Sometimes it’s hard to be a man. Men are expected to be tough, protective, supportive, kill spiders and unscrew tight lids on jars. Too much of that can leave a guy feeling stressed, sometimes depressed and misunderstood.

These are huge responsibilities for anyone, especially for men who have historically been pressured into not showing emotion — or made to feel inadequate or burned out by the weight of the world. Fortunately, there are ways you can perk him up, get him out of his funk… and remind him that he’s still the man.

Here are some great gifts to get a guy when he’s down and out.

Tech gadgets

“I’m not really into technology” … said no man, ever. You don’t have to be a Bill Gates or Steve Jobs to appreciate how convenient and helpful the latest tech gadgets are. Smartphones and tablets, Bluetooth and wireless cards have all revolutionised the way we live, let alone how we do business and are entertained.

If you know a guy who’s feeling down, a simple gift of a new toy (even just a more recent version of something he already has) will not only give him something to take his mind off his troubles; it’s practical, and will make him the envy of his friends.

Transportation accessories

If a man’s home is his castle, then how he gets around — whether it’s a bicycle, a motorbike, or a car — is his noble steed. How we get around says a lot about who we are as people, and a gift that acknowledges that will be greatly appreciated, especially if it comes at just the right moment.

Get a gift that is not only useful for his car, motorcycle, or bicycle, but one that has a personal touch, so he knows you aren’t making fun of him for how much he loves his ride. And if he rides the bus, no worries: buy him a month’s worth of bus or train tickets.

Outdoorsy gifts

When life starts to get too heavy, there’s nothing better than getting away from it all. Gorgeous mountain trails, bright blue skies, and no blasting horns, bickering clients or relatives, or endless phone ringtones of everyday life.

If your man hears the call of the wild, help him on his way. Get him a pair of hiking boots to replace the old ones he never got around to getting rid of; a pair of digital binoculars, so not only will he be able to see those stunning views from afar, he can record them for posterity, as well; perhaps even a new GPS unit — he won’t get lost, and it’ll be something he can put to good use in everyday life too!

Kitchen tools

More and more men like to cook: the kitchen is no longer the domain of the women. It’s hard enough battling the rigors of a 9-to-5 job, but the men who enjoy cooking have to deal with whispers about gender roles and emasculation from their less-supportive menfolk. It can get a guy down.

You can show him you appreciate and value his culinary contributions by getting him a gift that doesn’t patronise or condescend to his enjoyment of cooking (so no novelty aprons), but a gift that respectfully encourages him to go into that kitchen and be the best cook he can be.

For the kid in him

Men are complex creatures, but somewhere inside, there’s still a 15-year old who loves to play with toys. These might be DVDs of a TV show he’s always wanted to watch, but never got around to buying himself.

Or the toys might be more literal: a rare action figure to complete his collection, say, or the model train he’s been saving up to buy. Whatever his fancy, getting him that gift will make the child in him love you forever, and cheer him up when he’s down and out.

Tell us what you think…

Guys, what do you do to cheer yourself up?

Ladies, what do you do to cheer your man up?

Each month we will be posting a portion of our style guide for men right here on our blog. We continue today with part 2 which focuses on shoes!

How many pairs of shoes do you own? When it comes to shoes, one thing is for sure—most men don’t own nearly as many pairs as women do. When I talk to men about this topic, I continually hear that they own just one or two pairs for work and then sneakers for the gym and so on. I’d recommend the following footwear for versatility and style.

Office/Work Shoe

Whether you work in a warehouse or in the financial district, you need a shoe just for work. Go for the smartest shoe you can find without getting too formal. For example, patent leather is too formal for work generally. Trust me, you will know if your office is “patent leather friendly”… Invest in the best quality you can, your feet need all the support they can get throughout the day. Preferably you would own two pairs and rotate between the two. This should give the shoe 24 hours to air and dry from the sweat from your feet. By all means keep them clean and polished. Every guy needs a shoe shine kit … or a shoe shine person… like the cool dude below!

Keep your shoes shiny!

Casual Shoe

Note: this is not meant to double as a gym shoe! Sometimes you want to go to dinner or out with your friends in a casual shoe, but you don’t want to look frumpy. Sleek street shoes like a canvas or leather sneaker will suit all situations while keeping you laidback and comfortable.

Chuck Taylor All Star Hi – a great casual shoe and available in so many colours!

Athletic shoe

This is the one you wear to the gym or to workout. And nowhere else! Please see below if any of your male friends are struggling with this decision!

Dont wear sneakers with jeans – case closed!

Formal shoe

These may only see the light of day a few times a year at weddings and special events, but every man needs a pair of formal shoes to wear with a tux or suit.

Patent leather shoe!

Thongs

Apart from the fact that they are ideal for the beach, and casual hot days… nothing beats Havaianas… right? If any of your male friends are struggling with which one to choose, we have put a quick image together to help any guy in need…

malebox – helping you make the tough decisions

The malebox crew have recently been scouting through Asia searching high and low for the latest trends. Shoes are a BIG deal in Europe (as we recently posted in http://malebox.net.au/blog/2012/09/how-to-wear-oxford-shoes-for-men/) and every Asian city has numerous shoe outlets. As we mentioned… Aussie men usually wear black or brown leather shoes. Of course you see a few tan shoes going around, but the general trend is traditional colours. We are keen to hear from you!

What colour shoes do you wear?

Would you branch out into tans and blues?

Welcome to Part 1 of our 10 part series! Today we’d like to introduce our series and have a quick chat about the all important suit!

Did you know that dressing against your body shape or current trends has been determined to add 10 to 12 years to your perceived age?

Studies show that looking outdated and older than your years can affect everything from your salary to your social status. It’s no surprise that men are looking to improve their image now more than ever. In fact, leading market research firm Global Information Inc. has found that a staggering 89% of men in Europe and the US believe that good grooming and presentation is essential to their personal and professional success. First impressions count.

What type of first impression are you creating?

Two Button Wool Suit – great first impression!               Courtesy of Farage

Want To Look And Feel Better?
If you are simply trying to impress others then don’t read this! Good grooming and presentation is about feeling your best, inside and out. Even the best-dressed man will not put forth a positive image if he lacks the self confidence to pull it off. There is plenty of material available on self-improvement, but for this series we have focused on maintaining your outward appearance to build confidence. Before we get into what you’re wearing, we believe a few other things are worth a mention.

These simple lifestyle changes (if you don’t already practice them) will give you the boost you need to get started on the road to self-improvement:

1. Eat well. Easier said than done, but sticking to a healthy diet will keep you closer to your optimum weight and do wonders for your mindset.

