The Primer Gift Guide for Stylish Men

The Primer Gift Guide for Stylish Men
We wish you a happy Giftmas, and a stylish New Year.

Holiday shopping is never easy. As soon as you get back from Thanksgiving, you only have a few precious weeks to get through your gift list while attending holiday parties and wrapping up dreaded year-end work along the way.

Shopping is even more difficult when you have friends with taste. What do you get the man who can dress for every occasion? The stress is enough to make you want to just order a slew of Amazon gift cards and be done with it. Don’t worry. This year, we’ve got you covered.

If you have fashionable friends (or if your family is at a loss for what to buy you), this gift guide will help you find the perfect pieces for the fashion-forward person in your life, from comfy yet classy sweaters to the travel steamer you need to stay crisp and composed (on the outside, at least) throughout all your holiday events.

Check out all of Primer's Gift Guides:

Gift Ideas for Guys: Over 150 Gift Ideas You Can Actually Ask For
30 White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $30
The Coffee Lover’s Gift Guide
30 Gift Ideas For People Who Happen To Be Women

Image of Red Wing Iron Ranger boots

Red Wing Iron Ranger

Amazon, $269

The holidays are a great time to pick up those more expensive items that will become a part of your wardrobe for years to come. There are several reasons why the Iron Rangers remain one of the top names in boots: each pair of American-made, full-grain leather boots features Goodyear welt construction for outstanding durability and comfort. They’re also a versatile style, which is why we’ve featured them in a rugged outdoor Getup, a stylish cool-weather Getup, and a dressy-casual weekend Getup.

Image of Lambswool Fair Isle sweater in orange

J. Crew Lambswool Fair Isle Sweater

J.Crew, $73

J.Crew consistently sells modern, stylish takes on the holiday sweater. Make a statement in a handsome Fair Isle knit.

Image of Ludlow blazer in herringbone English tweed

J. Crew Ludlow Tweed Blazer

J.Crew, $223 with HOLIDAY

Your parents might be happy that you’re looking to pick up a nice blazer. Why not encourage them to get you one that you’ll wear every time you get the chance? The tweed sport coat is the essential cool weather jacket; check out our 11 handsome and affordable options + how to wear them.

Men and Manners

Men and Manners: Essays, Advice, and Considerations

Amazon, $17

Famed essayist David Coggins gives us a part how-to manual, part humorous commentary on modern society.

Closeup of a steamer

Puresteam Portable Fabric Steamer

Amazon, $25

If you ask for a travel steamer during the holidays, you’ll be using it right away. Whether you’ve got to get an outfit together for the big New Year’s Eve party or you just need to get the wrinkles out of a shirt before a long day of work, this is one of the best little investments you can make. Primer’s editor & founder Andrew never travels without his.

chup socks

Chup Socks

Huckberry, $35 / Prime-eligible Alternative, $12.99

Handmade in Japan, Chup socks feature vintage patterns that look sharp peeking out of the top of your favorite boots.

Image of Wurkin Stiffs

Wurkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stays

Amazon, $40

There is power in a collar stay. If you’re going to go to the trouble of buying nice collared shirts, you might as well make sure the collar isn’t floppy and limp.

waxed canvas weekenderS-Zone Waxed Canvas Weekend Bag

Amazon, $47

We’re not saying that one of these bags will make holiday travel any easier, but you will feel more confident while you’re doing it. This random find became a Primer-Approved bag, and is a steal at the price. Watch Andrew's full review (and be sure to subscribe to Primer on YouTube!):

white leather sneakers

White Leather Sneakers

Shown: New Republic, $89 / Upgrade: Common Projects, $411

Our non-boot footwear of choice comes in a range of prices (and quality) on par with the materials and craftsmanship of fine dress shoes. We snagged this pair by New Republic by Mark McNairy for $40 from our Black Friday coverage. Make sure to subscribe to Primer's email to get notified about huge deals.

