ism — BLOG — CAITLIN MIYAKO TAYLOR

As the second post in my series of Holiday Gift Guides this 2017, I'm featuring the perfect gifts for the guys in your life (again, from independent brands). Men's items can seem so limited, it's hard to know what to get for your boyfriend, brother, fiance, dad, uncle etc. That's why I've rounded up the perfect mix of clothes and accessories so you'll be sure to find a gift for any guy on your holiday gift list. My favorites from this roundup? Life After Denim's Golden Olive bomber jacket and Le Labo's Face Lotion from their new body collection.

1. Red Wing Shoes | The perfect winter boot, beautiful constructed and versatile.
2. Throne Watches | Handcrafted in Brooklyn, this watch puts a modern twist on a classic accessory.
3. Buly 1803 | A sleek comb you can take anywhere.
4. Life After Denim | A quilted bomber with a unique color to stand out from the crowd.
5. ISM | This new tech-smart backpack is perfect for stylish guys on the go.
6. Le Labo | A lightweight yet luxurious face lotion to keep dry winter skin at bay.
7. Lightwell Co. | Cedar & Sandalwood will bring fresh, yet masculine notes to any room.
8. The Arrivals NYC | The most stunning leather gloves.
9. Deus Ex Machina | Show off his sensitive side.
10. Article One | Your new favorite sunglasses, complete with an all-flattering frame and unique pink-red lenses.
11. Away | The perfect carry-on that's both smart and durable.
12. Basic Rights | A pair of staple sweatpants that can take you from the bed to the streets.
13. Kotn | A carefully constructed sweatshirt made from the highest quality Egyptian cotton.

Gifting season has begun, and every year I try to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list. While you can find beautiful items at everyday stores, it's harder to find unique pieces that will be extra special for your friends and family. This year I've centered my gift guides around independent designers. These brands not only create stunning and one-of-a-kind pieces, but are also more environmentally conscious, and even do their part to give back. One of my favorite brands from this list is Kotn — they source their extraordinary textiles ethically in Egypt, and are partnered with an organization there to build schools. So while you're shopping this holiday season you can find gifts that not only bring happiness to their recipients, but also to those who make them.

1. Wet Eyewear - perfect for vacation
2. KowTow - collect your art, and wear it too
3. ISM - a smart backpack that's perfect for freelance creatives
4. Kotn - sustainable and beautiful basics
5. Common Projects - a classic shoe with a hint of silver
6. Amarilo - timeless jewelry perfect for any occasion
7. Which We Want - the slashed and asymmetrical sweater you didn't know you need
8. Anthropologie - when was the last time you found your keys easily in your bag?
9. Janessa Leone - keep your head warm, or just stylish
10. Mansur Gavriel - the perfect shade of red
11. Tamara Mellon - the perfect pair of luxe ankle boots
12. Cords & Co - the coolest trucker you'll ever own
13. Alumnae NYC - everyone needs a pair of metallic boots
14. Laer - the cooler moto