2. Exercise. You’ve already heard it a million times, but everyone needs an exercise regime to keep fit, mentally and physically. Even if it’s a brisk walk every morning, do yourself a favour and get moving.

3. Learn something new. It’s all too easy to get stuck in a rut and stick to what we’re comfortable with. This goes for our careers, our social lives and our personal appearance. Try new things—learn how to cook, practice a second language, change your haircut—anything that adds some variety to your life. You’ll feel renewed and energized—a great confidence builder.

And last but not least—treat yourself with respect and always aim to look your best.

Lets talk about the suit!

Suits are best when they are custom made and perfectly tailored to your body, however most men prefer to buy a suit off the rack whether it is for convenience, price or personal taste. If you do choose to buy from a store, make sure that a knowledgeable sales associate is on hand to help you select the best cut, colour, patterns, fabric and size for your body. If you have any doubt or need extra help, employ the services of an Image Consultant (they are employed by more people than you think!). If you have the extra funds, by all means have it altered to fit you perfectly and enhance your look. At least once in your life, make sure you have a suit tailored for you. Trust me, you’ll never look back!

Superb Men’s Suit – Courtesy of Farage

If you are buying a suit, it is going to be an investment. Always go for classic styles over trendy ones to get the most value from your purchase. Each man will have his own likes and dislikes, but for a classic, sophisticated choice we recommend…

1. Colour: black, grey or navy
2. Quality fabric – wool or wool blend or cashmere (if you prefer)
3. Single-breasted
4. One or two button closure
5. Flat front trouser (no pleats)

Finish it off with a pair of matching oxford or brogue shoes and you are ready to work The Suit!

For what it’s worth…

“Updating your style can be daunting! If you would like to improve your appearance, which will boost your self esteem, we want to help you. Our goal is to ensure you feel great every time you walk out the door. The changes you can experience from a positive image are immense. I am confident that the malebox Essential Style Guide for Men can help you on your journey to becoming a more stylish, confident you.
I think that both women and men appreciate a well dressed guy. He’s the one that stands out in a crowd. He’s not necessarily dressed lavishly or unconventionally, he’s a guy who puts together a great package. If a man cares about the way he looks, it is obvious to other people that he’s got something going on for himself and has more to offer. With that in mind, I have created this series as a simple, easy-to-use guide for men to enjoy more success in their lives—personally and professionally.

First impressions count so remember to always dress for the occasion and dress for success!

We care about our customers and aim to provide a reliable and trustworthy resource for men to get their fashion and grooming questions answered, without the awkwardness of discussing personal care with friends or loved ones. Men don’t have to turn metro just to look good. You can still have that guy next door look with the right items in your wardrobe.”

Dimitri Kontopos, MD at malebox

We’d like to hear your thoughts on suits and would love if you posted yourself looking stylish in a suit to our facebook or google+ pages!

Are you or the men in your life savvy travellers. Or are they clumsy and all over the show going through customs?? Whatever your style, I’m sure you are a savvy traveller… but some guys are so hard to buy for; especially Dads, Brothers and Partners! It is notoriously hard buying gifts for men, with many asking for power tools or a Pirelli Calendar… but why not target his interest in travel. Lets face it, the majority of the population gets out of the house at some point. I can hear you saying… “I never go on holidays!”… but I bet everyone gets away at some point!

We all travel for different reasons and there is always something we need. The list below is not exhaustive nor are they all essential for every trip… but at some point you will wish you had a few things. There’s nothing more than guys love than a practical gift, so today we’ve captured our Top 12 Mens Travel Gifts and given you a reason why these make great presents all year around. Check them out below!

1. Weekender and Toiletry Bag

This is a timeless weekend bag and toiletry bag. Made from faux leather it is great for travelling by car, bus or air as it easily fits into an overhead locker! It also comes with a strap and that’s not to tie the kids to the seat so they don’t go on a discovery tour whilst you knap after a bloody mary! Coming in at a super light 990 grams the bag is perfect when you need to keep weight to a minimum… and you know what that means; increased weight allowance for your shopping spree!

Ideal for any short trip away!

 

Leather Zipper Travel Wallet in black

 

Travel Combination Lock in Silver

 

4. Universal Travel Adaptor

Universal Travel Power Adaptor

5. Foxl Bluetooth Speaker

The Foxl Bluetooth Speaker – take your music with you!

The magic flip wallet fits international notes and comes in 4 cool colours!

Lint Rollers are a must if you want to look your best when you travel!

8. Black Leather Playing Card Case

This travel accessory is great for home and/or travel. If you are travelling, at some stage, you will have some time up your sleeve… yeah so you have an app for everything… but there are so many card games you can play. The tangible aspect is great… and seriously you cant throw an iPad all over the place when you lose.. well you can, but the consequences are little more serious…

A great travel accessory made from leather

9. Parker Writewear Slinger Pen

OK so this is pretty cool. The ultimate swinger pen, but not what you are thinking! The Parker Slinger is a pen you can sling around your neck. So when you are travelling and trying to find a pen this fits in your passport wallet (already mentioned above) or around your neck! No pockets? No worries – as mentioned,

Don’t fumble for a pen when you most need it!

malebox’s little brother… Ideal for travel!

11. Travel Tie Cylinder and Watch Case

Ever travelled to a wedding and seen the collection of guys with some part of their clothing creased up like its been shoved into a shoe? Well we solved that problem when we designed our range of tie travel holders. Choose from the cylinder or the classic zip up tie case. Tick - Solved the problem of going away and having a crease free tie!

Solved the problem of going away having a creased tie

…and the zip up option which fits 2-4 ties!

 

We’ve also got an equivalent for your watches to ensure they arrive without a scratch!

12. iSwim Waterproof Underwater Headphones

Keep your iPod or mp3 player safe from water, sand and dirt!

There is no need for speaker cables anymore, so why have them? I travel a lot and love music, so why not take a speaker with me that thumps a little or a lot… depending upon my mood!

SOLUTION - We used a NASA expert to Get Rid of our Speaker Wire!

When the guys at Sound Image sent us this bad boy to try out, I was skeptical as I hadn’t heard of the brand before. It seems I had my eyes and ears closed! foxL was developed by soundmatters founder and audio design legend, Dr. Godehard Guenther – a physicist and former NASA engineer with three PhDs. That’s good enough for me to keep reading… and worth giving this speaker a try. Also worth a mention… foxL Bluetooth speaker Voted #5 top gadget by TIME magazine in 2008… a while ago but things have developed even further since then and become way more affordable!

