Men’s Holiday Gift Guide 2018: Drew’s Picks

Outfit details on the photo above

Southern Shirt Try on Haul (use code ‘INF-MORGAN15’ for 15% off everything :)!)

Base Camp Henley in Charcoal // Kodiak Vest in Olive // Napa Valley Flannel // Denver Plaid Button-down Shirt // Corduroy Hat in Burnt Olive // Trailhead Quarter Zip in Rhino (shown in top photo above)// 

Hi everyone!

I’m Morgan’s husband, Drew. I’m usually behind the camera but you may have seen me in a few of her posts! Morg asked me to come on here and pick out a few of my favorite things to create a Christmas gift guide for all the guys in your life. I’ll try to give more affordable options as well as higher end items. I’m always looking for a good deal or sale, but I also believe in the saying, “Buy it once and buy it well.” That basically means you’ll spend a little more money up front for a high quality piece, but it’ll last you for many years to come. So without further ado:

Outerwear

We’ll start with my favorite pieces. First up, outerwear. A good jacket can be dressed up or down, and most importantly, it’s versatile. I find myself usually wearing the same 2-3 jackets throughout the entire Fall/Winter seasons.

Steal:

Jach’s NY Corduroy Jacket – $119.00 ($72 w/40% off code – FALL40)

Lightweight, stretchy,  soft, warm – this has been my grab and go jacket for most of the fall. It comes in three great neutral colors – Grey, Dark Olive, and Dark Khaki. This can be thrown over a Henley or dressed up with a button down.  

Buy It Once:

Barbour Bedale Classic Waxed Jacket – $379

Here is the timeless waxed jacket from the none other than inventor of the waxed jacket, Barbour. A dressier coat that can stand up the rain and cold, this has been my favorite jacket to grab on days when it drops into the 50’s and 40’s. This jacket will hold up to just about anything you throw at it, and will last for literally decades. I chose the classic fit because I have a broader chest and shoulders, but Barbour also makes a more modern, slim fit in other waxed jacket styles. I also chose the Bedale over the Beaufort because it has a shorter length, making it easier to wear on more occasions.  

Wishlist Steal : Kodiak Vest – Southern Shirt Co. – $85 (Use code ‘INF-MORGAN15’ to save 15% on everything!)

Easy to throw over a Henley or button down, this brown vest will go with just about anything. There’s just enough texture to make this slick vest stand out from all the other ones you’ll come across this Fall.

Boots

Next up, boots. Shoes can make or break an outfit. You ever see the guy with a sharp shirt, nice jeans, and ….what are those? Yeah, we’ve all been there. This time of year, there’s nothing like a good pair of leather boots to keep your feet warm and dry.

Steal:

GH Bass Bennett Chukka in Brown – $135 ( $108 w/20% off your first order)

I’ve gone through 3 pairs of Bass chukkas. These shoes are great for every day wear and are casual enough to throw on with jeans and a tee.  You’re probably thinking, $100 for a pair of shoes is a steal? For the comfort and durability, you simply cannot beat this price. My Bass chukkas have all lasted me 3+ years.

Buy It Once:

Thursday Boots – Captain Dark Olive Suede – $199

These are on my Christmas list this year. I’ve heard nothing but praise for this mid-price range boot. With tons of styles and colorways to choose from, I narrowed my pick down to the Captain in Dark Olive. The President is a slightly dressier boot of the same style if your guy will wear these to more formal occasions. For daily wear, I’d go with the rugged Captains. There’s also over 10 colors to pick from, free shipping and returns, and nearly 4000 5-star reviews. I’m looking forward to getting these on my feet soon!

Also recommend: President Tobacco Boots

Buy It Once #2:

Sperry Annapolis Desert Leather Chukka – $160

This is my everyday work boot. This is also my second pair of chukkas from Sperry. My lighter colored ones are still going strong nearly three years later. This pair has broken in extremely well over the past three months. It’s a classic looking shoe that can be worn year round. They are a bit dressier so I typically save them for work or more dressed up occasions, such as date nights.

Buy It Once #3: Red Wing Iron Ranger 811 – $320

Does your man like a more rugged look? Is he on his feet all day? Does he love the outdoors? Does he work with his hands? If you said yes to any of those, this boot from Red Wing is the last pair he’ll ever need. From work to everyday wear, this boot does it all and will work as hard as he does. Red Wing is world famous for this particular boot and they’ll last him for many, many years.

Watches

Watches are my current hobby outside of lifting and I’ve been getting into them over the past year or so. I’ll recommend a few different styles at different price points.

