As much as I love holiday gift guides—I mean, who can resist them, amirite?! — I really look at them as personal shopping wish lists.
When’s the last time you looked at a gift guide and didn’t think to yourself, “Ooh, I’d like that for me!”?
Exactly.
So this year, with the help of EG’s contributors, I put together this holiday gift guide with that in mind.
Here are our favorite things we think you’ll love, too—or at least find intriguing. And sure, if there’s someone on your mind whom you think would like one (or a few) of these things as well, buy two 😉
Gift suggestions from Barron, Founding Editor
OK so I’m gonna go first, just because 😉 Here’s my wish list, I mean, picks for this gift guide!
Beckett Simonon Preston Chelsea Boots
The perfect chelseas to add to your wardrobe: rich chestnut brown, full-grain, water-repellant suede with a rounded toe and rubber sole (great for the winter). You'll love wearing these for years.
Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000 2-in-1 Wall & Portable Charger
I've consistently recommended this over the past several years, and it's still one of the most useful things I own. I always keep one in my work bag or plugged in by my desk. Best of all, it's always charged whenever I'm on the go and need some extra juice. (Pick up these charging cables while you're at it.)
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch
This Hamilton has a rugged aesthetic with a 24h military time dial in a compact package (38mm case) that looks great on most wrists. It's the perfect everyday casual / outdoor lifestyle-friendly watch!
Sonos One Voice Controlled Smart Speaker
Sonos One is the powerful smart speaker with built-in voice control. Get rich, room-filling sound with Sonos one, and control it with voice, the Sonos app, Apple Airplay2, and more.
The Pakt Coffee Kit
This thing is beyond cool. If you love great coffee and you travel a lot, you'll want to own one of these. It's basically a portable electric pour-over system in a small case. Comes with everything you need to make great coffee on the road!
Hook & Albert Garment Luggage Carry-On
This is a definite upgrade from the Hook & Albert Garment Duffel, which I also love, but sometimes I'm just lazy to schlep a duffel bag to the airport. This carry-on takes it to the next level, marrying the convenience of a small roller with the utility of a garment bag.
How To Start Leather Crafting
I've been interested in leather crafting for a few years but never really knew where to start. The folks at Corter Leather (an indie shop who makes awesome leather goods) partnered with Weaver Leather Supply for this how-to video + set of supplies to get you started right away.
Gift suggestions from EG contributor, Miko Tyack
Miko is our resident
Watches: A Guide by Hodinkee
This book is today’s watch bible. The chapters are broken down by topics like chronographs, high design, and icons, each chapter written by industry experts (scuba diver Jason Heaton takes on the chapter on dives). With glossy pages and cool images, this compendium is fun for experts and newbies alike.
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro
As an outdoor buff, I’m always interested in multisport fitness trackers. Garmin is famed for their superior satellite navigation and power management, so you can go as far and as long with this guy as you want –especially since it includes emergency alerts and incident detection. The Fenix 6S Pro also features cool topographic maps.
Versa Elite Single Watch Winder
This is one of the best affordable watch winders out there. A watch winder is a good way to keep your automatic watches ticking and healthy when you aren’t wearing them. With its leather finish and clear display, the Versa Single is also a good presentation box if you leave your watches on display!
Invicta NFL New England Patriots Watch
I'm a Pats fan, but there's an NFL Invicta watch for every team. If you ever hit a wall with what to get your buddy for his birthday (his wife wouldn't appreciate you taking him away for that camping trip every year), this watch safely stays in the bro-lane and every football fan will find an occasion to rep his team with it.
The Impossible Collection of Watches (Ultimate)
A grand for a coffee table book? Hear me out. This impressive tome is less of a book and more like a piece of art at 15.5” x 18.6”, a silk clamshell presentation, and complete with white gloves and a signature canvas tote. The beautiful watch imagery on art-quality paper pops out of the page, and the content is written and curated by historian and former British GQ Editor-in-chief, Nicholas Foulkes.
