Dec 19, 2010

Top 23 Gifts for the Renaissance Man in your life


It's the week before Christmas and you still haven't found that perfect gift to give to your renaissance man. Renaissance Men are hard to shop for because they are more picky than your vegan friend at the office holiday buffet. Look no further because My Hotel Life has done the shopping for you compliments of my favorite gift boutique in the
Cherry Street District of Grand Rapids - LAMB.

To make it more interesting, let's take a poll and see which Renaissance Man is dominant this season. Which one is your man?


THE ARTSY-FARTSY RENAISSANCE
There's nothing more perfect for your ArtPrize volunteer than Pantone strips turned espresso cups . $12.50 

 THE FLANNEL RENAISSANCE
For the renaissance man who is corporate during his weekday trips to New York, but by Friday night, he slips on his Merrels, lights a fire in the den and reads his weekend NYT. Fireplace matches for $3.
THE RELIGIOUS RENAISSANCE
He never forgets to pray before each meal. He's got a very good sense of humor but still fears that his "permanent record" in purgatory could still be a factor when he dies. Jesus and Mother Mary Salt-N-Pepper shaker. $27 each.
THE CAMERA-READY RENAISSANCE
For that renaissance man who takes pictures of everything he eats for his facebook page. There is no better inspiration that this Wanderlust book of food pictures. $9.99
 THE GLOBETROTTER RENAISSANCE
For the man who travels to all these Wallpaper destinations not for business, but for leisure. Nothing says Mr. Renaissance like a Basel book. $7 each.
THE STYLISH GLOBETROTTER
When the plain Wallpaper guides just don't cut it, then the Luxe guide is a perfect alternative. Even if he doesn't use it for his actual trips, it sure looks good on his cafe table at the O'Hare airport Starbucks. $9.99 each.
 THE RED CROSS RENAISSANCE
This is the perfect gift for your doctor friend who volunteers to help out in Haiti and Zimbabwe, then after the mission, takes off for Costa Del Sol for some R&R. The plastic holder doesn't scream "I've got 'mo money than you." $12
 THE NYC RENAISSANCE
For the man who can't stop talking about New York and how it is so much better than any other city in the world. You visited him one summer weekend only to bunk in his closet of an apartment in Queens. Oh, well. NYC Subway Tape for $13
 THE BLACK LUGGAGE RENAISSANCE
He has to have a black carry-on to match his black Zegna suit. Add some zip to his luggage with these easy to identify luggage tags. $7 for a set of six.
THE ROAD WARRIOR RENAISSANCE
He has driven the company car on every interstate highway in the last year. He loves to give directions even though he's never been to that particular place. Here's a handy Paper GPS for his glove compartment. $8
THE MACY'S RENAISSANCE
He would never admit it, but during his MBA years, he worked the wrapping center at your local Macy's to help pay the bills. Map and subway wrapping paper for $5

 THE GADGET RENAISSANCE
He loves to "up" everyone with the latest gadgetry. How about a fist USB to show them who is king? $39.
 THE FOODIE RENAISSANCE
He calls himself a foodie even though he can't cook for squat. This book by a foodie blogger will arm him with more ammunition for his table side rants about  his truffle expedition in Italy. $24.95
THE PBR RENAISSANCE
He's too cheap to buy good wine but he knows a lot about micro-brews. He is on a first name basis with the bartender at the local brewery but can't tell the difference between pinot noir and pinot grigio. Bottle opener $9 
 THE RENAISSANCE "BABY"
You know the type... always complaining about how much he travels and all these nights in luxury hotels and fine dining explorations are just killing him. These "baby" pills are the cooler version of the Tylenol bottle for the long cross-Atlantic trip in business class. $4.00

THE ASCOT RENAISSANCE
He swears by block ice for his single malt. He wears his ascot in Europe but wouldn't be caught dead in one in Grand Rapids. Rock Cubes with scotch glasses $55 per set. 

 THE OPEN-DOOR RENAISSANCE
He loves to tell his peeps in the office that he has an open-door policy.  Just don't come in when he is busy changing his facebook profile picture. Plastic tube door stoppers for  $16
THE CHEAP RENAISSANCE
He invites all his friends to the fanciest bar but disappears when it's time to settle up the tab. Here's a book for all his cheap conquests. $24.95
THE COTTAGE RENAISSANCE
He can't wait to drive to the cottage every Thursday night...blah, blah, blah. Settle him down with this low key weekender bag from Apolis. $196
THE ASIAN RENAISSANCE
This sake bomb set is perfect for your token Asian friend. Just make sure he's Japanese because not all Asians like sake. $79.

 THE BRAD PITT RENAISSANCE
He's the blonde one with a big heart and Asian kids in tow. I can't think of a better gift than these cool chopsticks for kids. $9.
THE EXERCISE RENAISSANCE
A sexy water bottle for the man who carries that ugly water bottle everywhere even though he doesn't really work out. Ok, he's at the gym's sauna. TK:aro water bottle $34. 
THE STONER RENAISSANCE
Not what you're thinking. For the guy who loves indie labels. Why not buy him a Brie Stoner CD to support the local scene. $5

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey George - thanks for the shout out for the local artist!!! Don't you just love the Lamb Shop? W