The holidays are finally here and you know what that means: Food, family, friends, fun, and of course, gifts. (There’s no shame if that’s your favorite part of it all!) We know that every person in your life deserves something special, so we’re here to make sure they get the best gift possible. With the help of Shop Chill, we’ve curated some of the best gifts to give this season. Oh, and if something on these lists seems a little more perfect for you than as a gift for someone else, well, we don’t see any harm in that, right? A gift to yourself definitely counts, especially during this time of year. 

As we begin to flip the script on societal norms and falsified gender stereotypes, men are becoming active participants within the self-care community. Regardless of their age or gender politics, men want to look good, just like the rest of us. While I’ve always been someone who prides themselves on her gift-giving abilities, recently, I’ve found myself stumped on what to surprise the men in my life with. In the past, it may have been daunting to present your father, your brother, your boyfriend, or your best friend with typically “feminie” products. I’m here to smash that antiquated thinking — this year, more than ever before, we can all use an extra dose of self-care and self-love. Speaking of love, it is more important than ever to shop local and to shop small businesses. Your dollars matter, and will be the deciding factors of which businesses survive this turbulent year. Please be mindful, support your communities, and use your consumer power wisely. With that in mind, here’s a peak at what some of the men in my life will be unwrapping this December…

• LES Candle

  
  LES Candle by Boy Smells

  Need This Now| $32

As we continue to spend unfathomable amounts of time in our homes, candles are that much more essential. Boy Smell’s “LES Candle” will transport your gift recipient back to one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Notes of peach blossom, cardamom, cedar, and Asian pear is unexpected and cross-cultural-embracing the eclecticism of the LES. I may be partial to this edition of the fantastic Boy Smell’s collection having called the LES my first New York City home. This candle will tranfix any displaced New York lover, warming and filling their hearts with the promise of joyous celebrations to come.

• Palo Santo

  
  Palo Santo by Chillhouse

  Need This Now| $9.50

If your man also adopted a quarantine kitten or puppy, candles may not be the best gift. Palo Santo will fill your space with a calming, woodsy and smoky aroma without the fear of a furry friend knocking over a lit candle. However, excess smoke can be harmful for any pet, so please be mindful to always burn Palo Santo or Sage in rooms without your furry friend present, opening a window or turning on a fan for circulation. Aside from the deep, rich, scent, Palo Santo can be used to cleanse bad energy in any room, a gift we could all use right about now–here’s to the end of 2020, amiright?

• Flashpatch Illuminating Eye Hydrogels

  
  Flashpatch Illuminating Eye Hydrogels by Patchology

  Need This Now| $15

All of those hours in front of our screens add-up, and I’m not sure about you, but my under eyes look extra dark on a Zoom call. Regardless of your gender, we all are facing a technology overload. Patchology’s Flashpatch Illuminating Eye 5 Minute Hydrogels are the perfect stocking stuffer for any male who is constantly rubbing their eyes after hours of screen time. While a full sheet mask may intimidate those unfamiliar with skincare, these eye hydrogels are a great way to dip a toe into the world of masks, toners, and moisturizers.

• Jade Face Roller

  
  Jade Face Roller by Herbivore

  Need This Now| $30

After polling a few of my male friends, a Jade Roller was the Number #1 gift they would want to unwrap under their tree this holiday season. Herbivore’s Jade Roller helps to firm the skin through a gentle massage, aiding in detoxification through the lymphatic system. The dark green jade is known to bring peace, harmony, and is believed to attract luck…truly what more could we need right now?

• Rose Hip Seed Oil

  
  100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil by The Ordinary

  Need This Now| $9.80

Accompanying Jade Rollers, facial serums can be a great option for your blossoming skin-care junkie. While facial serums can range in prices, I have found the Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil to be a great introductory serum. Compatible with an array of skin types, the Ordinary’s Rose Hip Seed Oil can reduce signs of aging. The Ordinary is far from a small business, however, their products can be found in smaller, local, beauty boutiques.

• Regenerative Facial Serum

  
  Regenerative Facial Serum by Palermo Body

  Need This Now| $78

If you cannot locate The Ordinary’s Rose Hip Seed Oil or your favorite man is more experienced with skincare, I would recommend Palermo Body’s Regenerative Facial Serum. Perfectly blended with a formula of botanical oils, the Regenerative Facial Serum works to renew and regenerate skin. Once again, Rose Hip is the star of the show, hydrating your tired skin, bringing the spa to your home office.

• The Lawn Mower

  
  The Lawn Mower by Manscaped

  Need This Now| $69.88

Combining hygiene, safety, and design, the ManScape Lawn Mower 3.0 utilizes advanced engineering techniques to ensure the closest of shaves. With a ceramic blade and a waterproof compact design, this trimmer can be used on and in an array of settings, from the shower to the bathroom. As we begin to discuss taboo topics such as pubic and body hair, it can be important to also evaluate the ways in which we are safely removing and/or maintaining that very hair. This trimmer came highly recommended, and ManScape offers an array of products to help you finish the landscaping job.

• Outdoorsman Beard Oil

  
  Outdoorsman Beard Oil by

  Need This Now| $18

Speaking of hair, if you are anything like me, you don’t walk, you run towards men with facial hair. A full beard or porn ‘stache, it doesn’t matter to me, I love them all. So, I’ve found that the men in my life often are in need of beard oil, softening and taming a sometimes unruly beard. With notes of cedar and pine, The Outdoorsman beard oil is reminiscent of the woods, the escape we are all seeking. Handmade by a couple in Texas, all beard oils contain nut products, so please be cautious to check your recipient does not have a nut allergy.

• Clean Greens Face Mask

  
  Clean Greens Face Mask by Golde

  Need This Now| $34

My male friends are starting to become increasingly interested in “borrowing” my face masks. As we continue to live predominantly indoors, our skin is existing in stale and often dry hair. The Golde Clean Greens Mask is made with 100% pure and edible superfoods such as spirulina and mango juice, packed with natural chlorophyll. The powder-to-gel mask will detoxify while delivering key nutrients to promote clear, and glowing skin. While I can’t speak for everyone, I can certainly say that when my skin is healthy, I feel infinitely more ready to tackle my day of conference calls.

• AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

  
  AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion by CeraVe

  Need This Now| $13.50

If you’ve ever had to inform a man in your life that a 3-in-1 Cleanser is not in fact the same or as effective as a Shampoo, Conditioner, and a Body Wash, this moisturizer may be a great stocking stuffer. Skin care can be extremely intimidating and sadly, too often, our society reinforces that “beauty products” are strictly for female-identifying consumers. This could not be farther from the truth. CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a key part of a morning skincare routine. With a broad spectrum SPF, this lotion helps protect your man’s skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Ideal for most skin types, CeraVe’s formula spreads easily and will not clog pores, unlike some other heavier products. While it is important to note that I have been unable to locate a local small business that sells CeraVe, most bodega’s and pharmacies such as CVS or RiteAid will stock this product. Popularized by @skincarebyhyram through his TikTok’s and YouTube series exploring approachable skincare, CeraVe is a great first moisturizer to introduce to those in your life that don’t believe skincare is for them.

• Gift Card

  
  Gift Card by Chillhouse

  Need This Now| Any

Now I am a firm believer that self care can and should include indulging in some of the incredible cuisine of your community. Now, more than ever, your local restaurants need your support. With an array of new restrictions, the best way to use your consumer power is to give the gift of future meals. Stopping into your neighborhood coffee shop or picking up a gift card from your usual date night digs allows you to give the “promise of a future” for both you and your gift recipient, and the establishment. Do you have a restaurant you’ve been dying to take him to? For me, I am anxiously awaiting the day I can return to Misi in Brooklyn, bringing my boyfriend to try their handmade pasta I dream about too often. Get creative and use your dollars wisely.

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In a year of immense turmoil and heartache, this holiday season offers an opportunity to remind those you love how important they are to you. It does not matter what you buy them, how much you spend, or how you say it, but let’s all remind one another of our beauty, our worth, and our courage this year. While we may not all be able to celebrate with our families, our friends, our loved ones, we must ban together safely to preserve through these next few months. Support your neighbors. Support each other. Your dollars matter to those small businesses. Your dollars matter to those mom and pop shops. Your dollar matters to your favorite local restaurants. Do what you can all the while protecting yourself. Be mindful, and take care of yourself Chill readers.

(For any orders on Chillhouse.com, we recommend selecting expedited shipping or popping in-store to ensure Christmas delivery! Don’t forget to use code CHILLTIMES15 for 15% off your first order.)