Editor’s Picks: What The Manual writers think your guy really wants

We’re almost there. Christmas is right around the corner. There is magic in the air, or maybe that is the eggnog and cookies. Either way, we’re getting more and more excited about the big day. Inevitably, I will discover that there is someone I forgot to shop for. Or there is someone who already has something I got them. Or I doubled up. In any case, I will need a last-minute idea. I know I am not alone in that, so I reached out to some of our experts here at The Manual, those people who test and review all of the best of the best for the year, to ask for help. Here are 8 things our writers know your guy really wants to find under the tree.

For the wine guy: The perfect wine glass

If you, or the person you are buying for this season, is a fan of wine, there is no better person to turn to than our very own Mark Stock. With a deep knowledge of the wine industry and an incredibly refined palate, I could only dream for, he has the number one gift idea for that person looking to take a wine break this season.

“I’ve gone through a lot of gadgets, and while I’m pretty down to earth with wine, a great glass is something everybody should have in their back pocket (even if it’s just one). This one from Gabriel Glas is incredibly elegant and elevates every wine it touches. I’ve been loving it for years now. I’ll send a photo in a minute. If it’s too much of a splurge, I’d go with a book (I can offer a few options), or a bottle of Oregon Chardonnay, as it’s blowing up now and so, so good.”

For the early bird: The espresso machine you’re missing

There aren’t many mornings when I wake up and don’t go straight for the coffee cupboard. Since the United States contributes $110 billion to the overall coffee industry alone each year, I am assuming I am not alone. But I am a simple man, with a simple taste for drip coffee. So, I reached out to Emily Caldwell, our in-house coffee expert, and asked her what someone who loves coffee really wants under the tree this year. This is what she came back with.

“The De’Longhi Rivelia can make some pretty spectacular espresso drinks, but it can also be a friend to the simple, no-fuss coffee drinker. The “coffee” setting on the machine creates a beverage prepared like an espresso (with the same grinding and tamping), but the pre-infusion stage is skipped, and the brew time is longer. The result is a longer coffee that’s less intense and more delicate than an espresso.”

For the go-fast guy: The diagnostics system you need

I know very little about cars. I went to the Formula 1 race in Las Vegas a few weeks ago and what I took away from it was “fast cars go vroom.” That means that, when I need something for cars, I call Dave McQuilling, who has forgotten more about cars than I could ever learn. Of course, he had a very practical and useful idea for a guy like me. He suggested something that would be like having Dave listen to your car every day. The SPARQ Diagnostics system.

“There are a ton of OBD II readers on the market, but this goes way beyond that. It flags issues and helps you work out what that weird knocking sound actually is. It’s not subscription-based either, which is an absolute blessing these days.”

For the guy who cares about his body: The shoes that bring you back

Most of us probably aren’t thinking about it right now as we sit around the table throughout the holiday season, but for those of us who are (or will very soon, when we need to shed the holiday weight), we need something to get us going. Steph Green, our fitness guru, is ready to give you all the advice you need. But, for this occasion, she goes with shoes that are proven to bring you back to full force.

“I chose Brooks shoes this year, because they really do feel like walking on air or on a fluffy cloud, providing more cushion for your joints. I interviewed Marvel Avenger movie actor Jeremy Renner about his recovery from his Sno-Cat accident, and he wore his Brooks shoes to run up his driveway. Not long after, I had to go through a major surgery, physical therapy, and learn how to walk again, and I also chose those springy, good-looking shoes to run up my driveway, just like Jeremy.”

For the man on the go: The luggage that makes your life easier

Amanda Teague goes to some pretty amazing places with her gig. Greece, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, she selflessly travels the world so she can tell you where to go and what to do. It is a tough job, but she does it well. That is why I reached out to her to ask what every guy who loves to travel (or who is forced to by work) needs to add to his routine to make it better. Her answer, the right carry-on.

“I used to think your carry-on did not really matter, but it absolutely does. The Travelpro carry-on spinner makes traveling with just a carry-on feel genuinely easier. It has withstood everything from incredibly long airport terminals to the cobblestone streets of Europe, plus the built-in USB-A and USB-C ports and dedicated power bank pocket make staying charged on the go simple.”

For the rugged man with a sense of style: The boots you need in your closet

From style to travel, Mark Reif is a man after my own heart with interests that very much parallel my own. The difference between us? He is willing to run 50 miles to test a pair of shoes. I will simply wear them to the movies. As much as I love style, I have my own ideas of what a man should get this year, but Mark is a man who knows his stuff, and I wanted a different perspective on what a stylish man will want this winter, and he didn’t disappoint.

“This Christmas, I’m loving the Allen Edmonds Powell boots I received, especially for their Horween Chromexcel leather, elegant style, and rugged capability. I can wear them for any occasion, and they handle challenging weather with ease. They’ll be my go-to on my winter travels.”

For the outdoor renessience man: The backpack for every use

When you think of freedom, the outdoors becomes one of the emblematic thoughts running through your mind. The fresh air, the wildlife, the scenic vistas, exploring those things can lead to some pretty epic moments of clarity. Mike Richard lives that life and reports back on it for those of us stuck in offices. But for the man who dreams of living the way Mike does, outdoors and free, he suggests the Peak Design Outdoor Backpack.

“It’s perfect when I need just one grab-and-go bag that works great for both purposes. The drawstring panel opens to reveal a cavernous space that’s infinitely customizable using PD’s own packing cubes and pouches. So, whether I’m packing for a quick overnight trip, hiking into the backcountry to shoot sunrise photos, or need a daypack for around-town exploration, this is the one I almost always grab from my gear closet.”

The guy who cares about his skin: The perfect dop kit

Now, for my suggestion. I do a lot of traveling. One of the most frustrating things about being on the road is keeping your toiletries in order. And, it never fails that something always leaks. This year, I got a chance to try out the NOMATIC Toiletry Bag 2.0, and it changed my life. That may sound dramatic, but it isn’t far off from the truth. I was still using the very first toiletry bag my grandmother got me fifteen years ago for Christmas. And there was a dark stain in the light-colored leather. I didn’t even think about the “technology” of toiletry bags. Not until the individual compartments of the NOMATIC. Everything has its place; nothing leaks. Chef’s kiss.

You only have a few days left before your family will be opening gifts under the tree. Take the advice of our in-house experts and pick up a few of these items for your people, and you will be the hero of the holiday. You never know, you might even change a life or two. Happy holidays from everyone here at The Manual.