With the vast majority of men, metrosexuals being an exception of course, if you ask a man to dump the contents of his wallet, you’ll find a mish-mash of items such as coupons for a discount oil change or post-it notes with strange names and phone numbers. And that is just the start.   You may also find all of his expired driver’s licenses dating back 20 years, and a parking or traffic ticket, or two!  We found an interesting Q and A on this exact topic over at the Star Tribune.

And once a wallet is cleaned out, the vast majority of men will come to the startling realization that their wallet is in very sad shape indeed.  They may also realize they have a brand new wallet in their closet that a concerned friend or relative gave them as a Christmas gift after seeing the sad state of their wallet at some point in time.  But men, being creatures of habit and patterns, hate to change a routine or practice.

One item that many men will consider carrying as a substitute for a wallet is a multi-purpose money clip.  Not only are there now money clips that carry cash, many have extra room for credit cards, ID cards, and other essentials a man needs when he is out and about.  Not only is it easier on a man’s back since they don’t have to sit on that overloaded and bloated wallet all day long, but it can be carried in the front pocket which means it is much less likely he’ll be the victim of a pick-pocket or other thieves when out in public.

Check out the wide variety of money clips and other personalized leather wallets and money carriers that are available from reputable retailers on the internet, you just might be doing your man or a big favor!

-Pete

Steven Jobs may have passed on, but his legacy lives on, sometimes in rather odd and unusual ways.  With the advent of the iPod Nano 6 Generation, people have been creating wristwatch bands for their iPods. A comment from Jobs that people should design their own helped spur this on.  These bands have ranged from cheap to extravagant, and a good example of the latter is the iPocketWatch.

While the iPocketWatch is only in prototype at the moment, and the creator, Edwin Conan is looking to crowdfund the development and first production run of the product.  So this could be an item to look for in the near future.  This unique iPocketWatch is inspired by the Roman numeral watch face of the Nano and a bit of old school style.  Mr. Conan believes the pocket watch version is superior to the wristwatch type, and most people would agree that having an iPod attached to their wrist is rather annoying.

The iPocketWatch prototype includes a chain that can be connected to your belt or a belt loop.  It also features a clip on the back that can be hooked to a pocket, similar to other pocket watches for  men,  so you’ll always know it’s secure.  The case is made from gleaming aluminum and is available in two variations, a square face version that allows you access to the entire touchscreen, and a round face version that looks more like a traditional wristwatch.

Part of the touchscreen is not accessible in the round version, but users can still swipe and change tracks in this smaller window very easily.  You will be able to get one in either black or silver, and the projected selling price will in the neighborhood of $60.

You can either watch closely for the release of this product in the future, or if you’d like to roll the dice and help to finance this project, visit www.Pozible.com and donate to the financing of this intriguing product.

-Pete

The Orlando World Center Marriot in Orlando, Florida, will be the venuehosting the 2012 IAADDFS Duty Free Show of the Americas from March 11-14, 2012, and it will be the place where Zippo, the famous U.S. pocket lighter maker, will introduce not only a new product portfolio, but a new concept store design as well.  Read the full story here.

Not only will Zippo introduce new product lines, they are also expanded on their existing lines.  Their apparel lines, watches, pens, and fragrance collections will all see new additions.  According to one of Zippo’s top executives, this is perfect venue to showcase new products to the traveling consumer, and are perfect products suitable for any lifestyle.  Zippo is looking to partner with airport retailers in the United States to sell their durable and high quality products.

At the moment, Zippo has a presence at 16 airports across the country and the success with these venues has given the company reason to branch out even further.  Zippo recently has gained a license for Playboy, which will add to their best selling big name lines such as Harley Davidson, the Beatles, and Elvis.

Zippo will be showcasing their best-selling Zippo Chronograph watches at the IAADFS show in Orlando.  These watches feature simple yet innovative features that are geared for performance, with an embossed logo crown, a mirrored case back with the logo of the famed lighter maker.  You also be able to get a glimpse of their line of Zippo pens, which are available in ballpoint and rollerball styles.  These pens have a number of features such as dual twist action, spring steel clips, decorative striping, and distinctive brand accents.

If you are in the Orlando area from March 11-14, 2012, stop by the Orlando World Center Marriot and get a glimpse of some of Zippo’s newest product offerings.

How about you, what do you think of Zippo’s new product lines?

-Pete

So this is a controversial subject but one that I feel very passionately about. Product reviews. Now if you’re not sure exactly what I’m referring to (and the term is so broad that I could be referring to many things), this is it. I’m referring to the reviews on an e-commerce site of a given product that you may or may not be considering purchasing.

On the surface this seems very non-controversial right? You’re looking to buy a product, customers who previously purchased it have posted reviews on it and you buy or decide not to buy based on those reviews. Pretty straight forward. So why do I say this is a controversial subject?

Two words, fake reviews. That’s right, some companies (many companies in our estimation) hire writers, low paid workers from other countries, college students or even use their own employees to post fake, and of course glowing, reviews of their products.

How do I know this for sure? The unfortunate answer is that I don’t. At least I can’t prove it. What I can tell you is how we gather reviews from our customers, the success we have with it and what it means for our customers.

We email every customer after they place an order (except for those that request not to be emailed) requesting a product review. We get a fairly good response rate from our customers and we post their review, good or bad. Now I don’t want to brag, but we have incredibly loyal customers and the best customer service you’ll find. Our customers will never stay unhappy with us, we’ll refund them their money, no questions asked, before we’ll send them off thinking we stink. We have tons of repeat customers and they love to give us their feedback.

What does this mean for reviews. It means we get a lot of them. Even so, our top products have maybe 15 reviews (like this personalized hip flask), products that we only sell a few a year of (like these paper clip cufflinks) have no reviews. This is normal. Why do I bring this up? Because many of our competitors that sell similar products to ours, that generate less sales, have many, many more reviews than us. And all are glowing reviews.

Now I don’t begrudge them this if they are real reviews. All I can do is tell you that their customers are submitting reviews to them at a rate that is about 50 times more than our customers are. And they never have unhappy customers. Once in a while, you’ll see a compliment wrapped in a faux criticism. Like this “UPS lost the package so we didn’t receive it in time, but XYZ Company rushed a replacement right out. That’s why we only gave them 4 out of 5 stars.”

What’s my point in all of this? Be wary. Check a companies product reviews carefully. If there are never any negative reviews (and they’re not Apple!), they may be fake reviews. If the two thousand dollar solid gold money clip has 20 reviews, they may be fake reviews (the best companies sell one or two of these a year.) Check out the same product on a few different sites to get reviews from more than just one source. Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that you’re reading real reviews. Shop around, go with your guy and make sure the company has a Satisfaction Guarantee policy!

What are your thoughts on product reviews? What are you experiences with them, good and bad?

-Pete

So you may not be aware of this, but leap day, February 29th (which only occurs once every four years) has a tradition. According to Irish lore, St Bridget struck a deal with St. Patrick (yes, that St. Patrick) that once every four years, on leap day, women were allowed to propose to men.

Every other day was the reverse, the men proposed to the women, but on leap day, it was the women’s turn. This was done to try and balance out the roles, however slightly, of men and women similar to the way the day itself, leap day, balances out the calendar.

In many European countries, if a man turns a woman’s marriage proposal down on leap day, he has to gift her with 12 pairs of gloves. Its believed that this is to cover her ring-less hands!

This tradition has had a trickle down effect and now it has become tradition for women to simply buy their man a gift. Well, that’s where we come in! Gifts for men are our specialty. So if you’re looking for a leap day gift, how about a personalized or engraved business card holder or flask? Looking for something a little different, how about a gift certificate to your man’s favorite hardware store tucked inside a brand new wallet?

Dating a sports fan, well you can’t go wrong with a pair of baseball or basketball tickets (plus, this is a gift for you too)! So come on ladies, get out there and get your man something before its too late! Don’t make him wait another 4 years!

-Pete

I stumbled across an interesting Q and A session on the responsibilities of the parents of the groom. Basically, the parents of the groom’s family has always been thought of as having no responsibilities.  Yes, I know, dinner at the outback a couple of days before the wedding is called a “rehearsal dinner” and is supposed to be thrown by the groom’s side.  But that’s it.  Or is it?  And, is the rehearsal dinner itself some small responsibility or is it kind of a bid deal?

In short, the rehearsal dinner is kind of a big deal and yes, the groom’s parents have plenty of other responsibilities.  First, the rehearsal dinner. There is the choosing of guests, the sending of invitations,  the restaurant to book (and I was joking about the Outback before, its a fine restaurant, but not for a rehearsal dinner), seating and finally, the groomsmen gifts.  This last one, choosing of the gifts for the grooms wedding party is something I had no idea was the responsibility of the groom’s parents before reading this Q&A.  To be honest, I’m still not sure I agree, but this Diane Isbell (who wrote this piece) does deem herself and etiquette expert so I’ll defer to her.

Some other responsibilities include:

• Flowers for the bride, groom, both wedding parties and anyone else in the entire church that will be wearing one

• Fees for the Church, Synagogue, Mosque or any other venue that you might hold the wedding

• Marriage license

• Fees for any and all musicians at the wedding location (this does not include the entertainment at the reception)

• Any fees for the officiant to get to the wedding, like plane fare or lodging

• The cost of the honeymoon (this is a big one and one I was not aware of)

• Bachelor dinner (not sure I agree but I’ll again defer to Isbell

• Cost of getting the groom and best man to the wedding

So there you have it, and you thought the bride’s family had it tough paying for that little thing called the wedding reception! Incidentally, I know the caption above is of Steve Martin in Father of the Bride. They didn’t make a Father of the Groom!

-Pete

For all you photographers out there, we have found the  minimalist photographer’s wallet for you to carry on all of your photo shoots.  It is small, compact and holds just the essentials for a day of shooting.  Made of either black bison leather or brown kodiak leather right here in the United States, it has a really cool look and feel to it.

Features include a small pocket on the outside back, perfect for you ID,  and a slightly larger inside pocket for a few credit cards and maybe a couple of Benjamins.  The main attractions, of course, are the two small pockets that are specifically made for your camera’s memory cards.  Going on a photo shoot and then maybe meeting up with some friends for a bite to eat?  Well, you’re in luck.  Carry your cards, a few bills and safely store your memory cards all in one great looking piece of leather!

On a side note, this small, compact wallet for photographers can also double as a business card case.  Going on a shoot and then meeting up with a prospective client?  Well, once again, you’re in luck!  Store your memory cards from the shoot safely while having a business card handy for any future clients!

  What do you think of this handy little contraption?

-Pete

So this is it, we’ve found it. The ultimate gadget for today’s multi-taskingdrunk entrepreneur! Introducing the All-in-one Wallet/Money Clip/Bottle Opener/iPhone Case!

So let’s just say that you’re on line for a beer at Yankee Stadium.  Let’s assume that the beers they serve are not twist off caps but instead, caps that need to be opened with a bottle opener.  As long as we’re suspending reality, let’s pretend the beer costs $2.50 instead of $11.00!  Anyway, back to our scenario!

After a short wait (this is the new Yankeed stadium, not the old one), you are at the front of the line.  You tell the friend you’re talking to on your iPhone to hold on.  You take said iPhone and remove a $5.00 bill from the handy money clip on back to pay for your beer (or a credit card from the wallet to pay for it if we were dealing with the actual reality of an $11.00 beer!)

You get back to your seat and say goodbye to your friend.  After all, who wants to talk on the phone while drinking a beer and watching a baseball game.  You need to open your bottle of frosty suds so you again whip out your iPhone and its holder and use the bottle opener to pop the top.  Talk about an all in one tool!

You are now free to put your Wallet/Money Clip/Bottle Opener/iPhone Holder away until the next round of brew!

-Pete

So we rarely post straight up plugs for our products but we have recently added 2 new gifts for men that we thought the guy in your life might like. Drum roll please…. Personalized NFL Mugs and Personalized MLB Mugs. Both hold 15 ounces of your favorite beverage and can be engraved on back with a name, a date or both.

Guys are tough to shop for but one thing most guys have in common, they like sports and have a favorite team. Get your man a gift he’s sure to love and use again and again. The engraving on the back adds a sentimental, personal touch that he will not admit makes him feel special!

-Pete

Before you go and tell me to relax a little bit, it’s only February, not even close to wedding season, let me tell you this. I know! One thing I’ve learned over the last 10 years of selling gifts for groomsmen and ushers its that the traditional wedding season has changed. Couples are getting married all year round these days. That being said, the spring is still the most popular wedding season and believe it or not, its just around the corner.

