May I be frank? Men are annoying, ok, very annoying. They always finish the guacamole before you’ve had one chip, still haven’t learned how to make a decent, dinner-sized salad, they sleep a lot and snore just as much, le sigh… but they are half the species and useful, so we like them and deem them worthy of affection and gifts, at least a few times a year. There’s a catch though. Because they claim to be low-maintenance, they are hard to shop for. My extensive anthropological research into the male psyche shows it’s all smoke and mirrors. We are a consumerist society – no one is immune from the shopping bug and the burning desire for a good haul. In addition to the first installment in the Men’s Holiday Gift Guide – The Aging Hipster, here’s my list of gift suggestions for the 2nd hardest-to-shop-for guys in your life: The Design Guy & The Foodie.
You know the Design Guy. He probably designed an award-winning Scandinavian-inspired sans serif font in grad school, wears t-shirts from obscure Italian designers that he’ll never name, and only drinks Japanese Scotch. His apartment is impeccable, he hasn’t bothered to cash in the Facebook stock he was gifted by a client decades ago, and is on the shortlist for Creative Director at Condé Nast. What tchotchke or stocking stuffers could possibly pass muster with such discerning taste? The Foodie on the other hand, more gourmet than gourmand, the one who’s dined at Le Bernadin and Le Cirque several times but is over it, in his infinite appetite and sensory curiosity may be easier to satiate, yet you always run the risk of gifting him something Guy Fieri-approved, and losing out on invitations to his killer dinner parties. For the holidays, I’ve curated the best gift suggestions that will keep you cool and interesting in the eyes of the Design Guy and the Foodie.
All men, no matter who they are, even the “Metrosexuals” (that’s what we used to call Design Guys in the early aughts) need two things that are simply not negotiable. Fresh drawers and basic skincare. As both the Design Guy and the Foodie will be on the “no fast fashion” bandwagon, boxers, beanies and pajamas made from high-quality silk, organic cotton, merino, and other sustainable materials are the way to go.
Cashmere beanies and organic cotton boxer briefs in dark neutrals from Connecticut-based Fishers Finery will complement their preference for normcore or quiet luxury.
Skincare is tricker. If he has none, he’ll have to be initiated into the cult of clear pores with a basic cleanser and shave gel. If he’s not a newbie, he’s ready for an upgrade. HIM-istry Naturals offers an array of cleansers, toners, exfoliants, serum and moisturizers in clean formulations and modern, masculine packaging.
With interior design of the man cave as a distinguishing factor for the Design Guy and the Foodie, let’s concentrate on home decor and accessories. In addition to the TFrame T-Shirt Frame, Umbra nails the contemporary aesthetic for our favorite guys. In the living space, when it’s time for recreation and entertaining, shelves will pop with the addition of the Stax 4 in a Row Game.
The ultra modern spin on Tic-Tac-Toe features frosted, monochromatic rounds and a matte metal plated base in a blend of function and flourish. To really impress, the Umbra Wobble Chess Set will really wow as a living room statement piece. Designed to facilitate the quivering of chess pieces to heighten the thrill of the game, the award-winning polished maple and walnut landscape is a far cry from your dad’s chess set.
Moving into the kitchen, the Tipsy Balancing Bottle Opener is a statement piece that will boost any bar set up. Made of polished chrome, the stand alone piece doubles as tool and abstract sculpture.
If looking to complement the ultra masculine vibe of expertly wrought metal, look no further than the Founder’s 3-Piece Set. Hand-forged stateside, born from the founders’ love of vintage 19th-century cookware, Smithey pans are statement pieces for the serious cook. Lighter than traditional cast iron, pre-seasoned, satin-smooth with a polished finish, and optional engraving, they are a must for any foodie or design-forward kitchen. The 10-inch pan is perfect for mini Shepherd’s pies and omelets, while the larger ones provide ample surface for quick dinner party searing.
The Stocking Stuffer Bundle Kit, complete with a leather potholder, and a chainmail scrubber, provides easy cleaning and maintenance for the collector’s cookware collection.
With cooking elevated to stylized perfection, let’s turn to plating and snacking. Pops of color can make or break the visual presentation of any dish. With its stunning bright green patina, Peppertux Farms Pistachio butter and cream are screaming for addition to any dessert platter or snack board. I crave a dollop of either the Pistachio Cream or Pistachio Butter on toast or paleo brownies. The apricot-like sweetness and earthy nuttiness will delight any palette.
Artisanal salts, hand-blended with a wide array of aromatics, spices, and herbs deliver flavor as much as a bit of jeuje to plating. In blends like Thai Ginger Lemongrass, Jalapeño Lime Sea, Garlic Scape, Vanilla Bean, Mediterranean-Citrus and Lavender, chefs, be they gourmet, gourmands, or budding gastronomists, won’t know which Keep It Savory Co. salt blend to experiment with first.
No design or food-centric round up would be complete without shouting out the Japanese influences on both the taste and palette of the Design Guy and the Foodie. From miso, wasabi, and seaweed to the gorgeous textiles found in kimonos and traditional table settings, Japanese aesthetic sense, always sleek and unparalleled in interior design and culinary manifestations, are coveted by all.
For a monthly delivery of both, Sakuraco and Tokyo Treat subscription boxes ship from Japan according to specially curated themes.
Sakuraco, named after “Sakura” which means cherry blossom, the national flower of Japan, is a one-of-a-kind curation of authentic and immersive flavors, textures, and ingredients found in Japan’s rich, diverse snack culture. Each box contains 20 carefully selected artisanal snacks, Japanese tea, and kitchenware that represent the best of what Japan has to offer, as part of a deep commitment to supporting local Japanese producers, from delicate dorayaki and sweet mochi.
Spirit Almonds, a California-based snack company, packages and roasts almonds in the flavor profiles Japanese cuisine is known for. From Miso, Curry, Seaweed, Koji and the Dynamite Black Garlic, the umami, spicy crunchiness wrapped in matching Japanese-inspired patterns are special enough to serve as gifts worthy of the Design Guy or the Foodie.
