Dark wood, leather chairs, exposed brick, and an array of unique products are some things you’ll find in Manready Mercantile, located in the heart of The Heights. This store is the epitome of ‘cool.’ It is primarily a men’s store, but some of the items are, in fact, unisex. For those of you who haven’t heard of or been to Manready, think of it as a friend’s extremely stylish living room that just happens to be filled with the coolest items around (brands from all over, along with Manready’s flagship line), ranging from apothecary, clothes, accessories, food, and more, even a fully stocked bar, because let’s be honest, shopping is that much better with whiskey in hand (I prefer wine, husband prefers whiskey).
When thinking of what to do for a Father’s Day related story, it took us not even a minute to decide to primarily focus on Manready. There is no better place to shop for men’s gifts, and we just love their story and what they stand for (and most of the products are made right here in the USA).
Julie here today, and I’ve rounded up a gift guide of sorts for you for the upcoming holiday. It was beyond difficult to narrow it down, so I have 27 (yes, 27!) gift ideas for you to peruse, and fun facts on each. If you live in Houston, go over and pop into this incredible shop before Sunday, and if you don’t live in town, place an order online! Now, lets get into it, shall we? (Items with * come from Manready’s Flagship Line)
1. Wax Dipped Whiskey Glasses* – Each glass is individually hand dipped in a black polymer to give a dripping wax look.
2. Whiskey Soaked Toothpicks – The finest quality Northern White Birch toothpicks. Made with very good, very old, very expensive single malt scotch. For the man who has everything.
3. Whiskey Soaked Campfire Jerky* – Beef soaked overnight in Bulleit Bourbon whiskey and then slow smoked in a vintage smokehouse with Texas pecan wood. Is your mouth watering yet?
4. Solid Travel Cologne – Does he travel a lot? These colognes are solid, so they are easy to transport and they can’t spill in their luggage.
5. The Noble Series Soy Candles* – This is THE product that started Manready Mercantile. Founder T.S. Weaver took whiskey glasses from his pantry, bought soy wax and essential oil and started making candles on his stove, and went door to door to sell them.
6. Work Hard, Live Well Tee* – The softest tee with Manready’s inspiring slogan front and center. A guy can never have too many shirts. (P.S. This is of those unisex items considering I own this and love it!)
7. The Burroughs Osage Orange Best Badger Knot – Made from exotic woods and crafted in a way that no two handles will be exactly the same. Extremely soft and gentle.
8. Duck Fat Caramels – Mouthwatering caramel. Won Garden & Gun’s Made in the South Award – first place in the food category!
9. Travel Size Traveler’s Skin Care Kit – The perfect travel kit, filled with face wash, shave cream, face balm, and five tonic-infused bamboo face wipes (all in a reusable tin).
10. Dopp Kit – Get rid of your man’s beat up old dopp kit, and get your hands on this fine leather and waxed canvas one.
11. Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer – If he likes a great Old Fashioned, this is the gift. Stir one part mixer four parts whiskey, ice, and that’s it. The perfect Old Fashioned.
12. US Aviator Teal Socks – Colorful, printed socks for men are all the rage these days, and this is only one of the many options they stock in store.
13. Cherry Wood Valet Tray – Made out of sustainably-harvested hardwoods. This little tray is great for keys, phone, wallet…the essentials.
14. Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag – No longer will he carry a paper bag or unfashionable lunch kit. This lunch bag is modern and extremely stylish.
15. Brass Money Clip – These clips are cut, engraved, tumbled, and bent to shape in Brooklyn. Made out of solid brass.
16. Northwesterner Bag – Now he’s stylin’. This bag is handcrafted with the softest of leathers and metal hardware that makes this not only so good looking, but very functional, too.
17. Fieldnotes Wallet – Multi-purpose wallet. Fits cash, cards, and a side slip ideal for a little notebook so he can jot down notes on the go.
18. Ebbets Field TX Ballcap x Manready collaboration* – Inspired by traditional cattle brands and manufactured by world famous Ebbets Field Flannels.
19. Work Hard, Live Well Mug – Leather covered mason jar mugs hand stamped with Manready’s slogan.
20. Buffalo & Bone Bi-Colore Pocket Knife – Timeless knife. No two are the same. Each blade is hand-drawn and forged from repurposed steel.
21. Tub Soak Bath Salts in Whiskey Bottle* – Specialized dead sea salt blend in a whiskey bottle. Indulgent.
22. Mayron’s Goods – Sun Stuff – Zinc sunblock packaged for travel and easy access (and it won’t spill)! Made with no chemicals.
23. Work Hard, Live Well Coasters – Handcrafted leather coasters with ‘Work Hard, Live Well’ stamped in the center. Great for hot or cold drinks.
24. Walnut Canby Grey Polarized Lens Sunglasses – Classic wayfarer shape built with exotic wood. Timeless.
25. Braided Leather Bracelet – 8-ply braided leather bracelets. Magnetic closure encased in a .22 bullet shell. Can be dressed up or down.
26. Horween Brown Shell Cordovan Custom Wallet – Not your average wallet. Designed by Founder Travis Weaver and made here in Houston. Made from some of the best leather you can buy. Slanted pocketing designed to make it easier to grab cards and cash.
27. Leather Handkerchiefs* – Handmade, hand dyed, hand cut. For Manready’s 1 year anniversary of their store, they teamed up with Saint Rita Parlor to design these.
Our summer intern, Audrey, and me from our visit to Manready