–Weekend Feature– Picky Valentine

–Let’s face it: Guys are picky and seemingly have everything
they could want or need.  It’s hard to appease the self-satisfying
gentleman.
 
I put a lot of thought into gift giving for my own special darling.  Throughout the year, I take the time to hunt
for gifts that might not be an obvious necessity or an easy acquirement, in
order to offer a true surprise for pesky gift giving holidays. 
Antique Binoculars:  During the months of February and March we
walk out to Rome Point in North Kingston to watch seals dive off rocks a little
ways out in the bay.  I found this pair
of binoculars for $15.00 at an estate sale and am certain Kiel will enjoy getting
a closer view of his whiskery friends.
Triton Eight Knot Bracelets:  An easy to wear accessory
for men that have a passion for the sea. Made in RI by myself and team, I think
a lot of guys will enjoy wearing this useful boating knot around their wrist to remind them of warm days spent on the ocean.
Vintage Shot Glasses:  Shot glasses dating back to the prohibition era
are certain to add a bit of conversation and novelty to any guys’ mini bar.
Antique Camera:  I purchased a very old camera that still
worked beautifully, albeit it took some time to hunt down the proper film for
it.  I left a little note in the box that
this camera was to be used during Summer ’12 excursions. With only a limited
amount of shots in a roll of film, it is a perfect way to enhance memorable (hopefully
unpredictable) moments.  
Smathers & Branson Wallet:  For years Kiel carried
around the same plaid wallet he proclaimed to own since he was 4 (I think I’ll
have to take his word on this considering it was extremely tattered and had a
Transformers sticker on it).  After a
little convincing he finally agreed to put the wallet to rest as long as a suitable
replacement could be found. Luck came in the form of a Smather’s and Branson
four leaf clover needlepoint wallet, fitting for an Irish boy. These wallets
have a lot of character and come in a variety of designs. You will be certain
to find one that matches your guys’ personality and taste.
PipesNot sure if this is just a thing my dear and his friends are
into but they are obsessed with collecting pipes new and old, finding
various flavored tobaccos form all over the world.  I’ve found pipes are always welcomed with a
grin when given to a boy (pocket knives too and old coins).
Corgi Socks
Conversational socks are always a popular topic amongst the gents.  They sport wild and crazy socks in a seemingly
attempt to top their friends.  I recently
discovered a brand of socks “Corgi” that offers a wide variety of quality socks
in wild patterns. 
Leatherman belts: 
Fly fishing, hunting, sailing, drinking… these belts capture the essence of “man.”  With so many great unique styles to choose from
you’re sure to find a belt your BF doesn’t have yet.
Vintage Colognes:  Scouring the internet, I’ve come across antique
colognes in all sorts of neat little bottles. 
Some discontinued and some just age-old favorites, these colognes remind
gents of their dads and granddads. They love adding unique distressed bottles to their collection on their dressers.
Izod Lacoste Polos:  They don’t make ‘em like they used to.  These classic 70’s-80’s preppy staples are
rare but worth the hunt on EBay.  With classic
tennis tail, loosely-knit pique cotton, and a particularly thick collar the
Izod Lacoste polo will certainly remain in your loved one’s wardrobe for a
lifetime.
Vintage Neckwear:  Perusing through Etsy I came across several
vintage J-Press and Brooks Brothers neckties dating back to the 40’s and 50’s.  Boys go crazy for unique neckwear to rival
their friends’ novelty motifs.  All I can
say is the stranger the better.  Kiel and his friends battled over
a necktie with stegosaurus’s all over it!?  I recently discovered “Jeremy Taylor” on Etsy who offers many interesting antique neckties at an excellent price.
Hard cover first
edition books:
  Every guy has his
favorite classic novel.  I always make
sure to check through church sales and antique stores for hard to find first
editions.  I recently came across an
entire set of Native American novels by J. Fenimore Cooper (Pathfinder, The
Last of the Mohicans, Deerslayer.) The intricate and beautiful artwork on the
cover alone is certain to make any gent eager to add these classics to their
collection.  
Vibrant Pants:  Guys love wearing them, and there is no
better excuse to don them than when they receive them as a gift from their wife
or girlfriend.  It is a safeguard from
the heckling they may encounter from other men who are not so brave.  “It was a gift… I had too”. I found Brooks Brothers this season had quite the array of colors to choose from in a slimmer fit, so I was sure to snag a couple pairs.
Dooney and Bourke Boat Shoes:  Made in Maine circa
1984-1985 these boat shoes are beautifully constructed.  The pebbled leather is exquisite and who can
resist the original all leather weather duck logo. Kiel hunted the internet for
months before he was able to able to acquire a pair.   Luckily for me a customer clued me in on a unused
pair in his size and I was certain to grab them. 

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Comments 12

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  1. Emily on February 4, 2012 at 8:49 am

    Great ideas – I always find it so hard to find unique gifts for boys!



  2. This Southern Prep on February 4, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Love the list Sarah! So glad to see my choice for my Gent, a smathers and branson wallet made it on there!



  3. Grace on February 4, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Great ideas, Sarah! Old Lacoste pieces are always amazing!



  4. Prep International on February 4, 2012 at 2:29 pm

    What a great list ! "you can never have too many vibrant pants"



  5. Anonymous on February 4, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    I'm always such a sucker for Old Spice…although the design of the bottle has not changed in generations.



  6. dWa on February 4, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Love these picks! Great ideas!!



  7. Shannon on February 4, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    Wonderful! This postpones some serious gift-giving struggles. The Smathers & Branson shamrock wallet is a favorite.



  8. Gina on February 4, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    hi sarah! i love your blog– you always have beautiful items. your style is a true testament to classy sprinkled with fun! The belts you have listed are great– my BF would love them. One of my favorite stores in Yarmouth, Maine is The Belted Cow– check it out– lots of fun leather/designed ribbon belt designs. Best of all– most of the designs are done by local Maine artists!

    http://www.beltedcow.com/about



    • Sarah Vickers on February 9, 2012 at 4:49 pm

      Hi Gina– I have seen the Belted Cow's ribbon belts. They also have great designs.



  9. The Southern Lady on February 5, 2012 at 9:43 am

    Good morning from L.A.!

    What thoughtful and playful gifts from the heart. Your beau is so fortunate to have a gal that knows him so well. Lovely pictures, lovely finds. Enjoy your Sunday!

    Warmly,

    Elizabeth



  10. Unknown on March 8, 2012 at 6:24 pm

    How much did you pay for the Dooney & Burke boat shoes? Any advice on knowing whether they are authentic?



  11. SLeiber1 on November 29, 2012 at 5:43 pm

    Where is his sweater from? Thanks!



sarah

SARAH VICKERS

A New England girl's pursuit of quality fashion, friendship and coastal living.

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