Sometimes the hardest question to answer is what you want for the holidays. Especially when you spend so much of your time in service to others the way barbers do. Don't get caught guessing this year! Be ready and stay ready with this thoughtfully curated list of items for you or the ones care about. Ranging from barber essentials to spirits that get you lifted, we've got you covered.

Barber Gifts and Gear for under $100‍

• Give your clients the 5-Diamond treatment with these Get Fresh, Stay Fresh pre-moisturized towelettes.

• Save your back and shoulders and when you travel with this waterproof professional barber backpack.

• Everyone will look twice when you walk into the "office" with this barber carrying case.

• Smocks are cool, but that barber apron that holds all your tools slaps. Get this and keep clean and stay sharp.

• Got a shop? Let everyone know with this Mane Tame 33 inch, Rotating Barber Pole.

• Make those long days on your feet more comfortable with these Doctor Scholl's foam insoles for men and women.

• Keep those blades set with the Rich Barber 10 Second Blade Setter.

• It's always good to have more than one ring light in the rotation, or maybe this can be your first. Tell them you want a 16-inch Ring Light.

Smell Goods

‍The Tony Rouse Candle Collection

Atlanta-based Tony Rouse is an award-winning entrepreneur and brand strategist who has utilized his globetrotting to create a collection of candles. Not only are they are aromatically complex and satisfying, but they come with empowering names to inspire those who strive for excellence. Check out their descriptions:

• God, a blend of fresh mist and amber.
• Kingpin, a combination of spiced bergamot and leather.
• Mogul, a motivating mix of citrus and sandalwood.
• Power, the joined aromas of smoke plum and cedarwood emulating fire.
• Savage, a scent that infuses dark chocolate and pine.
• Titan, ideal for relaxation, is a union of lavender and musk.

Brother Rouse also has a Signature Tony Rouse Cologne highlighting notes of spiced citrus and patchouli that is more than worthy to wear to affairs and business meetings where you want to make a serious impression. It's safe to say he has the smell game on lock!‍

They Say: The sample set includes six 4-ounce matte black travel tins, packaged in a gift box for $95. The individual 10 oz. candles are housed in an illuminating, custom etched matte black glass jar. They boast an engraved natural wood logo for $100 each. Additional sizing options are available on the website. With the holidays approaching and ideal for any occasion throughout the year, from decompressing at home to gift-giving, each Tony Rouse candle is a proprietary soy wax blend, made from the finest ingredients and hand-poured with care.

Ovation for Men a fragrance by Shawn Crenshaw

Speaking of smell good, don't sleep on Ovation for Men by entrepreneur Shawn Crenshaw, a Black Cornell University graduate who defied the odds to become a success in the olfactory industry. This Eau de Parfum proudly boasts an impressive combination of notes, including cardamom, leather, tobacco, vanilla, vetiver, and amber that lasts for hours. Every bold and proud man deserves an Ovation.‍

* Feeling generous for the holidays, Ovation is also blessing us with a $20 discount using the promo code "ovation21" on the site!

They Say: Ovation is a celebration of the king inside every man. Experience a magnetic fragrance rich in the confidence, style, and attitude of today's influential men of color. Confidence exudes from its aromatic citrus and lingering woodsy notes. Style is characterized by the bottle's sleek, timeless design. Attitude is defined by the long-lasting impression each spray leaves behind. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Stand out with a uniquely gentle yet masculine fragrance worthy of applause.

Get Lifted‍

VESSEL Products

For those who love the flowers that can be smoked—okay, cannabis—VESSEL is making sure it's done with style and optimal design. Hit up their site and look at the various luxurious accessories available to pack dry herb in to enjoy. From dope vape pens like the Craftsman in Walnut, to batteries, grinders, and the "just add flower" Eclipse Kit complete with a "…waterproof stash jar, an inverted lighter and Air one-hitter which is tapered like a pre-roll and handcrafted with a sandblasted, smoked glass finish" enclosed in a zippered case, VESSEL brings that fire.
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They Say: Vessel is a community-led, Korean-American-owned company that uplifts the cannabis consumption experience with its luxury accessories, including a high-end line of vape pen batteries and a new dry herb kit. Thoughtfully designed with the user experience in mind, Vessel batteries feature optimized airflow technology, low-temperature settings, and extra-long battery life.‍

Drink Up

Dashfire Old Fashioned Variety Pack

Proudly family-owned producers of artisanal bitters and canned cocktails, Dashfire boasts that they have produced the first-ever Old Fashioned Variety Pack. You get a trio of variations, including Bourbon (38% ABV), Rum (35%), and Rye & Ginger (35%) packaged in stylish 100ml cans. Great for concerts, outdoor events, parties, the beach, or simply inside the house, Dashfire helps spirit enthusiasts get their sip on when on the go.‍

They Say: Dashfire owner Lee Egbert says, "This variety pack collection of Old Fashioneds has allowed us to use unique base spirits and then build an entire flavor profile around that base spirit. So, if you know someone who loves Old Fashioneds, we think this is absolutely the perfect gift for them."

Drift Cocktails

Staying on the canned adult libations, Drift Cocktails just hit the shelves and is making a huge splash in the South featuring organic spirits fused with natural fruit flavors and carbonated mineral water but with a kick at 7% ABV. Currently, they have a duo of organic vodka concoctions — Meyer Lemon and Blood Orange — with Tequila Lime crafted with agave tequila blanco. For those watching their waists, Drift's cocktails are a mere 85 calories per 12-ounce can. Delicious, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion, Drift is blowing up and for good reason. ‍

They Say: "Drift is so much more than refreshing cocktails conveniently presented in cans," says expert distiller and co-founder Doug Mulford. "Drift is a lifestyle, it's a feeling, it's a state of mind. For those that just want to 'Sip Back and Relax,' or those who want to 'Go Awesome,' Drift is for mixes concocted by people that love the outdoors, love experiences, and love being together!"

