Art’s Top Five Men’s Lifestyle Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Every year during the holiday’s people tell me that I’m hard to buy for.

Strange because I tend to drift towards the same types of items for daily use but often try out new versions of gear and clothing.

Sometimes it works out and I’ll change but mostly I go back to the same gear.

Here are my top five choices of men’s gear and clothing for holiday gifts.

#1 – Benchmade Tactical Triage folding knife

This is my go-to daily carry knife. I especially like this knife for when I’m on a road trip as it has a built-in glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, and the combo blade (Straight edge and serrated). Benchmade puts out a solid quality product that will give years of service. I’ve given these as gifts, and they’ve always been well received. MSRP is $250.00

#2 – GORUCK Kit Bag

I’ve been using GORUCK packs for about nine years now. Their simplistic designs and tough-as-nails construction keep me coming back to them. One of my favorite pieces of gear from GORUCK Kit Bag. Made from 1000 Cordura with the dimensions being 11.5″ x 17.5″ x 9″ for me this is the perfect bag for a two-to-four-day trip. It works great as a carry on and the included shoulder strap makes it a breeze to carry. MSRP is $125.00

#3 – Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator

Merrell Moab Ventilator shoes are favorite foot ware for the past ten or more years. I’ve tried other brands and styles but always come back to the Merrell Moab. Lightweight and comfortable they work for almost any activity for me except for a formal dress situation they are my go-to foot ware year-round as long as there’s not a lot of snow on the ground. MSRP is $100.00

#4 – Victorinox Swiss Army Classic

This is another item that is always in my pocket (except onboard an airplane or other restricted area) and gets more use than any other knife in my collection. Small and light with a blade, file with flat edge screwdriver, scissors, tweezers, and a toothpick. All the little tools that I use multiple times a day. I don’t know how many of these I’ve gifted to people over the years as they are so handy. There are also TSA save versions available. They come in numerous colors and to me are just too handy not to have one in your pocket. MSRP is $19.99.

#5 – Carhart Wool Blend Cuffed Beanie

Lastly, my cold weather go-to piece of headgear is the Carhart Wool Blend Cuffed Beanie, it’s just plain warm, comfortable, and blends into any setting where wearing a beanie is acceptable. Comes in three colors and makes a gear gift. MSRP is $19.00

Bonus item – RTIK 45 QT HARD COOLER

I purchased this cooler about two years ago after seeing one that a friend of mine had and love it for keeping drinks and food cold when going on road trips. Ice will last two days even in the heat of summer and its constriction is rock solid. After going through numerous cheap coolers that don’t maintain the contents cold and self-destruct after a few months I’ll never go back to them. My 45 Qt hard cooler rides in my truck bed year-round ready for the next adventure. If you’re used to paying $20.00 or $30.00 for a cooler the price might scare you but it’s worth every cent. There are accessory baskets and dividers available to make it even more user friendly. MSRP is $219.00

That’s my recommended list for holiday gift ideas. Remember buy quality and you won’t have to buy twice. Happy Holidays.

Related Articles

• ERIK’S TOP 5 MEN’S LIFESTYLE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
• SCOTT’S TOP 5 MEN’S LIFESTYLE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS