GIFT a few merry MEN

Shopping for the guys can sometimes be more challenging than imagined.  Get inspired with some fragrant + grooming ideas, a handful of fashionable accessories, and sweet things easy to gift dad, your brother, or your man.   FdmLOVES mens guide to a few of our favorite things we’re fond of gifting for the holiday.

Set the mood for the fancy adventurer: Belstaff’s ABSINTHE candle is exotically woody and features signature notes of dark absinthe and wild fig layered with tobacco, whiskey and patchouli. The ambience setter is available with a single wick yielding 60 hours of burn time (at $68) The soy blend candle is in a silver metallic container showcasing the iconic Belstaff tread pattern and packaged in a nifty matte black carton.

Ahh, the refined details: French luxury brand Cartier offers simple elegance for a man with an appreciation for fine leather. The limited edition saddle-stitched Decor Money Clip ($210) is richly handsome while plainly practical, comes in a tobacco-colored compact calfskin carrier.  Gloves are a winterized accessory worn mostly for necessity, but they can still be chic. The Joseph Abboud blue Leather Cashmere  gloves are sleek, warm without the bulk- and so fashion…

Fun times: the SWIMS water-resistant Galosh continues to trend, with their continued use of a signature water-resistant rubber. The same component was mixed with a high-density nylon to create The Charles Brogues ($230).  Splash out in these Orange conversationals [lined with leather] and stay warm and bright.

Perhaps a little facial grooming:  Something most guys can’t avoid, especially in a professional setting. The Art of Shaving Mid-Size Kit offers up small sizes of the 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave: Prepare, Lather up, Shave and Moisturize, within TSA guidelines makes it practical for the traveler. Helping combat the guy issues including  razor burn, and nicks & cuts, the Pre-Shave Oil, Shaving Cream, Badger Shaving Brush, and After-Shave Balm, [$60] and for the same price there is a carry-on version that includes a zip-top pouch.

Fragrance is a basic buy for fellas, but any old scent just won’t do.  Travel the world with a spritz for a start: TFK (aka The Fragrance Kitchen) offers up unique and deliberate fragrance selections. From the Exclusive collection, Arabia is a Mukhalat embodying strength and sweetness. Base notes of quintessential Oud, Patchouli, Musk are stacked with sensual Sandalwood, Amber, and lifted with rose at the top.  GUCCI guilty is designed for fearless man with impeccable taste- rugged hero of our age, a charisma with a little dangerous edge.- gotta love that… (about $60).  Pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana is a tailor made  for the Mediterranean lover Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana capture a modernly developed Italian journey steeped in tradition, and sex appeal- and feature Noah Mills in their campaign. Eau de Toilette Spray (1oz, $45.00) Citrus notes, orange and lemon mingle with lavender and sage, together combining to flirt with Bergamot, Sandalwood, Tobacco and Cedar in a confidently attractive way.

[Own your bond]: The James Bond 007 Signature Fragrance Collection launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the fictional spy character. The suaveness comes through full throttle… it’s intoxicating and mysterious minus the tux. The irresistible concoction is made using decidedly British ingredients like vetyver, lavender, and crisp apple comes in a dark blue glass flacon with silver twist cap embossed with the 007 logo. The aroma is available stateside (for $30-40).  Guess Seductive Homme Blue is magnetically charged with plenty of charm to go around. Top notes of citrus caviar [!] cardamom and black pepper blend are lightened with Blue Coral AquaSpace accord and geranium, grounded with cashmere wood, moss and Rippled Sand accord. The sensually spicy mixture is about $65.00 for a nice size.

There’s more in the scent department for the sporty guys:  Eau De Lacoste rouge (L.12.12)  is fueled with energy and vitality. A triple blend of spices – ginger, black pepper and cardamom, compliment the sparkling iced red tea note. The fragrance itself and its packaging reveals classic sophistication associated with iconic Lacoste polo, available in a Spray (for $62.00.)  Hugo Boss Bottled Sport  (1.7 oz, $53) by BOSS Black is the 2012 released sporty version of the men’s fragrance Boss Bottled from back in 98’.  Designed with the sporty type in mind, complete a zingy pink grapefruit opening the energetic accords are made more man with woodsy moments and that enlivens the competitive spirit making the face of the campaign, Formula 1 driver Jenson Button a perfect match. Nautica Aqua Rush fragrance captures the fresh aromatic pleasure of the sea. The masculinity surfaces with the addition of teak wood, amberwood, and aquatic musk.  The scent’s bottle is shaped like blue sails (about $49.00).

Feel-good keepsake: For three years now, Bloomingdale’s in collaboration with Christopher Radko’s celebrity-designed holiday ornament collections has been supporting the Child Mind Institute. Pick up a frosted peachy/blue ornament ball designed by Kellan Lutz.  Proceeds go towards transforming kids mental health care. [$40 a pop- for a good cause]

LUSH soaps are feel-good grime removers made from fresh fruit, vegetables, and essential oils and sold at a reasonable price point. The Grapefruit Snow Globe soap, [under $8] is refreshing  Grapefruit, lemon and lemongrass oils, and relaxing ylang ylang are great for unwinding after a chaotic day, with all the fun and enjoyment of a snow globe visually, sans shaking or actual blizzards.  Now that we’ve gotten excited about the guy gifts, we kinda wish we had more men to shop for our list…More Merry Men to gift, please.  FDM mens gift selection 012:  Brigitte Segura, Written by Sarah A. Freiseis.

photo credit: Noah Mills | Dolce Gabbana by Mario Testino.