(This post is written by Brian Henderson, FYI, anything in italics is by me (Emilly), and boy was it hard to not interject myself more, LOL. It’s that time of year again! Grab a candy cane latte, curl up in a reindeer-skin blanket, and get ready for some dude-bro holiday gift guiding.)
We’re doing things a little differently this year, not just because I haven’t changed my style in a decade and tend to link up the same boring pair of pants every year, but because we wanted to bring in a second opinion on what to buy a guy for the holidays. So, we called on Emily’s brother and my favorite ray of sunshine, Ken.
A little backstory about us bothers-in-laws: Ken and I have hit it off the first time we met and have been tight ever since. We have a lot in common; we both grew up playing sports, we both love stupid comedies and the Oregon Ducks, and we both would do anything for one Miss Emily Henderson. But there was a fateful night that almost tore us asunder. The year was 2017, when the subject of high school football came up. He had played outsider linebacker in school, I played quarterback, and we both fancied ourselves as pretty damn good. So when the question arose of who would have gotten the better of whom back in our heydays, things got a little heated. Too heated. He insisted he would crush me like a Diet Coke can, while I reminded him that I was hella fast with a wicked stiff-arm and there was no way he could touch me. Things escalated. People got nervous. It was all in good fun. In the end, Ken did the right thing: he relented. He finally admitted that I was way too fast and my stiff-arm was way too strong, and there was no way, like, not a chance in the world, he could ever have taken me down. Seriously, like, zero-percent chance. And everyone knows it. And I’m glad that we can finally move on.
Anyway.
This past week, Ken and I took a little trip to the mall together to shop with Emily for our “Dude-Bro Gift Guide”, and we had a blast. I don’t know why men don’t go shopping with each other more often, it makes the whole thing much more enjoyable. By the end of the day, I was bursting out of dressing rooms, doing Julia Roberts twirls to his sultry Richard Gere nods. The result is this 2024 Dude-Bro gift guide (because I figured a lot of our readers struggle with what to get the men in their lives – it’s so good!!). We hope you like it. And if you don’t, Ken will come to your house and try to tackle you (but don’t worry, he’ll be easy to stiff-arm).
A Bit About These Guys
Now I (Emily) get to brag a bit – these guys are “typical” cis-male, sure, in the sense that they like to play sports, grill, and want women to admire their bicep bulge, but they are also thoughtful, exceptionally involved dads, and like cool stuff that they’ll use consistently and doesn’t break. Their styles are actually pretty different so the fact that they agree so much on the below proves that these things are perhaps universally loved (I got a real thrill at them both geeking out about the newest XL air fryer). Back to Brian:
Everyday Flannel Plaid Button-Up Shirt
First up, we went to American Eagle, which surprised me last year with some really good flannel shirts and didn’t disappoint this year either. Here we are, twinning in a nicely cut button-up that can go both “Date-night” and “Dude-hang”.
Then Ken got into the Footloose spirit with this Sherpa-lined denim jacket. I also own one and get compliments on it all the time. I think there’s something about a Sherpa denim jacket that makes us feel like high school rebels again.
I’m a sucker for jackets and coats, and both of these would get a lot of use. The tweed overcoat is what I would wear to anything in the city (it layers well over sweatshirts).
American Eagle for the flannel win, again!
This is me awkwardly describing the ways in which these jogger sweats are comfy.
Sherpa-Lined Corduroy Shirt-Jacket
Next, it was off to J. Crew for some timeless looks. We both admired how good the green sherpa-lined shacket looked on each other.
Twinning! (Note from Emily – these men have different builds (but VERY buff, of course) so when they both looked and felt really good in something it indicates to me that it was a universally flattering cut – i.e. strong wide shoulders and a good drape that men with a super slight, ahem, *beer* belly might like).
Sherpa-Lined Corduroy Shirt-Jacket
Note from Emily – while both these guys have a more utilitarian vibe (i.e. not for office jobs) I think that many guys like this look for weekends. They aren’t models but they both looked so good in this cord/sherpa jacket.
Back to Brian: And the long-sleeved henley made us both look fit! Highly recommend. Emily always says I look “hot in a henley”. (He does look hot – y’all a henley is a T-shirt that looks like they might be a logger, in such a good way, but not all are cut this good)
We love smiling and we love stores! But seriously, this chambray button-up is now in my date night rotation. (I love it, too. We also love chambray…all day…ugh, sorry)
Emily’s Outfit: Coat | Blouse (similar) | Jeans | Booties | Ken’s Sweater – Ribbed Merino Wool Baseball Cardigan Sweater
And Ken is putting this cardigan in his date night rotation. With his wife. Not with Emily.
Then we hit Nordstrom for some fancy gear.
Doug Good Feather Bondi Reversible Quilted Jacket
You ever hear of a Reverse Cowboy? This reversible jacket from Faherty is legit. I love almost everything they make. Ken and I both bought this jacket (he’s in an XL, I’m in an L). It’s solid.
Check this out.
