Dappered | The Dappered Gift Guide for Last Minute Gifts

[Dappered | The Dappered Gift Guide for Last Minute Gifts]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [The Dappered Gift Guide for Last Minute Gifts](#1) - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Dappered Dad](#2) - [In Review: Target C9 Champion Activewear for Men](#3) [The Dappered Gift Guide for Last Minute Gifts](r/Dappered/~3/IBuQ8VD2NmA/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 18 Dec 2019 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( Welcome to crunch time. Christmas is in a week, and if you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re running out of time to find something for your pal, brother, boyfriend, or husband. The good news is that it’s not too late, even if you’re shopping for a guy who’s got tastes that are a little more honed in compared to the general dude-public. All picks & suggestions below should be easy-ish to source locally (barring living in the middle of nowhere) or, should ship fast enough to get to you, in time, for a quick wrapping job. Happy Holidays, and good luck! [The Amazon sourced Watch that Ships Fast & Free]( [Dappered.com]( - [Armogan Chronos – $220 – $225]( - [Citizen Nighthawk – $187.98]( - [Seiko SRP777 “Turtle” – $320]( - [Seiko Beige Dial Chrono – $98]( Amazon is a hive of busy, busy bees this year. Just make sure that the watch is being fulfilled by Amazon (not some 3rd party without the dependability of Amazon’s shipping apparatus) and the shipping speed you select (if you don’t have prime) gets it to you before the holiday. A gift certificate for a break on the weekend This could take the form of dog walker, a mobile car detailer, a yard service, a handyman repair. Think of the chores he normally tackles on the weekend, and pay to have someone else take care of that chore for a weekend. Give him the gift of time that he can use for whatever he wants to. Even if it’s tackling another chore he’s been meaning to get to. Let him use that time however he wants to. [Amazon Goodthreads Slim Fit Flannel Shirt – $25ish]( [Amazon Goodthreads Slim Fit Flannel Shirt]( With plenty of cold weather left, a new flannel shirt might be mighty appreciated. What sets these apart? The button down collar. The problem with most flannel shirts is that the collars aren’t button down, there’s no slots for collar stays, and they’re floppy as all get out. So there’s huge potential for [Al Borland]( territory. Not here. Slim fit too! [Also available in standard fit]( for more Al-like frames. There are [a lot of other options in the Goodthreads lineup](, one of Amazon’s house fashion brands. And since it’s Amazon, it’ll get that fast and free Amazon shipping treatment (as long as you have [Prime](). The Slightly Unexpected Bottle of Booze [The Slightly Unexpected Bottle of Booze] Ah yes. A trip to the liquor store. Sorta feels like a cop-out, but if you’ve got an imbiber on your list, it’s always appreciated. Especially if you go off the beaten path just a bit. If he drinks gin? Try gifting a bottle of [Old Tom style]( gin by Ransom. If he drinks Scotch? Look for something that’s aged a bit differently (say, [in rum casks](. If he’s a whiskey guy, try gifting a bottle of perfect-for-the-season Canadian, like [Pendleton’s 1910](. A little sweet, a little spicy, it fits in perfect around the holidays. Just go in, poke around a bit, and ask questions. Gift certificates to get his shoes shined [Shoe Shine Gift Certificates] Got a cobbler in your city? Drop in and see if they offer gift certificates for shoe shines. Sure, plenty of guys actually like [the process of shining their own shoes]( (it’s a bit like washing a nice car), but every so often it’s nice to just hand em’ over to the pros. [Something from Target’s Goodfellow & Co Line]( [Goodfellow and Company on Dappered.com]( Target’s Goodfellow & Co line continues to improve. And almost everyone has a Target near them. Plus, thanks to Target’s website, you can choose the “pickup” option and not have to stand in line at a regular register. Just give em’ a couple of hours to dig up what you’re after, then duck inside and hit the customer service desk. [Head here for a review]( of some of our favorites from this winter’s Goodfellow & Co line, and don’t forget [that they do grooming stuff now too](. Surprise