Editor's note: Looking for unique and somewhat Austiny gifts this season? CultureMap has you covered. For our next installment, we try to get into the heads of the impossibly practical and completely stocked boyfriends of the world and figure out what they would like this holiday season.
Everyone has someone in his or her life that’s hard to shop for. Not because they don’t have interests or because their tastes are too expensive. No, these particular people are hard to shop for because they have almost everything. And in my case, this person is my boyfriend.
We’re (hypothetically) at the age when we can afford to purchase the things we want. And as an online bargain hunter, he’s pretty well covered.
So when it's time to get some presents under the tree, it can be a bit of a struggle. I know there have to be more of you out there, so I’m here to offer some suggestions for the guy who forces you to think outside of the box.
Bike Six-Pack Holder
Etsy, $22
This hipster stroke of genius has been making the Internet rounds for a while now, but that doesn’t mean its sheer functionality won’t be appreciated by your biking beau. Plus, the odds are that if your guy has everything, he’s also impossibly practical. So it’s a win-win!
Kohler Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker
Build.com, $149
Guys! It’s a shower head that plays music. So he can keep things clean while simultaneously listening to the latest episode of Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me. Just make sure you’re ready for an increase in your water bill, because he’ll probably never be cleaner.
Austin Electric Bike Foodie Tour for Two
Cloud 9 Living, $199
Bike and nibble your way around town with this jaunt that stops at some of Austin’s intimate bistros, food trucks and more. The tours, which have been featured on CNN, leave at 4 pm daily.
Kaufmann Mercantile Ceramic Growler
Kaufmann Mercantile, $76
Growlers are all the rage these days, and this ceramic version has a vintage look and feel. But its functionality is nothing but cutting edge — the rubber gasket seals in carbonation to keep the draft fresh, and its thick cast not only protects the beer from light and heat but is strong enough that the pressure inside won't crack it.
Audubon Field Guide Series
Best Made Co., $60
Is your mate a bit of a nature buff? Indulge his inner nerd with these expansive volumes, full of useful and practical field information. Arm them with all the knowledge they’ll need to conquer the great outdoors. As a bonus, the guides are made of brightly colored, water-resistant vinyl, so you don’t have to worry about an eyesore on the bookshelf.
Customized Jeans
Traveller Denim Co., prices vary
Get your guy fitted with some of Austin’s hippest denim. This East Austin outfitter specializes in custom jeans, handmade in house. They feature three styles made to order, or for a more personalized fit, make him an appointment for a custom pair.
Nudie Mug
Fishs Eddy, $14.95
Spice up his morning cup of joe with this buxom beverage holder.
TopGolf Guy’s Day
TopGolf, prices vary
Get your guy a gift certificate to Austin’s newest outdoor activity, and he and his buddies can hit the links in style. With a food and drink menu that would put any sports bar to shame and golf pros strolling the tee line offering tips and climate-controlled hitting bays, this is an afternoon he won’t soon forget.
Austin Map Print
Etsy, $20
Austin Vintage Print
Etsy, $26
Deck the walls Texas style, and he won’t be sorry.
Franklin Barbecue apparel
Franklin Barbecue, $20
He’ll wear his Franklin t-shirt like a badge of honor.
Personal Stylist Appointment
Trophy Boutique, Prices Vary
Local stylist Laurel Kinney will make your man’s wardrobe sing with her three-part sort, shop and style process. Through three two-hour sessions, she’ll not only help overhaul his wardrobe, but will rid his closet of the things he doesn’t (and shouldn’t) wear.
Bike six-pack holder on Etsy
