Guy Gear
I made a goal for my holiday posting schedule to do a few more features that were targeted to men. Between video games and a fast 15 post, I don’t think I’ve done a terrible job – plus I have one more stocking stuffer post on the way – but I thought it was also time to do a post on the bigger ticket items for guys out there. Here are my Top 10 picks for awesome guy-friendly ideas, no matter what your budget.
Tissot Stamkos PRS200 Watch – $650
Steven Stamkos has had a pretty damn good year playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He scored a massive five-year contract with the team, was placed on the cover of EA’s hotly touted NHL 12, and now he’s got a limited edition watch by Swiss watchmakers Tissot. Clad in stainless steel and loaded with sporty bells and whistles, the extra special piece of this watch is a little something your diehard hockey hubby can keep to themselves – Stamkos’ name and number on the underside of the watch face. This is a luxe but awesome choice for that someone special: husbands, boyfriends, dads, etc. But hurry! There’s only 910 of these puppies available in the world.
Available at: Online, Henry Birks & Sons, European Jewelery, and the flagship Bay on Queen Street in Toronto
MEC Light Degree Hoodie – $195
Is your hubby, brother, or dad a snow bunny or an outdoor adventurer? Then get him a coat that not only looks amazing – seriously, that colour, or blue or black if that’s your thing – but is super practical for hitting / climbing the slopes as well. It manages to be both incredibly lightweight and warm, thanks to its cozy goose down filling. The pockets are roomy for stashing gloves, and the hood easily zips up for full face coverage against alpine winds.
Available at: Online, and in-stores at Mountain Equipment Co-op
Monster Beats Studio by Dr. Dre Headphones – $349.99
I think I surveyed a half-dozen guys when I first set out to write this post, asking what was on their wish lists and they all, rather unhelpfully, mentioned Dr. Dre’s uber-popular line of headphones for audio experts Monster. The resurgence of over-the-ear classic-style headphones means there’s more room for better engineering – put these puppies on and you’ll hear your favourite songs like you never have before with some of the world’s most cutting-edge audio technology. Snaps up for coming up with a line of flashy colours for ladies and their dudes to indulge in.
Available at: Best Buy et al – try your favourite big box entertainment store.
How to Speak Zombie / How to Speak Wookiee Books – $18.95 each
Who says books aren’t fun? These two nerdtastic volumes will teach your guy how to survive through a zombie apocalypse or an intergalactic vacation through hilarious illustrations and sound modules that give you demonstrations on how to chatter on everything from your basic introductions through to dance parties. Awesome for fans of shows like the Walking Dead, books like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, or naturally, Warsies.
Available At: Online & in-store at Chapters and Amazon.ca, plus your local independent booksellers.
Conair iStubble – $89.99
I nixed Movember this year – it makes the boyf look like a cat – but he has been experimenting with ‘Decembeard’, the natural evolution of a facial hair fundraising initiative I suppose. To combat a serious case of Santa face, he’s been using the Conair iStubble to help keep his ‘beard’ trim, and to a relatively manageable length. If your guy likes the look of a 5 o’clock shadow – for beards, mustaches, or goatees – but doesn’t like the maintenance of having to either trim by hand or shave, regrow to the ideal length, then shave again, this is a sincerely amazing tool. The lightweight iStubble works like an electric razor, but without going right down to clean-shaven status. And it’s flexible too – he can set the length from 0.4 mm to 5.0 mm for the perfect finished look. Instead of splurging on fancy razors this year, why not go the trim and polished route instead?
Available At: Wherever Conair products are sold.
ION Audio Arcade Cabinet for iPad – $99
With all the flash-bang gadgetry and next-gen video games out there, sometimes it’s refreshing to take a step back and appreciate the classics. This gift idea marries old and new – it houses your decidedly 21st century iPad and turns it into a virtual 80’s-style mini-arcade. The cabinet comes with a free download of the Atari Greatest Hits app, featuring 100 of your favourite joystick-driven games like Pong and Centipede. He’ll love the retro styling and throwback games almost as much as he loves his iPad – I promise!
