Gear Notes: Gifts For Picky Guys

Surprisingly, my son who doesn’t care at all about things like bedding, was really pleased with this throw blanket and pillow from Ski Stuff.

I had an interesting experience over Thanksgiving break.

My son came home from college to find a throw pillow and blanket from Ski Stuff on his bed. This is a young man who doesn’t like me changing anything in his room. So I wasn’t sure how he’d react.

Thus, I was quite surprised when he not only liked the pillow and blanket, but also wanted to take the blanket back with him to college.

I figure if he likes it, you may know someone who would also like these, and similar, items — maybe one of the hard to shop for people on your gift list.

Ski Stuff Home Decor

Created by Ulli, an east coast ski mom, Ski Stuff takes household items and adorns them with skiing photos and simple ski-themed graphics.

Examples beyond pillows and blankets include duvet covers, shower curtains, bath mats, yoga mats, wall prints, mugs and more.

Close up of one of several pillows from Ski Stuff.

An unfolded view of one of several ski-themed blankets from Ski Stuff.

Men’s Clothing from The North Face

While this actually isn’t nearly as “surprising” as Ski Stuff, The North Face is perennially popular with the three men in my life.

We recently received a box of men’s clothing samples from TNF, including everything from workout gear to outerwear.

Here’s the rundown on what my husband and son liked best (plus one choice for women).

Men’s Gordon Lyons Full Zip Fleece

There are now two of these fleeces in our lives. We bought our son a Gordon Lyons Full Zip Fleece over Parent’s Weekend (shopping, it’s what parents of college students do best!) and then we received a sample.

My son likes his fleece so much, he would have gladly snagged the sample, too. But we didn’t let him.

At $90, the TNF Gordon Lyons fleece is a wear every day, wear everywhere wonder for men.

This fleece is more urban than mountain. It’s buttery soft and warm. Available in five heathered colors.

Men’s Better Than Naked Short Sleeve T and NSR Dual Shorts

Here’s the verdict from my frequent traveler husband: “super light and easy to pack.”

The Better Than Naked T is perfect for running or the gym.

A combo of ultralight polyester and mesh, it washes and dries in a flash for those times when he’s on the road and only packed one workout shirt.

the north face better than naked short sleeve t shirt for men

Super light, this shirt is great for guys who travel and want to stay in shape.

Pair the Better Than Naked T with the NSR Dual Shorts, another quick wash and dry, superlight item, complete with a compression liner.

Another travel-savvy item, these shorts are quick to wash and dry and have a compression liner.

Men’s (and Women’s) Thermoball Jackets

Continuing the ultralight theme, The North Face Thermoball Jackets are puffy jackets for men and women with a difference. In addition to weighing almost nothing, the PrimaLoft Thermoball insulation retains loft and warmth, even when wet.

It’s a perfect jacket for backpacking (Warming when worn! A pillow when stuffed into its pocket!), as a skiing layer or on its own.