UPDATE
SEAN WES PRINTS, ETC.
Sean has graciously extended a 10% promo code "CHRISTMAS10" to my readers until December 21st. So go get yourself some handcrafted awesomeness.
I met Sean at a conference this summer and he's one of the most gifted illustrators I know. Everything is created by hand with pen and paper, and it shows. He has prints, mugs, coasters, and tons other awesome stuff that I'm positive you'll love.
Also, be on the look out for a giveaway and a special collaboration with Sean next week here on the blog.
Turns out Vol. 1 was a smashing success as I heard from many of you that you found the perfect gift for your gentleman. I hope Vol. 2 meets all your expectations.
Today we begin at the beginning. So...let there be light!
INDUSTRIAL TASK LAMP
Say you're sitting down in your favorite chair with your favorite book, but the lighting just isn't right. Lighting is important, gents! It really can effect your eyesight and even though glasses are quite becoming on us as we age, we don't want premature cataracts do we?! And so I give you this stellar item from West Elm. I have to say, I'm rather partial to the white one.
WARBY PARKER GLASSES
Speaking of spectacles, it's about time some of you put down the gold rimmed, thin metal doo-hickeys and put on some real glasses. Even though I willfully failed every eye exam I've ever been given in order to get a prescription for glasses, I have 20X20 vision. Dumb. So, gentleman (or ladies, sorry I keep forgetting my audience here!) get on the bandwagon and do some good for the world and your eyes with this awesome company. Oh, they also have monocles. You know. If that's your thing.
TRAVERSE CITY WHISKEY
Every man needs a signature drink. Currently, I'm enjoying Bourbon Whiskey on the rocks. While I've yet to try this golden goodness from Traverse City, Michigan, their slogan, "A Story With Every Bottle," had me at hello.
JOURNALS, JOURNALS, JOURNALS
I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. - Thomas Paine
In my world, a man is nothing without something good to write his reflections in. Below are three of my favorites:
GRID MOLESKINE NOTEBOOK
I've tried them all and this is the best for everyday use. I like the grid version for drawings, storyboards, to-do lists, and general reflections.
FIELD NOTES
I love these little guys for when I'm on the run and don't want to carry anything bulky. And boy are they handy! In fact, half the contents of my book UNTITLED: Thoughts on the Creative Process were found by scouring a stack of these.
THE FAMOUS RED JOURNAL
From a neat little company out of NYC, Best Made Co., I have to confess I've never tried these, but boy they sure are purdy! In fact, I wouldn't push Santa off the roof if one of these ended up in my stocking this year.
* UNFORTUNATE UPDATE * These are currently sold out, but fill out your email on this page and they'll let you know when they are back in stock!
A SIGN TO REMEMBER
Another diddy from the folks at Best Made Co. So simple and such a good reminder. The only real decision to make here is where you'll put it. FYI: This one is very much in stock!
SOAP BOX GYPSY
I'm 32 years old and I shave every day. I mostly do it just to feel like a real man. Allow me to explain...I did a play a few years ago where I was required to grow a soul patch (like I said it was a few years ago!). Though, unable to grow one substantial enough, I was forced to color the bits of hair I had desperately tried to produce for months with mascara. Ah, what we men do for our art! At any rate, if you need to take care of real facial hair, these are the guys to help get the job done.
BYRD & BELLE iPHONE WALLET
Last year I was given a similar wallet by Hard Graft for Christmas. It's admittedly great, but then I discovered Byrd & Belle. From my homestate of Minnesota, creator Angie Davis, makes each piece by hand in her attic. From iPhone wallets, to wool and leather sleeves for your notebooks and other devices, it's quality stuff. She's blowing up right now so you should get one of her pieces before everyone else has one.
THE DAPPER PAPER SHOP
While this fantastic Etsy shop from North Carolina has a lot going for them (custom design, cards, art prints) you really can't compete with their "Gentleman Rules" print. See for yourself. Then go buy one. THIS JUST IN: Our friends at Dapper Paper have offered a 15% discount on anything in their shop until Friday, December 14th. Just use the promo: 15OFF
SHURE IN-EAR HEADPHONES
I've gone through about 7 pairs of stock iPhone headphones and maybe 20 or so junky pairs I've gotten on airplanes or purchased in airports. It's time for the madness to stop for every good man needs a good pair of headphones. The sonically-inclined in my life assured me that Shure (pun intended) is the absolute best. Here's a great pair for only $99, which is 50% the original price. Not too shabby.
Well, that was fun!
I'm still debating on a Vol. 3 as we're getting dangerously close to the cut off for online shipping dates. We'll see. Again, if you have suggestions, please put them in the comments so we all can see!
