Nick is back with his annual gift guide!
Nick: “Whatever you do, don’t call it a gift guide. Guide implies loose ideas. Wishy washy suggestions. This is a road map. Straightforward directions from Point A to Point B-est Xmas Ever. No wrong turns. No detours. Why take the gift road less traveled, when I’ve been exploring down this path already for 365 days. If the metaphor’s starting to get lost, sorry, my brain is already 50% eggnog. What I’m trying to say is this: every thing on this list I’ve either gotten and have been using extensively, or is something I have been in the process of trying to get for a very long time.”
1. The VIRAL Women’s Puffer Jacket Finally Available in Men’s!!!! (Am I doing it right?)
- Next time he’s in an Aritzia sitting on the ‘boyfriend couch’ scrolling through golf swing tips on Instagram, have him a go try on the men’s puffer. This is quite cozy and warm. It also has an option for a more waterproofed material as well as a couple different lengths. Size up if between sizes.
Speaking of viral trends…apparently It’s an RL Christmas
- He might not want to deck out the whole house in a Ralph Lauren theme, but at least you can deck out his dome.
2. Travel GEAR research doesn’t have to be a Black Hole(TM)
- There are many good options for mid-sized travel backpacks, but let me save you the hours of in-person research. The winner for me was the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC. (20% off for Black Friday…super rare sale for Patagonia jackets & bags)
I checked out all the usual suspects, but, ultimately, I thought the Patagonia had the best combo of form+function. And after putting the backpack through the ringer on a 3-week carry-on-only Europe trip, I can say I was happy with the choice.
Keep the travel gifts rolling:
- I often use the backpack in tandem with our trusty Away suitcase (bigger carry on flex size), which is 25% off for Black Friday.
3. Loosen up a bit
After a traumatic incident as a youth with Lee Pipes (“hey everyone at recess look at nick and his fake JNCO jeans!!”), I’ve been resistant to adopting the baggy jeans trend in recent years. Abercrombie’s ‘loose’ cut has provided a gateway, however. Roomy enough, comfortable, and comes in a variety of washes and styles, plus the always appreciated shorter (or longer) lengths.
- The Baggy cut is also good if ur bf is low key closer to the age of sum one who txts like this fr.
- On the topic of trying to hop off the slim-cut-everything train, this Madewell collared quarter zip sweatshirt is a nice-weighty sweatshirt with a relaxed fit that’s not oversized (size up).
- My lululemon Smooth Spacer hoodie from last year’s guide has continued to be worn multiple times a week, gone through multiple wash cycles, and still held up—now the only thing holding me back from getting it in five more colors is rational thinking (and lack of closet space).
4. (Water)Proof that you know him so well
Shoes can be a tricky gift, sizing-wise, but with so many sneakers becoming available in new variants, it’s easy to get a fresh color or better yet a Goretex or waterproof version of his favorite sneaker. Some popular options would be:
You’ll have to double check the size of his old dirty sneakers though, so proceed at your own risk.
5. ‘Prep’ for chilly weather
- The J.Crew x 47 collegiate sweater makes me wish I could go back and rethink my college decisions process. In case your alma mater isn’t one of the ones included in the collection, this collared cotton sweater is a nice winter weather option for the holidays and beyond that can be dressed up or down. Size up if between sizes.
- If repping a pro sports team is more your speed, then have a look at the Nadaam x NFL collection. I’m unfortunately left out here as well as a sad, sad Chargers fan.
6. GROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Church Pomade, Not just for Sundays
- My barber switched to this, so I did too, and it’s become my go-to hair product for all occasions. Made with seemingly good, quality ingredients, which is always hard to discern with hair product. The smell is subtle, and it feels fancy. Comes in 3 different hold strengths, all give a pliable, natural look.
heading in the right direction
- To be fair, my actual everyday hair solution is a baseball cap. The 47 x Carhartt collab is a can’t miss gift in its own right. I love that 47 has a hat shape for pretty much any head type. My preferred shape is the Hitch, in any design with a little bit of vintage flair, and if they don’t have his favorite team maybe they have his favorite breed of dog.
Marin, for the win—again
- As mentioned on last year’s guide, I’ve been using the Marin soothing hydration cream for dry patches of skin as they pop up all year round, but especially during the winter months. Constant application has lessened my use of topical steroids.
7. YES, CHEF
I Am Tiiiiitaaaaniiiiuuumm
- By most accounts, titanium cookware is a little overkill for most home chefs. And yet. Our Hestan Titanium Nanobond skillet is probably my most used pan. From eggs to steak to stir fry. I love that it can go from stovetop to broiler, get charred, beat up, and then easily cleaned to look almost brand new after many years (using this cleaner). The Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro (Kenji Lopez-Alt endorsed for all you Food Lab and Serious Eats aficionados) looks like a good, less pricey option, as well.
Elevated Essentials for Fellow Coffee Lovers
- The Fellow Stagg Kettle has earned a permanent place on our countertop, and the Fellow Carter Travel Mug is my preferred daily coffee vessel, which was a reader favorite in last-year’s guide. Condolences to my Stanley and Yeti cups gathering dust in our kitchen cabinet. Our counter doesn’t have enough space for one of their grinders…yet. Any of these gifts pair very nicely with a subscription to Trade coffee for delivery of freshly roasted beans from some of the best roasters around the country.