A little about the speaker

I’m no tech head but I love music and love simplicity in my equipment. This speaker is a great example of convenience and simplicity! On the right side (facing the speaker) you have a mini-USB connector for charging a battery that’s rated for up to six hours of continuous audio playback via Bluetooth or 12 hours direct-wired, an LED charge indicator and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack for connecting an external subwoofer. On the left, there’s a 5V power input and another 3.5mm stereo mini-jack for connecting other audio devices, say you want to plug in an instrument or just bypass Bluetooth and run direct from your computer or mobile phone. The foxLv2 comes with both USB and AC power cables, a 3.5mm audio cable, a cinch-tie soft case and carrying strap, a rubber placement mat (to keep it from vibrating around the table), as well as international plug adapters, say you want to carry the foxLv2 with you abroad.

Flip the foxLv2 around and you’ll find the power switch, manual volume up/down buttons and a hinged grille you can flip open like the brace on the back of a picture frame to provide extra stability. Not that the speaker really needs it — even with the grille tucked flush against the back, it feels reasonably stable with its two nearly inch-long rubber feet pitching the frame slightly up, the speakers aimed out at about a 45-degree angle and all of that resting on the unit’s slightly narrower back piece.

A great gift for him!

Turn it on and turn it up!

Power the foxLv2 on and you’ll hear a quiet beep, after which it will attempt to establish a device link. Pairing the foxLv2 to my Mac or iphone was extremely easy… even for me.

Since I have several other audio devices connected to my Mac, I had to manually tell the computer to “Use as Audio Device,” after which the foxLv2 usually did as instructed. I did experience occasional Bluetooth audio pops and clicks, though far less frequently than with the other Bluetooth speaker devices — but this is an ongoing issue with Bluetooth itself. All in all, extremely liking this wireless bluetooth speaker!

We like…

• Easy set up
• Long battery life
• $279 price point
• Portability
• foxLv2?s ability to carry off bass-heavy music at high volume with little audio distortion – very impressive!

We always carry some type speaker on our website and this is an absolute cracker! Visit our Cool Mens Gift range for a closer look or to make one yours!

How quickly the year goes… Autumn is here already!

Many of us are consumed by Autumn fashion, because it is fashion that can often be worn all year around. Fabrics are often made a little lighter for those mild days and layered for the colder days to come! Since colours are typically neutral, it makes it easy to mix and match. But more importantly, Autumn fashion is about layering and we love a layered look. When it gets cooler in the evenings or as the season progresses, you can throw on a light jumper or long sleeve tee and jacket… or both. You don’t need to spend a fortune to look stylish either. The following men’s autumn wardrobe must haves will not only carry you through this Autumn and Winter but seasons to come.

Cardigans

I here you huff… but this is not your grandfather’s cardigan! It’s a different kind of sweater that has a slimmer, more modern cut that you could easily wear to the office or on a date. It’s thin enough to wear over a shirt and underneath a jacket. It may even be worn over your favourite t-shirt with a pair of jeans or modern chinos. It’s one of the most versatile items you can have in your wardrobe. Try one made out of light weight wool and you will feel warm and comfortable. the malebox boys dont mind adding small pockets or some sort of patch on the elbows.

Cardigans are hot this season

Pinstriped Pants

Pinstripes are a stylish classic. They are perfect for formal or casual occasions. The detailing on pinstriped pants spices up what otherwise might be an ordinary ensemble. It doesn’t matter what you go with–navy with gray pinstripes, gray with brown pinstripes, or black with any color of pinstripe, they are all good. If you are a larger man, you may opt for a chalk stripe… For a modern look, try matching them with a fun striped shirt and/or sweater…. but dont over do the stripes! If you are already lanky, make sure you wear with a plain shirt, otherwise your “lankiness” will be highlighted!

Pinstripe Pants are great for Winter or Autumn!

Striped Shirts

All designers create some type of striped shirt or another. You must have at least one in your shirt collection. It can be worn tucked in or out with jeans, with a suit or under a jumper. Remember, Autumn is the season for layering and bold, thick stripes or thin ones; it’s a great look that you will find easy to incorporate into many ensembles.

Striped Shirt is a must have for any season

Blazer/Sports Jacket

A cool blazer is definitely a must-have item. With so many styles available… almost anything goes. You can find some with leather strips, patch pockets or elbow patches, whilst others have big lapels, zips and double-sided vents… but they are all a revival of retro looks. And don’t forget moleskin and corduroy options which can be a less formal look than a wool or tweed. You may opt for a nice wool or wool and cashmere combination with three or two buttons. Don’t get to wild with color though; go for a neutral tones that can easily be worn with jeans and dressier trousers as well as a dress shirt or with a printed tee underneath. Navy tends to be the safest colour if you were only to choose one!.

Must have in your wardrobe – the Blazer

Jeans

Jeans are featuring more and more in every guys wardrobe. One of the reasons for this are there are so many variations in colours and fabrics, from denims to cotton. It seems that every few months a new, trendy company pops up. Some of the prices these jeans are fetching are quite steep; but plenty are very affordable. In terms of color, we’ve seen everything from dark to light washes, but one thing is for certain – the washed-out, worn-in look is in as much as the dark unwashed look. You just need to know when to wear each style! Since there is so much variety there is no excuse not to pick up a pair that enhances your best features. More importantly, they can be paired with just about anything. Choose well and you just can’t go wrong. Plenty of choices from Levi’s, American Apparel, Armani Exchange, Lee and many many more so there is definitely numerous pairs for you there!

So there you have it! Hopefully this helps you choose some gear for this Autumn… drop us a line and let us know what you think or post on our facebook page!

Body Hair – Interesting Findings on What Women Think About Body Hair on Men

Body Hair comes down to personal choice… some people hate it, some love it. We would love to hear what you think.

Mens grooming – Hair removal options for men can be costly!

In the book Mantalk by Elliot Jacobs, MD*, all sorts of topics relating to aging, looks and overall sex appeal are discussed, ultimately providing tips and advice on how to turn yourself into the best man you can be. Something in particular caught my attention as I was perusing through the book, namely a section which focuses on grooming and trimming body hair. The paragraph that we thought was most interesting reads and follows:

“Almost all women dislike hair on the back, but are too embarrassed to tell their mate. According to a Harris Interactive survey of 1,000, more than 90 percent of women between the ages of eighteen and forty-four find back hair to be unattractive. Yet, despite their aversion to back hair, only four in ten women would ever feel comfortable asking their significant other to handle their hairy hang-up. Though one in three men currently removes hair from unwanted areas of their bodies, including their back, chest, and legs, survey results indicate that women are looking for more men to incorporate hair removal into their normal grooming routine. When asked in confidence, the women surveyed ranked back as the number one area of their man’s body they desired to see smooth. (77 percent). The derriere ranked second with 11 percent of women desiring a buff butt followed by the chest at seven percent. Not surprisingly, most women did not mind a little hair on arms and legs.”

