It's Another Local-Centric X-Mas Gift Guide For Discerning Men
You’ve seen your share of gift guides.
You’e seen the good ones, and you’ve deleted the bad ones, no mercy.
Like a half-drunk rent-a-Santa ambling about at the mall, the old inbox ringeth more. A post here, a discount there, each promising the best, most replete of checklists covering everyone under the tree.
Ah, but this guide’s not for all.
For one, this is for men (not that a lady couldn’t enjoy these gifts, too), though not just any man; It’s for the guy who wants what’s different, yet at the same time something that’ll sate his taste for subtlety. Everything on this list checks that box.
More than that, though, this curation speaks to an appreciation for all that’s well-made. And when it feels like automation’s all but everywhere, what better time to remind ourselves the best gifts are made by people?
Without further ado, our local-first gift guide for discerning men.
Never mind how handy these can be on a hike, they’ve driven cars over them and they won’t budge. But, there’s no shame in being unsexy about it and using one to store things; Think a watch, a phone, his favourite pen, or just some cash.
It’s like an indestructible things carrier, but it’s just as happy being stationary.
Made in the USA, too.
$38 — $55 CAD
The Pictophile: The Leica M6 Film Camera
Where smart phone cameras are the buzz kill of photography, German-made Leicas are the single malt of the craft. This one’s a reissue of a beloved 1984 classic, only with a few upgrades, like a better, brighter rangefinder that yields 0.72x magnification.
That rewind crank’s still there, though.
$7,255 CAD
The Sports Addict: A Print That’ll Rival Fine Art From Toronto’s The SPORT Gallery
Hallowed Argentine defender and then national team captain, Daniel Pasarella, hoisted high into the sky after he and his men won the country’s first World Cup on home turf in 1978.
It took extra time for coach Carlos Menotti’s eleven to beat a Johan Cruyff-less Holland 3-1.
Because sports should never be relegated to the basement and/or garage.
$385 CAD (Framed, though this option’s only available via local pick-up in Toronto)
The Scent Collector: Sex & Cigarettes by Persons of Interest
Technically, this is a shameless plug, but since you only get to use that card a couple times, we figured this is one of them. You could say Persons of Interest is our sister brand—we make all of its small-batch fragrances right here in Toronto, using only a high-end blend of essential oils for every concoction. We like introducing newbies to the brand with Sex & Cigarettes, not in the least for its name, but also because tobacco just smells damn good.
$90 CAD (30 ml, eau de parfum)
…And Speaking Of Smoke: Los Estoico Habano by Peter James Co.
He has Cubans aplenty in that humidor, but with the Caribbean island’s pedigree for making fine cigars, why wouldn't he?
Instead, introduce him to a Canadian, and not just any Canadian, but one that’s as premium as what’s found down south, no less.
And since cigars need no occasion to be enjoyed, this “Estoico Habano” by Peter James Co. is a lock. In case you missed, we wrote a little something on the Toronto-based purveyor of premium, made-in-Canada cigars a few months back.
This one’s just as good on a weeknight post-work as it is on the field post-championship.
$16 CAD each
$80 CAD for five
$340 for 15 (for a limited time)
You know what everyone else is going to get him? Socks and ties.
Opt for something cool, yet unassuming, like a sterling silver chain necklace that’s handmade in Miami by artisans. Bonus: These guys use DHL for shipping, so expect to find whatever you buy at your door within a couple of days.
$180 CAD
The Enthusiast: A Titanium Smoking Pipe by L.A.’s Dangle Supply
Made for cyclists, outdoorsy types, and the guy who drops things.
$111 CAD
One More Piece of Man Jewellery That’s Cool: A Rose-Festooned, 925 Sterling Silver Ring by Toronto’s Boyd Court
Repetition’s not normally our thing, but wearable silver’s just too understated of a gift to ignore. All of Boyd Court’s rings are hand-crafted in Toronto, too.
$299 CAD