Mod Gone Wrong: Holiday Gifts to Avoid

First off, TODAY'S THE LAST DAY to enter the Mod Male drawing I posted about last week for a chance to win a small set of men's accessories: 2 vintage Ernst ties, a brand-new pocket square, and a brand-new pair of Bugatchi Uomo socks! For full details (and photos of items), visit Gifts for the Mod Male in YOUR Life and scroll to the bottom. But for the short version, all you have to do is one of two things:

1. Become a follower of this blog, if you're not already, and leave a comment on the blog telling me what your favorite clothing accessory (male or female) is. Or,
2. 'Like' the MOD MALE Facebook page and leave a comment on the page, telling me what your favorite clothing accessory (male or female) is.

Contest ends Tuesday, December 21st, at 6:00pm PST (that's tonight)! Good luck!

Now, let's move on with this week's post...
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Last week, I offered up some gift suggestions for Mod males who are into a more refined style. This week, I'm doing the opposite.

I'd like to help you prevent any potential gift-giving malfunctions as you search out something special for that Mod guy in your life. And if any of these items are on his Christmas list, well, give him the gift of not looking silly by avoiding these.

First up, this little insta-Mod packet of badges (or pins):  

Okay, it's true... I would have totally bought this. When I was 16 years old!

In one fell Hot Topic-esque swoop, you get a small collection of badges representing just about every tired Mod cliche there is. Resist the urge though! Unless you're getting this for your 14-year-old nephew/niece who is starting to show an interest in Mod stuff, just walk away. The experienced Mod male (or female) in your life should totally be beyond this stage of Modism... hopefully.

How about a little slice of blasphemy to help ring in the holidays with this great little t-shirt:

Yes, Jesus on a scooter. This is real.

I hope you're as offended by this shirt as I am. Just look at that horrible graphic design! Basic sans-serif caps running crooked all over that shirt with no visual flow whatsoever, punctuated, of course, by a basic target... ugh! And let's not get into the bad silkscreen job.

Now, maybe you want to spend some clean cash on your favorite Mod male. Well, you can put that money toward a nice bespoke shirt, a new Technics turntable for all those dusty 45s, or this piece of military wear from Pretty Green:

Yes, a blue camouflage 'designer' army parka... the perfect gift for anyone looking to 'hide out' in a dark urban setting. How much will this gift set you back? Only SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS! Be warned though: if you two are walking down a city street during the evening, there's a good chance the wearer of this coat will just disappear into the night.

And while we're on the topic of bad clothing ideas for gifts, let's not forget this modern classic:

A wife-beater A tank-top A 'singlet' for the Mod male who's just given up on being a Mod male.

I've written about them before and although, personally, I'm not a desert boot fan myself, I think other people can look great in them, especially as part of their casual wear (i.e., not with suits). But then we start getting into real danger territory once you start considering the 'fashion' desert boot, like this:

If you're going to give the gift of desert boots, avoid any with patterns. Yes, I know this looks slightly op-artish and all, but really, stick with the traditional and save this fashion pattern for your Snuggie.

And the last gift idea to avoid this year for any Mod gentleman in your life? This right here:

Method. Of. Destruction.

Seriously, if you're thinking of giving your special guy THIS for Christmas, well... I think you both need to sit down and have a long, hard talk.