*Aside from drawing upon his own experience as a medical reporter for the last twenty-five years and his experience as a plastic surgeon, he has also called upon many experts in their respective fields to put medical and other information in layman’s terms.

At malebox, we often speak about our range of mens grooming gifts in relation to looking after your body and face. Today we are not pushing any products, but just opening a discussion forum on mens hair removal. So what do you think of hair on a man’s body? Should he just stay natural? Should he trim? Should he wax? Should he laser? There are so many options. Laser hair removal can remove hair permanently but it comes at a price…. other options can be pricey too!

For example, a friend of malebox’s has his legs, back and chest waxed and it costs between $100-$200 depending upon where he goes to get it done. Another friend removes hair from the same area, but has opted for laser hair removal. The cost per session is $650…  BUT you definitely get results!

We could look at it as a mathematical equation. Say you waxed your body for the very cheap price of $100 per session over 20 years. That would cost you $20,000 and the result is less permanent (than laser). $20,000 is a lot of money. Say you did laser for 2 years… at the same rate you would be rid of your hair apart from a little new regrowth for about $13,000. If you then maintained twice a year for the remaining 18 years it would cost approximately $200 per treatment which would be about $7,200 at an absolute maximum… so the total comes to about $20k too… but you have a long term pain free solution in place! No real maintenance to worry about in between! If you were simply to shave once every week over 20 years. The cost per blade is approximately $4, so you would use about 52 during each year. Over 20 years this would amount to about $4,500 allowing for a little inflation and excluding shave gel.

As you can see shaving is definitely the cheapest option, but if you ask us… it’s Laser all the way. A permanent solution that requires minimum maintenance in between sessions… we like the sound of that! Tell us about your experiences, likes and dislikes below!

Every season is different… that is an obvious statement. There are plenty of gifts that are not relevant to season, but isnt it always better to receive something more relevant to now? Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments section below! Our opinion is that new seasons give us new opportunities when it comes to buying the men in your life a gift. When it comes to a birthday gift for him, it is easy to go down the traditional path with presents, but consider your man who wants something unique! We recently travelled to Europe to check out the latest fashions and gift ideas in stores from France, Greece and the UK. They really like colour and despite popular belief, Europe isn’t just about white (although there is plenty on show).

Birthday gift ideas for men are commonly not very adventurous. Too many times we have seen guys receive a bottle of wine, a pair of socks or a bottle of Old Spice (well maybe not Old Spice) aftershave. Why don’t you surprise him with one of our suggested fabulous seasonal presents for men. So it is Spring and that often means a splash of colour in the wardrobe, perhaps for the races or a Spring Wedding.

From malebox’s recent trip to Europe there is no doubt colour is in! Whether it is coloured pants, jackets, tees or pocket hankies – dont be scared to include some colour in your package! There is no better way to spruce up an old look than with a pocket hanky! Checkout some of the cool colours below. Something to match the most conservative or flamboyant personality on his birthday!

Pocket hankies in heaps of colours make a great spring Birthday gift for him!

Another great Spring Birthday idea for men is a classic but a great option nonetheless. The neck tie can spruce up any shirt and suit combination and have him looking like a new man this Spring.

A silk tie is a perfect gift for him on his birthday and for Spring!

While you are at it, why don’t you go all the way and pick out a matching pair of cufflinks? They are a perfect partner to the tie and will ensure he will be a new man for his birthday this Spring. We have chosen the exact blue in the tie above to demonstrate how cool this would look with a crisp white shirt… it’s a great combination and no doubt one that will be used regularly this Spring and for a few to come!

Cufflinks make a great birthday gift for men.

We think these all make for a great seasonal birthday gift and are keen to hear what you think so let us know in the comments section below. If you want something a little more generic for his birthday this spring, visit our massive range of cool, fun and quirky birthday gifts for men… there you have it… the guys in your life will forever receive an exciting, unique and cool birthday present!

The malebox crew is currently on the road through Europe searching high and low for the latest trends. Shoes are a BIG deal in Europe and every single city has numerous stores looking after guys. In Australia, men usually wear black or brown leather shoes. You will see a few guys with lighter shoes, but the general trend is for old school and mainstream colours. What we are seeing in Europe still leans towards the traditional colours as a foundation shoe. The black leather shoe is a must have in your wardrobe. If you only have budget for one pair, black is the shoe for you. If you do however like to splurge a little… adding a little colour to say a navy suit will definitely get you noticed. The Navy shoe is available in numerous designs in every shop as is the burgundy. Every time we travel to Europe we come away with a few finds… and this is definitely one of them. Oxford have covered shoe types below and we thought it was a good time to share that also! The time-honoured Oxford shoe is the foundation of a true heritage look. Traditionally the more formal of the classic shoe styles for men, the Oxford lace-up has really come into its own element over the years. The versatility of this shoe is considerable. Available in a variety of materials, colours and style variations – suede, leather, wingtip Brogues, toecaps, saddle shoes, and more – the Oxford shoe is befitting of any occasion and look.  Whether you’re coveting the cool, stylish, or traditional style, you’ll find a comprehensive guide below on how to wear Oxfords for men.

Oxfords: The Cool Look

Oxford shoes are traditionally noted for being a formal dress shoe but this is no longer the exclusive case. If you tend to be more relaxed in your dress sense, you’ll be pleased to know that Oxfords work just as well with chinos, trousers, jeans and yes – even shorts.

Oxford Shoes

When going for a relaxed look, it’s important to select an Oxford shoe that’s more casual. A suede fabric like Winslow Black or a uniquely coloured Oxford lace-up immediately eliminates the formality of this classic shoe. When deciding upon a style variation, a two-toned saddle shoe or wingtip Brogue would dial up the cool factor of your outfit. Wear your casual Oxfords with natural coloured chinos if you want to call attention to your dashing footwear. If you’re the daring type, add some colour to your outfit with a statement blazer. Check out the cool floral, checkered and gingham statement blazers featured above. If you’re wearing coloured chinos, try a tan Oxford style like the Reese Tan, which is a quirky version. This particular style will also look good with jeans or shorts.

