{GIFT GUIDE + GIVEAWAY!} GOODS FOR THE GUYS...

Lasso 'All Around' leash / Public Bikes V1 Single Speed City Bike / Best Made's Belgian Dart Set / The Ultimate Cocktail Bar Tool / W&P Carry On Cocktail Kit / Set of 8 Bicycle Glasses / BBQ Briefcase / Timex 'Weekender' watch / Natural Facial Hair Care Kit / J. Crew flannel shirt / Vans 'Authentic' sneakers / Mini Beer Pong / Patagonia Simple fly fishing Tenkara Fly rod / Pocket DJ Mixer

In an ideal world, gift-giving should be really fun. It should be thoughtful, personal and creative, too. But as anyone who has ever, you know, gone gift shopping, it's not always so. In fact, it can be downright stressful, right? You want to give someone a gift that they not only like, but also use. For me, the hardest people to shop for this time of year are men... And my parents. So for anyone out there shopping for brothers, boyfriends, dads and dudes, this guide is for you.

I found many of the gifts for this guide through Brooklyn-based store Uncommon Goods. I love supporting local businesses this time of year, and most of their offerings have the added bonus of being made in America, and about half of them are handmade, too. Their products sort of have "gift" written all over them, whether you're shopping for guys or ladies.

I purposely kept this guide pretty light on apparel, as I think it is sort of the "easy" choice. Right? I think for a gift guide to be helpful, it should suggest some ideas that you may not have thought of already. For example, a classic (and aesthetically pleasing) dart set or a tabletop mini beer pong set. I have always felt like games make a terrific gift because they encourage so much laughing (sometimes drinking), a little friendly competition and time spent with loved ones. And when they look as good as these? That's just a bonus.

If you know a guy who's sort of an at-home mixologist, why not make his holiday with just a bit more boozy with stocking stuffers. Might I suggest a singular tool for all his mulling, pouring, and garnishing needs? And while you're at it, a genius travel kit for making in-flight Old Fashioned cocktails. Both are clever and thoughtful, and probably not something your guy would buy for himself.

Oh, and let's get one thing clear before I wrap this thing up—aside from the beard grooming kit, these are all excellent gifts for women, too. (I'm crushing hard on that Public V1 bike and have been known to rock a men's flannel on more than one occasion...) So take the inspiration for anyone and everyone!

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

Uncommon Goods and I are partnering up to give one lucky reader a $50 gift card to help with their holiday shopping this season! It's easy to enter: Just leave a comment below ( your email), telling me the best gift you ever gave or received during the holidays, and like Uncommon Goods on Facebook. You have until Friday, December 12 to enter, and I'll announce a winner on Monday, December 15! (Still plenty of time to have items shipped before Christmas.)

SHOP MY EVER-GROWING PINTEREST BOARD OF GIFT IDEAS (It has tons of extra picks that won't make it onto the blog)

*Compensation for this post was provided by Uncommon Goods. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author (me!) and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Uncommon Goods. As always, thank you for supporting Shut up I up love that shirt on you. (Posts like these keep me in business!)