A close up of some desert boots

Clarks Bushacre Desert Boots

Nordstrom Rack, $69

If you’re looking for something durable and stylish but not quite as heavy duty as Red Wings, this classic Clarks style remains one of the best desert boots on the market. We first gave them the Primer Approved badge in 2011.

Image of KK & Jay Supply Co. Shirttail Garters   Solid Color Shirt Stays

KK&Jay Garters

Amazon, $29.99

Keep your shirt tucked in and your look crisp with a nice set of garters. Andrew wears them every time he speaks in front of an audience – high praise.

Image of Vintage Mercury Dime Cuff LinksBrooks Brothers Vintage Mercury Dime Cufflinks

Brooks Brothers, $95

You’ll never regret asking for a nice pair of cufflinks. They come in handy, and having a pair that nods to your personality makes dressing up that much more fun.

Image of STRIPED POINTED TIP KNIT TIE

Striped Pointed Tip Knit Tie

The Tie Bar, $25

A slim, sophisticated knit tie is always in style.

Image of Cotton Cable Knit Cardigan Sweater

Banana Republic Shawl Collar Sweater

Banana Republic, $76

Shawl collar sweaters are one of our favorite fall and winter essentials. Dress it up with a tie, or throw it on over a t-shirt with a pair of joggers as a hoodie alternative. This one is 100% super soft cotton.

Image of GQ The 3 Pc Tie Bar Set Pinch Clasp 1.1 Inch for Trendy Skinny Ties, Silver, Gold Tone and Black Gift Boxed

Puentes Denver Skinny Tie Bar Set

Amazon, $15

A skinny tie bar is often just the thing to add the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.

Image of WOODBRIDGE OXFORD NAVY SHIRT

Made to Measure Indochino Woodbridge Oxford Shirt

Indochino, $70

Not all dress shirts are created equal. A nice made to measure shirt can totally change your style game.

Image of Fjallraven Men's Greenland No. 1 Down Jacket

Fjallraven Greenland #1 Down Jacket

Amazon, $399

Fjallraven makes some of the best crafted and most stylish winter jackets out there. Named for an island mostly covered in ice, this jacket will get you through the holidays and the rest of winter, no matter how harsh it may be.

Image of Patagonia Men's Bivy Down Jacket

Patagonia Men’s Bivy Down Jacket

Patagonia, $249

Patagonia makes great winter jackets and promotes fair labor practices. At a slightly lower price point, and no less stylish, this 100% Recycled Down jacket is designed to stand up to the elements.

Image of MEN WOOL BLEND DUFFLE COAT

Uniqlo Men’s Duffle Coat

Uniqlo, $99.90

Duffle coats are a trendy way to stay warm, and Uniqlo offers an affordable, cool take on the style.

rogue industries bison card caseRogue Industries American-made Bison Card Case

Rogue Industries, $40 / Prime-eligible alternative, $39

Rogue Industries offers a great collection of American-made wallets in a variety of leathers. This style is sturdy, but super slim, so you won’t feel like you’ve got a brick in your pocket.

Image of Plaid Wool Scarf

Banana Republic Plaid Wool Scarf

Banana Republic, $70

Nothing gets you through cold weather in style quite like a warm scarf. Fair warning: this is one style that your S.O. might try to claim.

Image of Western Denim Sport Shirt

Treasure & Bond Western Denim Sport Shirt

Nordstrom, $31.60

A denim shirt will add a rugged vibe to even a city slicker’s wardrobe. Layer it under the shawl cardigan for a cool yet cozy look.

What fashion-forward gifts are you giving (or hoping to get) this year? Let us know in the comments.

Need more gift ideas?

Check out all of Primer's Gift Guides:

Gift Ideas for Guys: Over 150 Gift Ideas You Can Actually Ask For
30 White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $30
The Coffee Lover’s Gift Guide
30 Gift Ideas For People Who Happen To Be Women

Brenden Gallagher

Brenden Gallagher is a freelance writer covering style, politics, television, and film at various outlets including The Daily Dot, High Snobiety, Grailed, and Primer. Based in Los Angeles, he works in television drama as a writers' assistant.