Kyle’s Gift Guide: From the Top of Mt. Crumpit

Much like the Grinch, recent life events have caused my heart to grow three sizes. So if the level of snark doesn’t rival past years, please blame it on my daughter. But where snark may be absent, good gifts still appear. (Editor’s Note: I am unsure whether a lack of snark will make this gift guide easier or harder to edit this year. Let’s find out together.)

Tis the Season for Sweaters, Shirts, Coats, and Pants. This Fair Isle sweater from Faherty is stylish, warm, and great for all holiday functions. I was recently stopped at the seafood station during a Santa Brunch and asked where I bought it. There’s no better endorsement for the sweater than that, because guys don’t ask other guys where they bought their clothes.  

Faherty also makes a great shirt.  I’ve been wearing this shacket-style shirt over a t-shirt for most of the fall. Comfortable, but holds its shape so you don’t look sloppy.  (Yes, Kyle, like a 2016 Mormon-Mom Influencer, loves a shacket.  But it got him out of summer plaids, so it must be good.)

If your guy isn’t a collared shirt person, I still recommend this polo-style shirt from Untuckit.  There’s always a sale and despite the collar, it wears like a t-shirt.  (It made the gift guide! I knew it would!)

This started last year, but it’s in full swing this year, quilted jackets are back. I’m not selling my puffers, but classic style coats are making their way back in.  Barbour is the classic.  Also comes in a vest.  This one from Neiman’s is more modern.

I was traveling for work and saw a ton of long dress coats and pea-coats. Not mad at all.  So if he has one in mothballs, maybe check the lining to see if it needs a spruce up.  This slimmer fitting one is also cool.

These look like jeans and wear like sweatpants.  If he flies for work, get them.  If, for some reason, he wears chinos, these have a more tech-pant feel with a work pant look.

Shoes and Boots.  The Southside Shovel Slayer may still have the coolest winter boots on offer, but these Nike Lunar Force Boots are the next best thing.  I call them my Snowblower 12s.  They are my go to boot for all those cold, cold, wet days when the Cat in the Hat is still expected to take little Sally out to play.  

These Sabah slides aren’t going to be for everyone. But while they may look like they came from Hermey’s closet, these are going to make someone’s holiday and that’s all I care about.  If you can’t stomach it, these affordable Ferragamo knock-offs are making driving loafers cool again.

I spent 2/3 of 2025 looking for “Dad sneakers.”  2012 Kyle would never, but it’s a new day and Adidas was there to save me.

Stuffy is Back in Golf Stuff. The loud attire of the last few years is departing.  Quiet luxury is back in golf. Holderness & Bourne  – the quality of Greyson, but a much more traditional look – is the hot brand.  There are no wrong answers here, but this shirt is the entry point.

Adidas is getting close to the pin with their “Originals” golf collection. It’s old school country club, and the women’s clothes are cool. Men’s is hit or miss but the hits are great.  

And while we’re on the topic, if your guy still has a white leather belt, sneak into their closet and throw it out. This one is better. Any one is better.

Golf simulators are all the rage in cold weather months, and it seems everyone is in a league. Nobody wants to haul their bag into the club or bar in January. This $12 gadget is the answer. It’s also great if you’re just running out for a quick range session.  (He promises it’ll be “quick.” #golfwidow)

Bags and the Like.  I would rather carry a red velvet Santa-sack than a branded work bag, at least, I thought I would, until I got this Timbuk2 “travel duffle backpack thing” from my employer.  Good quality, and the compartments were well thought out. It’s perfect for a 2-day-3-night trip to avoid a roller.  If I have to carry a roller, this smaller one from Away is the one I prefer.

Leather dopp kits are very much a 2018 gift.  Instead, get him a hanging toiletry bag.  It’s washable, holds more and you don’t have to search for your toothbrush every time you need it.

Also, if you really just need a gift, these tech organizer bags from Halfway.  Every guy has too many cords and things to manage.  It’s an <$50 gift he’ll use.

Stocking Stuffers.  I had to convince Abra to let me post Caddy Classics Pyn Golf Tees.  She can’t make money on them, plus, they promote nicotine use, and I’ve never had to beg for anything harder than to add these.  But they sell out every time Caddy Classics restocks, so just trust me. #IYKYK (I posted them under duress, and only because every man at the dinner table was laughing and cheering, and I didn’t want to be the uncool wife. #IYKYK)

Any man who doesn’t want socks isn’t a man I want to know.  These for work.  These for the gym.

Also, these Filson watch caps are great.  Highly recommend.  

Need a cologne?  I may be late to this party, but this Mont Blanc Legend spray is clean and not overpowering.  (Unless you ask his wife, who has forbidden him to spray it in the house.  I preferred this one.)

I also like these tiny bottles of fantastic hot sauce, which can easily be grabbed on a grocery run.  

A fire blanket for the grill guy because accidents happen.

A bluetooth speaker is never a bad gift. 

In case he’s the last guy without an Airfly.  

A travel cribbage game for his golf bag.

I wish I had more to fill out this guide, but Cindy Lou Who’s preschool costs as much as the GDP of a small country, so window shopping that might lead to actual shopping is being avoided. (Seriously, how is preschool the same amount as my first Capitol Hill paycheck?)  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to watch Rudolph save Christmas for the 14th time today.

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