Steal:

Timex Weekender Chronograph – $52

My favorite everyday casual-wear watch. It’s quartz so you don’t have to worry about changing the time every time you pick it up. Timex is one of my favorite brands and the Weekender is one of their best watches to-date. I’ve Timexes that are 8+ years old and still ticking.

Mid-Range :

Timex x Todd Snyder Beekman – $158 ($135 with 15% when you sign-up for emails)

The best looking dial I think Timex has ever made. This watch looks amazing. The pictures online can’t do it justice. It’s easily one of my top pieces for the year and the price is spot-on. The watch also comes in a cream colored dial with a brown strap. I love the black one so much I’ll probably pick up the brown one too!

Buy It Once:

Hamilton Khaki King – $340 with leather strap, $375 with metal bracelet.

Watch enthusiasts love the craftsmanship than goes into making an automatic timepiece. There’s no better bang for your buck than the Hamilton Khaki King. This piece is casual enough to wear with a tee, but dressy enough for formal occasions. It has a day/date functionality, and keeps time within +/- 2 seconds per day. Hamilton is a classic American watch brand and this piece will last for many years to come.

Anything over this price point, I’d consult your husband/boyfriend first! A few brands I love in the lower-luxury range are Longines, Tudor, and Omega. Expect to spend $1-$4k on those pieces though.

Button Downs and Flannels:

Flannels Pick: Southern Shirt Company

My Favorite Flannel: Napa Valley Flannel – Hands down the best flannel I’ve ever owned. Fits right in all the right places and isn’t too baggy around the midsection.

Casual Button Down: Southern Tide

I own a few of these button “ups” and they’re probably the only casual ones I’ll buy from now on. The material is soft and breathable, not too tight in the chest or arms, They’ve got a nice modern-slim cut through the waist so they don’t flare out when tucked. They can be worn in layers with a sweater, jacket, and are still versatile enough to be worn alone, tucked or untucked.

Pants:

I have the hardest time finding pants that fit my quads (lifting problems, I know). If your guy squats and has quads, or is just bigger in general, you know how hard it can be to find great fitting AND LOOKING pants!  However, I just came across a few of my new favorites:

Steal: Levi’s Athletic Fit – $40-$45

These jeans are little roomier in the leg. The color “Jet” has been my go-to pair for the past two years for work, play, and everything in between. Nothing beats a pair of good fitting dark jeans.

Steal #2 – Banana Republic Mason Athletic Taper Pants (Denim and Chinos) – $118 retail ($60-$72 with coupon sent via email)

So I found these the other day, and boy was I impressed. They’re listed at $120 but I’ve gotten 4 pairs of jeans/chinos at 40-50% with coupons. They have a slimmer leg opening and stretch like you wouldn’t believe. Dudes, these are a game-changer. They don’t hug your legs like jeggings though, so it still looks like your man is wearing pants, not tights. They’re also pretty lightweight so they’ll be perfect year round. The Levi’s jeans are a bit heavier and more stiff for reference.

My everyday pair of jeans (dressier)

Everyday casual jeans

Chinos – New Juniper Green (More of a dark Olive)

Chinos – Airforce Khaki Color

Miscellaneous

Books

When you’re an adult, you have to do money things, right? But most of my generation, including myself are financially illiterate. I started with the Simple Path earlier this summer and that really kicked off my interest in how to live deliberately, within our means, and still make the most out of life by taking the focus (and stress) away from the paycheck.

Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins – $15

Easily my favorite book I’ve read this year. This book educated me as well as changed my entire outlook on finances.

The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris

I’ve heard this was a good read so I can’t wait to pick it up. It’s at the top of my Christmas wishlist this year.  

The Next Millionaire Next Door – Sarah Fallaw

Another highly recommended book, I’ll probably get it on audio to listen to in 1-2 days of my commute! Ha!

Fitness:

My Favorite Exercise Shoes: Nike Metcon 4 in Grey/Brown

We have a home gym, but even if you don’t, here are some great workout pieces you can keep around the house!

Rogue Abmat – $30

Supports the lower back for situps. One of my favorite purchases in all of our home gym.

Condor Plate Carrier – $43.55

Plates for Carrier – $36-$56 per pair

Great way to add weight for bodyweight exercises and while running/lunging.  I’ve got the 8.75lb pair so wearing the vest while I run adds roughly 20 lbs.

Hope you enjoyed all of my picks! Feel free to reach out to Morg or myself on Instagram @mdrewbullard if you have any questions!

Drew

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