Shop Local: Gifts for Men in Maplewood Brentwood

Many men pride themselves on their simplicity, but take it from me – holiday shopping for a man is rarely ever easy. As a woman, I find it difficult to enter the mindset of a man; I always worry that my gift is too feminine or not “manly enough." What’s a girl to do?

For this week’s Shop Local holiday guide, I called upon guys in Maplewood and Brentwood to lead me in the right direction of perfect “man gifts." Doing some holiday shopping for dad, grandpa, or older brother? This list will satisfy even the manliest of men.

And don't forget to check out last week's guide: .

TwinOak Wood Fired Fare is the newest wood-fired pizza joint to hit Brentwood. This popular restaurant is run by three men – two twins and their father – and serves up dishes like Chicken Wings ($7), Caesar Salad ($10), or the ever-popular B.L.T. Pizza ($11). Buy the man in your life a gift card to TwinOak, or better yet – take him there yourself! TwinOak Time is TwinOak's version of happy hour; from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and for the last hour of every night, guests can enjoy half price pizzas, $2 off ribs and wings, and $1 off all drinks. Catch a St. Louis Blues game on the flatscreen TV, enjoy a piping hot pizza, and guzzle a cold beer. What man would refuse an offer like that?

Can he fix it? Yes he can! What man doesn’t have a little Bob the Builder in him? Instead of chuckling at my preschool children’s show reference, hike it over to Westlake Hardware in Brentwood, where you can find a number of items for dad’s next DIY project. I'll admit it – when I walked into Westlake Ace Hardware, I felt like a fish out of water. However, the friendly sales associates made me feel right at home amongst all of the power tools and accessories. Even my fellow shoppers were friendly! Maplewood resident Patrick Gerau gave me a pro tip: "Pick up a cordless power drill – anyone into building will love it." Done and done! I spotted a Black & Decker 7.2 Volt Cordless Drill ($37.99) that fit the bill without breaking the bank. Other manly-man items? The Rib Rack ($14.99) and Stainless Steel 4 Piece BBQ Tool Set ($25.99) would make great holiday gifts.

What man doesn’t enjoy a hearty cut of meat? Baumann’s has been filling that need since 1946 in Brentwood. This cozy shop has everything you'd need to make the guy on your holiday shopping list happy. Pick up some Ozark Sugar Maple Chunks ($7.99) – this BBQ smoking wood will lend a great flavor to grilled meats. Baumann's also has a great variety of Char Crust Dry Rub Seasoning ($5.99) in flavors like Original Hickory Grilled or Roasted Garlic Peppercorn. However, the item that caught my eye was the Man Dip ($5.99). This spicy sausage and cheese dip would be a great stocking stuffer. And isn't that name just perfect?

Mmm... beer. Make your man’s inner Homer Simpson happy with a growler from Bottleworks. Fill it with seasonal flavors like Christmas Ale, Coffee Stout, or Winter ESB. If you’d rather skip the alcohol, give the gift shop at Bottleworks a try. The Pale Ale Beer Soap ($8.50) would make a fun stocking stuffer. There are also a great variety of Schlafly Baseball Hats ($16) for the die-hard Schlafly fan. Better yet, pick up a Growler Cooler ($16.99)—this cozy cooler will keep your man's Schlafly Pale Ale ice cold. Delicious.