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5 Great Shops for Guy Gifts
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When it comes to giving thoughtful, unique gifts that stand out from the pack, over the years we keep coming back to a few go-to shops whose tailor-made goodies always seem to leave their lucky recipients ooh-ing and aah-ing in delight. Read on to browse some of our favorite guaranteed-to-please, gift-ready finds and meet the makers behind them—and don’t forget to bookmark their shops for the next time you need a special something for any special someone who appreciates quality artistry and clever design.
Clark & Taft Crafting Company
Shop Waxed canvas weekender bag from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, $425, Waxed canvas zipper pouch from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, from $59, Personalized dopp kit from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, $99 and moreShop Waxed canvas weekender bag from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, $425, Waxed canvas zipper pouch from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, from $59, Personalized dopp kit from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, $99 and more
Shop Waxed canvas weekender bag from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, $425 and moreShop Waxed canvas weekender bag from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, $425 and more
Shop Waxed canvas zipper pouch from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, from $59 and moreShop Waxed canvas zipper pouch from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, from $59 and more
Shop Personalized dopp kit from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, $99 and moreShop Personalized dopp kit from Clark & Taft Crafting Company, $99 and more
With their classic weekend bags and travel totes, perennially popular dopp kits, and pouches perfect for storing passports, Clark & Taft Crafting Company is a one-stop shop for travel lovers. From her Austin, Texas studio, Bulgarian-born designer Silvia Nikolov fashions her durable line from handpicked rolls of heavy waxed canvas and leather, skillfully marrying form with function. And thanks to thoughtful touches like waterproof linings, detachable straps, and a plethora of personalization options, her products are as practical as they are aesthetically pleasing. “We merge old-school craftsmanship with the demands of today’s lifestyle,” says Silvia. “It’s all in the details.”
Pretentious Beer Glass Company
Just when you think you’ve run out of clever libation-related gift ideas for your favorite beer buff, enter the Pretentious Beer Glass Company. Founded by university-trained glass sculptor and craft brew enthusiast Matthew Cummings, this shop features an extensive lineup of specialty glassware designed specifically with craft beer in mind. Think dedicated vessels for hoppy, aromatic, and malty beers, as well as traditional ales, all sold individually or in ready-to-wrap sets. And if you happen to find yourself in the greater Knoxville, Tennessee area, don’t miss a chance to swing by Matthew’s operation in person, where you can see the glassblowing team at work and cap off the experience with a pint from the brewery Matthew opened next door.
Kingsley Leather
Shop Personalized leather cufflinks from Kingsley Leather, $60, Black leather belt from Kingsley Leather, $187, Leather key chain from Kingsley Leather, from $23, Leather bow tie from Kingsley Leather, $80 and moreShop Personalized leather cufflinks from Kingsley Leather, $60, Black leather belt from Kingsley Leather, $187, Leather key chain from Kingsley Leather, from $23, Leather bow tie from Kingsley Leather, $80 and more
Shop Personalized leather cufflinks from Kingsley Leather, $60 and moreShop Personalized leather cufflinks from Kingsley Leather, $60 and more
Shop Black leather belt from Kingsley Leather, $187 and moreShop Black leather belt from Kingsley Leather, $187 and more
Shop Leather key chain from Kingsley Leather, from $23 and moreShop Leather key chain from Kingsley Leather, from $23 and more
Shop Leather bow tie from Kingsley Leather, $80 and moreShop Leather bow tie from Kingsley Leather, $80 and more
“I design my pieces to be simple, clean, and timeless,” says Cheltenham, England-based leather accessories designer Kingsley Thompson. And for the style-savvy gent behind Kingsley Leather—which boasts a beautiful selection of personalized leather cufflinks, dapper bow ties, supple belts, and sleek wallets—the ultimate product test is decidedly personal. “For my core range I stick to what I know best, and that’s things I would use or wear myself,” explains Kingsley, who relies on choice materials and time-tested techniques to produce his hardworking, hand-stitched line. In Kingsley’s own words: “Everything is built to last.”
Feedback Straps
One way to earn guaranteed gifting points? Play on the powers of positive association with a present that links you to the creative pursuit they love most—like a vintage-inspired guitar or camera strap from Feedback Straps. Made to order in Portland, Oregon, these sturdy straps arrive ready to be put to use by any budding musician or photographer. “I use full-grain leather, which is really durable and thick,” says designer Sarah Peek. “I typically also soften it up a little bit by hand before I ship out the strap to make it easier to fasten onto your guitar or camera right off the bat.”