Available at: Future Shop
Cyberoptix Ties – $40 (each)
I’m going to get to the ties in a minute, but it’s worth noting that they’re being sold by uber-cool Japanese import store Cubeshops, which has a physical location in Toronto, as well as an online shop for anyone not living in the T-dot. As for these silkscreened ties? They’re actually designed in Detroit. Made from 100% silk or a soft microfiber that you’d pretty much swear was silk, they’re individually screened by hand using eco-friendly inks and stellar modern designs. Trend-loving dudes old and young will love the interesting patterns that are subtle enough to fit into most workplaces, but snazzy enough to make it feel extra special, and not a cop-out Christmas gift.
Available at: Cubeshops – both online & in-store.
Coleman Microburst Lantern – $39.99
Got a dad (or dude) that absolutely loves to go out camping? Don’t send him out there without this awesome mini-lantern in his kit. This battery-powered lantern has approximately 32 hours of runtime and 4 detachable pods – so the kids can accompany themselves to the bathroom at night while you search your supplies for marshmallows for smores. Or use the multi-coloured lights to make bedtime stories under the stars that much more creative and fun.
Available at: Canadian Tire – both online & in-store
Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series – $99
I remember when I was first introduced to Friday Night Lights. I was skeptical. I had a total girl moment and berated the design of the box and assumed it would be terribly boring because it was about Texan football. And then…I watched the first episode. And I can tell you this: if you can watch this first episode and not be instantly hooked? You’re crazy. Easily one of the BEST television series to hit the airwaves in the last decade, this is a show filled with warmth, humour, drama, and yes – football. Your guy will love the glimpse into a Texas high school’s football squad, you’ll love the twisty turny plots, tearjerker moments, and er, the eye candy ain’t bad either. Bonus points: star Taylor Kitsch is a Canadian boy!
Available at: Your favourite DVD retailer online & in-store.
De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker – $899
Coffee purists know there’s nothing quite like brewing your own beans at home, just the way you like it. If the boy you’re buying for is a particularly picky coffee drinker, consider getting them this sleek and ridiculously impressive De’Longhi Espresso Maker. The whistles and bells include a built-in grinder for the freshest brew possible, the ability to customize the fineness of your beans, and an eco-friendly feature that can help reduce energy usage by up to 77% over your more conventional machine. Plus the compact size will fit on any counter, and look damn stunning while doing so.
Available at: Major department stores & specialty kitchen stores.
With all of those wonderful suggestions, I KNOW it’ll be hard to narrow it down. But if you are buying for an outdoorsy dad (or dude), you’re in luck: I’ve got one Coleman Microburst Lantern to give away. Entry info is thisaway:
1) Leave a comment below until January 1st, 2012 and tell me which of these awesome gifts you’d most like to see (or buy for) under your Christmas tree.
2) Entries are limited to one per person per email address (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around January 1st, 2012 to select the winner, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to residents of Canada that have reached the age of majority in their province / state. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry Time: Go tweet happy. You’ll earn one bonus entry for every day you post *something* about the Canadian Gift Guide over the contest period – as long as you provide the link back in the comments. It doesn’t have to be specifically about this post, it can be about any post on the site. Whatever strikes your fancy, really.
If you’re looking for full rules & regs, you can always reach me at canadiangiftguide -at- gmail – dot- com. May this be your lucky day!
Canadian Gift Guide 
The Conair Istubble would be great under the tree for one of the guys in my life.
I’d be thrilled to see the De’Longhi Espresso Maker for myself; boyfriend would like the Conair iStubble.
I posted a message on twitter.
http://twitter.com/#!/Dawnalees/status/146932811780202497
I would love to see that incredible espresso machine under my tree!!
I would like to have the conair istubble under my tree for hubby for christmas! The lantern is great too,as we do alot of camping! Thanks!~
ksceviour at hotmail dot com
I would love to find the De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker under my tree!
Here’s my tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/retromusic/status/146956998808834048
I love the Tissot watch—for my hubby. Very nice.
the watches are divine!
https://twitter.com/#!/pockets_blog/status/146960601032306688
tweeted it 12/14
I would like the headphone by dr dre
I’d like the Dr. Dre headphones
I love the Tissot watch. I would love to see this under my tree
My husband would be more than thrilled if I bought him that watch.
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/ksceviour/status/146979414972956672
I’d love the Monster Beats Studio by Dr. Dre Headphones, for myself 🙂
tweet!
https://twitter.com/#!/amym_brown/status/146980038586269696
OOoh the De’Longhi Espresso Maker would be sweet under the tree!
