The Sprezza Holiday Gift Guide
Helping you sift through the noise this season.
Sprezza is a weekly newsletter covering men’s style.
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Alright. Y’all have been asking me for gift guides for friends and family, so here we go!
These are 100% honest recommendations.
My goal with this guide is to share fewer items and focus on quality, rather than drowning you with more options. Truth is, we don’t always need more. We need better.
Enjoy 🎄 💫
Under $100
Analog note-taker kit by Ugmonk // $65 OR the full Ugmonk Analog Bundle — $195
Jeff Sheldon from Ugmonk is one of the most thoughtful people I know. He’s bootstrapped his brand for years as a design company that’s meant to simplify and organize your life. He does an incredible job designing all the products. This note-taking kit is a great way to ring in the new year with organization.
Utility tote bag by J.Stark // $95
There are few brands out there who I trust more in their quality than J.Stark. Erik is one of the best dudes I know. All his bags are handmade in the USA and this tote bag is probably one of the most practical, good-looking pieces you can buy. If you need any backpacks, bags, or accessories, J.Stark is your guy.
Coffee subscription by Trade // $20-40/mo
This is another practical gift, but a great option for the coffee lovers. One of the reasons I love Trade Coffee is that I get to discover local and regional coffee roasters around the USA who roast really good stuff. Give it a try, cancel anytime.
Matelassé leather boots
Marc Nolan's dropping these beautiful Matelassé Chevron Leather Combat Boots this Friday, December 3rd. Matelassé is the same leather that Gucci uses on its bags and this leather mimics hand-stitched quilt style made in Marseilles, France.
Check em' out here ($155).
To use
Tableside light by Gantri // $198
Just bought a few of these style lamps for my new house and they’re honestly incredibly calming. They let off great light and the soft glow feels much more soothing than having an overhead light on. Highly recommend buying from Gantri.
Cast iron skillet by Smithy // $160
This is another piece I’ve owned for a while. I’ve gotten so much mileage out of this cast iron I can’t recommend it enough. I know some folks are comfortable with the Lodge cast iron brand and that’s fine. But, for a few extra bucks, Smithy is worth the investment. They’ve also got a ton of other cast iron and kitchen products if you’re interested.
Travel tumblr by Kinto // $35
Kinto is a Japanese brand that makes beautiful, practical products for outdoors and active living. I love using this matte tumbler for coffee or water everyday.
To read
Everything Now by Rosecrans Baldwin — $27
If you’re like me—someone who’s fascinated with cities and what makes them tick, how they’re broken down, and generally how to explain all the nuances of them—you’ll love this book. It’s a fantastic deep-dive into the sprawling city-state that is Los Angeles. It really humanizes how complex cities are.
Warhol on Basquiat — $60
Another lovely read, and a more stylish book to keep on the coffee table too. This is Andy Warhol’s perspective on his relationship with the late Jean-Michel Basquiat. These are two modern icons who shifted the paradigms around art and how we consume it. Cop it.
Future heirlooms
This moto jacket cut from suede calf leather is a thing of wonder. Buck dug into the archives on this one and modeled it after traditional trucker jackets. It’s slightly broken in and it ages well. You'll be handing this one down to your grandson.
Check em’ out here ($595).
To wear
Hiking boots by Season Three // $395
Perhaps one of my favorite footwear brands at the moment. Season Three popped up during the pandemic and focuses on making really damn-good outdoor boots. If you’re put off by the price point, just remember the level of work and craftsmanship that goes into designing products like these. It’s a worthy investment.
The mac jacket by Satta // $385
UK brand Satta crushed it with this insulated mackintosh-style coat. They’re a brand on the rise and focus on making garments sustainably. Their brand ethos is rooted in slowing down, making things well, and exploring the juxtaposition between city-living and experiencing nature. This also looks cozy AF.
Pajamas from Sleepy Jones // $198
Is there anything doper than striped pajamas? Sleepy Jones does a lovely job of bringing back the nostalgia around sateen PJs, and they even designed a pair of slippers to go with them! C’mon… Check out all the other colors you can these PJs in. Exquisite.
Stocking stuffers
RoToTo socks — RoToTo is a Japanese brand that makes some of the comfiest socks on earth.
Aesop skincare kits — Just bought one of their travel kits and I really enjoyed getting to test different products before committing. Worth trying these to get a feel for what you like.
Gift card to Seasons — A membership-based rental platform that lets you rent clothing from brands like Aimé Leon Dore, Acne Studios, and Bode.
Tip Top canned cocktails — The best canned cocktails I’ve had yet. If you live in CO, FL, GA, NY, SC or TX (check the store locator), then give these a try. They’ve got Negronis, Manhattan’s, Margaritas, and a few others.