That’s a seriously accurate depiction of our family, right there.
For this year’s installment of Kendrick’s gift guide – which in the past has focused on everything from comic book recommendations to toys for grown-up boys – he decided to pull ideas from all over the place. Is the guy in your life a fan of covert ops? The Notorious B.I.G.? Cleveland? Expressing his support for all mankind? Covering all that may sound like a tall order, but ohhhh he’s got you covered. – Jordan
P.S. See all of his past gift guides here, if you’re curious.
Kendrick’s 2016 Gift Guide For Guys
Making a list like this is, in essence, giving people your advice. So what kind of advice do I feel like giving right now? At this particular moment in time, “What do people want?” seems like a less important question than “What do people need?“
I think I’ll phone a friend on this one, and my friend’s name is Walt Whitman. This is what I think you should do: Get the one you love – guy, girl, person, whomever – a copy of Leaves of Grass. It’s the kind of open-hearted advice that made America great to begin with. And please also get them Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou, because it really is a letter to every one of us.
Other than that: hooray, it’s the holidays! The world hasn’t ended yet, so let’s celebrate! Here are random things I think are really cool and have nothing to do with the survival of the world as we know it.
’47 Cleveland Indians Clean Up hat. We’re proud of you, boys. Next year!
Love Wins Equality T-Shirt. Because it always does.
Alexander McQueen Skull Money Clip. Mortality and money just go together so nicely.
Carhartt Washed Twill Dungarees (flannel-lined). Make shoveling the driveway cozy again!
Batman Glow-in-the-Dark Cuff Links.
World’s Smallest Walkie Talkie Set. Keep track of your date at your Christmas party. Or coordinate a stealth assault with your five-year-old.
John Varvatos Wool-Lined Fingerless Gloves. Oh, pardon me, I just have to take a break from this freezing day to light a match / text a friend / race my Model T / toss a playing card charged with kinetic energy…
Notorious B.I.G. Socks. I think these just speak for themselves.
Below, Jordan’s picks
Scotch-Infused Toothpicks. If Bond had a sesame seed in his teeth, this is what he would use (or, fine, he’d use gin ones. But you get the point).
Grownup Lunchbox. I make Kendrick lunch on most days so he doesn’t have to eat food-truck food all the time, and usually I send him off to work with our son’s old Captain America lunchbox tucked in his bag. I happen to think that’s pretty cool…but this one is cooler.
Bluetooth Tracker. Kendrick has one of these tracking devices on every single thing in the house that he loses on a daily basis (wallet, keys, phone, Lucy). I credit them with the fact that we still live together.
Awesome Portable Hammock. Made from parachute silk, this hammock is lightweight, portable, and sets up in seconds.
Feminist T-Shirt. Men’s t-shirts don’t get cooler than this.
Miansai Anchor Necklace. I’ve been a fan of this unisex brand for years, and think this necklace is a great pick for a jewelry-wearing type of guy – and especially one who does a lot of traveling (the anchor symbolizes home).
Fancy Cardholder. For the stylish guy who doesn’t need any help with ties and such: a Phillip Plein Superman cardholder.
Varvatos Combat Boots. John Varvatos shoes and boots are the best, but they’re usually hovering in the $600+ range. These are suuuuuper cool and nicely toe the line between formal and casual…and they’re on sale.
Rugged Briefcase. I’m pretty sure I’ve recommended this Frye style at some point in the past, but it continues to be the best briefcase I’ve seen (and will only get better-looking over time).
Charlie Brown Socks. Every guy on the planet (except maybe Rob Kardashian, hee) needs more socks. Just a fact. And these have Charlie Brown on them!
Perfect Hoodie. This sweatshirt comes in a bunch of different colors, and I love the shape.
Cuff Bottle Opener Bracelet. Kendrick would not wear this, because it really does look like a cuff bracelet (I think I actually may own an identical one). But I think he’s missing the point here: if you’re going around opening up people’s beer bottles with your wrist, you are automatically everyone’s hero. This holiday season, make your man a hero. With a cuff bracelet.
