Let the countdown begin! Only 40 days until Christmas! Clark and I love the holidays! The excitement, the anticipation, the food, the smells, the sounds! They don’t call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing! This year I’m counting down to Christmas in the most exciting way! I’ve been working really, really hard to put together the best gift guides featuring Canadian businesses, holiday-themed vegan recipes, festive tech downloads, holiday decor ideas, tips to host the best holiday dinner parties and amazing giveaways! Friends, the next 40 days are going to be packed with some of the best new content I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to share it with you.  

 

I’m kicking it off with a gift guide: “Gifts for Cooler-Than-Average Guys.” You should know, Clark was pretty flattered to know he was the inspiration for this post. After telling him the title I had decided to go with, he probably asked me 3 or 4 times, “You really think I’m cooler than average?” Babe, you’re the coolest guy I know. 😉

Many of these gift ideas are things I put on the list for him as I searched for the best gifts for him this Christmas, and the best part is that they are ALL from Canadian businesses; most of them small shop businesses! I love supporting local, and I love helping to empower people to live out their dreams! I’m always looking for new, great companies. Let me know in the comments if there’s a Canadian company I need to check out!

Now for the gift guide! Here’s what I’ve included:

1. Illbury & Goose Keychain {Ontario}

Illbury & Goose is a Canadian lifestyle brand based out of London, Ontario. They’ve got a number of items featuring their signature anchor and maple leaf logo, but what I like about these keychains are their size, simplicity and of course, the fact that they’re leather. This is a great gift for someone you don’t want to spend a ton of money on, or a perfect stocking stuffer! You can order one online here. 

2. My Pakage Black Boxer Shorts {British Columbia}

After hearing the way Clark talked about these boxers after trying them on for the first time, I knew I needed to add them to the list. I never really understood the need for “luxury underwear”, but after hearing Clark’s convincing testimonial, I decided to support him in his latest obsession: My Pakage underwear. In Clark’s words: “Not only are these underwear comfortable and long-lasting, but even at the end of the day they still keep their shape. The bands don’t lose their elasticity and once you’re discovered what the ‘pakage’ is all about, you’ll never go back.” Friends, he refuses to wear anything else. You can’t go wrong with these! Buy them here. 

3. Province of Canada Toque {Ontario}

This next business seriously has the cool factor. They sum Canada up perfectly by recognizing that “Canada is about luxury and quality as much as it is casual and cozy. It’s about the beach and lake life as much as it is the city. It’s about classic as much as it is cool.” I couldn’t agree more, guys. Their lifestyle brand displays this well and their apparel is comfortable without sacrificing style! I could have easily included any of their pieces, but I’m a huge fan of this patched, ribbed toque. You can’t make it through a Canadian winter without a toque, so you may as well look good wearing one! You can buy it here. 

4. Sakao Co Leather Cord Organizer {Quebec}

This is another item you can’t go wrong with. Who doesn’t have USB cords or ear phones that are in a tangled mess somewhere? These awesome little cord organizers come in a set of two and are affordable enough to put in his stocking, or for that under $20 you need to get someone. These are great. Enough said. Buy them here.  

5. Wilhelm & Friends Hybrid Duffel {British Columbia}

This bag. Seriously, the moment I first laid eyes on this Wilhelm & Friends duffel I was in love. It’s not only beautiful, but the craftsmanship is second-to-none. It’s clearly handmade with care, and the materials used are of the highest quality. This is the bag to get for that person you really care about; Someone with great style who appreciates high-quality products.  If you’ve never checked out this shop, I highly recommend it. Most items are made to order, so if something on the site says “out of stock,” just send a message to the owners, they are super nice and will make the perfect item you’re for! You can shop this bag here. 

6. Maple Live Edge Phone Stand {Ontario}

Cooler-than-average guys don’t lay their phones flat on the nightstand, they prop them up in a gorgeous live-edge stand and use a better-than-basic alarm clock app like RISE. It’s time to wake up in style. You can get this great Canadian wood piece here. 

7. Woodlot Cascadia Package {British Columbia}

It seems like everywhere I go lately, people are talking about Woodlot. This local company continues to create the most amazing products that people can’t get enough of. When I asked my friend Peter, who has pretty spot-on style and great taste, if there were any Canadian products he would recommend for this post, without hesitation he suggested a Woodlot candle. When I asked Clark his thoughts, he echoed Peter, saying “any guy that says he doesn’t appreciate a great candle is lying.”

The Cascadia scent is perfect for the modern man with aromas of douglas fir, cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli. Each candle is handmade with care using clean-burning, petroleum-free coconut wax and all body products are made in small batches with carefully selected ingredients. Oh, and I should mention, the candles burn for 60 hours! You can pick up this set here.

8. Born of the Anvil Leather Glasses Case {Manitoba}

You can’t be a cooler-than-average guy and toss your sunglasses or reading glasses in the bottom of your bag. A great case is a must. This leather case is the perfect home for your glasses, protecting them from scratches and let the world know that, well, you care. You can find it here. 

9. Mud & Stone Tall Dented Black Mug {Manitoba}

Some of those big chain coffee companies have cool designs and everything, but nothing says style like a uniquely hand-crafted mug, like this one from Mud & Stone. Their mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe and each mug is handmade, wheelthrown, glazed and fired, using only food safe glazes. This is a great gift for the coffee-drinking guy who doesn’t like to have the same thing as everyone else. You can find them here. 

10. Fellow Earthlings Custom Sunglasses {Prince Edward Island}

Did you know Canada had a custom sunglass company? I was so excited when I discovered Fellow Earthings! You get to choose your style, frame material and lens material in any combination you wish! The possibilities are endless. You need to check out their website to see what I’m talking about. Their glasses are so, so cool. You can see for yourself here. 

So, was I right? The best Canadian gifts for cooler-than-average guys. Here’s what I recommend, share this post with the person you know is going to shopping for you this holiday season with the simple caption: “I like #6” or “Check out #10.” You just might be on your way to being cooler-than-average 😉

And stay tuned, because we’re giving away a few items from some of these shops this week and you won’t want to miss it. Make sure you follow along on instagram to catch the latest giveaways! @kimberleemoran