Fine and Dandy's Matt Fox (l) and Enrique Crame III (r). Source: Jenny Anderson

Exclusive Gift Guide: A 'Fine and Dandy' Holiday

Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 5 MIN.

As all of the holiday gift guides roll out, you can be sure of one thing: taste is subjective. That's why this year we're relying on a diverse collection of LGBT influencers to offer their favorite picks.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average American spends a whopping $700 on gift giving. That's some big bucks. So why not take advice from some experts? Just be sure to budget a little something for yourself.

What's old is new again when it comes to Fine and Dandy, a charming retailer located in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. Launched in 2008 as an online shop by Matt Fox and Enrique Crame III, the couple opened their brick-and-mortar store in 2012, and it's been a hit of dapper gentlemen and those who love them ever since.

Here are the couple's picks for the holiday season...

Fine and Dandy Horn Comb
"We're all about stylish upgrades, and these combs are just that. Carved from horn with a gently scalloped arched top, the coloration on each one is a little bit different and will be a welcome replacement for the cheap plastic version."
$10

Blanket Scarf
"Several seasons ago, we had a beautiful piece of wool fabric and decided to make it into small lap blankets. Customers immediately wore them as oversized scarves. We've added more and more styles over the last couple of seasons, and they've been a top seller. Not to mention this winter is supposed to be brutal!"
$79

WTSO (Wines 'Til Sold Out)
"As small business owners, convenience is essential. In the last few months we discovered this app, which has been a game changer for us and makes the perfect gift for your favorite oenophile. WTSO is a wine-liquidation company, offering an average 50 percent discount and free shipping with minimum orders."
Prices vary.

Quick Wax Earplugs
"We were given a pack several years ago and it changed our lives - well, at least when it comes to traveling. We've used earplugs in the past but without much luck. Every January we vacation in Mexico. We pop these guys in on the plane, and all the crying babies, snoring neighbors, etc., disappear. The perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who likes to travel!"
$12

We Are Dandy
"Photographer Rose Callahan and writer Natty Adams' first book, 'I Am Dandy,' showcasing well-dressed men throughout the world, was published in 2013 to great acclaim. Their second book, 'We Are Dandy,' is coming out later this year. We've had a sneak peek of some of the photos, and we're confident that the book will fit in perfectly on the coffee table of any fashionisto."

You'll have to gift an I.O.U. for the latest volume, which doesn't drop until January 2017. But it's worth the wait!
$60

Charitable Giving: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
"Before Fine and Dandy, Matt was the house manager at Broadway theaters and worked firsthand with BC/EFA. It's an extraordinary organization, raising more than $250 million for AIDS and other charitable causes since its inception in 1988. Their tagline says it all: 'What we do together makes a difference.' "

Check out their online gift store, or simply make a charitable donation on their behalf.


by Matthew Wexler

Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.

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