Cheers.
I’d love to see the Espresso Maker under our tree this year!
My boyfriend and I are huge coffee drinkers…Always a pot on the go. This would be a really cool (and delicious) change!…
What a great gift the Monster Beats Studio by Dr. Dre Headphones would be!
I just saw “Friday Night Lights – The Complete Series” in person when I was out Christmas shopping the other day and it was one marvellously big box. I own all of the seasons of this genius show separately, but there is a friend of mine who just started watching the show and I think she’d love the big set.
Hahaha I cracked up at the “How to Speak Zombie / How to Speak Wookiee” books, I think I know a few friends who will love them (please note that they are twenty-somethings lol).
The Conair iStubble looks quite nifty, I do like those useful sort of gifts. I will have to consider this the next time I get a gift for the bf 🙂
Hmmm I overlooked those ties…..those are quite nice too. THE CHOICES :(!!
I have always wanted a De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker but can’t afford one. This would be a great for me.
My husband would love the Ion audio arcade cabinet for the i-pad.
My husband loves to go fishing and this would awesome for him!
I would love the MEC Light Degree Hoodie under the tree.
I follow on Twitter as @margaretimecs
margaret.imecs@gmail.com
My husband would love the lantern!
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/ErockSpell/status/147044708978401281
An Espresso Maker would be wonderful – so would a flat screen TV!
I’d love to gift that cool Tissot watch to my husband!
My brother would absolutely LOVE – how to speak wookie!
The MEC Light Degree Hoodie would be a nice gift for myself
The Espresso Maker would be a welcome gift
I would love to find the MEC Light Degree Hoodie under my tree this year for my hubby. He loves to take walks on his lunch hours and this looks like it would be MIGHTY warm for him!!!!!
Would love to have the Tissot Stamkos PRS200 Watch for my husband.
The ties are dope, B.
The espresso machine would look lovely under my tree this year !! So much fun to try everything.
I would love the De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker as a gift for me
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
The De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker would be a dream Christmas gift!
atari hits! i used to have the actual mini games
I would love the friday night lights but all the prizes are amazing!
The espresso maker would be incredible!
In 31 years of marriage, I have honestly never witnessed my husband arriving anywhere on time. We now can laugh how I overcome this pet peeve. When we have plans to any event, I always state the time as being 1 1/2 hours earlier. So without a doubt I would have to say the Tissot Stamkos PRS200 Watch would be a treasure under our tree. On the flip side, he is a wonderful father/husband and he has earned it.
Coleman Microburst Lantern would replace our 10yr old lantern that we use when we go camping. Hubby won’t get a new one as it is still going…its a Coleman also 🙂
The De Longhi Expresso Maker…..sweet!!
I would love to see the Conair iStubble!
Love the Asteroids
The De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/LilleaBrionn/status/147237825782362112
The Coleman lantern for sure! We do a lot of camping. Unfortunately, I don’t have a twitter account, so I can’t do the bonus entries!
If I could afford it, I would give hubby the De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker, he love espresso!
wow that expresso machine looks like heaven. That is what I would love to have.
The Coleman Microburst Lantern under the tree is the gift that would make the most impact with my husband for sure!
Monster Beats Studio by Dr. Dre Headphones so we can play it for the baby before birth and so my spouse can listen to music in a way he would appreciate.
The man in my life would like the De Longhi Expresso Maker though I think I would prefer the headphones
I’d love to have the De’Longhi Espresso Maker as my expresso maker is toast! Thanks
Light degree hoody – love to be cuddled up warm in winter!!! 🙂
Love that watch – please Santa!
I would just love the espresso machine
The Monster Beats Studio headphones would be a big hit with my husband.
The Tissot watch looka uber-cool, especially for a Steven Stamkos fan, or any hockey fan!
My hubby would love the conair istubble!
https://twitter.com/#!/Sarahj1228/status/147498016625000449
I would love to find the De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker under my tree!
Tweet~ http://twitter.com/glogirl3/status/147519753991368704
The conair istubble would go over big in my house! Very cool.
I would love the lantern.
Definitely need that lantern.
I would like the Conair iStubble for my husband.
I would love to see the monster beats studio by dr dre headphones under my tree 🙂
My boyfriend would really love the ION Audio Arcade Cabinet for iPad under the tree this year! He’s a gamer boy!