Motu Viget Brut

From the minds of a collective of Black entrepreneurs, including lyrical assassin Willie The Kid, and the Saint Julian Winery in West Michigan, the Motu Viget Brut (Mo-To Vi-Jay) sparkling wine has lovers going in a frenzy to cop more. Tasting notes include fresh pear, apple, and semi-sweet finish of honey packaged in a swanky foil-crowned bottle set at 13% ABV.

You can cop this bubbly online for a wallet-friendly $15.99 retail, so show off with multiple bottles at the next celebration, food pairing, nightcap… you pick the venue to pop the cork. Look out for their Avani Supreme vodka and Eye Candy sweet rosé as well. They're making moves!‍

They Say: Welcome to your moment with Motu Viget. We are a heritage wine and spirits company based In Grand Rapids, Michigan, that crafts authentic and original offerings, including Motu Viget Brut – a semi-dry, sparkling wine; Avani Supreme – a corn-distilled vodka; and Eye Candy – a floral, sweet rosé. With Motu Viget Brut, grab one for yourself, surprise a special someone, or delight the whole crew with our premier bubbly. No matter the occasion, our namesake Brut is sure to keep things sparkling.

Piano Keys Chocolate and Vanilla Imperial Stout

It's a shameless plug because it's our very own Ale Sharpton's beer. One taste of this silky, smooth collaboration he did with brewing giant New Belgium will make any lover of chocolate, especially dark chocolate and vanilla, an instant fan. It's brewed at a potent 10% ABV coming in a four-pack of 16-ounce cans, and every purchase supports Fair Trade workers in Uganda. It gives a percentage of the proceeds to progressive organizations. So far, purchases have benefited youth organizations, aspiring chefs, Black farmers, and community gardens, especially in the Atlanta area via the BrewGether fund. Trust, Piano Keys is the truth in taste and addressing community initiatives.‍

We Say: Piano Keys is an ongoing collaboration with New Belgium Brewing Company and craft beer ambassador, Ale Sharpton, that features rich and roasted specialty malts married with Atlanta's own XOCOLATL cocoa nibs and Ugandan vanilla beans. Decadent aromas of fig and dark chocolate are balanced by the soft, sweet flavor of vanilla for an Imperial Stout that rewards in more ways than one. ‍

Keurig K-Express

There's more than one type of "brew" in this category. Keurig is perfect for that coffee lover who doesn't want to commit a whole pot to make one cup. The Keurig K-Express justifies its moniker; it takes under two minutes to put your cup at the bottom, insert a signature K-Cup pod—there are literally hundreds of flavors and brands to choose from—close the K-Express' top, press the cup size, and be out in seconds. The STRONG button for coffee intensity, three cup sizes—8, 10, or 12-ounce per session—and the slick look and "Keurig" on the machine overall steps up your kitchen counter's game. Don't feel bad if you keep it for yourself. I did.

Fresh Victor Mixers

Fresh Victor Mixers are the perfect complement to especially holiday gatherings. These 16-oz mixers come ready to pour with flavors ranging from Cucumber and Lime to Cactus Pear and Pomegranate. Great for having in the refrigerator for when company comes over or to bring to friends as a gift. Just add your liquor of choice, pour over ice, hook up a garnish, and you'll be whipping up artisanal cocktails for your guests in seconds. Even more impressive is all the boxes they check, including being gluten-free, vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and clean label. Not mad at them!‍

They Say: Fresh Victor is here to let you put down the citrus press and get back to the party. These mixers are elegantly balanced to perfectly incorporate everything from your favorite spirit, beer, or wine to seltzer, tonic or tea for a kicking mocktail. Drink up!

Keep Cool‍

Orca Walker 20 Cooler

When it comes to transporting beverages, camping, hitting up the beach, hiking, bussin' spades in the park, or whatever your move is for the day, Orca coolers is all about that life. Regardless of your beverages of choice, the ORCA Walker 20 cooler can fit 20 cans of them. Everything is chill about this mobile device. It features high-tech insulation for multiple-day cold retention, a magnetic split handle, a padded shoulder strap, and the ability to hold 20 pounds of ice lasting up to 24 hours. Orca also has cups and other products geared towards anything you sip being ice cold. As an added plus, all coolers come with a lifetime guarantee. Oh, they look fly too. ‍

They Say: At Orca, we pride ourselves on making coolers that will stand up to the test, no matter what your adventure. So much so, we guarantee every one of our coolers for life.

Gear Up‍

Levi's Gift Card

Levi's? Yes, Levis! You can never go wrong with getting someone either a physical or "EGift" card version to this iconic denim company. Focused on being more inclusive to everyone's lifestyle, their jackets, jeans, shirts, bags, and even models they use have gotten funkier and more diverse. If there is one clothing company to pick from where someone can find something to wear without breaking the bank, it's Levi's. It's the thought that counts, and this one will have you looking sharp no matter what. Don't sleep on their free Red Tab member program for exclusive perks, too.‍

Happy Holidays! Stay sharp!‍

DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON A.K.A. ALE SHARPTON is a beer, auto, travel, food, sports, music & clothing fanatic, an award-winning journalist, photographer, and creative director.

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