It is not easy to find some crochet patterns for men. For some reason, crochet always seems to have this feminine side. But I recently made this unisex pattern (very easy) for my partner. I have used a basic stitch and created some ribs to make it more 'tough' looking.
So if you still want to surprise someone with your own home-made Christmas present, this is maybe one on your list-to-do as it will take just a couple of hours to have this one ready and gift-wrapped.
For this cowl I crocheted with double yarn (acrylic yarn) and used a crochet hook of 8mm.
PATTERN:
Ch 112 and form a ring with a sl st in 1st ch (make sure you keep the string of chains straight and not twisted before forming a ring)
Row1: Ch 2, skip first sc and add 1sc in following ch, *1sc in following ch* and finish with a sl st in 2nd ch of beginning, turn piece
Row2: Ch 2, skip first sc and add 1sc in back loop of following sc, *1sc in back loop following sc* and finish with a sl st in 2nd ch of beginning, turn piece
Repeat Row 2 until achieved the desired height of your cowl.
Tip: by using just the back loop of each sc and turning the piece at the end of each round, you will be creating ribs.
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch