Red Clay Soul Gift Guide #2: All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down

There comes a time in life when it’s time to forget your old ways, and transition into new ways.  Maybe it’s because you get married.  Maybe it’s because you become a dad for the first or second time.  Maybe it’s because you move to the suburbs.  This gift guide is for those guys.  The guys that have become part of the machine.  Successful guys whose nights are spent checking email right before bed, and whose weekends are spent coaching little league.  Old fraternity brothers that drink sparingly, and when they do, it’s for the taste.  Not like the old days…but hey, we’ve all got to grow up.

Don’t forget about these guys.  We’ll all be there one day, if we aren’t already.  Here’s what they want this Christmas:

From Top Left:

1. Brooks Brothers Black Watch Harris Tweed Sport Coat:  These guys wear their navy blazer like it’s a second skin.  No harm, no foul, but adding something with a little more jazz is a good thing.  The black watch goes with almost as much as the navy blazer, and even better: it helps you look like you know what you are doing.
2. Tivoli Audio Bluetooth Model Three Alarm Clock:  While these guys have been completely satisfied with a Sony Dream Machine for the last 20 years, waking up to AM radio is a miserable experience.  Replace that relic with great sound, great technology, and a cool look.  The mornings won’t be so bad anymore.
3. Randolph Engineering Sportsman Sunglasses:  Immediate acceleration of style-factor by a factor of three.  These are a step up from the traditional ‘need for speed’ aviators, and go with everything EXCEPT CROAKIES.
4. Club Glove Burst Proof Wheeled Travel Bag:  This is a “want” gift, as in something that you’d never buy for yourself, but will be extremely appreciated.  Club Gloves are as good as it gets for golf club protection when traveling, and the Sea Island logo is a nice touch.
5. Norse Project Gloves:  For some reason, gloves don’t get much attention in terms of being a staple for men, but when it’s cold, they are very necessary.  A good pair is completely justified, as you won’t grow out of them.  Add a subtle embroidered monogram on the wrist for a personal touch.
6. Levi’s 501 Twill Jeans in Timberwolf:  Levi’s has this line of 501s in a variety of colored twill denim, and they are absolutely outstanding.  The tan pair, which they call ‘Timberwolf’, is a must for every man’s closet.  They go with everything, and don’t have to be ironed like khakis…allow me to be clear: do not iron your jeans.
7. Suunto Ambit2 HR Running Watch:  Technology is changing fitness.  A stopwatch and lap count are almost secondary to the rest of the monitoring and statistics that are available in today’s watches.  Suunto sets the standard, and they look great off the track as well.
8. Smathers and Branson Bourbon Needlepoint Belt:  Back in the day, singing “99 Bottles” used to be more about keeping count.  Today, it’s more about quality, not quantity.  Show off your refined taste with this belt from Smathers & Branson
9. Leupold GX3i2 Rangefinder:  Because who really wants to look for sprinkler heads…dial it in.  Don’t end up in the lumberyard.
10. Saddle Leather Backgammon Set:  Mind games.
11. Steven Alan Sweater:  There is a conscious transition to more dressy weekend wear, and we here at Red Clay Soul are completely on board.  This Steven Alan sweater goes great with a pair of khakis and New Balances or with good jeans and a pair of chukka boots.  Much better than a wind suit.
12. Alden for Brooks Brothers Shell Cordovan Tassel Loafers:  The tassel loafer is second only to the cap toe oxford in terms of classic dress shoes.  They will NEVER go out of style.  #8 colored shell cordovan is as luxurious as it gets, and actually helps their longevity.  This is a great example of a gift for a settled-down guy.  Probably something he’d never buy for himself, but something that would become a frequent player in his rotation.
13. Reigning Champ Mid-Weight Zip-up Hoodie:  Replace that old sweatshirt (that she steals all the time) with something a little more stylish, but still build for comfort.  Even if it is for lazy Sunday afternoons…