Daniel's Men's Fashion / Grooming Blog

With the tenuous economy we seem to be experiencing lately, it might be wise to buy some gifts "on the cheap" for your grad or dad. There is no need to spend a fortune anyway, you can find nice gifts that won't leave you with a nasty credit card bill. So here are six gifts under twenty-five bucks I think many dads and grads would enjoy, and I would like to receive myself.

It's easy to shop for gifts for high school and college grads. This is because they are entering new phases in their lives and they have many needs. This is where they need your help. I know the options are endless, but I suggest practical gifts. I have provided some helpful gift ideas to get you started.

Finding modern and stylish men's sport shirts you can with jeans and a cool blazer (like one in velvet) is a must. Among others, Hugo Boss and Guess? make some great ones. The shirts I have highlighted in this gallery are all pretty dang cool. And for further reading on the topic, See my article Don't Treat Your Sport Shirts Like They Are Dress Shirts.

Photo courtesy of Macy's

Everybody likes to wear fun tees when kickin' it on the weekends or having a casual night out on the town. The t-shirt market has taken on a life of its own. Some shops sell almost exclusively tees (and sometimes they're seriously expensive). It's a little overwhelming. I have picked out a few designs that I really like. Have a look at some of my favorite summer tees for men.

Photo courtesy of Zappos.com

I buy at least a couple of pairs of flip flops every spring because I love to wear them and get lots of use out of them. In leather they look great with a favorite pair of jeans and can be worn into the evening on those warm summer nights. They are the ultimate summer item. Here I have chosen my top picks in men's flip flops from super casual to dressy.

I don't know anybody who doesn't love warm weather. I live for it, but then why do I live in Seattle? Hmmm. One of the things I love the most about the summer season is loose fitting, lightweight clothes--well, at least when I'm not at the office. Here are some of my favorite men's short sleeve summer shirts that are smart and stylish.

Photo courtesy of Macy's

There is no accessory quite like sunglasses. You can be wearing sloppy clothes but a great pair of sunglasses can turn your look, or lack of one, around. Check out some of my top picks in men's sunglasses, some of which are expensive and some that are not. Either way, these men's sunglasses are stylish if not downright cool.

It wasn't until around World War II, when many soldiers were in tropical locations, did adult men begin to wear shorts. Before then, guys had to endure the summer in long pants. Thankfully those days are over and now shorts are a wardrobe mainstay no matter where you might live. Shorts don't have to be dull either. Aside from plain colors and styles, they come in fun prints such as plaids. So maybe you need some shorts for an upcoming vacation? Perhaps you just need a new pair for this spring and summer season. See my Top 8 Picks in Men's Shorts for Spring/Summer '08.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

The retro sneaker is bigger than ever and the perfect thing to wear in the spring and summer. I love retro styles in sneakers which is why I own many pairs. They are easy to wear with jeans and make a stylish replacement to your average athletic shoe. They also compliment graphic tees which are really popular these days. Check out my top choices in retro sneakers, you might find a pair that suits you.

Photo courtesy of Zappos.com

Most of the country has been experiencing rather bizarre weather this spring. Here in the Northwest it has been extremely cold like it's still winter. It has even been snowing and haling. However, there were a couple of sunny days amongst our prolonged winter and like everyone I know, I took advantage. It was great to be outside, but I paid dearly for it. I forgot to wear sunscreen and ended up with a severe sunburn. It's this time of year when wearing sunscreen even on overcast days becomes more important. See my Top 6 Sunscreens and Sunblocks for Men or Face Moisturizers for Men with SPF.