Savvy Gifts for Boys
You can always walk into the men’s department at Nordstrom, or find a cool gadget at Restoration Hardware. But if you want him to be truly wowed on Christmas morning, try something a little different. Hopefully this will give you some unique gift ideas or at least holiday inspiration, for the Savvy gentlemen in your life.
• For the guy with a sense of humor: Horchow’s “Sayings” set of 4 double-old-fashioned glasses will let him sip a fine Scotch and reflect on his kingdom. Flashy goldplated rims are hand-applied. One each of the quotes: “I Only Go First Class,” “Size Does Matter,” “I Am Kind of a Big Deal,” and “Bring the Jet Around.” $100
• For the college football fan: If his team is playing in a bowl game this winter, tickets to root for them in person would win you enormous brownie points. And make sure he’s outfitted with just the right gear, thanks to Student Union, a Galleria shop with loads of licensed gifts and apparel (We loved the BlackBerry and iPhone covers in school colors). Prices vary.
• For the neatnik: Give him a car that’s like-new, with a gift card for a car detailing from Qwik Wash America, which can be purchased for any specific service, or in any dollar amount. Prices vary.
• For the Johnny-on-the-spot: a Leatherman Micra, the 10-in-1 pocket tool that includes a knife, extra-small and medium screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, scissors, nail file, bottle opener, ruler and tweezers. It’s stainless steel, only weighs 2.75 ounces, and fits easily on a keychain. Around $20 from various retailers. Call the Cutlery Collection at the Shops at Willowbend, (469) 366-4496 (by the way, they are also wonderful if you need your knives sharpened!).
• For the guy who always wanted to storm the castle: a wooden trebuchet kit.
• For the golf player: Nike’s All-Weather Golf Gloves have synthetic microfiber palms that will save his swing no matter what the Texas weather brings to the game. $24
• For the elegant guy: Shaving is a chore, we know. But it can certainly be made more dignified, with these exquisite antique sterling handles fitted for his disposable Mach 3 blades. Each handle was handmade in England over 100 years ago, and each is unique. Some also feature mother-of-pearl or pre-ban ivory. $125
• For the ultra-casual guy who wouldn’t be caught dead in a Snuggie: the hoodie-styled Rugby Robe from L.L. Bean. $49.50.
• For the Kindle reader: Does he already have an e-book, or is he getting one for Christmas? Don’t forget the accessories. Check out this great variety of Kindle covers; we like the brown Cole-Haan leather one. $99.99
• For the weekend lawn warrior: Black & Decker’s rechargeable four-piece Lawncare Center includes a string trimmer, edge trimmer, cordless broom/hard surface sweeper, all cordless—and wall mount with charger. The rechargeable batteries are interchangeable, and the set comes with a two-year warranty. $200. (Locally, you can check DIY retailers like Lowe’s or Home Depot)
• For the quirky techie: a bamboo iPhone case. $39.99
• For the executive with a fun side: a plush desk ninja. Seriously. $9.99 small, $19.99 large.
Or, a pen made out of a .375 H&H Magnum brass bullet (and it’s a Fisher Space Pen to boot, meaning it can write upside down and withstand extreme temperatures.). $25.00.
• For the carnivore: bacon-flavored lip balm. $16/pack of 4. (The same company, J&D’s, also makes bacon-flavored envelopes and bacon-flavored popcorn, too. Geniuses.)
You know, we’re just going to stop there—because bacon-flavored lip balm is clearly a high note. Happy shopping!