Tan Shoes

Oxford shoes only work well with tailored shorts or dress shorts. Dress the shorts up with a blazer or keep it casual with a t-shirt. Admittedly, the sockless look may not be for everyone but unless you’re incorporating socks into the overall look of your outfit as a style accessory, (note: the photo above on the left) losing the socks is the preferred look when styling with shorts. Remember, losing the socks doesn’t mean throwing hygiene out the door. Purchase some no-show or invisible socks to make going sock-less easy to achieve.

Oxfords: The Stylish Look

Those who find themselves erring towards the modern and sophisticated looks will be able to appreciate this timeless shoe and its full potential to polish off an outfit. Whether it’s dressed down smart attire or opulent suiting, it’s possible to find an Oxford shoe that will bring your look to life.

Stylish Shoes are a must!

Oxford shoes in burgundy or certain shades of brown – chestnut brown or mahogany  – will give root to any suiting. That doesn’t mean you should step out of the house in a mismatched suit. If you’re doing colour, keep it to a maximum of 3 colours or you risk losing the thread of the outfit. Like the middle picture above, try similar tones of colour from the same family. Dressed down elegance can be achieved with a linen suit and shirt and similar coloured Oxford shoes for warmer months.

With jeans, keep to straight or slim-fit jeans that cut just at the ankle. While suitable for jeans in a range of colours, keep in mind the lighter the colour of the denim, the more casual the look. Rolling your jeans up with a pair of Oxfords is fine if you’re aiming for a relaxed look. Keep the top part of the outfit sophisticated with a shirt, tie and jacket or knit.

Oxfords: The Traditional Look

Vintage heritage is easily attainable with the traditional Oxford shoe. This formal shoe was made to complement suits.

For the conservative types, match your black leather Oxfords with a tailored suit – black goes with everything, although purists will insist that black does not go with brown. If you’re going for a black Oxford shoe then you can afford to have a little detail for a point of interest. A toe cap (cap toe) Oxford lace-up like Farris Black would work well with a suit and trench coat in black over the cooler months, or a pebble blue suit over the warmer months. Brown leather Oxfords, like the Royston Brown will work well with grey or navy suits. Constructed from chocolate brown leather, this plain Oxford lace-up is as traditional as you can get. If you prefer a modern take on old world charm, stay true to tradition with a well tailored three piece suit but update it instantly with patterned or coloured socks. Work a natural-coloured suit with similar coloured Oxford shoes, or try invisible socks for a sock-less look. Dont forget to keep those shoes in tip top shape with a shoe shine kit. However you decide to wear your Oxford shoes, make sure you’re comfortable with your outfit and it reflects a bit of your personality. Most importantly, the key to pulling off any outfit well is confidence. Own the look, and you’ll look great in anything. How do you style your Oxford shoes? Do you have any style tips of your own? Share by commenting on our facebook page!

malebox’s recent trip to Europe was a fashion discovery mission. After visiting the famous Savile Row*, we checked out some cool suits being made, including some interesting fabrics, cuts and colours. In fact many of our favourite cuts were then presented at The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane which also continues to be a popular event on our calendar. Be it for casual or a business purposes, there is something to suit every personality, body shape and taste! We particularly like the more casual jackets with external pockets!

Last week we popped up to Brisbane to check out  newly launched Spring/Summer collections to the country. Since 2006, the very best local, national and international designers and retailers have been showcased, positioning the Fashion Festival as Queensland’s premier fashion event and cementing Brisbane as a fashion force to be reckoned with.

The focus of the Fashion Festival is on promoting and supporting our local fashion talent. As Australian designers ourselves, we really try and support local where we can… even though it’s sometimes financially difficult! In a tough economic climate, fashion can be seen as superfluous and retailers have been hit hard. It is vitally important that we support our designers and retailers and encourage a stronger economy through consumerism. We snapped a couple of this years trends and hope you like them!

Below you can see contrasting is in and accessories like mens ties and scarves are definitely cool options this season!

Richards & Richards – menswear runway show – Ties are in.

Richards & Richards – menswear runway show – Scarves and accessories like that cool bag are hot this season

It also looks like the pocket hanky is everywhere this season. We have a very cool selection available so feel free to check them out. COntrasting and matching shoes are in. Contrasts make much more of a statement so go for it boys!

Wil Valor – menswear runway show – Mercedes Fashion Festival Brisbane 2012

Wil Valor – menswear runway show – Mercedes Fashion Festival Brisbane 2012

Wil Valor – menswear runway show – Mercedes Fashion Festival Brisbane 2012

So there you have it… spend some time looking smart gentleman and you will have the coolest look this spring and summer!

*Savile Row is a shopping street in Mayfair, central London, famous for its traditional men’s bespoke tailoring. The term “bespoke” is understood to have originated in Savile Row when cloth for a suit was said to “be spoken for” by individual customers. The short street is termed the “golden mile of tailoring” where customers have included Winston Churchill, Lord Nelson, Napoleon III and Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

For many of us, birthday’s are a challenging occasion when it comes to gifts. We want something special let dad know that we appreciate him, but retailers often bring in generic “dad” gift items and don’t provide a personalised feel.

We recently travelled to Europe and checked out a heap of retailers for gifts that we may not be offering you…. after interviewing plenty of random family and friends, we worked out that no matter where you are in the world, Dad’s are similar! We also conducted several price comparisons and were pleased to discover, that on most counts, we are more competitive, despite shipping costs and overheads!

So if you didnt get Dad a unique present for Father’s Day, and he has a birthday coming up… why not check out below? We have compiled some great gifts for Dad that are interesting, unique, and are guaranteed to put a smile on any man’s face!

Wine Case

Ensure your expensive bottle of wine is appropriately presented in this amazing wine chest!

Wooden Chest Wine Case

For the man who likes his tipple, this gorgeous wooden wine case is a fantastic gift idea. Fill it with an equally special bottle of wine for a much appreciated Dad gift.

A Remote Control Chopper!

Remote Control Chopper controlled by iPhone, iPad or iPod!

Regardless of age or lifestyle, men love toys! This is one of the best remote control toys ever! Controlled via an iPhone or iPad, the I-Heli is a gyro-stabilised remote control helicopter that allows you to terrorise your neighbourhood or wreak havoc around the house. It can be used both indoors as well as outdoors. I-Heli is the most advanced model of the iphone helicopters, it has excellent stability making it very intuitive and easy to fly. All you need to get going is to simply plug the transmitter into any apple iPhone/iPad device, download the free iPhone app from the app store you’ll be taking off within minutes. And you’ll never need any batteries! This ingenious little copter has the latest in Lithium-Ion batteries built-in giving you superior power to weight ratio and quick-charging capabilities.