him with a decadent brunch If you spend Christmas morning at home, and he’s a foodie, how about a super decadent brunch? Treat him like a king. Have his breakfast favorites a plenty, but step it all up in quality. If he likes to drink with brunch, start him with a [hot or cold coffee cocktail](. If you’re making scrambled eggs, an easy way to add decadence is to use cream instead of milk, and cook them up in butter. Bacon? Splurge on high quality, thick cut meat from a butcher. Waffles can be kicked up a notch will an impressive offering of toppings, and high quality maple syrup. You could even [make the butter a bit more decadent](. Have a starter fruit and cheese board. Offer a build your own mimosa or Bloody Mary bar. You can make it as simple or complicated as you want, but one thing’s for sure; it’ll be a jolly way to start his day. And then allow him the grace of a food coma and nap. [A few months of a subscription service of some sort]( [Bespoke Refresh Kit]( There’s only about 8.5 trillion of these things around now, and many of them are targeted towards guys who appreciate style and actually put some effort into their appearance. The Google shall help you, but it’s tough to go wrong with [Bespoke Post](). They’re (obviously) a favorite around these parts, and opting out of any boxes you don’t want is super easy. [Shown above is the popular (for good reason) “Refresh) box](. A quality shave and/or haircut [A quality shave and/or haircut] “Pamper” and “guys” don’t really go all that well together. But this is about as close as we get. Heritage inspired barber shops are back in a big way. So if he [doesn’t have a regular barber](, or if he does and said person doesn’t offer shaves, get him a gift certificate to send him to a place that does just that. Ask around though. Last thing you want is to send the recipient to a place that’ll hack his face to bits. [Peak Velocity Quantum Athletic-fit Jacket – $20 to $59 (depending on color/size)]( [Peak Velocity Quantum Athletic-fit Jacket]( We’ve come to really appreciated [this Amazon house brand around these parts](. Well made, functional, and a heck of a lot less than many of the athletic/athleisure brands out there. If he’s the active, outdoorsy type, this should come in handy as an extra layer. If he has some fitness goals for 2020, this should come in handy, in regards to… Something to support his 2020 resolutions [The subtle art of not giving a f*ck on Dappered.com]( If you have enough information about his 2020 goals or resolutions, is there something you can source for him that will support said goals? If the goal is fitness, you can go with workout gear, a few months covered at his gym or a few sessions with a trainer, or a gift card to a restaurant all about healthy food options. If he’s trying to focus his mental energy on things that matter, then [maybe the above book is a solid choice](. Maybe he has the goal of keeping his physical space cleaner. See if there are any minimalist or clutter coaches in your area that you can buy a few sessions from or a program for him. Whatever his goals are, put your thinking cap on and either find something locally to support it, or rely on Amazon to get something shipped to you fast. A stylish movie - [From Russia w/ Love]( - [The Thomas Crown Affair w/ Steve Mcqueen]( - [Casablanca]( - [The Bank Job]( - [North by Northwest]( - [To Catch a Thief]( - [The Original Ocean’s 11]( or, [the Clooney Remake]( - [Inception]( Great for those who live together, but can also be gifted (I think?) across the interwebs depending on the platform. Unless you’re knee deep in family obligations, Christmas day can start to be a bit of a yawner by mid-afternoon. So… get him a movie. Make some cocktails. Curl up on the couch and soak it up. If it streams for free? All the better. Wrap up some favorite cocktail fixings and a bag of popcorn and hit the couch that evening. A vintage book or two [A vintage book or two] What’s his favorite genre? Does he have a favorite set of movies (like the Bond flicks) based on books? Does he have any particular interests (politics, playing the guitar, basketball) that have been written about by legends? Hit your local used book shop, and try to dig up a classic that would fit his tastes. Books are functional art. They look great on the shelf, and re-reading a favorite