Does shopping for your boss, boyfriend, husband, uncle, or dad make you want to scream in frustration? Trust: you're not the only one. Whether the man in question is a dapper executive, an avid sneakerhead, a moody artist type, or a flashy don dada, this holiday gift round-up includes something to suit his tastes. Men may be from Mars, but that doesn't mean we can't find a way to understand the martians in our lives! Ha!
Colorblocked garments can be tricky to pull off (if you're a dude, that is), but the subtle contrast between the colors of this goose down jacket make the feat a cinch. Besides, it's the type of jacket that makes you feel warm just from looking at it.
John Hardy Black Sapphire Ring, $750. Visit NeimanMarcus.com
Even the most macho dudes want to rock some fine jewelry — and you've got to let them know there are way more options than medallion pendants and ridiculously thick rope chains. This John Hardy ring manages to be an attention grabber while still looking luxurious and tasteful.
Creative Recreation Cesario Lo in Black/Wool/Khaki, $85. Visit RevolveClothing.com
It's amazing what a sneaker upgrade can do to boost a man's swag. Hook him up with a more polished pair of kicks he can wear during days when he wants to look extra official.
Kenneth Cole Vintage Black Eau de Toilette Spray, $67.50. Visit KennethCole.com or Zappos.com
Billed as a scent for the confident modern man, Kenneth Cole's Vintage Black features notes of green lime, pink grapefruit, dewy greens, white pepper, icy tequila accord, lavender buds, oak and sandalwood.
Aveda Men Carry-On Companions Gift Set, $26. Visit Aveda.com
Is he the type to fuss over his hair constantly? Is he always looking out for mirrors or glass windows where he can assess his reflection and straighten up his hair? Then this Aveda gift set will definitely come in handy. The Carry-On Companions set features miniature bottles of shampoo and conditioner, as well as a tiny jar of grooming clay and a mini tube of gel.
D&G Buckled High Boot, $595. Visit BergdorfGoodman.com
Sick of those duck boots or those raggedy Timbs? Get him a pair of boots with function and style. These D&G buckled boots look streamlined and sleek, while still maintaining their rugged masculinity.
Comme Des Garçons Shirt Blue/Brown/Orange Hooded Coat, $329. Visit Farfetch.com
Does your man appreciate Pop Art? Cubism? Graffiti? Then give him a bold jacket that speaks to his daring approach to color and form.
Nike Dunk High Supre Black Sail, $135. Available at Wish in Atlanta (447 Moreland Avenue). Call 404.88.0402 or visit WishATL.com
Hardcore sneakerheads are always looking for that extra special pair of kicks that will make people stop and ask, "Where'd you get those?" These Nike Dunks are a true conversation starter.
Skullcandy The Lorider Mic'ed Headphones, $39.95. Visit Karmaloop.com
When it comes to headphones with superior sound quality and innovative design, Skullcandy takes the crown. Their Lorider style celebrates the handiwork of all those talented hydraulic-loving, candy paint-using car aficionados along the West Coast.
G-Shock Men's DW6900SW Watch in Purple, $170. Visit 80spurple.com
G-Shock deserves some serious kudos for managing to consistently reinvent its image and maintain its relevance. This purple watch, with its metallic strap and contrasting violet face and magenta display, illustrates why G-Shock is a great option for G's.
Versace Collection Modern Fit Dress Shirt, $295. Visit Nordstrom.com
Throwback jerseys went out the door as soon as Jay picked up the mic and declared that 30 is the new 20. Now, it's all about the grown and sexy look — and you better believe that includes some crisp dress shirts. To look like a true made man, every guy needs a sexy black shirt, so help him add the perfect one to his rotation.
Ted Baker Woven Silk Tie, $79.50. Visit Nordstrom.com
The reason why there's such a stigma about giving ties at Christmas time is this: usually, men get stuck with some pretty hideous ties (like random red ties with Christmas tree prints). Were they receiving ties like this Ted Baker one, you can rest assured that there would be no complaints filed.
Jack Black Jet Set Traveler Set, $25. Visit Sephora.com
This perennially popular brand offers a nifty skincare trio that's ideal for the traveling man. Packaged in a lightweight tote, the set includes the Supreme Cream, Face Moisturizer, and Facial Cleanser.
Nike SB Dunk Mid Elite (Triumvir), $120. Visit Ubiqlife.com
Tommy Hilfiger Good Riddance 2009 Leather Embossed Flask, $58. Available at Tommy Hilfiger Fifth Avenue Flagship Store (681 Fifth Avenue) in NYC. Call 212.223.1824.
