Holiday Gifts: Outside the Box
For many, the winter holiday requires gift giving. And lets face it, we are ALL the same! That is, we know without a doubt what we want, but insert a loved one, or even worse a GUY...., and we immediately have zero clue, #eyeroll. Regardless of your celebratory practices this month, here are four gift ideas for that special man in your life.
The following gifts will promote balance and wellness beyond the holidays [cue holiday music].
- No. 1 - Grooming -
Men are the worst, and I am no exception. Gay, bi, straight, or even trans... I'm going to go out on a Christmas tree limb here and call ALL men out for not investing time and money on proper grooming services. When it comes to my hair, I cut it the cheapest way possible (#smh) and, in Toronto, that means $10 haircuts in Chinatown. The hair on my face? Just as bad! When it gets too scruffy, I trim it on my electric razor's shortest setting.
This month, however, that all changed! I finally went to The Original Grooming Experts for a straight razor shave - one of the many services offered to men. This was my first time experiencing this wonderful grooming service. I do blame Sweeney Todd, whose image dances around in my head at the thought of a razor anywhere near my throat, for not going sooner.
From the hot towels, to the different lotions and creams, to the careful and steady hand of owner Jason Culala, the shave was more therapeutic than it was terrifying. After even dozing off, I woke-up with my head still intact and my face looking so-fresh-and-so-clean! One word of warning: the after shave stings like a M*#$%*^ F*&$%#&#^$$*#. Gift away!
- No. 2 - Hydra Facial -
I know very few men that will call a clinic and book themselves a facial. Why is that? Well, it could be related to stigma, a lack of knowledge, or perhaps they are just misinformed. Regardless, I'll be the first to tell you that proper skin care benefits us all.
So, what is the gold standard for facial treatments? HydraFacials! Fortunately, my porous face was invited to Gee Beauty by the gorgeous Gee Girls to find out why more men should be benefiting from this coveted treatment. Gee Beauty is a one-stop studio for your skin, make-up, and brow needs. Once again, their doors and services are wide open to BOTH men and women.
From the moment I arrived, immediately greeted by friendly professional staff - I felt at home in their fresh, bright and clean Summerhill studio. After completing a few basic forms, I was whisked off to a private room to receive my first ever HydraFacial. Francine, the lovely and super knowledgeable clinical aesthetician, guided me through the treatment from start to finish.
A HydraFacial is most suitable for men because it's quick and effective. HydraFacial combines chemical and physical treatments that work to cleanse, exfoliate and extract impurities and dead skin cells from your face. Nearing the end of the treatment, it also replenishes vital nutrients to your skin. This five-step treatment procedure can be accomplished in a mere 30mins - great for any man who initially might feel out of his comfort zone. And, unlike microdermabrasion, you don't leave looking like you just went under a sandpaper machine. So it's a great treatment option for anyone with a busy schedule. Gee Beauty offers gift cards and complimentary one-on-one consultations.
When it comes to gifts for men, it's difficult to think outside the box. So, I hope the first two gift ideas help to rejuvenate your loved ones this holiday.
- No. 3 - Electronics -
While technology continues to advance at the speed of electrons, one thing remains constant - men love gadgets. As the holiday approaches, and with so many incredible products on the market, why not give the gift of electronics. Thanks to Best Buy, I had the opportunity to get a crash course on the latest and greatest the tech world has to offer. From the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, to the Panasonic Milano wet/dry foil shaver, to the Netatmo Healthy Home Coach, or even the WooWee CHiP Robotic Dog, there's an abundance of goodies for everyone.
While exploring some of this season's best gifts, two just happened to follow me home - #hehe! The PlayStation 4 Pro is the ultimate console system with a world full of exciting and entertaining games. With blockbuster storytelling, there's an exhaustive library of options for every type of gamer. I opted for my teenage fave - Final Fantasy - and have been playing Final Fantasy XV non-stop. Also, as pictured above, the Beats by Dr. Dre Studio over-ear noise cancelling wireless headphones would make anyone extremely happy. Enhanced with Bluetooth technology, these headphones deliver exceptional clarity and allow you to take calls, skip songs and change the volume right from the headphones - sans tangled wires. So, why don't you bring a little seasonal joy this year to that loved-one in your life and add some tech to their lives.
Stay tuned next week for the final gift idea. A great last minute gift option for those exceptionally tough to buy for!