By IMAGE
18th Nov 2017
18th Nov 2017
Men are meticulously difficult to buy for at Christmas time and this can cause unnecessary stress for mothers, sisters, and girlfriends. We know that there is nothing better than the gift of giving, but the joy of seeing the one you love tear open a present you know they’ve been lusting after for months is the next best thing. With that in mind, we’ve recruited designer and man-in-the-know Jake McCabe to give us a better insight into what the men in your life actually want this Christmas. So if you’re looking for some inspiration be it for a brother, boyfriend or your beloved dad, hopefully, you’ll find it here.
Stocking Stuffers
Dublin Liberties Whiskey
The newly opened Dublin Liberties Whiskey distillery is keeping the tradition of whiskey making alive; right in the heart of Dublin. Both the Oak Devil and Copper Alley blends are masterfully crafted to bring something new, but sinfully nostalgic, to the table. With notes ranging from dark fruits to sherry sweet, these whiskies are rich, smooth and the perfect way to enjoy the holidays. Available from the Celtic Whiskey Store. €45 – €65
The newly opened Dublin Liberties Whiskey distillery is keeping the tradition of whiskey making alive; right in the heart of Dublin. Both the Oak Devil and Copper Alley blends are masterfully crafted to bring something new, but sinfully nostalgic, to the table. With notes ranging from dark fruits to sherry sweet, these whiskies are rich, smooth and the perfect way to enjoy the holidays. Available from the Celtic Whiskey Store. €45 – €65
Liberties Irish Whiskey, €45 – €65
Cookbook
In a world of pausing plates for the perfect snap, Chef John Currence would rather hit you with his fantastic flavours over form or fancy presentation. In his first cookbook, there are 150 recipes, stories and facts that will leave you jaw-dropping and left wanting more. Available from Amazon at €24.99
In a world of pausing plates for the perfect snap, Chef John Currence would rather hit you with his fantastic flavours over form or fancy presentation. In his first cookbook, there are 150 recipes, stories and facts that will leave you jaw-dropping and left wanting more. Available from Amazon at €24.99
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Pickles, Pigs & Whiskey, €24.99
Fashion Focused
Puffer jackets
Puffer jackets are everywhere this year so get them something that will stand out from the rest. Bold colour blocking helps make a statement and will withstand the elements during these colder months. I love this bright mustard puffer from H&M, below, which is a steal at €59.
Padded jacket, €59.99 at H&M
If your man is a little more adventurous than most, then maybe you should look towards outdoor giants, Patagonia. Warm, windproof and water-resistant, this pullover is ready for almost anything. Available from Patagonia at €180.
A backpack doesn’t just have to be a ‘backpack’. Gone are the days of boring, busted schoolbags. This printed black backpack from Zara, below, is simple, sturdy and functional with divided sections inside and a trendy snake/rose motif.
Black printed backpack, €49.95 at Zara
If the man in your life is meticulous and cares about longevity, then investing in a sturdy and high-quality backpack might be a good option for you. Stighlorgan are a modern accessories brand with roots in Dublin and East London, who specialise in bags and backpacks. The combination of technical detailing and modern styling is versatile, functional and makes the perfect gift for those who travel frequently. I especially love the modern finishes and urban colour duo, below, priced at €160.
Conn twin laptop backpack, €160 at Stighlorgan
Jewellery
The devil is in the details. Help your man complete his winter look and up his A-game with a handmade signet ring made right here in Dublin. Designer Sinead Murphy crafts her rings and inspiration from deep in the cosmos. Check out her range in store at The Collective Dublin on Drury Street.
“North star” cosmos ring by Sinead Murphy, €185 at The Collective Dublin
Footwear Fanatic
Nike AM1 Flax
A tried and true silhouette since 1987, the Nike Air Max 1 has cemented itself as a footwear staple in countless wardrobes. This year it’s making its premium return in a suede construction and tonal light-brown colourway. Perfect for the man on the move where comfort is key. Available from NOWHERE, Aungier Street at €140.
Is your man’s shoe collection a little stale? There is something quietly elegant and confident about tassel loafers. They transform any suit – from graduation to boardroom, and casual looks from college to CEO. These simple black variants from Massimo Dutti, below, have a medium vamp and are a perfect way to enter the sartorial shoe game. €99
Smart black leather loafers, €99 at Massimo Dutti
If he is looking for something more standout-ish, then the iconic GG Gucci loafer should tickle their taste buds. Boasting the classic green, red and green webbing with gold details, these loafers are drool-worthy and fit for any occasion. Available from Brown Thomas at €595.
Double G loafer, €595 at BrownThomas
Tech Toting
B&O P2
Buying tech can be difficult but the team in Bang & Olufsen have worked tirelessly to simplify it as much as possible. The B&O Beoplay P2 is an excellent compromise on size and sound quality and, for the size, it’s hard to get much better. It oozes cool and boasts great bass response with over 10 hours of playback time. Available from B&O Dublin at €169.
Buying tech can be difficult but the team in Bang & Olufsen have worked tirelessly to simplify it as much as possible. The B&O Beoplay P2 is an excellent compromise on size and sound quality and, for the size, it’s hard to get much better. It oozes cool and boasts great bass response with over 10 hours of playback time. Available from B&O Dublin at €169.
Beoplay P2, €169 at Beoplay.com
Tech Skins
For the gamer who loves modern design but craves the organic nature of the outdoors, Balolo – a small team dedicated to designing and crafting exceptional accessories – has launched a full series of walnut skins to apply to tech products from smartphones to PS4s and wireless speakers. Skins range in price from €9 to €77 and you can shop the full collection here.
For the gamer who loves modern design but craves the organic nature of the outdoors, Balolo – a small team dedicated to designing and crafting exceptional accessories – has launched a full series of walnut skins to apply to tech products from smartphones to PS4s and wireless speakers. Skins range in price from €9 to €77 and you can shop the full collection here.
Balolo tech skins, €9-€77 at balolo.de
Grooming God
Tom Ford, Tuscan Leather
A classic Tom Ford fragrance is a true taste of luxury. There are a plethora of scents to choose from, but sticking to the classics – like Tuscan Leather and Tabacco – will never lead his sense of smell astray. Tuscan Leather is a personal favourite of mine. Inspired by Tom Ford’s love of fine leather, this ultra sexy scent is animalistic in nature but very smooth. The packaging is also extravagant. Priced at €262 from Brown Thomas.
Tom Ford Tuscan Leather, €262 at Brown Thomas
L’oreal Barber Club
Haircare specialists L’oreal have recently launched their unique men’s grooming kits catering for clean-shaven and bearded men. The products are budget-friendly but still feel luxurious to use. The scent is quite woody and keeps your face and beard clean, moisturised and protected from the elements all day long. Products can be bought individually and range from €11. Why not build the man in your life his own bespoke collection?
The L’oreal Barber Club, from €11 at Loreal-paris.co.uk
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