Allyson’s Holiday Gift Guide for Men: Gifts Chosen with Him in Mind

As promised, I’m back with my gift guide for the men in your life. If you’re shopping for someone whose answer is always “I don’t need anything,” I hope this gives you a few places to start.

I like to think about how someone spends his time before choosing a gift:

The dad who’s happiest beside a river. The husband who takes his Saturday breakfast cooking very seriously. The man who is still carrying the overnight bag he’s had since college. Those little details give you something to work with.

This year’s picks include a few Emogene & Co. essentials, along with makers whose work deserves a spot on your holiday shopping list. Supporting smaller businesses matters to me, and I love being able to introduce you to the people making thoughtful products beyond our own.

 

Here’s what I’m putting under the tree for the men in my life:

The Workhorse Utility Balm

For the man whose hands get rough long before he thinks to reach for moisturizer, I’d start here. The Workhorse can do it all: soften dry hands, condition beards, and gently style hair. With a scent of cedarwood and lavender that settles into warm vanilla. A small amount goes a long way, and he can use it on his cuticles or dry elbows, too.

I love a useful gift that quietly becomes part of someone’s day. This is one I’d tuck into his stocking with a note reminding him that his hardworking hands deserve some care.

 

Haven Outdoor Protective Balm

For the man who would happily spend the entire day outside, Haven belongs with his outdoor gear. Our DEET-free botanical balm is designed to help deter insects and soothe the feel of itchy, bug-bitten skin.

I’d pair it with fishing flies or tuck it into a bag for his next camping trip. There’s something thoughtful about choosing a gift for the place where someone feels most himself. Just remind him to reapply as directed, especially after getting wet.

 

Local Detox Cleansing Bar

If he likes a straightforward routine, Local Detox is an easy addition. Made with activated charcoal and plant-based oils, this cleansing bar helps wash away surface dirt and excess oil. It works on the face AND body and is especially suited to oilier skin.

I’d choose this for someone who wants to feel clean after a long day without lining up a shelf full of bottles. Pair it with The Workhorse Balm for a practical little gift he can put to use right away.

 

Hydrate Moisture Accelerator

When his face feels tight after washing, Hydrate is the one I’d introduce him to. This lightweight serum uses hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to help skin feel hydrated and look smoother. He can apply it solo or before his moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration.

Skincare is a thoughtful gift when you choose it around something the person actually needs. For the man dealing with dry winter skin, this is a simple step worth making room for (and PS, Hydrate is the leading moisturizer amongst our Emogene & Co. male customers!)

 

Emogene & Co. Logo Hat

I have to include a little Emogene & Co. outside the bathroom cabinet. Our logo hat has a dusty blue front, a cream mesh back, and an embroidered patch, with a classic curved bill.

This is an easy pick for the man who reaches for a hat on his way out the door. I’d wrap it with The Workhorse tucked inside. Seeing someone wear our little business out in the world means a great deal to me.

 

King Ranch Kineño Leather Duffle Bag

A beautiful overnight bag is such a good gift for someone who travels. This full-grain leather duffle has a worn-in finish that deepens over time, with a padded, detachable shoulder strap and a waterproof interior zip pocket for separating damp or dirty clothes.

I love the idea of giving this with a note about a weekend you’d like to take together. You can also add his initials for a personal touch. It’s a generous gift, especially for someone who’s been overdue for a bag upgrade.

Poncho Outdoors: The Bonnell

The Bonnell has that soft, broken-in corduroy feel, with pearl snaps and a little stretch. The practical details are good, too: a built-in lens cloth and a sunglasses holder.

This is the shirt I’d choose for the man who wants to be comfortable but still likes to look put together. He could wear it to a holiday dinner, then reach for it again the following weekend. I always feel good about gifting clothing I can picture someone wearing in his regular life.

 

Blue Delta Jeans: Men’s Custom Cashiers Pant

For this pick, I’m drawn to the khaki-colored option. Blue Delta’s Cashiers pants are made with substantial stretch twill, and each pair is drafted to his measurements and hand-sewn in Tupelo, Mississippi.

For a man who struggles to find pants that fit comfortably through both the waist and legs, that attention feels especially personal. I love supporting the skilled people doing this work, and a made-to-measure pair would be a lovely gift for someone who rarely treats himself to clothing.

 

Double B Boots: Yocona River Roper

Double B Boots began on a Mississippi farm, and the Yocona River Roper has a simple, handsome look I love. Made with tan Sierra goat leather, it has clean lines and a low roper heel. The leather is meant to develop more character with wear.

I’d put these on the list for someone who already loves his boots or has been talking about finding his first pair. This is a gift I’d happily let him help choose, especially when it comes to getting the fit right. (PS, you can also have his initials branded directly onto the boot for a personal touch!)

 

Blake Gore Miniature Art: Bottle and Bourbon

For the bourbon enthusiast, miniature artist (and long time friend of mine) Blake Gore’s Bottle and Bourbon is a lovely way to bring his interest into his home. This giclée print reproduces Blake’s original artwork at its miniature scale, using archival ink on fine art paper. It arrives ready for a 4-by-4-inch frame, which you’ll purchase separately.

I’d frame it before wrapping it so he can find a spot for it right away. A little piece of art beside his favorite bottles would make such a personal gift, and you’re supporting an individual artist in the process.

 

Smithey No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet

For the man who loves to cook, the Smithey No. 10 is a beautiful piece to add to his kitchen. This American-made, ten-inch cast iron skillet comes pre-seasoned with a polished interior and a helper handle. It’s sized for everyday cooking for one to three people, and it’s a lovely choice for skillet cornbread.

I’d tuck a handwritten family recipe into the box. That small addition gives him something to make first, and perhaps something you can sit down and enjoy together. Custom engraving is available, too.

 

Rescue River Olive Poacher Fishing Flies, Four-Pack

For the fly fisherman on your list, this set includes four weighted, barbless jig-hook flies designed to imitate small baitfish. The pack contains two size #8 flies and two size #10 flies.

The people behind them are what make this recommendation especially meaningful to me. Rescue River works in Kampala, Uganda, providing employment and fly-tying training to women who have experienced trafficking and sexual exploitation. Its work includes financial and literacy training, helping women build skills and greater economic independence.

I’d include that story with the gift. Knowing who made something, and the work your purchase supports, gives him another reason to appreciate it.

 

DJ&A Pickle-Licious Cucumber Crisps

There’s room in a gift guide for a good snack. These incredibly creative (and healthy!)  pickle-flavored crisps are made from real cucumbers and come in a resealable bag. For the man who loves something crunchy and tangy, they’d be a fun stocking addition.

I’d tuck a bag alongside a note claiming a movie night together. Sometimes a small gift that says “I remembered what you like” feels especially sweet.

A Little Thought Goes a Long Way

I hope something here made you think, That sounds like him.

That’s where I like to start. Choose the gift that fits his life, then tell him why you picked it. Write down the thing you appreciate about him that you don’t say nearly enough.

And when you can, shop with the makers and smaller businesses you’d love to see doing well long after the holidays. As a business owner myself, I know how much it means when someone chooses your work for a person they love.

With love,
 Allyson