during these cold and dark months is one hell of a pleasure. [A 100% Cashmere Sweater from Amazon’s Buttoned Down brand]( [Amazon Buttoned Down Cashmere Sweater]( Amazon’s men’s clothing lines are actually not half bad, with some major hits lurking. Sure, sweaters as Christmas presents are super cliche, but a lot of guys won’t spend the cash on themselves to get cashmere. So, here’s your chance. You’ve gotta have Prime to buy it, but that’s kinda the point here, being that we’re all a bit short on time in terms of getting stuff shipped out in time for the holiday. [A watch box / something to organize his watches and other accessories]( [Watch Box on Dappered.com]( That is, if he has a bunch of watches. Or maybe a few watches (watch boxes come in various sizes with various amounts of slots/places to store stuff). Shown above is [the 12 slot option from Songmics](. Just $30. Available on Amazon and ships fast if you have Prime. Faux-Leather clad and available in black or brown, it’ll hold up to a dozen of your watches, as well as fountain pens, rings, knives, and any other small valuables you want to keep safe and organized. The quality exceeds the cost, and honestly it’s just as nice as many of the finer cases found on Amazon. For the couples: Dinner out, with you wearing that thing he likes [For the couples: Dinner out, with you wearing that thing he likes] Go get a gift certificate for dinner out at his favorite spot. Doesn’t have to be something super fancy, just his favorite place that also allows him to wear some of his favorite clothes. Meanwhile, if you’re so inclined, take a selfie of yourself wearing that outfit he’s complimented you on a million times (hint: that means he likes it when you wear that), and wrap those two things up. All too often there has to be a special occasion to get dressed up and head out for a fun night on the town. Doesn’t have to be his birthday or an anniversary this year. It’s just a well thought out Christmas gift, and he can cash it in at a later date. Need more ideas and want to test the limits of shipping speeds this time of year? Here’s a few more gift guides from us, with more options: - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Tailored/Suited Guy]( - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Shoe Guy]( - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Rugged Guy]( - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Watch Guy]( - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Dappered Dad]( ff/Dappered?a=IBuQ8VD2NmA:REbs0aUBwRg:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=IBuQ8VD2NmA:REbs0aUBwRg:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=IBuQ8VD2NmA:REbs0aUBwRg:gIN9vFwOqvQ [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Dappered Dad](r/Dappered/~3/7u0dDSmnQTU/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 17 Dec 2019 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( Tis the season. And by now you’ve probably been walloped over the head by 82,000 gift guides. So what’s a few more? Instead of doing a highly generalized, throw-everything-against-the-digital-wall gift guide, we’ll be breaking it up by category. [Gifts for the guys who suit up a lot](. [Or the wristwatch fanatic](. [Or the guy who’s really into shoes](. Etc. We’ll cover all those, and hopefully a few more. About the Author: Ryan N. is a professional web developer for (and alum from) the University of Delaware, who keeps a close shave as to not be confused with his strongly-bearded twin brother. He plays guitar and drums, loves going to concerts with his wife, and loves being a dad. [Set of 20+ Matching Hangers – $25-$35]( [Dappered.com]( [Here’s the “before” version of the above photo](. YIKES. I got a 25-set from Amazon Warehouse for real cheap, and it’s transformed the way I keep my closet. Everything is at the exact same height, exact same spacing, and it’s so dang easy to use now. This is a game changer. When you’re running upstairs to get dressed after getting the kids ready for school and only have 5 minutes before the bus comes, you gotta find what you’re looking for fast! [A Smart Speaker – $50-$250]( [Amazon Echo Show]( I know, I know. Privacy. And that’s a real concern. So skip this if you’re freaked out about that stuff. Now, sometimes you don’t have your hands free as a dad. Be it busy helping with