10 Great Holiday Gifts for Butches

Ah, holidays.  Whether for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Boxing Day, chances are, you're on the lookout for gifts for the butch in your life.  Since many of us don't like conventional girly stuff, we can seem tough to shop for at first.  But don't despair!  Here are 10 great gift ideas.

1.  Cool bracelet or necklace.  Some butches don't like jewelry, but many of us do, especially if it's androgynous and versatile.  Personally, I'm coveting this Rothko-inspired one by Retimade (pictured), which would look awesome with a button-up shirt and fresh haircut.  I'm also partial to Audiyo's bracelets (made from recycled guitar parts).

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2. Headlamp.  Whether we're fixing the car, or just trying to find the cat in the backyard at night, headlamps are a delightfully dorky, hands-free flashlight.  Totally functional. 

3. High-quality shirt.  You need to know her measurements first, but once you do, why not treat your butch to a really awesome shirt from somewhere like Brooks Brothers?  Or even better, take her to a shop where she can get measured and pick out the fabric for a custom-made shirt!  I've personally never had one of these pricey (~$200) numbers, but supposedly the fit is terrific, and especially great for women who usually have difficulty fitting men's shirts to their body.

4. Massage.  Top or bottom tendencies aside, many butches appreciate a good rub-down.  Choose a not-too-girly spa with tons of privacy, and buy your butch a gift certificate there.  (Note: if you're not the butch's lover or a really close friend, choose something else or you'll look creepy!)

5. Something From Lucky Dog Leather.  Virtually everything these guys make is super cool, and they have some great designs that are stylish without being showy and come in enough sizes to accommodate any butch, no matter how big-boned or tiny-wristed.  One of my personal favorites is their ring belt ($82) in brown and antique brass.  I'm really into some of their cuffs, too.

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6. Tickets.  These can be tickets to a concert, a play, a sporting event, a reading, a circus--anything your butch loves.  It doesn't even have to be something the two of you would both enjoy.  If you hate football or ballet or whatever she's into, give her two tickets and send her off with a buddy.  We won't think you're trying to get us out of the house; we'll think you're observant and thoughtful.  And trust us, we'll have more fun if we're with someone who also enjoys the event.

7. Music.  And speaking of good music, audiophile butches who don't already own them might enjoy some of 2011's excellent offerings, which include Fleet Foxes' Helplessness Blues and Bon Iver's Bon Iver.

8. An Interesting Found Object.  Since this isn't exactly a period of worldwide financial bliss, many of us are looking for ways to cut costs.  And gift-giving can add up fast.  Why not make a pact with your sweetie to give each other something cool that you found in the natural world?  An abandoned bird's nest or unusual rock can make a memorable gift.

9. Glasses.  After Bee Listy's excellent post on the matter, I've had Warby Parker on the brain.  This socially responsible company donates a pair of glasses for every pair sold, and they even have a free home try-on program so that you can try out up to five different frames at a time.  Their glasses are $95/pair, lenses included.  As me and my bespectacled butch buddies know, this is a heck of a deal.  Give a gift certificate and let her pick!

10. Pocket Knife.  Admittedly, the toughest thing it's ever had to saw through is heavy-duty packing tape, but I nonetheless love my Gerber Paraframe Pocket Knife, which can be had for around $20-$25.  It's lightweight, has a partly-serrated blade, and isn't so large that it feels unwieldy in my hand.  I'm guessing it would be a great fit for many a butch.  The one pictured here is a 3.5-in. blade like mine, but there's also a mini version--and I'm guessing, a larger one as well.

There you have it, folks--10 gift ideas for the butch in your life.  Stay tuned for my next post, in which I'll suggest at least 10 more!  What are YOU planning to buy for the butches in your life?  And butches, what are you hoping to find under the tree?

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