Doug Good Feather Bondi Reversible Quilted Jacket
Brian: Plaid Fleece Lined Shirt Jacket | Ken: Plaid Fleece Lined Shirt Jacket
Green plaid twins. Yah, we like green plaid. Both of these fit really well. GO DUCKS (but also if you don’t like the Ducks these are just great plaid shirts).
Epic Cotton Blend Quilted Shirt Jacket
This is the look I give when I have to get something, especially when it’s a little pricey. This cozy puffed shirt is the perfect everyday addition to my wardrobe. I can picture myself cozying up at my writing desk with this thing. (This shacket makes him feel handsome, strong, and put together – he’s worn it daily since we bought it).
Ken: Tellis Slim Fit Jeans | Brian: Straight Fit Flat Front Stretch Twill Chinos
We tried on pants and both really like their hipster in-house brand. Very flattering. Plus the in-house tailor made things fit perfectly (they needed to be shortened an inch or so – look at these handsome men!).
Quilt Lined Cotton Shacket | Straight Fit Flat Front Stretch Twill Chinos
I love this classic plaid from Levis. It’s insulated and warm, and the perfect fall or winter jacket for Portland. This one’s a keeper. I think most guys would agree.
Jack Engineered Denim Button-Up Shirt | Straight Fit Flat Front Stretch Twill Chinos
Emily was pushing pretty hard for more date night shirts, could that have a deeper meaning? I dunno. All I know is, I love this button-up. (This shirt is spendy, Brian was horrified that I made him try it on, but indeed it’s sewn and cut in a way that makes every man look hot, IMHO).
Hyperloop Hoodie | Tellis Slim Fit Jeans
Ken seems very happy in this soft hoodie, either because of the cozy fabric and flattering fit, or because it’s Oregon Duck colors.
Abercrombie??
Cropped Zip Workwear Jacket | Cropped Vegan Leather Zip Trucker Jacket | Hooded Workwear Bomber Jacket
I grew up in a time when Abercrombie & Fitch was where you went if you wanted to smell like a car freshener and get body-shamed by shirtless male models posing as salesmen. But now, it’s pretty damn cool! I really liked this hooded jacket.
And have been wearing this hoodie non-stop since giving it to myself as an early Xmas present. (It looks so good on him).
Here’s Em waiting for me as I played with all the lighting options in the dressing room. It’s like a discotheque in there.
I stopped wearing jeans like six years ago, but thought I’d give them a chance again. I like these ones a lot. (We all agreed that these were neither dad jeans nor too baggy-jean-try-hard).
GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Chair
Our next stop was Dick’s Sporting Goods (of course) where Ken sprinted around like a kid in a candy shop. He took a rest on a foldable rocker, which he insists is a MUST for any kids’ sporting event or family camping trip. We have a couple, and I have to agree with him, they’re a game changer in the “lounging dad recliner” arena.
Solo Stove Mesa XL Fire Pit | YETI Hopper M20 Soft Backpack Cooler
Camping is huge up here in the PNW, so naturally we’ll have some outdoor gear on our list.
Stanley 8 oz. Classic Wide Mouth Flask
And this flask is strictly for cold water.
Em and I have been looking for a good water jug option for parties. I rented a couple of Gatorade barrels last time and she was NOT impressed with the aesthetics.
YETI 12 oz. Rambler Colster Slim Can Insulator
Can’t go wrong with a YETI. I requested (and better get) these YETI beer koozies. (I bought two).
Here’s Emily teaching us how an escalator works – we were both too scared to ride it when we first saw it, but…
Look at these big boys! We did it!
Ken is a self-proclaimed “Lulu-head”, so we popped in to check it out.
New Venture Classic-Fit Long-Sleeve Shirt
He swears this is the best dress shirt he’s ever owned and he owns a bunch of them. Seriously, he could not stress how good this shirt is. He says it’s comfortable and wicks away sweat and keeps its shape. I’ll have to try one myself.
He also loves the stretch and comfort of their men’s pants. It was a thing.
And our last stop was Williams-Sonoma so we could shop like newlyweds. But for real, we were both very into their stuff.
GreenPan™ Stanley Tucci™ Ceramic Nonstick Junior Essential Stanley Pan, 4 1/2-Qt.
For instance, did you know Stanley Tucci has his own cookware collab?? It’s awesome. And check out the gold accents. Chef’s kiss. We are both the main family cooks so we let our enthusiasm loose since we were together in here.
Philips Premium Digital Smart Sensing Airfryer XXL with Fat Removal Technology
We both use our air fryers frequently but lament the trays are too small. So we checked out these XXL fryers and compared trays. It was a real tray-measuring contest.
And that’s it! We made it out of the mall with full hands and full hearts (can’t lose).
If you’re looking for more than just clothes, here’s a hand-picked list of more gift ideas for the dude-bros in your life. They are items that one of us either owns and swears by or really wants for Xmas this year.
Steakhouse Steak Knives (Set of 8)
Yes, I want these steak knives. Sturdy and stylish.
