I’m laughing at the title of this post for its utter cheesiness. A friend of ours has always joked that Alex’s moniker (think the @whatsthomaseating to @whatsgabycooking account) could totally be entitled Caramenlized. Ridiculous, and nowhere close to reality, but we’ll entertain the concept for this special holiday gift guide I’ve curated for the guys in your life! Many of you voiced a need for a men’s gift guide this year — whether for your husband, your dad, your client, or your friend. I’ve assembled my picks of small business-focused, high-quality, somewhat localized (since more than half of you aren’t from Memphis!) selections.
Scroll and select — shopping early doesn’t hurt — it helps retailers, in fact!
MONOGRAMMED LEATHER ROCKS GLASSES
Clayton & Crume
A duo of custom rocks glasses will be the cocktail hour go-to of 2021. Clayton & Crume’s goods are handcrafted at a workshop in Louisville, Kentucky. You can add a free, hand-stamped monogram for a personalized touch — we have C&A on ours and love to toast with a negroni to kick off the weekend! Save on shipping with the code “CARA”.
$85, set of two
A TASTE OF MEMPHIS: THE NACHO BOX
Charlie Vergos Rendezvous
The first taste of Memphis is undeniably barbecue, and my friends at Rendezvous make it easy to fly your favorite ribs, shoulder, and sides anywhere thanks to FedEx. For those staying put during this holiday season due to pandemic precautions, send them a taste of Memphis in the form of Rendezvous’ new Nacho Box. The package takes layered pork, cheese and chips to a new level with everyone’s favorite Pancho’s Cheese Dip and locally-pickled Flo’s jalapeños. You can even add on an extra tub of cheese dip for good measure.
$105, shipping included
TENNESSEE WHISKEY
Old Dominick Distillery
You can’t go wrong with a bottle of bourbon. The newest batch of three craft whiskeys arrived from Old Dominick this August (beautifully branded, as always), so your guy can be first to brag when pouring a glass to enjoy and toast next to the tree! After you buy the bottle, bookmark this old fashioned recipe to stir up by the fire.
$40
LEATHER COASTERS
Clayton & Crume
Clayton & Crume’s handmade leather coasters come as a set of four. Bring a touch of home or his alma mater to the coffee table with this state pride collection. Premium full-grain leather is handcrafted in Louisville, Kentucky. You can add a complimentary hand-stamped monogram on our products for a personalized touch. Grab free shipping with the code “CARA”.
$35, set of four
HIS NEW FAVORITE MASK
Henry Mask
This black-owned business, based in LA, is founded by Memphian fashion designer Rich Fresh. I get five compliments every time I’m out in mine, and it’s officially the only mask my husband will wear now. It’s lightweight, easy to throw in the wash, and is uniquely shaped so your mouth doesn’t touch the material! This under-$50 find is a perfect stocking stuffer. You know he needs it — so why not strut it!
$40, set of four
A COFFEE TABLE ESCAPE
Serena & Lily
The travel bug is at an all-time high right now, and we all could use an escape. Gray Malin’s photojournalism masterpiece is a beautiful coffee table or office accompaniment.
$45
THE WORK-FROM-WHEREVER BRIEFCASE
Oak Hall
Alex has been using this briefcase far before COVID, but it’s a casual, lightweight carrier to work from anywhere at this point. Oak Hall carries this durable duo of canvas and leather, and it comes in navy, too!
$325