13 Holiday Gifts for the Guys on Your List

Find the perfect present to put under the tree for every man in your life

We know that no two guys are alike—whether it’s your son, great uncle, best pal or partner. Some like to explore the great beyond, while others’ ideas of retreat involve escaping to their man cave. Rest assured, we have gifts for every guy on your list—and at every price point—from chic bow ties and cufflinks, to beer and moonshine.

Click through for our 2015 gift ideas for men

Box of Chocolates, From $9

FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

Want to satisfy his sweet tooth? What could be more decadent than a selection of sweets from Thierry, one of our favourite chocolateries? French liqueur chocolates? Mais oui! Choose from confections he’ll go gaga over, such as Jameson whiskey-filled truffles, milk chocolate married with Courvoisier and a classic combo: coconut and rum.

Available at Thierry, 1095 Alberni Street, Vancouver

BCLiving’s Love Where You Live Neighbourhood T-shirt, $24.95

FOR THE patriot

Give him the gift of neighbourhood pride with BCLiving’s ‘Love Where You Live’ T-shirt. Whether he’s running errands or meeting friends for a local craft brew (or two), this charcoal crew-neck cotton tee will keep him looking casually cool. Men’s designs are available in five ’hoods: Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, The Drive, West End and North Shore. Partial proceeds of every shirt benefit the YWCA Metro Vancouver.

Available for purchase online at bcliving.ca/shop

Odd Society Mongrel Spirit, From $26

For the bad boy

What could be more fitting for a guy who needs a little refining than Mongrel: a spirit that’s still a bit rough around the edges, but distilled by Vancouver’s award-winning Odd Society? Mongrel—as its name suggests—is a straight-off-the-still, un-aged moonshine made from a blend of separately distilled batches of malted barley and rye. This inventive offering comes in the standard 750 ml bottle or stocking-stuffer-sized 500 ml, and your choice of “naughty or nice” black or white label.

Available at the Odd Society Tasting Lounge, 1725 Powell Street, Vancouver

Happy Spritz Aromatherapy Spray, $30

For the Type-A Personality

Help him unwind from the holiday fervour with the soothing scents of Happy Spritz aromatherapy facial sprays, made from botanical earth-based ingredients. The Gentleman’s Collection includes: Breathe Deeply, a blend of pure peppermint and eucalyptus, which is at once soothing and stimulating; and Camp Fire Delight, a rustic blend of citrus and vetiver that recalls carefree days hiking in the woods.

Available in store at Litchfield, 38 Water Street, Vancouver

Obakki Foundation BKR Water Bottle, $30

For the Consciousness Raiser

What do you give to the guy who always gives back? You know: the one who stands up, and antes up. How about a gift that does good like the Obakki Foundation BKR water bottle. One hundred per cent of the proceeds (which is rare, we know) of the sale of the 500 ml reusable bottle will help drill water wells in South Sudan. Every time he refills the glass bottle, which comes wrapped in a silicon sleeve, he’ll be reminded of the positive impact of your purchase.

Available online at the Obakki Foundation Shop

Epicure Grill Master Collection, $38

For the food fanatic

Help your favourite foodie stay in fine form this holiday season with the Grill Master Collection from Epicure, a Victoria-based company focused on clean eating. He can spice up his cooking with this trio of preservative-free, non-processed spices: Butcher’s Block Sea Salt Blend Grinder, ¡Ole Mole! Dry Glaze and Montreal Steak Rub. If you’re so lucky, the giftee just might thank you with an invitation to dinner.

Available online at Epicure

Alessi (Product)RED Alessandro M. Corkscrew, $55

For the collector

There’s no such thing as the guy who has everything. Case in point: the collector whose quest is never complete thanks to the launches of new items, such as the special edition Alessandro M. and Anna G. corkscrews. These “creature objects,” fittingly dressed in red attire, are the products of a partnership between Italian design house Alessi and (RED), an organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to support The Global Fund to Fight AIDS.

Available online at Alessi and in store at Atkinson’s, 1501 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver

Parallel 49 & Central City Craft Crossing Calendar 24-Pack, $63

For the Beer-meister

Got craft? He will—if you bestow this boozy answer to the Advent calendar on him as an early Christmas gift. This limited-release gift box is the result of the second-annual collaboration between Parallel 49 Brewing Company and Central City Brewers and Distillers. In the spirit of sharing, the B.C. brewers teamed up to pair a dozen new holiday beers, which are exclusive to the Craft Crossing Calendar, with a dozen classics. What brew will be hidden behind each “window” when he starts cracking open the case? It remains a surprise, but some of the superb suds in the mix include Parallel 49’s Please Sir S’more Stout and Central City’s Gary’s Gourd Squash Ale.

Available in store at BC Liquor Stores

BÖ by MANSOURI Simple Yakisugi Bowtie, $75

For the Trendsetter

It’s not often that black-tie events arise in Vancouver, but that doesn’t mean he has to suppress his stylish leanings. This wooden tie is a statement piece that rises to every occasion. Each and every BÖ tie is handcrafted in Vancouver from reclaimed wood and leather—a sustainable ethos embraced by Mehran and Sam Mansouri, the father-and-son team behind these local creations.

Available online at BÖ by MANSOURI

East Van Brewquet, $110

For the Cyclist

Although you can’t take credit for the catch phrase “brews cruise,” you’ll certainly score points with this East Van “bouquet for him” by Brewquet. The curated collection of goodies features fun and functional items, such as a leather 6-pack bike cinch (ideal for toting the 6-pack of Parallel 49 beer that comes with it), Epic Ride chain lube and Lime Pepper Cashew Mix for when he’s feeling snack-ish from all that cycling—all the makings of an epic ride, indeed.

Available online at Brewquet

Vancouver Skyline Designer Manual Stick Umbrella, $125

For the Flâneur

We know, it rains in Vancouver—a lot—but that doesn’t mean the man who loves to see and be seen can’t stroll the streets in style on a damp day. This year, gift him with this statement umbrella, embellished with our city’s iconic architecture and complemented with a curved wooden handle. It’s handmade by The Umbrella Shop, a third-generation family-run business that has been keeping Vancouverites dry since 1935.

Available online at The Umbrella Shop

The Canadian VIA Rail Journey, Starting From $394 One Way Per Person

For The Trainspotter

It’s true, come winter, Vancouver transplants pine for blue skies and snowy days. So why not give your guy the ultimate cross-Canada experience: a train journey from Vancouver through the Rockies and prairies, all the way to Toronto, onboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian. By day, snuggle up in the Park Car and watch the winter wonderland scroll by. At night, settle into your spacious cabin and sip some scotch—the new Prestige Sleeper Class suites have stocked minibars—mesmerized by the starry night.

Available online at VIA Rail Canada

Tiffany & Co. Knot Cufflinks, $4,250

For the STYLE SAVVY

Nothing says smart and sexy quite like cufflinks—the finishing touch to a cri