Let’s be real, Christmas shopping is no easy feat. Especially when you have a mile-long shopping list, for everyone in your family. One of my goals this holiday season is to make the shopping process easy and fun.

One of the biggest problems I face every year is shopping for the men in my life: husband, brother, dad, father-in-law, and grandfathers. It’s so hard to figure out what to buy these guys who seemingly have it all. I know I’m not the only one with this issue. So I figured I would help a sister (or all of you) out this year.

I have called upon my boss and co-worker to put together the best holiday lists of all time for the fellas out there. These are two of my favorite guys, especially because they cheer pretty hard for this little side hustle I have. They are also extremely easy to work for and with. They have put in a few good hours to help me out, so be sure to show them some love. Let’s get to it!

 

Gift certificate to Parnassus Books — http://www.parnassusbooks.net/

I am a voracious reader and this is my go-to spot in Nashville to find the latest titles I want.   I love memoirs and non-fiction; some books I have enjoyed recently are:  Bryan Cranston’s A Life in Parts, Black Flags: The Rise of Isis by Joby Warrick, and The House by the Lake: One House, Five Families and a Hundred Years of German History by Thomas Harding.  Whether you are looking for fiction or non-fiction, this independent bookstore owned by acclaimed author Ann Patchett is fantastic.

Donation to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) — https://www.rescue.org/

In the last couple of years I have become quite passionate about the plight of Syrian refugees trying to flee their country for better lives.  A gift to the IRC helps those fleeing conflict and persecution and you can designate your support to “rescue gifts” in order for the IRC to buy things like blankets ($84), temporary shelters ($54), etc.  The IRC has the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator, too, so you can be confident that your money will be put to good use.

City Fit Concierge — http://www.cityfitconcierge.com/about/

My buddy Derrick Billups is the owner of this new service in Nashville.  Derrick, is a terrific trainer, and whether you are at home or the office, Derrick’s City Fit specialists will bring the fitness and wellness to you!

TUMI TRAVEL KIT — http://bit.ly/2f5jMWj

I received this as a gift last year and I love it.  I travel a lot for work, so this is perfect – holds all your grooming essentials in a well-designed kit.

CARSON WENTZ JERSEY — http://bit.ly/2f5dOVl

Anyone who knows me, knows that being from Philly, I am naturally a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan.  Nothing has me more excited than rookie QB Carson Wentz!

TERMINI BROS CANNOLIS — http://www.termini.com/Small-Cannoli-Package-P24.aspx

Keeping the Philly theme alive, I love homemade Italian cannoli from “South Philly” (which is the Italian neighborhood of the city).  No bakery does it better than Termini Bros, which has been making Italian pastries since 1921.  Do yourself a favor and order a cannoli package —  6 for $50 or 12 for $80 – you’ll never eat cannolis as good as these, I promise.

RUN FAST EAT SLOW — http://rstyle.me/n/b542zvpfm6

This is a new book written by one of my running heros, Shalane Flanagan. Shalane’s approach to training and nutrition appears to be a healthy one so it made sense to me to give this a shot.

BALEGA SOCKS — http://bit.ly/2fK3DYb

Athletes are always looking for socks that will keep them dry, and most importantly, blister free. I spent YEARS trying to find something that worked for me and these Balega Hidden Comfort socks were it. My wife owns several pair as well and she loves them too.

RED WINGS — http://bit.ly/2f9c3Kb

I have always wanted a pair of Red Wings and have just never pulled the trigger. This might be the time! Red Wing has a great reputation for making shoes that will last forever. I like these because they are a little more work appropriate. I also like the idea of supporting a Minnesota based company (I was born there).

PATAGONIA SHORTS — http://bit.ly/2g37m3T

These. Shorts. Are. Awesome. Now a 5 inch inseam might not be for everyone so know that they have a 7 inch option. I wear a 5 inch inseam running short so these work well for me. They have a ton of pockets and hold up really well. If I don’t receive another pair of these as a gift I will most definitely be buying some.

Caution- the moss color is very…mossy. I had to return them. I looked like a Park Ranger.

BORN TO RUN — http://bit.ly/2g0BSuK

Whether you love Bruce or not, you have to admire the fact that his music has withstood the test of time and that at 67 years old he is still rolling out four hour concerts. I am piecing my way through this book now and I’m loving every page. It was written entirely by Bruce so it reads like a song. Bruce’s story is one of grinding through countless obstacles in the pursuit of a dream. Who can’t get up for that?!