Need a great gift for a cigar lover?
Cigar Gifts For An Effortless Gent: The 5 Best Gift Ideas For The Cigar Aficionado In Your Life
Gift suggestions from EG contributor, Brian Adee
Brian mostly focuses on cigars, accessories, and everyday carry here at Effortless Gent. You can find his articles here. He recently put together an awesome gift guide for cigar lovers. Take a look at his picks for this gift guide!
Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Watch
When the gyms closed and I could no longer train safely with my jiu jitsu partners, I took up a daily running habit for my physical activity. Running had never been my thing before the pandemic, but now it’s a welcome relief from being cooped up indoors all day!
Garmin’s Forerunner watches provide a heart rate monitor at the wrist as well as a sleek and minimalist display, making it perfect for long runs and tracking progress.
Pocket Squares from Cyberoptix Tie Lab
Delightfully quirky and handmade in Detroit, I’ve been wearing Cyberoptix’s silk screen printed ties for years, but haven’t tried any of their other accessories yet. Maybe this will be the year for an Ampersand handkerchief or beer ingredients pocket square?
Opinel No. 8 Pruning Knife
Decisions, decisions… Even though I already have a few Opinel knives, I can always find room for one more of their beautiful blades. Their mushroom hunting knife looks perfect for wet season foraging, but the DIY multi-tool is the first one I’ve seen from Opinel. Honestly, I’d be happy to get either as a gift!
Opinel No.9 Knife and Multi-Tool
Decisions, decisions… Even though I already have a few Opinel knives, I can always find room for one more of their beautiful blades. Their mushroom hunting knife looks perfect for wet season foraging, but the DIY multi-tool is the first one I’ve seen from Opinel. Honestly, I’d be happy to get either as a gift!
Why We Make Things and Why It Matters
With so many routines and standbys disrupted by the events of the past year, I’ve taken solace in going back to some of my favorite hobbies -- as well as starting a few new ones.
While at first I took up woodworking to beat my boredom and existential angst, I quickly found myself developing a renewed love and appreciation for making things with my hands. That’s why I’m looking forward to reading this book from Peter Korn: A deeply spiritual take on how making objects shapes our lives and identities.
Full Bodied Cigars Sampler
Famous Smoke always has some amazing package deals around the holidays, but this set at this price just blows me away. There’s nothing quite like having rich, robust cigars to share with friends on a cold winter night.
If they’re already out of the Full Bodied Cigars sampler, I’m also a huge fan of just about every stick that Montecristo makes. You can try them all in the Best of Montecristo Sampler, also from Famous Smoke.
Gift suggestions from EG contributor, Beau Hayhoe
Beau covers style and many of our buying guides here on Effortless Gent. You can find his articles here. Here are Beau’s picks for the EG gift guide:
Billy Reid Bond Peacoat
Simply put, the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat is a surefire classic, as covetable as it gets. It’s been immortalized on screen (at least, for this James Bond) in the excellent 007 flick Skyfall, and ever since then, it’s been on my (mental) holiday wish list.
Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless Headphones
I’m a big fan of indie rock and all things music, and seeing as live shows are off the table for a good long while, these crystal-clear headphones ought to serve as a fitting replacement when it comes to high-quality audio. They’re both Bluetooth capable and able to be plugged into a turntable, and that’s a 2-for-1 deal I can certainly get behind.
Todd Snyder Italian Suede Snap Dylan Jacket
If you’ve read my work or follow me on social media, you know I’m a huge fan of the work being done by NYC menswear designer Mr. Todd Snyder. The Dylan Jacket is up at the top of my holiday wish list for its perfect blend of refinement, style and just enough rugged appeal. Available in several colors.
Shinola The Guardian Leather Watch
As you might have guessed, my home state pride runs deep, even though I’m in Brooklyn now and not Michigan. Shinola was the “It” brand for me through my college years, and a handsome and refined watch like this is every bit as covetable for me now as then.
Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots
Another classic from the annals of modern menswear lore, the Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots have never failed to catch my eye, in the wild or on digital shopping shelves. Growing up in Michigan, I was more of a Wolverine boots fan (home state pride!), but Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots are simply unbeatable these days.
Update, 12/2: I’m leaving the links from the Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals up, in case there are any deals still available from these retailers. They’re among our favorites, and who knows, they might surprise you, so feel free to click through and browse.
Keep reading to take advantage of awesome discounts at our favorite EG-approved stores.
EG-Approved Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals, 2020
I’ll keep this list updated as much as possible. Bookmark this post and check back often; I’ll continue to add worthwhile deals I find.
Make sure to double-check end dates on the brand’s site as well, and move quickly! Products tend to sell out during the weeks of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Most of these deals end around 12/1, if not earlier.
I have to mention my own Black Friday deal
Take 50% off my style program bundle. (Update 12/2: This deal has ended, but the bundle is still available)
That’s Effortless Outfits (Fall / Winter), Match Clothes Like a Pro, and Smart Sharp Style, for $139! If you buy each program individually, it’s $271.
I don’t discount my programs often, so this is an incredible chance to grab lifetime access to every single one of my style courses.
Looking to upgrade your style and need step-by-step guidance? This is the way to go!
I update my programs regularly, and I have a HUGE update planned for Smart Sharp Style in 2021. As a customer of this bundle, you’ll get full access to all new updates for free.
I also offer a 30-day, 100% money back guarantee, if it isn’t what you expect (but I know you’ll love it 😉)
All of our style programs—Effortless Outfits Fall / Winter, Match Clothes Like a Pro, and Smart Sharp Style—at a special bundled price.
You also receive FREE lifetime updates and a 30-day, 100% money back guarantee.
My style program bundle deal ends 12/1! Learn more here.
Here’s our list of favorite brands / stores and their Black Friday + Cyber Monday deals
By the way, if you aren’t familiar with some of these brands, just know they’re among my favorites and I either know the folks behind the brand personally, and / or have shopped there for years.
Many of them don’t do sales normally, so this is a great opportunity for you to pick out something awesome.
So click through and check them out; I’m sure you’ll find stuff you love.
| Brand / Store | Offer | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Huckberry | So. Much. Great. Stuff. | no code needed |
| Everlane | 20-40% off (first BF sale) | no code needed |
| Bonobos | 30% off sitewide + tons of specials | FRIDAYWEEK |
| Beckett Simonon | 2 pairs for $289! | no code needed |
| Spier & Mackay | 20% off sitewide | BF2020 |
| GREATS | 25% off orders $75+ | CYBERWEEK |
| Tiege Hanley | Skin care mega box! 12 products, 50% off | no code needed |
| SuitSupply | Biggest outlet ever, current season stock included | 2020 |
| KOIO | 10-30% off until 11/30 | No code needed |
| Jay Butler | 20% off sitewide (JBBF2020); 30% off alligator and ostrich (JBBFexotic) | JBBF2020, JBBFexotic |
| Oliver Cabell | 15% off sitewide + free Gordon bracelet | no code needed |
| Miansai | 20% off everything (excl. fine jewelry) | BLACK2020 |
| Away | $125 off the Journey Set + other sets available | no code needed |
| Twillory | Up to 65% off! | no code needed |
| Ugmonk | 20% off sitewide, free shipping $99+ | HOLIDAY20 |
| Mott & Bow | 15% off, goes up to 25% | no code needed |
| American Trench | 20% off sitewide, some exclusions | BFCM2020 |
| Billykirk | 35% off | BLACKFRIDAY35 |
| Grant Stone | Spend $400+ & receive 30% off sitewide, excl. shell cordovan | blackfriday2020 |
| Keap | 25% off (great workout shorts) | Holiday25 |
| Olivers | 20% off until 11/30 (great premium athletic staples) | no code needed |
Which of these make your holiday wishlist?
What would you add to it? And what’s on your wishlist this holiday season?
Feature image via GiftPundits