Cufflinks – Classic and Novelty designs

Super stylish cufflinks for dad to remember his birthday forever! A classic pair of blue cufflinks reflecting most blues that any man would wear. A must have in your cufflinks box!

Classic and Novelty Cufflinks

Cufflinks add class to any man’s cuffs. Surprise your dad with something special such as a pair of glass or gemstone cufflinks to add some spice to his wardrobe. Choose between classic, platinum or novelty cufflinks. As you can see above our classic cufflinks feature a chic wave design inlaid with a blue reflective enamel that captures the blue that you are wearing, or the blue that surrounds you! Alternatively, go for novelty cufflinks which come in too many varieties to list here. Above you can see our Fire Extinguisher cufflinks which will certainly be noticed! Cufflinks are a small but eye-catching gift that will add an extra bit of luxury to your dad’s wardrobe. This product is presented in a sensational white gloss thick quality cardboard box for easy wrapping.

Unique Men’s Gift Hampers

Gift dad a birthday present he will remember with consumables and keepsakes!

Armidale Gift Hamper for Men

If you want to really impress your dad on his birthday, opt for an exclusive gift hamper for men from malebox. This hamper contains a leather tie holder and a bottle of Beresford Shiraz, presented in a luxurious wine box – no wrapping needed; it’s all done for you! Check out more hampers at malebox.net.au.

Face Care Package

Make sure dad keeps his youthful appearance with this skin care package!

Riana Face Care Package – Sandalwood and Olive

If you like the idea of a hamper but feel want something other than wine, try a face care package instead. Men don’t often like to shop for grooming or personal products even though they want to look their best, so presenting a skin care hamper for dad’s Birthday is a great way to give them a gift that they will use and appreciate; especially if it’s a hamper filled with high quality products such as the Riana Sandalwood and Olive package, direct from Italy. It includes facial oil, shaving soap, cleanser and moisturizer to provide soft, supple skin and reduce the signs of aging. Most men won’t ask for this, but all of them will definitely appreciate it!

Wireless Weather Station

This Weather Station Projection Clock is a great gift for Dad

Wireless Weather Station from malebox

This wireless weather station is a unique gift for men who love their gadgets. It features a clock, alarm and weather all in one to provide a multifunctional, easy to use gift for dad.

The Ultimate Key Finder

Never lose your keys again… Dad!

The Ultimate Key Finder

This sleek, credit-card sized key finder is the must-have gift for forgetful dads. Simply attach the key fob to your keys and store the credit card transmitter in your wallet. The next time dad’s keys go missing; all he has to do is press a button and listen for the beep – no panic necessary!

Watch Box

Store his stylish watches in a safe place!

Watch Box

Created for the watch aficionado, this luxurious case will protect and store up to four watches. This glass top watch box is housed in an attractive white gloss thick quality cardboard packaging- perfect for gift presentation.

malebox Signature Ties

Mens 100% silk ties make a great birthday gift for Dad!

Men’s 100% silk ties

Give an old favourite with a new twist – malebox mens ties come in a multitude of colours and patterns with each featuring a limited edition trendsetter image on the back. Made of 100% silk and packaged in gorgeous, high gloss boxes, this gift is pure class and destined to impress.

If these ideas have given you some inspiration but you still need some more ideas, visit malebox now for some more fabulous men’s gifts!

We came across this article and had to share it with you…

Source: The Atlantic

We know many of our customer love chocolate… how? Because 90% of people love chocolate and our customers love them too… well at the rate they consume our unique mens gift hampers!

New reseearch suggests dark chocolate, eaten daily, could help prevent fatal cardiovascular events. 

Chocolate can have its benefits too!

Eating dark chocolate every day for 10 years could reduce the incidence of such cardiovascular events as heart attacks and strokes in those with metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, according to an Australian study.

The investigators developed a mathematical model to predict the health effects and cost effectiveness of daily dark chocolate consumption over 10 years. They performed a meta-analysis of several studies involving 2,013 people with high blood pressure and who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome.

Cardioprotective effects have only been demonstrated for dark chocolate (defined as containing at least 60 to 70 percent cocoa solids), and not for milk or white chocolate.

Study participants had no history of heart disease or diabetes and were not on medication to lower their blood pressure.

The researchers showed that, when study participants ate dark chocolate faithfully every day, daily dark chocolate consumption could prevent 70 non-fatal and 15 fatal cardiovascular events per 10,000 people treated over 10 years.

Even when they ate dark chocolate only eight out of every 10 days, the number of cardiovascular events prevented was 55 and 10 per 10,000 people treated over 10 years, and so could still be considered an effective intervention strategy.

Simply spending about $42 per person per year on prevention strategies involving dark chocolate consumption, including advertising, educational campaigns, or subsidizing the purchase of dark chocolate in high-risk populations, could, according to their model, produce a solid health benefit, the scientists said.
They also said that cardioprotective effects have only been demonstrated for dark chocolate (defined as containing at least 60 to 70 percent cocoa solids), and not for milk or white chocolate. This focus on dark chocolate may be due to the higher levels of flavonoids, the compounds that give chocolate its cardioprotective effects, found in dark chocolate.The authors pointed out that they only looked at the effects of dark chocolate consumption on the incidence of non-fatal stroke and non-fatal heart attack, and that its potential effects on other cardiovascular events, such as heart failure, need to be studied.

The researchers concluded, however, that the blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects of plain dark chocolate “could represent an effective and cost effective strategy for people with metabolic syndrome (and no diabetes).”

The cardioprotective effects of flavonoids in dark chocolate have previously been studied only in short-term studies. Further research is needed to determine an actual cause and effect relationship. How much dark chocolate should be eaten a day is also not clear from the study, so don’t gorge, thinking more is better; it is likely not.

The investigators published their work in the British Medical Journal.

We aren’t doctors, but we like to share information so guys can look after themselves.

So there you have it! I’m off to grab a chocolate bar…

You’ve found the perfect business shoe to suit your style and parted with a small fortune for the pleasure of adding it to your existing shoe collection – now what? Well, firstly, hats off to you – a great pair of business shoes is something no man should be without but let’s face it, it’s no inexpensive item. A pair of quality leather dress shoes can cost anywhere from $100 to $500+ so if you’re going to spend your hard-earned cash on a pair of shoes, you’ll want to protect your investment. And with proper care and love, those leather shoes will last you for years to come.

Protection

Before taking your shoes for a walk, protect them with a water and stain protector. This will help seal the leather and repel water yet still permit the leather to breathe and the moisture inside to escape. A light spray regularly will work a treat.

Tip: Clean your shoes with a brush before coating them. This will prevent dirt from being trapped between the leather and repellent. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage.

Cleaning and Polishing

Clean your shoes regularly to remove superficial dirt and stains. Use a cream-based polish to keep your shoes well shined. Polishing not only covers and repairs the damage of daily wear and tear but it also nourishes and moisturizes the leather, keeping it flexible and healthy. Make sure you don’t skip the last step. Once the polish is dry, brush it off with a horsehair brush and give the shoe a good wipe with a soft buffing cloth.

The most common mistake men make in caring for their leather shoes is using too much polish. Excess polish creates a layer of build-up, which has a negative impact on the shoes. It not only covers the natural beauty of the leather but creates a grainy texture in the creases of the shoes and the build-up scuffs easily, and attracts dust. To avoid this, use only a small amount, spread thinly over the shoe to restore the colour and lustre.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to polish your shoes too frequently. Often all that is required is a wipe-down with a brush and cloth to restore the shine.  If you need a shoe kit for home, office or when travelling grab a malebox one from our Mens Grooming Gifts store.

Tip: Take your shoes with you when purchasing polish to get the best colour match.

A great shoe shine kit for home, office or travel

Shoe Trees

Invest in shoe trees – and experts say cedar is the way to go. Moisture and leather do not make a happy pair and with your feet producing over ¼ cup of moisture on a normal day, and up to ½ cup when active – shoe trees are a must! Used consistently, cedar shoe trees can extend the life of your leather shoes up to three times their expected life span. They draw moisture out of your shoes; re-awaken the shoe’s natural structural memory; and prevent the leather from wrinkling and cracking, not to mention they leave behind a nice clean scent!

Tip: Be sure to put them in right after you take off your shoes, when the leather needs them the most.

Resting

Shoes need a day off! Even with shoe trees in, it takes a full day (about 24 hours) for your shoes to dry entirely after you’ve worn them. If you want your quality leather shoes to last longer, never wear them for two consecutive days – make sure you have at least two pairs of business shoes to alternate between.

Water Exposure

Contact with water can sometimes cause full grain leather to form small raised areas called ‘welts’ (they look like tiny bumps). This is normal, and welts will recede once the shoes are allowed to dry. Wipe the shoes dry as soon as convenient, and allow to dry naturally.

If your leather shoes are very wet, stuff them with a small towel to draw out the moisture and allow to dry naturally.

Tip: Never place your shoes near a heat source, this can dry your shoes out and crack the leather.

Ongoing maintenance

To increase the longevity of your leather-soled shoes, go to a cobbler to have a topy sole added – (a rubber piece that covers the front half of your sole). Because the topy sole only covers the front half of the sole, it allows your feet to breathe comfortably through the leather sole whilst adding further protection to your soles. For those that are concerned about slipping, the extra grip provided by the rubber piece is a bonus. A new heel piece can be added once the heel has worn down as well.

Tip: The way you walk will determine how and where the soles will wear out. Become familiar with the susceptible areas of the sole and have the necessary additions made BEFORE they completely wear through – once they wear through, there’ll be no saving your much-loved pair of leather shoes.
This may seem a lot to take in but once you establish a routine, you’ll become quicker and more efficient at maintaining your leather shoes. No matter how much effort you’ve invested in putting together a smart outfit, it’ll only take a scuffy pair of dress shoes to bring the entire ensemble down.

If you have any questions relating to shoe care or men’s shoes in general, feel free to drop us a comment below. Don’t forget to check out our guide to caring for suede.

This blog is presented by Aquila http://www.aquila.com.au/blog/article/a-mans-guide-to-shoe-care?utm_source=Aquila+Main&utm_campaign=5203bb4123-8403_May_Content_10_05_2012&utm_medium=email

Orlando Bloom with a retro yet new wave phone accessory!

With a young child and a jet-setting wife, Orlando Bloom needs to be contactable at all times. In a recent trip to LA, he opted for a phone big enough to ensure he doesn’t miss any part of the conversation. It may also be a tool to keep paparazzi a clear distance away! In the below image it’s worn as a scarf for easy access… will this catch on?

Orlando was snapped out shopping with a red handset which is more akin to a landline receiver, rather than a sleek, light and portable number. This novelty device is designed to be plugged into most mobiles.

The Retro Handset also claims to reduce up to 99 per cent of radiation emitted by regular phones – so he may have had his health in mind. There are plenty of studies that indicate that we should keep mobiles away from our brains, but what about other parts of our body? Hands, Abdomen and butt cheeks should be excluded! Who knows what type of damage the phone is doing by staying in his pocket. Maybe someone needs to do a study on that!

Fashion – The statement device stood out against 35-year-old Orlando’s casual attire of jeans, a black T-shirt and black jacket.

A good note for you healthy malebox dudes. Orlando appears to be stocking up his cupboards with healthy snacks, shopping at Whole Foods.

Back to the phone – it appears this little retro number is the latest celebrity craze. In September, Jamie Lee Curtis chattered away on a bright purple handset while using her mobile. Also, malebox favourites such as Eva Longoria, Ryan Gosling, Sam Faiers, Lenny Kravitz and David Hasselhoff (yes the HOFF) have also been spotted with the devices.

Men’s fashion is a lot different than women’s.  Trends do exist, but the classic foundations usually remain.  While women’s fashion starts to experiment on different cuts for their dresses, men’s (dress up) fashion often sticks with classical suits and accessories.  The cut and the design of the suits changes slightly and accessories change with the seasons.  If you are thinking of giving unique gifts for him for 2012, go with accessories that compliment his classic suit.  Good men’s ties are excellent gifts as they bring a whole new flavour to that all elegant suit.

Men will always get it right in (from a fashion perspective) by going classic.  There’s a reason why the men’s elegant suit, complete with matching accessories commands authority and class time and time again. There is no doubt that a classic look wouldn’t be complete and elegant without a proper men’s tie.  And men can always play around with accessories such as mixing and matching the ties they wear to give it a modern twist.  Below are some men’s ties we recommend for the season.  They are 100% silk and they are set to give a modern twist to that classic suit.

The Sydney Summer Slim Tie

This colourful tie exudes class, combined with modernism and playfulness.  It looks like an elegant tie, but the colors somehow give away a retro appeal.  This tie would be a fantastic compliment to his white, light green, blue, or light pink shirt and is a must have for this season.  Bookmark this item if you are looking for great gift ideas for him.

The Navy Blossom Tie

This tie provides another great example of bringing playfulness and modernism into that classic suit.  The silk construction of the tie enables it to be highly compatible with plain blue or white shirts.  The embroideries on the other hand give a beachcomber appeal as it would generally resemble a Hawaiian polo worn while sipping drinks at the beach.  This lovely tie talks a lot about striking a balance between elegance and modernism and is an ideal candidate for favourite guys gifts.

The Skinny Sleek Navy Tie

The elegant straight white embroidery of this silk tie provides the fine line between good and great.  As a plain blue tie, it completes the elegant suit.  But by adding the thin white stripe, it brings the appeal of a navy or sailor uniform into the equation.  Everyone loves a man in a uniform, so this tie should be a sure hit.

These wonderful gifts add a subtle touch that change a man’s wardrobe from simply good looking to elegantly stunning.  Tune in for more fantastic male gift ideas coming your way from malebox.

Whether you are considering fashionable custom ties as part of your own collection or for other men in your life e.g. dads gifts, or grooms gifts… or you are just thinking of perfect gifts for men… or if you are contemplating purchasing new designer ties for yourself, it helps if you know a little background on mens ties.  Just like electronic equipment include a user manual, seldom do we see anyone offering you assistance on how to wear or tie different ties. malebox has a huge range of classy neckties and we offer you advice on how to tie them! So here are a few of the most famous, popular and classic ways to don mens ties and complete that sharp getup for your big day…. every day.

Below are different methods of tying neckties. Learning these give you variations for your look in terms of “mens ties arsenal” and enable you to look sharp for any day or mood.

a. The Four-in-Hand Knot

The four in hand knot, which is specifically designed for certain mens ties, was classically fashionable in Great Britain during the 1850s.  As fashion changed from stiff shirt collars to soft, turned-down collars, the four-in-hand necktie knot gained popularity.  This method also became very popular as it is the easiest to learn and do.

1.    First wrap the wider end around the narrow end from behind, and then holding it with one hand so that the knot does not slip out of place.

2.    After this, wrap the broader end over the narrow end from the front so that it loops around the whole knot, and then take the broader edge of the tie and pass it through the loop.

3.    Now pull the broader end of the tie through the front loop that you have created in the previous step. Slowly tighten the loop in order to adjust the knot in the centre of your collar.

Modern office shirts with narrow sleeves and collar work best with this kind of knot.

b. The Half Windsor Knot

This knot is a bit trickier than the others. However, constant practice and experimentation would help include this knot in your routine. This type of knot is usually used during formal occasions such as business meetings or weddings, and would be a good advice if you are getting married and sharing your tie in a set, as part of your groomsmen gifts. In case your best man and groomsmen aren’t familiar with the know, they can simply follow the instructions below…

1.    As usual, always keep the broader end of the tie on your right and narrow end on your left.

2.    After this, wrap the broader end over the narrow end and hold it with your left hand.

3.    And then bring the bigger end from left to the right by passing it under the narrow end.

4.    Now, carefully pass the bigger end through the loop that you have just created.

5.    And then run it again over the knot from right to left and pass it through the loop.

6.    While holding the knot intact, pull the big end of the tie. Then adjust the knot up to your neck by pulling the narrow end.

c. The Windsor Knot

As a variant of the half Windsor knot, this knot is also used for more formal gatherings as opposed to the usual office getup, and would be a useful advice if you are giving or using an off the shelf or custom ties for special occasions, or any other day!

1.    Start with the wide end (“W”) of your necktie on the right, extending about 12 inches below the narrow end (“N”) on the left.

2.    Cross the wide end over the narrow end.

3.    Bring the wide end up through the loop between the collar and your tie.

4.    Bring the wide end back down.

5.    Pull the wide end underneath the narrow end and to the right, back through the loop and to the right again so that the wide end is inside out.

6.    Bring the wide end across the front from right to left.

7.    After this pull the wide end up through the loop again.

8.    Bring the wide end down through the knot in front.

9.    Use both of your hands to tighten the knot carefully and draw it up to the collar.

These methods of tying mens ties are necessary elements and important knowledge for all men with any fashion sense.  Each know makes your getup versatile for any situation, work or formal gatherings. Today the central clothing accessory for males apart from his shirts and trousers that exhibits his professional image is the good old necktie.  In an environment dominated by corporate perception, prosperity is determined by how people will perceive you.  And the classic mens ties maybe the perfect equaliser for you to achieve your goals. Make sure you treat this accessory with the time it deserves to choose and tie it!

It’s that time of the year where temperatures start to rise, the coats, sleeves, and thick pants go into hibernation.  People are out of the house and looking for some good clean fun in the sun.  It is during this time that most alliances are formed and lifelong memories are made.  You wouldn’t want to have him miss this exciting time and you would definitely want to give a useful gift for him that would both be classy and functional.  So check out some of our fantastic gift ideas for men that will surely liven up his summertime playtime.

1)      iSwim Waterproof Underwater Headphones and Case – Think outside the square and find this gift for him gadget that allows your man to bring his iPod or mp3 player into the water safely.  As extreme as it sounds, this brilliant mens gift is a combination of a waterproof headphone and a waterproof music player case that allows him to listen to his favourite tune while immersed in the water.  He can now enjoy the beach and go for an occasional swim without the worry of damaging his music device or phone!  Something that liberates a man from things that restrict him in his play is a mens gift that is definitely worth pursuing,  Let him jump, roll and swim all while having him play his favourite tunes.  How cool is that?!

2)      Binoculars – Men love to travel and be a first hand witness to the wonders of nature.  All men would love the adventure of trekking down the Great Ocean Road or snorkelling around the Great Barrier Reef.  Such is the appreciation that you will see on his face if you surprise him with a simple yet functional men’s gift.  Men would usually go for functionality first over style, so giving him an effective pair of binoculars and send him on his adventurous way would definitely earn you his deepest gratitude.

3)      Pocket Hammock – A time at the beach is never complete without relaxing and watching time pass you by while looking at the waves and being in awe of the wonders of nature.  There’s something about the sound of the water crashing, the cool breeze and the sand on your feet, that takes off all your worries away and allows you to enjoy the moment.  Picture a beach with majestic trees, white sands, clear water, great weather and the sunset… and what do you have missing? a hammock for your man.  Present him this fantastic men’s gift which allows him to keep a whole hammock in his bag, and launch it wherever he pleases for a relaxing, and perfect sunset, and he will surely be surprised!

These are just some of the fantastic men’s gift ideas we provide at malebox.  Browse through our rich collection of mens gifts and find the perfect gift that is sure to make your man’s day.