Matty Matheson: Soups, Salads, Sandwiches Cookbook | 10? Cast Iron Pan
Matty (Matheson) is my favorite chef and soups, salads, and sandwiches are my favorite things to eat. I love this cast iron pan to cook burgers and steaks on – the temperature stays evenly hot and I only have to wipe it out with a paper towel in order to call it “clean” (right?)
Grill Press | Smash Burger Kit
Smash that burger – but you need a tool. I’ve been using a small heavy pan on top of my other heavy pan. I need one of these (and most non-pro grillers do, too).
Ken loves this to-go blender. You prep it all in the one cup, throw in your protein powder/bananas/yogurt/creatine, blend, and leave the house. Nothing to clean up. Win/Win.
6? Woven Flow Shorts | Dri-FIT Flex Stride 7” Shorts
I wear these Nike shorts for every workout. I prefer the lined version so I don’t go through thousands of pairs of undies. These shorts don’t chafe, dry quickly, and are so comfortable. I even wear them to swim in rivers should I want to do an unpredicted cold plunge.
Comfort Blend Boxer Brief 5? | Comfort Performance No Show Athletic Running Socks
And speaking of undies, Ken swears these are the best ever made. They apparently have a lot of room for the balls and are so soft and feel like you are nude otherwise (and don’t cut in, because even men don’t like that either). Brian wears a medium and Ken a large, FYI. He claims that these socks don’t make his feet sweat and they are neither ever too hot nor cold. Like he’s really passionate about these socks and undies.
Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker | Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones
I’ve used this JBL clip for years – I put it on my backpack, use it in our gym, hang it on a tree when we have outdoor parties. It’s lasted forever. Listen, there are a few noise-canceling headphones out there, I strap on these when I go shovel pig shit for 2 hours every Sunday and listen to my podcasts (but buy them on sale, they are expensive).
My other brother-in-law, shout out to John, has this drone, and it’s his favorite (and he’s a drone dude). Emily has the Meta glasses, I’m not a huge gadget dude so I don’t need them. Basically, you can record everything you see, save it, upload it, post it, etc – all from these glasses. It’s creepy spy shit and it’s such a fun gift (Emily has the Rayban versions).
Handheld Percussion Massage Gun | Headlight
Ken says this is the better, cheaper Theragun. If you or yours has the Theragun you probably don’t need both, but if you never bought one in the first place he has read all the reviews, has it, and loves it. He also thinks that more people need headlights. We need headlights to feed the animals after 4 pm or before 7 am so I’m getting this for us, but he claims it provides the best light and lasts the longest.
Hooded Bathrobe with Pockets | Slippers
DO NOT GET KEN STARTED. This robe, omg, this robe – he loves it more than his comfy ball underwear. It’s nicely oversized, has terry cloth on the inside, has an attached belt (not to be lost in the laundry), and has hidden pockets on the inside (?? LOL). He’s a big guy and he feels pretty good in this robe so… Meanwhile, I love these slippers and am excited to wear them every morning (and have since last Christmas).
Large Zipper Dopp Kit | Tin Cloth Travel Kit
We like dopp kits, we have face and hair stuff, too!!! But we never buy them. Both of these are great, solid gifts. Please.
Old Salt Shawl Sweater | The Cascade Shawl Cardigan
A few clothing items that weren’t at the mall, but are definitely on my list this year. Most dudes I know love a sweater that makes them feel both cozy and smart at the same time. Both of these will do nicely.
I know the basics about what is flattering (vertical stripes?) so something warm that does that thing is a big value-add to my closet.
Plaid Forest Shirt | Stockman Stretch Snapshirt
Dear, Santa. Both of these shirts are dope.
All the reviews of these jackets are good, which matches how good they look. I’m in.
I’ve had this jacket for two years. Why do I love it? t looks masculine, the shoulder detail makes you look strong in the ways you want to. It’s super versatile (I can wear it on a date or out with the boys). It’s got pockets with zippers and is super comfortable. 10/10.
Skyridge Boot | Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Wolf Grey”
I get compliments on both of these Danner hiking boots whenever I wear them. And the Air Jordan 1 is my everyday, goes with everything shoe. Every guy needs a Jordan 1, IMHO.
Heritage Kit Bag 32L | Bi-Fold Wallet
We like to look casual when we go away with our boys for the weekend – get us this duffle (no wheels necessary). And some of us like classic wallets (me).
How about something dangerous?
From Ken: “Best knife ever“. That guy knows knives, collects knives, and for whatever reason says this one is the best.
Ken says this is what everyone needs to have in their car – it’s the best multi-tool on the market. Can get you out of all the emergencies with just one gadget (Brian doesn’t have this so I’ll be buying this for him but also I want this).
Random, I know, but I got this EGO electric blower this fall, and MAN OH MAN is it awesome. Super powerful, not very loud, and electric! Does the job extremely well. See?
Even the alpacas love it!
That’s it. Thanks for reading, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Oh, and just so you know, Ken can lift 500 lbs three times in a row and is incredibly strong.
But it still doesn’t mean he would have tackled me back in high school.
*Photos by Kaitlin Green