you’ll get twice as much out of it. The first is that they are classic, and the second is that they protect your blinkers from UV light.
MINIMALIST TRAINERS
Anyone can enjoy good shoes; you don’t have to be a Supreme addict. A simple, clean pair of trainers will last longer than any footwear trend, and they’ll look great with your weekend clothes just as much as a dressy navy two-piece. There’s no need for a limited-edition Louis Vuitton picture.
HIS FIRST SWISS WATCH
These are the reasons why Swiss watches are so well-known and respected. Watchmaking centres like Le Locle, Geneva, and Neuchatel have sold fine craftsmanship for over one hundred years. Patek Philippe and Omega are two hugely successful brands from Europe’s favourite fence-sitter.
You also don’t have to make as much as a Swiss banker to invest. Smaller watch brands can make watches that are just as well-made as the big ones and don’t cost nearly as much. He has enough money saved to buy that Rolex Daytona.
A CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT
The simple Oxford shirt might be the most essential clothing a man has. It can be worn with more outfits than blue tailoring and doesn’t just go with summer or winter looks like a camel overcoat does.
It’s been an essential part of many a great look for decades, and you can dress it up or down, add layers, or use it in a more formal setting. He needs a new one because of all of these things. Not soon.
A SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
Yes, we live in a time when digital pleasures are available immediately. However, just because a man can order pants and socks on his phone doesn’t mean he will.
That’s where you fit in. Buy him a yearly subscription service that he would never think of himself. It should have valuable things that will make him a better man, like clothes, a care box, and even condoms if he wants to “Netflix and chill” with someone.
SOMETHING TO GET HIM DRUNK
A wasted weekend is still a lost weekend, especially regarding birthdays. So, give him something that will a) taste good and b) make him feel bad the next day.
Japanese whiskies are known worldwide as a milder choice than Scotch. This is important if you don’t want him to pass out after the first drink. You could also settle for a high-end vodka that is nothing like the rocket fuel you used to drink when you were younger.
SOME GROWN-UP ART
Take him out of the halls of the residence school of interiors and replace the sun-bleached Oasis and Kelly Brook posters with a more mature piece of art. While you’re at it, could you give him a tricky word?
You could find something simple with many different rooms and colour schemes or a different, more artistic take on his favourite movie or figure. Plus, that copy of Cézanne might not work as well if he’s not quite the regular at Sotheby’s.
JEWELLERY HE CAN WEAR
Jewellery: for most men, it’s fashion’s final frontier. We can be pretty smart about putting together an outfit, but when it comes to men’s jewellery, everyone thinks it’s too flashy, refined, or girly.
It’s not any of these things. Stick to the classics and look for good stuff. A simple gold, silver, or titanium band on the wrist or ring finger can make any outfit look better without going to Aladdin’s cave.
SOME VINYL
Since the world’s end seems closer daily, people look back to the good old days for comfort. In any case, you should listen to them.
Forbes says that since 2009, sales of vinyl records have grown by 260%. This means that your grandmother can now listen to dirty Johnny Mathis songs. More vinyl records will be coming out soon, so you can buy all his favourite songs for the record player he probably got for Christmas.
A KITCHEN GADGET
Considering that most famous cooks are men, the man in your life shouldn’t be any different when it comes to cooking.
Getting a good cooking gadget will save him time, make a recipe more accessible, and bring him back to the worktop. He might never be Marco Pierre White, but eating something other than microwaved rice after work could be fun.
A BACKPACK
There are more people than just fair crusties and middle schoolers who wear backpacks these days. When you buy him a good bag, it will be able to hold both his weekend and work clothes.
The best thing to wear is leather. It looks good, lasts a long time, and gives a piece usually thought of as casual polish. If that price is too high for you, pleather or outdoor-themed mixes of canvas and leather can look just as good.
SMART TROUSERS
It’s a tedious job to, look for a good pair of jeans. That boredom can be multiplied by 10 when you need to buy a more excellent pair of pants.
Not only will he be very grateful that you saved him the job, but you’ll also get legwear that goes with many different styles. If you want to determine the cost-per-wear, navy or grey will work best. Also, know that the inside leg measurement is critical. The perfect pair of pants ends at the top of his shoe and doesn’t poke out.
SHOES HE’LL OWN FOREVER
Think about how hard your shoes are put through daily: train cabins, rain, wind, and dirty sidewalks from an office drunk—your kicks have been through it all.
Therefore, it makes sense to buy a pair that will last for years and years, the kind that can handle changing seasons (both fashion styles and real-life weather). Oxford shoes are very flexible because they are simple, and good boots will make the daily commute look like nothing.
AN OLD-SCHOOL FILM CAMERA
Millions of nihilists on social media would have you believe otherwise, but pictures weren’t always about me; no, of course, they were just meant to be nostalgic songs that could be used to make fun of family members’ lousy fashion choices from the past.
Even though there’s nothing wrong with posting your photos on Instagram, something is enticing about taking a picture, having it developed, and framing your best ones (while cringing at the poorly dressed holidays from the 1990s that belong in a trunk).
A PASSPORT HOLDER
The only thing that matters is that our passport gets us from point A to point B, not whether it’s blue, black, red, or even made of human hair. Everyone should keep their ticket to go through immigration safe because vacations are valuable.
That doesn’t mean you should lock up your passport. A good handle will do. Most importantly, it will help keep that vital paperwork in one place and avoid scuffs and marks. Enjoy your flight.
DECENT GYM GEAR
There is a reason why gym gear is made the way it is. And no, it’s not to make the meatheads of Instagram look better in their selfies.
Choose materials made of polyester and Lycra, which pull and wick sweat away from the body. Also, gear that fits better is better for yoga, spinning, exercise, and just about any other class you can think of. There’s no need for baggy underwear or Worse to get stuck in the machines.
SKINCARE PACK
You hide lumps and bumps, but with the right clothes, nothing can conceal skin that hasn’t yet been adequately cared for. This is why a good skin care pack is always an excellent birthday or Father’s Day present. That one year has passed, but he doesn’t have to look at it.
An exfoliator, a cleanser, and a moisturizer are the three most important things for a face MOT. Finally, ensure that none of the lotions and potions you give him contain chemicals so that his skin stays clean.
A BOOK THAT’LL TEACH HIM SOMETHING
This clever tweet has 17 likes on Twitter, but scrolling through social media does need to be more educational. Reading an informative book is, though. Self-care books, like “How to Be a Better Man,” always hit the spot. Or, you can broaden his horizons with a Lonely Planet book for an upcoming trip that lists every excellent little restaurant. Either way, it’s better than “This Amazing Teacher Just Ate A Raw Egg, And You Should Feel Bad About It.”
DESIGNER PANTS
Designer underwear may seem like the worst possible birthday gift—everyone gets the CK multipack when they don’t know what else to get. But there’s a reason why so many people use it.
Pants made for the average male body, shape, and mould usually flatter his outer regions and areas around him. No man is living who won’t like her.
