Cool cufflinks, skinny ties and hipster belts

When it comes to giving men accessories for gifts, it can be so cliché. But not if you choose something with a little luxury and a dash of panache. I came across some cool cufflinks, ties and belts that I'd be proud to give my significant other.

Oslo's A Men's Store has a handful of one-of-kind vintage cufflinks from New Orleans ($100 a pair). These unique pairs are refurbished by Jonathan Wachtel and conjure up images of dapper gentlemen from the '40s dressed to the nines. Owner John McDowell also has some Four in Hands neckties by Lee Allison that will take the doldrums out of any basic white or blue dress shirt. My favorites include a black silk number with tiny skulls and crossbones, and a diamond print in purple, blue, black, silver and grey. The tag reads: "Investment banking wasn't creative enough for Lee Allison. So he tried advertising. Not bad, but not quite. What he really wanted to do with his life was design this handmade silk necktie for you. And that's exactly what he's done." Within the inside folds of each tie is an important reminder for men: "Remove before Sex!" ($90 each). Other ideas: sterling silver bracelets handmade by David Heston ($325-$500) and Pantherella cashmere socks ($58), both of which can be left on during amorous moments if desired.

Accessories shop Hitchcock in Madrona has a tiny but select "men's corner." Hand-picked accessories include vintage family crest cufflinks from Subversive Jewelry ($250 a pair, www.subversivejewelry.com). These old-school pins have been converted into nonchalantly hip cufflinks by designer Justin Giunta. Or, get your guy one of the super-skinny ties from the swinging '60s. These hard-to-find relics are making a comeback and this collection is in perfect condition ($69 each). The shop also carries crest pins that look jaunty on hats and scarves ($69) and leather belts from Brooklyn with resin buckles featuring owls, deer and other flora and fauna ($175 each).

Polite Society has some ultra-modern, sleek cufflinks for fashion-conscious men. You'll find cufflinks made of exotic hardwoods; combinations of sterling silver with mother of pearl, onyx or hematite; and pure sterling silver in geometric shapes. Designed by Udeshi of London, they're luxurious, timeless and hip (112-$320). Don't miss the distressed belts by Bill Lavin that feature album covers from the '60s and '70s. I couldn't pass up the Jimi Hendrix Experience "Axis: Bold as Love" belt with Jimi and Hindu deities for myself, and the Rolling Stones "Exile on Main St." for my husband ($60-$95).

Local jewelry designer Anthony Angel has some spectacular hand-forged sterling silver cufflinks set with nearly half a carat of rubies. The set is decidedly modern and sells for $550 at Camelion Design. He also carries other designs for $250 to $800.

Just a tip: Buy two pairs of cufflinks. They're perfect on women's shirts with French cuffs.

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