homework in the other room, changing a little one, or fixing dinner, it can be quite convenient to be able to put on some music, start a kitchen timer, turn on the lights, or even play a family game without the use of your hands. ‘Round these parts we have the [Echo Show]( from Amazon, as well as a [Google Home]( and some [Minis](. Each has their strengths and weaknesses, but we’re living in the future, y’all. [Flint & Tinder 365 Pants – $98]( [Flint & Tinder 365 Pants]( Yeeeeees, they are pricey, and no longer made in the USA. Bummer. But these have really become my favorite pair of pants. I can wear them to my business casual workplace without anyone batting an eye, and the little bit of stretch (was 3% lycra, now 2% spandex) makes it easy to get down on the floor and wrestle with the kids should the evening call for some piggyback rides. Try doing that in stiff selvedge denim. [Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan – $18.90]( [Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan]( What if Dad likes to grill, but isn’t the most outdoorsy type? Or it’s, I don’t know, 4 below zero out? This is the next best thing. Cast iron is tops when it comes to indoor searing, and Lodge is one of the best you can get in bang for your buck. Even with two feet of snow outside, you and your family can still enjoy burgers, dogs, brats, corn, anything that needs a good sear. Just make sure you use an oil with a high smoke point (avocado oil, grapeseed oil), and not a low one (olive oil), or you’ll have every fire alarm in the house going off. [FLIKR Personal Indoor Fireplace – $85]( [FLIKR Personal Indoor Fireplace]( As the description says, “Three words. Indoor. Marshmallow. Roasting.” This sharp little conversation piece runs on clean-burning rubbing alcohol, which is food-safe and more importantly, clean-burning, so there’s no risk of blackening your ceiling. Gather the responsible-enough big kids around for s’mores, or set the tone for date night once they go to bed. [Anker PowerCore II 10,000mAh Power Bank – $30ish]( [Anker PowerCore II 10,000mAh Power Bank]( If your kids are as hilarious and noteworthy as mine (aren’t they all?), then life is TAKING ALL THE PICTURES AND VIDEOS. And that means your battery isn’t going to last all day. Whether you need to trickle-charge it while watching a favorite video over and over, camping out in the backyard, or just the peace of mind when you’re out and about, this bank from Anker has you covered. [1-year Headspace Subscription – $69.99]( A bit of a personal note here, mindfulness is something that really helps me with the day-to-day craziness that is being a parent. If I want to be a good one, I need to take the time out to get myself right. Just like they tell you during the airplane safety demo, if (heaven forbid) those oxygen masks drop down, you can’t help others until you get your mask on first. A meditation practice is something that makes my life better, and it has its [parallels in dressing well](. [Saddleback Leather Valet Tray – $59]( [Saddleback Leather Valet Tray]( If there’s one thing that keeps me grounded, it’s having everything in its place, and a place for every thing. When your stuff has a home base, it’s less likely to go missing. I have a few trays akin to this in my home, so that my keys, wallet, and other daily staples have a spot to call their own. This option from Saddleback comes with a 100-year warranty, so you’ll never have to worry about replacing it. [A Unique Timepiece – $45+]( [Bespoke Post]( Time has a special way of disappearing when you have kids. Let Dad know that his time is valuable with an interesting and unique bit of clockage. This particular offering is from Bespoke Post, and features a cockpit-style dial for the aviation enthusiast. [Helinox Chair One Lightweight Folding Camp Chair – $74.95]( [Helinox Chair One Lightweight Folding Camp Chair]( I haven’t tried this one in person, but it sure looks tempting. I often bring a folding chair to the kids’ soccer practices, but the one I have is old, bulky and clunky. The Chair One is supposed to be super lightweight and comfortable, yet folds down to the size (and weight) of a [bottle of wine](. WHAT. [The Expectant Father – $12]( and/or [The New Father – $7]( For the brand-newest dads on the block, this series from Armin Brott was one of the