So, with no further ado, I present to you our list of this years Top Ten Groomsmen Gift Ideas. Disclaimer, we sell all of these products!

• 1) 64 Ounce Super-sized flask. This massive flask is more of a humorousgift than something your friend will actually use, however, it is hysterical. Just wait until you see the face on your groomsmen when you traipse these out! On a side note, they are perfect to tote wine, sangria or a mixed drink to a picnic or family gathering.
  
  
  
  

• 2) Classic Square Personalized Cufflinks.   These classic cufflinks are ideal for keeping the cuffs of your groomsmen sealed tight while they stand up for you on your big day.  The square flat front will showcase their initials and they are a gift that your friends can use for the rest of their lives.  Sure, you can go with some novelty cufflinks or a set that says “Groomsman” on it but they are likely to stay in a dresser drawer for eternity.
  
  
  
  

• 3) Classic Bifold Personalized Wallet.   If you’re looking for a gift for yourgroomsmen that they’ll use forever, then look no further.  What guy can’t use a classic leather wallet?  Answer: They all can!  Add each of your friends initials to the face of their wallets for a personal touch.  The bonus, your wedding party will be able to hold a whole bunch of singles in their wallets to tip the bartenders!
  
  
  
  

• 4) Classic Polished Money Clip.  Thinking that maybe a wallet is too bulky for your guys?  Not sure we agree but we respect your opinion so we bring youthe classic money clip.  A simple solid single piece of metal folded on top of itself.  You’ll find no more secure grip of your cash and no more elegant way to hold it.  Add a set of initials or even a name and a date free of charge for a great personal touch, your groomsmen will appreciate it!
  
  

• 5)  Classic Polished Business Card Holder.    Noticing a trend?  Classic is in.  And by classic, we mean smooth, polished, clean and elegant.   Thispolished business card holder fits right in with that description!  Made of solid stainless steel and polished to a high sheen, this is the perfect gift for the young professionals in your wedding party.   Engrave their names and job titles for a gift they’ll use all the time!
  
  

• 6) NFL Beer Mug.    Got some NFL fanatics in your wedding party?  Maybe they drink beer too?  Well, if both of these conditions are met, then an NFLbeer mug just may be the perfect gift for them.  Available in all 32 teams, each mug features a pewter emblem with the NFL team logo of their choice.  Laser engrave the groomsman’s name and your wedding date on the back for a special memento.
  
  

• 7) Personalized Barbecue Set.  Got some grill masters in your wedding party?   Well if you do, then one of our BBQ sets with their name and a quirky message personalized on the lid just may be the perfect gift for them.  Each BBQ set comes with 3 tools: a pair of tongs, a spatula and steak fork.  The lid engraving is done using a powerful laser for a really cool look and the tools are packed in cut out foam to keep them in pristine condition.
  
  

• Groomsman’s Survival Kit.   Well, I think the name says it all.  Gift yourgroomsmen one of these handy little sets and they will be covered from pre-wedding photos to the post reception cigar.  It includes a small tubular flask to have a nip or two prior to the Church, a leatherette case with slots for credit cards and a cigar cutter and cigar holder to light that post reception stogie.  Free engraving on the cigar holder and flask add the perfect personal touch.
  
  

• 9) Personalized Man Cave Sign.  Nothing is hotter than man caves now sowhether your groomsmen have full-fledged dens complete with pool tables and dart boards or they just have small office that they call their own, a personalized man cave sign is a necessity.  Now granted, there is nothing on this sign that commemorates your big day but you can rest assured that your buddies will think of you every time they raise a frosty one in their man cave!
  
  

• 10) Personalized Wooden Lockblade Knife.  Now this one’s a little different.  This gift is really more for your rugged out-doorsy type.  Of course, so are SUVs and pick up trucks  but that doesn’t keep just about every guy from buying one.  Know any guys that have pick up trucks that are not what you’d call man’s men?  So do I.  Think they’d appreciate a handsome wooden lockblade knife with their name burnished into it?  So do I!
  
  
  
  

  So that’s it, our top ten list of groomsmen gifts for 2012.  There were some tough decisions and some really cool items didn’t make the cut.   Got some other cool ideas for gifts, by all means comment below!
  
  
  
  

  -Pete

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