Gift Guide: The Men In Your Life
Moving down the names on your holiday list, let's focus on the men in your life. In keeping with the theme of thoughtful, local, and sustainable gift giving, here are our top picks that support small makers, reduce waste, and create lasting value:
J&L Naturals Beard Brushes & Combs
Help keep those beards soft, smooth, and tangle-free with these 100% natural beard brushes and combs. The brushes help exfoliate and rejuvenate skin naturally, while the comb's smooth wooden finish helps tame frizz, reduce static, and leave hair looking sleek. Crafted from sustainably sourced, high-quality bamboo and natural sisal fibers, these versatile grooming essentials work wonders on hair, beards, and more.
The Life Knife from Quality Cutlery Care
Turning industrial waste into heirloom-quality kitchen tools, The Life Knife rescues rejected knife blanks from an upstate New York cutlery factory that would otherwise be melted down for scrap. Each gift set—handcrafted by New Jersey bladesmith John Sorrentino—includes a custom Japanese-style chef's knife, matching sharpener, and your choice of cutting or charcuterie board. The lifetime free sharpening service means this gift keeps giving for years to come. He's taking orders via Facebook and requires a small deposit before December 1st!
No Tox Life Shower Steamers
Perfect for post-workout recovery, a long day on the golf course, or battling a cold. These shower steamers combine eucalyptus, known for respiratory support, with cooling peppermint for an awakening, refreshing experience. Simply place on the shower floor and let the steam work its magic. Plus, once your jar is empty, you can refill it at a discount for less waste and more steam.
Local Artwork
For truly one-of-a-kind gifts, skip mass-produced wall art and check out local gallery events where you can meet artists and buy directly. Look for community art shows, open studios, and pop-up galleries throughout the season. We found two perfect gift pieces at Surf & Sea: A Community Photo Gallery Event at White Chapel Projects, where local surf photographers showcased their ocean work. Buying directly from artists means your gift has a story—and 100% of your money goes to the creator. Can't make it to a gallery event? Several of the featured photographers like Andrew Reiss and Evan Zodl sell prints online.
A Composter for the Lawn & Garden Lover
A great gift for the garden or lawn-obsessed: keep food scraps out of landfills and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden with a composter. Composting closes the loop on kitchen waste and makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to grow things. Options include the Subpod for an in-ground worm composting system, a traditional tumbler composter, or a homemade pallet bin or wire mesh cylinder for the DIY-inclined. No space for a composter? Gift a subscription to Un-Waste Movement's bi-weekly curbside pickup service. They provide buckets, handle pickup, and will deliver you free compost once a year in return!
Gift An Experience
The most sustainable gift? One you don't have to buy at all. Consider gifting an experience instead—memories last longer than things and create zero waste. Ideas range from a local brewery tour, concert tickets, a sporting event, or even something bucket-list worthy like tickets to the World Cup hosted in the U.S. next year. Check local venues, community centers, and event calendars for unique experiences in your area.