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/147849132072116224
I would love getting the DR Dre headphones!! My border collie (dexter) recently ATE my other headphones. I LOVED those things! I won them in a contest last Christmas and they were a pretty penny..so getting them again will never happen lol
All of these prizes look amazing!!!
Thanks Craig – they aren’t actually prizes, but great gift ideas nonetheless! Did you check out my other guy-oriented post? You could win a CK cologne: https://canadiangiftguide.com/2011/12/16/masculine-musk/
MEC Light Degree Hoodie
My Pick is the De Longhi Magnifica XS espresso Maker
that espresso machine would be amazing!
Il’d like most to see Monster Beats Studio headphones.
I really love the ION Audio Arcade Cabinet for iPad — my husband would love this!!!!
The MEC Light Degree Hoodie would be a great present for my brother or dad
tweet https://twitter.com/#!/tlee351/status/148461239142596609
Love to win the espresso maker. I don’t drink coffee myself, but my parents are coffeeholics but their 10 year old glass pot is starting to get really brown and moldy looking. At this rate, I think my parents will go before that coffee pot because of that coffee pot. So this espresso maker would definitely be a life saver in more ways than one. 😉
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/148570227343503361
I would love to get the Monster Beats Studio by Dr. Dre Headphones under the Xmas tree!
Tough choice. The complete Friday Night Lights series would be sweet but Id have to pick the Stamkos watch as my favourite!
I would really love for my guy to find the Tissot Stamkos watch under the tree… Awesome! Thanks!
Aliya D.
aliyadaya(at)shaw(dot)ca
I would love the espresso maker
I would love the Dr Dre headphones under my Christmas tree
I would love the headphones or the coleman lantern under my tree…if I had to choose of course, they are all great!
I think the lantern would be great for camping trips!
The De’Longhi Espresso Maker , I am a true coffee hound
I would love to buy my husband the audio arcade for iPad! This is so retro, yet so tech! My husband always talks about the Atari days! He would love this!
tweet https://twitter.com/#!/tlee351/status/148886560035700737
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/148958650650734592
I would love some Monster beats for my bf
The MEC Light Degree Hoodie would look great under my tree 🙂
http://twitter.com/#!/tinatchick/status/149114192413204480
That Coleman Lantern is AWESOME. My boyfriend and I camp all the time. This light would make both of us very happy on Christmas morning 🙂
the lantern is very nice
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/149248028446949376
http://twitter.com/#!/ksceviour/status/149298965416919040
Monster Beats by Dre
My husband would love to find the Tissot Stamkos watch under the tree!
My son would definitely go crazy for the Stamkos watch!! Big Lightning fan!!
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/149625617044865026
I’d most like the Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/150329921380691968
Definitely the espresso maker!
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/151141741557321728
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/ksceviour/status/151154176481689601
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/151879006705303552
The lantern would be perfect when camping with the young boys and wife for the first time this summer!
http://twitter.com/#!/ksceviour/status/152225457792757761
My hubby loved Friday Night Lights, and my son is a real camper, so he’d like the Lantern.
Definitely would love best to get the Coleman Microburst Lantern under my Christmas tree 🙂 It would make the camping experience so much more fun…& power outages too
I would most love the espresso maker!
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/152594559539478528
http://twitter.com/#!/ksceviour/status/152603349701771264
De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker would be my pick…
http://twitter.com/#!/ksceviour/status/152930839053873152
The headphones would be welcome under the tree.
The Dr. Dre headphones would be nice.
I would like the Monster Beats Headphones!!
The De’Longhi espresso maker. It would be a beautiful extravagant gift that the recipient would not splurge on him or herself.
De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker
I love the Tissot Stamkos PRS200 Watch
That De’Longhi Magnifica XS Espresso Maker would be awesome!
http://twitter.com/#!/Teralex4/status/153319829678456832
The De’Longhi espresso maker is awesome !
like the lantern – would be handy during a power outage
the de’longhi espresso maker looks like it is awesome
I’d love to see the look on my husband’s face if I could give him that Tissot watch – it’s gorgeous!
https://twitter.com/#!/RebTheCatSitter/status/153652140173307905
the MEC Light Degree Hoodie for just $195 look so BA. I’d love to get this!