Erik’s Top 5 Men’s Lifestyle Gift Ideas for the Holidays

We are blessed with the opportunity to try out and test a lot of gear from various manufacturers. With the holiday shopping season around the corner, I requested the staff each write a short list of their favorite personal items. Items that would not only make great gifts, but items that we absolutely love and use daily. These are the top 5 personal favorites that I spend my hard earned cash on. And I’m certain you will find the value and quality in each of these hand selected items as well.

DKOTA GRIZZLY – Briggs Flannel Shirt – $78

This is no joke, my favorite flannel shirt. I have several flannels from other manufacturers hanging in my closet. But the Briggs from DKOTA Grizzly beats them all. The heavyweight brawny double brushed cotton flannel has an almost fleece feel to it. Not the traditional stiff flannel you may be used to. This classic shirt features two flap chest pockets with oversized logo buttons. One pocket even has a dedicated pen/pencil slot. With quality, fit and finish that’s on par with a much more expensive shirt, it’s a clear winner in my book. Priced at only $78, you can afford a few of these in the closet. Full review here.

LIVSN – Flex Canvas Pants – $119

This is the do-it-all pair of pants from LIVSN. I picked up a pair these shortly after their successful Kickstarter. These pants are my go-to when I only have room to pack a single pair. Besides a perfect tapered fit, these modern pants have several low-vis features. Like a gusseted crotch for increased mobility. Rear pockets with discreet zippered closures. Mesh lined hand pockets with a small interior pocket for change or keys. EDC pockets on both thighs for a knife or tool. A roll-up leg system with integrated reflective strap. And all stress points reinforced for durability. Top it off with a lifetime warranty for manufacture defects. And a repair & replacement program that charges only what it costs them to repair normal wear and tear. The Flex Canvas Pant is available in 4 colors for $119. Full review here.

OluKai – Moloā Slippers – $130 $120 Amazon

The Moloā from OluKai is my daily driver in the house this time of year. Made from heavily waxed Nubuck leather and lined with genuine shearling, this is the modern reincarnation of the classic buckskin slipper. But with some nice upgrades. OluKai’s main feature that stands above the rest is their patented Drop-In Heel® design. Offering both a shoe or slide functionality. A dual-density PU footbed with a soft gel insert and wool-blend footbed cover deliver all-day support. Although the non-marking gum rubber outsole allows me to transition outside to get the mail or walk the dog. I’d watch out if it’s slick outside. The brushed finish doesn’t offer much grip. Over time, the waxed Nubuck will patina like a baseball glove. And fit like one too. Available in 4 colors for around $120 on Amazon.

Duke Cannon – The Holiday 40 – $36 Sale $29

Since the year 2018, an essential part of the American holiday experience involves the giving and receiving of large, fragrant soaps in commemorative holiday packaging. Duke Cannon is proud to honor this time-honored tradition with their rare Big Ass Holiday Soaps. I’ve been using Duke Cannon soaps for a couple years now and love the Big Ass Bricks. However, I may need to try these new scents. The shear size can be intimidating at first and don’t accidentally drop one on your toe. Be sure to check out all the writing on the boxes, there’s some really funny material on there. Read the full review here. The Holiday 40 retails for $36 (On Sale $29) and includes:

• Big American Bourbon Soap – Holiday Edition (woodsy scent) – 10 oz.
• Illegally Cut Pine Soap (fresh cut pine scent) – 10 oz.
• Frothy The Beer Man Soap (sandalwood scent) – 10 oz.
• Big Ass Lump of Coal Soap (bergamot + black pepper scent) – 10 oz.
• Each 10 oz. soap is 3x bigger than traditional novelty soaps
• Made in the USA by humans, not elves
• Unlike that Cranberry Spice Candle, you’ll actually appreciate these scents after Dec. 25
• Voted “Best Stocking Stuffers” by the staff of Northville Heating & Plumbing
• A portion of proceeds benefits veterans and active duty military

Studies and Observations Group – SOG Ultra XR – $124.95 Use Discount Code 15GEARBUNKER2021 for 15% Off

At 6.5mm thick and weighing only 34 grams, the SOG Ultra XR folding knife features slimline design and lightweight high-quality materials, including a CRYO CPM S35VN stainless steel blade and carbon fiber handle. A titanium pocket clip and SOG’s XR lock make this one of the smallest and lightest knives I carry. And the main reason I use it more often than not. The pocket clip even doubles as a money clip increasing versatility. Studies and Observations Group (SOG) has really stepped up their product line in the past couple years. If you haven’t checked them out in awhile, it’s worth your time to revisit the brand. The Ultra XR is available in 3 color ways for around $125. Use the discount code 15GEARBUNKER2021 before the end of the year and knock an additional 15% off at checkout. Read the full review here.