There's something about shopping for a man that can send even an expert shopper into a tizzy. If you're thinking a) tie, b) aftershave or c) holiday sweater (aka snowflakes and reindeer), cross them off your list. He'll thank you for coming up with something just a smidge more unique. Assuming the guy in your life hasn't been naughty this year, here are some recommendations for:
THE WORKAHOLIC
Stress relief has come a long way since the days of the squishy tension-relief balls and clunky hand-held massage devices. Perfect for the guy whose boss makes him come in on Sundays, Restoration Hardware's [0] Desktop Speedbag ($35) is an actual Everlast punching bag on a spring-loaded coil that suctions itself to the base of a desk or other surface. If he loves NBC's hit show "The Office," the British version (for which the U.S. show was inspired by) will be a hit. The DVD box set of the British show's first and second seasons ($41.99) is available at amazon.com [1].
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THE RESIDENT CHEF
Know a guy who's a closet (or outed) fan of the Food Network? Then chances are good he'll appreciate a new gadget for the kitchen. Just make sure it's not a Bundt pan. Show him you appreciate his culinary prowess with his very own culinary torch. Check out the Créme Brûlée Torch Set ($49.95) from Williams-Sonoma [1], which comes with a torch, four ramekins and a recipe booklet. It's a bona fide power tool for the kitchen!
THE GUY'S GUY
The Seattle company Kavu [1] is a good place to visit if you have an outdoorsy man on your list. Here you'll find clothing that stands up to the elements, such as the Long Beach Pullover [1] ($36). Fun fact: Much of Kavu's clothing is made from unusual materials such as bamboo and eucalyptus wood, even recycled Pet plastic bottles. The Strap Cap ($18.50), one of the company's bestselling products, also makes a great gift.
THE GADGET GUY
Ever been on a trip or stranded in traffic with a dead cell phone and no charger (you left it at the office, again)? Chances are he has too. There's a new gizmo on the market this season that puts an end to that. For $19.95, you can get him the SOS Charger Kit [2]. This hand-crank device (just three minutes will give you enough juice to make a call) doesn't require batteries and fits most modern cell phones, so it's great for emergency situations.
THE SKI BUM
If you're looking for a perfect gift for a guy who hits the slopes every weekend, the folks at Fiorini Sports [2] in University Village say you've got to get him a soft shell — and they're not talking about the crustacean variety. Basically a souped up fleece, it's a jacket with a warm fleece interior and a spandex-like, water-resistant, wind-proof exterior. This will probably set you back more than $50, so how about a gift certificate to Steven's Pass? Put $49 on SnowDough gift card [3] from Steven's Pass [3] and you can treat him to a full day of schussing or riding. The new Seattle clothing and sports supply store Evo [3] carries every ski and snowboard accessory he could ever want, and plenty of gear for mucking around in the rain too. A hoodie, such as Evo's Dragon Black Stain variety ($45), is something nice to tuck under the tree.
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THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
Seattle's long-standing martini bar Tini Bigs [3] just released a "cookbook": "Tini Bigs Martini Book" ($19.95), available at most local bookstores. Paired with barware — or martini glasses by Roost [3] ($17 each), available at Click! Design That Fits [3] — and you've got a perfect gift for a fun-loving guy friend.
THE LADIES' MAN
Designer T-shirts, such as those found at the eclectic Fremont boutique Enexile [3], are hot items this season. The store carries several brands in various designs ($26-$30). Here, you'll also spot a fun number: strap-on or snap-on cuffs [3] ($16-$22) — bracelets for men (and women too!) available in all kinds of colors and styles. Blackbird [3], Ballard's hip men's clothing store, carries locally made Coal hats ($25-$35), which come in cool fabrics such as tweed and khaki.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
