Gift Guide 2023: Kyle’s Hot Gifts, Pt. Deux

The definition of a bad gift is when you get a gift that men are supposed to like, but you don’t.  Every year, Abra sends me a list of men’s gift guides from popular influencers, and I stand aghast at all of the shaving kits, bottles of mediocre Bourbon, and drones.

This year, she sent me one that included a comb.  A comb.  You’re going to buy a grown adult man, a comb? A $60 comb, no less.

Most gift guides suffer from a lack of effort.  It’s not that it’s wrong to buy shorts, golf stuff, or kitchen tools.  It’s that they’re never the good shorts, golf stuff, or kitchen tools.  It’s not wrong to buy gifts at TJ Maxx, but maybe don’t let them sponsor your gift guide so everyone gets cheap items that won’t live through the spin cycle?  So let’s see if we can’t find something that your husband, father, or brother would be excited to receive.

Also, there’s additional incentive this year: Abra has promised to buy me whatever sells best.  Fingers crossed that it’s not something I already own.

This year, we are going to stick to the categories and shorten the stories, Abra edits them anyway because apparently “I’m not as funny as I think I am,” so I might as well keep it brief.

Golf // Of all the things that the pandemic took from us, a half-empty golf course is probably the worst. Every man is now a golf bro or thinks he should be, so here we are fighting for tee times.

This Taylor Made BRNR Mini is the best club to come out in years.  Every person who I have let swing this club has loved it, many have bought one.  It’s my best purchase of 2023.

The club is a dual purpose 3 wood/Driver and will make any golfer better.  This club is almost guaranteed to keep you out of the woods. Also, it’s a throwback to the original bubble burner so the nostalgia is there for your long time golfer.

Also in the golf category, whether your man is a casual golfer or an every weekend guy, these Air Jordan 1 Low Gs are perfect. They also come in a bunch of different colors for outfit parings. ( I know this sound crazy but even dudes with zero sense of style in their daily lives, turn into Tim Gunn on golf weekends.)  Like most guys, I keep my golf shoes in my trunk in the summer, so keep them from getting torn up with a shoe bag.

I promised no rants but its my guide so let’s go full Festivus: Travis Mathews killed itself. The brand was once the coolest golf-kit on the block, but then they made direct to The Rack quality stuff and carved their own tombstone. RIP.  It was a nice run.

Taking its place is Greyson clothiers.  This stuff is sick.  Spun out of Ralph Lauren, these guys flat out get it. Great colors, quality fabrics.  Right between Bad Birdie and Peter Millar, a long-sleeve polo like this will 100% get other dudes asking where you got it.

Greyson also has women’s stuff.  Abra is taking up golf so we can dress to match. (Editor’s Note: Abra is not taking up golf. Abra has no athletic ability, it’s why she went to college on an academic scholarship and hubby got to pay for his education by catching a ball.)

Last but not least, the Ryder Cup apparel for this year looks sick.  This snapback and beanie would make great stocking stuffers.

Clothing //  If you’ve ever read one of these, you understand how much I hate the thought of wearing the same thing as someone else at a party.  Twinning with Uncle Craig is not on my Christmas list.  Luckily, this Polo Ralph Lauren sweater will assure that won’t happen.  Tucked in with slacks for upscale or paired with dark jeans it works for all occasions. The collar is awesome.

Not sure he’ll like the print?  This sweater from Nordstrom in oatmeal and this cotton and cashmere cardigan will also work.

Option 2 for sweaters has an owl on it.  Yes, an owl.  It’s fire.  Option 3 is for the dude who likes White Russians.

Moving on, let’s talk pants. In year one of my gift guide, it was the AG Everett Straight Pant, the OG’s of the comfortable work pant category. In year two, it was the Lulu’s.  Then, we all stopped wearing real pants for a couple years. But since we’re all back to the office and back in the button pants, your man likely needs to update his wardrobe.

These Peter Millar Performance Pants are this year’s call. Structured with a little bit of give, these can work for the office and weekends. They also come in a couple colors.  It’s nice to have options.

Speaking of updating clothing, let’s talk about good choices for things he probably needs, like: underwear (not loud, not boring, still comfortable) and socks (warm, classic).

Also, he probably needs a new belt, no one wants to see the stretched out hole from five years and your pre-pandemic weight ago.  This one is a classic brand at a good price.  And from the makers of last year’s top shoe choice, a more rugged option.

Speaking of shoes…I will forever not wear New Balance shoes, I get that they are in right now but I’m not doing it.  I may have had a kid, but no Dad shoes.  For a retro look that isn’t Nike, the Reebok Pump shoes are back and still awesome.

As for splurge gifts, this Burberry card case is on my wishlist.  If yellow is out of the question, try the black leather.  It’s just not quite as cool.

Other Gifts // I feel like I’ve done all the kitchen gifts.  The good knives.  The ultimate cutting board.  The best espresso maker.  The best coffee maker.  But I haven’t done the extras.

If you bought the good knives, you need the good knife sharpener.  If you bought the ultimate cutting board, you probably need a good digital thermometer.  (Seriously, stop opening the grill or the oven every two-minutes to check on meat.)  And if you bought the best espresso maker or the best coffee maker, you need the best coffee cups, the best coffee filter, and the best espresso cups.

That’s it for this year.  Abra will probably convince me to help with some other guides, so stay tuned for those.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}