This year has definitely had some ups, but boy have there been a lot of downs! From the Bernie Madoff fallout to the recession woes to Michael Jackson's passing to the Tiger Woods saga, it's been one thing after the other. Most likely, he'll appreciate the "good riddance" sentiment on this leather flask — and it will come in quite handy when it's time to pour the drinks on New Year's Eve!
Sean John Unforgivable Classic Gift Set With Travel Bag, $57. Visit HSN.com
Diddy's best-selling Unforgivable fragrance always makes for a great gift — especially when it's packaged in a box alongside a scented deodorant and tucked inside a roomy, black Sean John bag.
Tokens & Icons San Francisco Transit Token Cufflinks, $60. Visit Elsewares.com
Does he shout his city out every chance he gets? Then get him a pair of transit token cufflinks from Tokens & Icons. The round, gold-tone cufflinks are designed to resemble the old-school tokens previously used as subway/bus fare and they're available in a series of styles pertaining to various metropolises.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Engravable Gift Set, $249.95. Visit WineBasket.com. Engraving is available nationally at 877-JW-Blue-Label or at JohnnieWalker.com/Engraving
Not only are you blessing him with some Blue Label, but you're going the extra mile with an engravable case. When he looks at this initials on that case, there's no way he'll be able to resist a smile.
Block Headwear Carrington Caps, $42 each. Visit Lids.com or VillageHatShop.com
Let him channel rapper/actor Common with a plaid drivers' hat like Block Headwear's Carrington Cap.
LAB Series Smooth Shave Set, $65. Visit LabSeries.com
Does he have sensitive skin? Does he worry about razor bumps? Make sure he gets a fresh shave and that his skin stays nice and smooth with LAB Series' 4-piece Shave Set.
PF Flyers Quilted Center Hi Sneakers, $100. Visit Zappos.com
For holiday, PF Flyers added an urban twist to its Center Hi kicks, incorporating a quilted pattern that's simple but fun.
AKOO Descended Blazer, $201.99. Visit DrJays.com
Unlike so many "streetwear" brand, TI's new clothing line Akoo isn't all big logos and gawdy embroidered signatures. Instead, he blends the street with the suite, creating a collection that ranges from hoodies and denim to blazers with prep school-worthy patches.
Graf Von Faber-Castell Intuition Fountain Pen, $395; Intuition Ballpoint Pen, $225; and Intuition Rollerball Pen, $295. Visit FahrneysPens.com
Sure, he probably uses his laptop and iPhone more than he does any writing utensil, but he still has to physically sign those checks, so make sure he does so with an authoritative pen worthy of a true boss.
Passman Galleries Slice Grain Cuff Links Handmade From Black Coral And 18K Gold, $485. Available at Passman Galleries at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Visit Passman.com
The right set of cufflinks can pull together an entire ensemble — in some ways, they're what earrings are to women. Make sure he brings it home with a gorgeous set of links, like the black coral and gold pair pictured above.
Paul Smith Black Glenplaid Carry-On Bag, $748. Visit Bluefly.com
If he's got more frequent flier miles than you can count, you may want to consider giving him a carry-on bag he can feel good about, well, carrying on. With its muted color scheme, sophisticated trimmings, and clean plaid print, this Paul Smith bag will have him showing off at the terminal.
Patrick Dempsey 2 Eau de Toilette Spray, $35. Visit Avon.com
McDreamy has done it again — for his second scent for Avon, the Grey's Anatomy star went for a slightly bolder, even more irresistible scent. Patrick Dempsey 2 features top notes of mandarin and nutmeg, mid notes of spiced wood, green fig and citrus, and base notes of olibanum, patchouli, and musk.
Marine Layer The Original MLT, $35; Classy Polo, $60; and Introductory V, $29. Visit MarineLayer.com
Marine Layer's environmentally-friendly garments are made in California, using Pima Cotton and MicroModal, a bio-based fabric derived from beech wood, and ensuring that 95% of production materials are recycled and reused. But Marine Layer's appeal isn't limited to its environmentally sound practices — these tees are so soft, you'll want to steal them from your boyfriend's/husband's closet.
Grey Goose Gift Set, $29.99. Available at most liquor stores. Buy online at MarketViewLiquor.com
Who doesn't like to let loose with some Goose? Whether you're shopping for a relative, co-worker, or friend of the family, this is the type of gift you know will be put to use!
AKOO Maximo Cardigan Sweater, $59.99. Visit DrJays.com
Who knew TI had such a preppy side to him? The Grammy-winning rapper's debut collection includes this country club-worthy, orange-and-white striped cardigan sweater.
Old Spice Holiday Swagger Gift Set, $8.99. Visit Target.com
An oldie but goodie, Old Spice is still a reliable standby for most men (especially those over the age of 30-35). This affordable gift set is perfect for Secret Santa exchanges at the office.
