Gift Picks: For the Gents

Note from Jess: Meet Ward Williams. Writer. Blogger. Southerner in The City. And my buddy. His taste is dead-on -- I couldn't think of anyone to better pick the brain of the gent in your life. Below, his gift picks... and it's one hell of a roundup:

1. LL Bean Signature Waxed Canvas Maine Hunting Shoe: I've been after these duck boots since I saw them when the fledgling "Signature" line launched. Since they're from LL Bean, you can bet they're legit in terms of performance. That means they're just as at home behind a duck blind as they are on my feet in New York where a pristine white snowfall can quickly turn into giant piles of slushy street poo.

2. Needlepoint Belt: Lore says that a proper lady won't finish a needlepoint belt until you put a ring on it. The thought (I'm told) is that if a girlfriend finishes one as a gift to her boyfriend, the relationship is doomed before engagement. Now, for those of us not in that predicament, we have companies who make the belts ritual-free. I particularly love this one not only because it depicts a game of Beirut but because they call the game "Beirut" as opposed to its more Plebeian moniker, "Beer Pong." One must keep it classy when red Solo cups are involved, after all.

3. Personalized Stationery: This seems like a no-brainer but email thank-you's (and texts, for God's sake) just don't impress anyone. You can never have enough stationery (especially from Front Porch Studio, Jess did these just for me.) Having your name on it only makes your illegible signature seem a little cooler and more mysterious. Also, although I think it can sometimes seem a little pretentious, adopting the custom of striking a diagonal slash through your printed last name adds what many believe to be a deeply personal note. 

4. Embossing Stamp: When you don't have the resources to drop a load of cash on stationery, it's equally nice to have your initials on hand in a custom embossing stamp. Sure, there's a little bit of a cost on the front end but the money and time you'll save in the future will make up for it. Plus, you could use it when you load a new roll of toilet paper by folding the end of the paper to a point and stamping it to a point. BAM - just like you're at the Ritz. 

5. Alexander Olch Ties: Now, I'm a firm believer that bow ties are appropriate for every occasion with one exception: funerals. There is no place for a bow tie at a funeral except maybe for the person in the casket. Harvard educated tie designer and film maker, Alexander Olch, makes one hell of a tie. I recently scored a slim brown silk bow tie with embroidered mallards. However, you really can't go wrong when you're looking for modern neck wear that succeeds in spinning traditional patterns and colors.

6. Barbour quilted waistcoat - perfect for layering or mild southern winters.

7. Timex Field Watch: Sure, a Rolex is great and every man should own one, but sometimes the simple solution is the best. In this case, a Timex Field Watch is both a reasonably priced gift (by comparison) and a quick signal to let everyone know you're keeping up with the times. (Bonus points for the fact that you can change out the watchband to different colors and patterns. Also, if you're on a huge budget, the classic Timex Camper Watch is an equally stylish and even more inexpensive option).

8. Vintage Tennis Racquet Bottle Opener: I've come a long way since my first graphite Wilson Pro Staff but I can say I never really had the please of playing with a wooden racquet. However, my brother and I did used to try and cut the lawn really short whenever Wimbledon rolled around and grab some old racquets from the hall closet for a little McEnroe/Connors action on the side lawn of the house. My game isn't what it used to be but God Bless for this gift - because I've certainly gotten very good at the sport of drinking.

9. Thomas Paul Eyeglass Case: Let's face it, we lose sunglasses and eyeglass cases a week after we've gotten them, haven't we? Those of us who aren't quite OCD enough to keep up with such things can easily replace the factory provided one with this screenprinted one. Your glasses don't have to match the outside, but in this case, that wouldn't be such a bad thing. Right? 

10. Filson Briefcase Computer Bag: I've been toting this bag to and from work for over two years. It gets better every time I get caught in the rain or someone spills a cocktail on it. The bigger version has a sleeve for your laptop (which can even handle a 17" screen). There's a smaller version too in case you're actually carrying briefs. A friend of mine also recommended doing as he had and dropping it in the washing machine. That softens up the stiff leather and gives it a slightly more "worn in" look. I'm a little scared of what it will do to my washing machine, though.