Cheryl Shops

There are two camps: those who think men are easy to shop for, and those who think they're hard to shop for. I tend to fall into the former—like most gift giving, it's a matter of knowing your audience. In this case, I had a particularly stylish, do-gooder, food- and drink-loving guy in mind, but these gifts would work in general for the dads, brothers, husbands, boyfriends, sons, and various other guys on your list.

He eats local artisanal pickles and drinks small-batch bourbon, he's never met a plaid shirt he hasn't liked, and you can pry his Spotify account from his cold, dead hands. Here's what to get your one and only.


1. He may still harbor a (secret) comic-book habit, but Sean Howe's excellent Marvel Comics: The Untold Story will let him indulge in public. (Full disclosure: The author is a dear friend of mine, but the book is MW-approved.)

2. The only thing better than a good-smelling husband is a good-smelling husband who lets you borrow his cologne. Le Labo Santal 33 is means to evoke the Marlboro Man, but I find the woody-leathery-spicy blend works just as well on women.

3. Taxidermy, like handlebar mustaches, is so last year. Get him a much cooler dinosaur bust instead.

4. Tsovet watches contain the Swiss-quartz movement of finer timepieces but the design is much more modern, minimal, and low-key (the company is based in California). Their QS watch is so classically cool, it's pretty much a sure thing.

5. As someone who could really give a poo about sports, I admit that even I will watch one of ESPN Films' 30 for 30 documentaries when it's on (ok, when MW puts it on). This box set gathers 12 of the most popular in the series.

6. Until your husband figures out how to wire speakers to your entire house (and your roof deck), Beacon's Phoenix wireless speakers are an easy alternative. They sound great, they're bluetooth-enabled, and they're inexpensive enough that you can buy one for every room.

He never wants to grow up, he loves having facial hair, and he never crosses the East River if he doesn't have to. Here's what to get your Gen X (and proud!) significant other.


Top row:
While wearing designer goods isn't totally his style, this merino wool V-neck sweater undoubtedly is. Bonus cool points for the Goth McQ logo.  McQ by Alexander McQueen V-neck sweater, $113

He thinks coffee-table books are so not his style, but he'll love the trip down memory lane courtesy of this book. the indie rock poster book, $25

He'll never have to use his always-ill-fated open-the-beer-on-the-countertop trick as long as he has this handy iPhone case.  iBottleopener Bottle Opening iPhone Case, $20

Middle row:
While he'd never admit he needs help with such a manly endeavor as growing a mustache, this book should make the process easier (and more fascinating, sigh) for both of you. The Moustache Grower's Guide, $11

Keeping his business cards wrapped in a rubber band in his pocket just isn't cutting it anymore. Upgrade him with this snazzy case. NAMU Stingray Business Card Holder, $110

These socks are made of hemp. Heh heh heh. Happy Socks - Grey with Blue Hemp Recycled Socks, $12

Bottom row:
Playing Angry Birds will be so much cooler (and probably easier on his hands) with this retro iPad cabinet. iCADE iPad Arcade Cabinet, $80

Honestly, any guy, from about 5 years to 50, would likely appreciate this epic Star Wars book. May the Force be with you! Star Wars: The Blueprints Limited Edition, $500

True whiskey acolytes know that melting ice waters down their tasty beverage; these ingenious whiskey stones keep his drink cool without altering the taste. WHISKEY STONES GIFT SET, $20