best groundworks I could have asked for leading up to the introduction of my little one to the world. These volumes will not only let you know what your wife may be experiencing, but also the oft-untrodden ground of what YOU may be feeling, but can’t put a name to. Definitely worth the read. [A Nice Bottle]( of [Whatever]( They’re [Into]( Sometimes, it’s nice to just relax and unwind once the littles are in bed. Okay, it’s REALLY NICE to relax and unwind once the littles are in bed. Spring for a nice mid-level bottle to help celebrate the quiet moments. ff/Dappered?a=7u0dDSmnQTU:L-WXRPwotJU:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=7u0dDSmnQTU:L-WXRPwotJU:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=7u0dDSmnQTU:L-WXRPwotJU:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: Target C9 Champion Activewear for Men](r/Dappered/~3/sxSr_nfUtI0/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 17 Dec 2019 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [Target C9 Champion Gym Clothes / Activewear for Men]( About the Author: Ryan N. is a professional web developer for (and alum from) the University of Delaware, who keeps a close shave as to not be confused with his strongly-bearded twin brother. He plays guitar and drums, loves going to concerts with his wife, and loves being a dad. I’ve been using [C9 activewear]( for quite some time, but fabrics have come a long ways since then. And with the annual [New Years Resolutions period quickly approaching](, we decided it was time to take some of the newer stuff for a spin. Will this stuff hold up to Lululemon? I… honestly don’t know. I’ve never tried super-high-end stuff. So, while it may be best to take this with a grain of salt, overall, I’m impressed with what I’ve seen here. Time will tell how well they will hold up to a multitude of wash cycles and gym punishment, but so far? Not bad! Especially considering the dirt-cheap price points. Read on for the specifics. SIZING NOTE: I’m 5’9″ / 160, all tops shown are a size small, while shorts and joggers/pants are a medium. [Men’s C9 Long Sleeve Soft Touch T-Shirt – $14.99]( [C9 Long Sleeve Soft Touch T-Shirt]( An essential. I was initially a bit disappointed in how basic this thing is (lack of pattern, venting, bells and whistles, blah blah blah). But I would have missed out on a great basic staple if I wouldn’t have tried the thing on. The sleeves are a bit long, but since this seems to be a recurring theme among active wear brands, I’ve concluded it’s just to give a little extra mobility when you’re moving your arms around. I don’t find it uncomfortable at all. All of the C9 shirts here are tagless, and the materials (for this shirt: 94% polyester, 6% spandex) are noted on the tag by the lower left hem. But the star of the show? LOOKIT ALL THAT STRETCH. For real, I’ve never seen anything quite like this. It’s like Stretch Armstrong. Why does it need to stretch this much, C9? Seems to snap right back to form, though. Suuuuper comfortable. [Men’s C9 Soft Touch T-Shirt – $16.99]( [Men's C9 Soft Touch T-Shirt ]( Oddly, this has a COMPLETELY different materials makeup than the long-sleeve counterpart, clocking in at 47% polyester, 47% rayon, and 6% spandex (note, the website wrongly reads 62% poly, 33% rayon, and 5% spandex). This results in ever-so-slightly less stretch, but still PUH-LENTY. I really wonder why the difference between these, as they’re both labeled with the “Soft Touch” moniker. The dark red color is nice and low-key, unlike most “I might be on fire!” reds you see from active wear brands. [Men’s C9 Tech T-Shirt – $12.99]( [Men's C9 Tech T-Shirt]( Now.. now I’m just perplexed. This guy has the same makeup as the black long-sleeve (94% poly, 6% spandex).. but it’s [the least stretchy of the three](. Perhaps it’s a slightly tighter weave? Just letting you know if stretch is one of your main consideration points in active wear, it’s going to be hit or miss depending on the specific style you pick. A few quick notes here. These are thankfully cut long enough that [your waist won’t be exposed on overhead lifts](, which is a nice change from their older stuff I replaced. Another nice use of color here that’s not overwhelming. Stitching is a little sloppy, but, c’mon, it’s $13. [Men’s C9 Long Sleeve Poly/Nylon T-Shirt – $24.99]( [Men's C9 Long Sleeve Poly/Nylon T-Shirt]( Personally, this wasn’t as comfortable as the others, but this does appear to be more of a base-layer or running shirt than a do-everything training shirt, so it’s likely not meant to be quite as mobile or stretchy. The color and pattern are really nice and subtle, continuing the trend. [Sleeves have thumb hooks](, perfect for a base-layer, and the material is thick but not too thick. 58% polyester, 39% nylon, 3% spandex. [Men’s C9 Spacedye Golf Polo Shirt – $19.99]( [Men's C9 Spacedye Golf Polo Shirt]( As an avid golfer, these are some of my favorite shirts on the course. Obviously, not the season for most of us, but there are a lot of things I like here. The color is sharp, the fit slim but not tight, and the sleeves roomy enough to swing a club. [One of my favorite design elements is the long tail](, which many tech polos don’t have. This allows it to tuck all the way into the waistband, and not slide out easily. The slippery fabric of shirts like these make them come right on out because the tails aren’t long enough, but this will stay in all day. In my opinion, a little bit too long to wear untucked. [Lastly, the collar](, like every one of these I’ve ever had, is somewhat floppy and awkward, but looks sharp when buttoned all the way. There’s just nothing structural to it without that top button. While [Amazon’s polo feels polished]( and not “techy,” this one should probably stay on the links. [Men’s C9 Gym Shorts – $14.99]( [Men's C9 Gym Shorts]( I won’t spend too much time here, because these are pretty solid, if generic, workout shorts. 100% polyester, so they should be good at wicking sweat. Even with no spandex, these move really well. My go-to cardio is Les Mills BodyCombat, with a lot of jumping kicks and lunges, and they move just fine [on those kicks](, so they’re a yes for me. The fabric is smooth but not shiny, with a nice matte finish. Just a reminder that while I’m a size Small in all the tops, I went with a Medium on all of the bottoms. [Men’s C9 Tech Fleece Jogger – $29.99]( [Men's C9 Tech Fleece Jogger]( Bringing up memories of your dad’s grey Champion sweats, but more modern and streamlined, these are quite comfortable. Fleecy and soft inside, but smooth on the outside. [Slash pockets with flush zippers]( also hide a small extra interior hidden pocket on the right side. Now, there are some strange quirks to these, like the cuffs and waist. C9 chose to go with [a fabric front, but a black elastic back]( to both the waistband and the leg cuffs.. mmkay. Reminds me of a mullet – business up front, party in the back. I guess it does look better than flat grey (and especially better than all black cuffs would look), but it’s a strange choice to me. [Men’s C9 Hybrid Run Pants – $29.99]( [Men's C9 Hybrid Run Pants]( In contrast to the mullet-esque grey pair, these are all sleek, [baby](. With a refined silhouette and sharp lines, these are pants that could take you from the gym to that “athleisure” zone. Definitely had to size up in these as well, because the size Small was almost painted-on. These are a happy medium (and size Medium!) between too tight and too loose, but on me, [the calves are still tight](. Good amount of movement but not necessarily much stretch. Didn’t get the high kicks going on these. Adding to the sleek figure, another sweet extra is [a hidden pocket on the back right flank](, that becomes basically invisible. Great for stashing an ID card or your earbuds between sets. Editor’s Note: Got a tip on any affordable but still well-performing gym gear? Send those tips into joe@dappered.com. Big thanks to Ryan for taking all of this for a spin. Now if you’re more team Amazon than team Target, [head here to check out our roundup of Amazon’s Peak Velocity stuff](. And one last thing. While I hope [all of your New Year’s Resolutions come true](, there’s a very smart school of thought which says: [Don’t exercise for weight loss](. No, seriously. If that’s your main motivator, you’re kinda sorta doing it wrong. Good luck out there and at the gym. Be safe. And remember. [There are rules](. ff/Dappered?a=sxSr_nfUtI0:HqPGv3mP3oc:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=sxSr_nfUtI0:HqPGv3mP3oc:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=sxSr_nfUtI0:HqPGv3mP3oc:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States