Tie One On

Bow ties don’t get much more festive, not to mention dapper, than the ones in Cursor & Thread’s new holiday collection. The Vancouver company has red versions adorned with vintage-look white snowshoes and ski poles, classic poinsettias dancing amid navy and green, or little snowmen against light blue. More Scandinavian-cool is the Cozy Cotton Bowtie with its red-and-white reindeer theme or the green-and-white Turtle Dove rendition. Best of all, these are old-school ties that you have to knot yourself; if the guy you’re gifting doesn’t know how, direct him to the plethora of YouTube tutorials so he can do it like a pro. The company will personalize the present by stamping the recipient’s name on the cute brown cardboard box (made entirely from postconsumer waste). And a note: the local outfit aims to minimize its impact on the Earth and makes the ties in small batches. The looks run $59 at www.cursorandthread.com/.

> Janet Smith

Beard Beauties

For your die-hard beardo boyfriends, check out all the grooming products at Vancouver’s Adrenaline (1014 Granville Street or online at shopadrenaline.ca/). We love the packaging of the Brooklyn Grooming Commando Beard Balm, in its sleek, retro metal case ($34.99). It’s full of nourishing minerals to tame thicker, coarser face blankets. And he may look like the wildman of the woods, but he doesn’t have to smell bad: give him some old-school, medicine-bottled beardbrand beard oil in citrus or tea tree ($29.99), both lightweight and nongreasy.

> Janet Smith

Pocket-Friendly

Wallets don’t come much hipper than Opening Ceremony’s embossed varsity-style line, now featured at Nordstrom Pacific Centre’s Pop-In Shop. We like the practical, pocket-sized small black zip pouch ($31), with its collegiate-style “OC” and other symbols on soft calf leather. Opening Ceremony, a New York City label that melds art, fashion, and travel, also has passport holders, elasticized wallets, and larger zip pouches in black and royal blue—all of them compact, sleek, and definitely a step up from a plain brown version.

> Janet Smith

To Be Frank

Keep your guy warm year-round with a classic fishtail parka ($275) from Montreal-based menswear line Frank & Oak. The military-inspired coat features a lightweight, water-resistant design that’s great for everyday wear—especially in Vancouver—while the down-filled construction and cozy fleece hood lining make it warm enough for subzero temperatures. Pick between versatile olive green and dark navy at Frank & Oak’s new Vancouver store (316 West Cordova Street), and expect to see the piece remain in heavy wardrobe rotation long after the holidays have passed.

> Lucy Lau

Cuffed Up

Cabin + Cub Design’s cufflinks are made for the Pacific Northwest man. Locally handcrafted by designer Valerie Thai, each pair ($22) uses natural bamboo wood for a rustic, casual-cool vibe that can only come from the West Coast. Audiophiles will love the laser-cut vinyl record etchings, while outdoorsmen will find themselves drawn to the gorgeous pine-cone, deer, and canoe illustrations. You can even find sets that are detailed with drawings of owls, hockey sticks, and vintage penny-farthings. Find Cabin + Cub Design on Etsy (etsy.com/ca/shop/Cabin/).

> Lucy Lau

In Brief

You may know Instance (or Stance in the U.S.) for its trendy socks—and a notable collaboration with Rihanna that produced a line of street-chic stockings earlier this year—but the brand’s most recent collection of men’s underwear is just as hip. Featuring fancy proprietary technologies such as a silky-smooth, made-from-milk-protein fabric that feels like a second skin, each pair of undies is designed to deliver the utmost in style and comfort. We recommend the fly-equipped Basilone fitted boxer-brief ($38), available at the Boardroom (1749 West 4th Avenue), which comes in a range of far-out colours and patterns suitable for the minimalist man, the laid-back rebel, and more.

> Lucy Lau

Hockey Heaven

The Canucks might be in a slump, but that doesn’t mean you can’t represent your city in style on the ice. Vancity Original’s Game Changer holiday collection features a vintage-inspired hockey jersey (available in military green, classic black, and ox red, $159.99) that keeps it simple at first glance, but the devil’s in the details: twill appliqués, embroidered patches, and an extended hem make the second version of this popular piece a great choice for any hockey fan on your list. It’s available at DIPT (819 Hornby Street).

> Amanda Siebert

Foot Fashion

Colourful socks with endless shapes and designs add a fashionable touch to men’s feet. The Happy Socks box set ($45) at Plenty Park Royal (1044 Park Royal South) comes with four pairs of socks displaying creative looks. The dotted and striped patterns will definitely bring a vibrant and fun mood to the men who receive them as a holiday gift. Made from high-quality combed cotton, these socks pair well with dress shoes, sneakers, and even a tuxedo. Don’t have time to gift-wrap? The box set has fancy designs and bright colour combinations that make it presentable—just put a bow on it and you’re all set.

> Tammy Kwan