Gift Guide: Gifts For Men

If you're shopping for the man in your life this holiday season, there are a slew of local stores that can accommodate. They carry everything from clothes to gadgets to luxury items. But whatever items you're looking to buy, remember to keep the man in mind.

"What I always ask is 'what does the person like?" said Miguel Rodriguez, manager of Joseph A. Bank in Westfield. "What do they wear? If they like khakis and sports shirts, don't give them a shirt and tie,"

And if you're looking for something a bit more extravagant and less expendable than a sweater, you can treat your husband to some of life's finest luxuries.

At Florez Tobacconist in Summit, there's a "Members Lounge" complete with wireless connection, humidified private lockers to store fine whiskeys and cognacs and full-access to every sport available. "They don't want to leave," said co-owner Abel Florez. But there is a price for your husband's happiness; about $750 for the year.

For a happy, more economical medium, there are plenty of options around Union County.

Presidential Pen in Westfield has everything from pens to briefcases to business card holders in many price ranges.

"We try to bring I things that are different, that you can't find just anywhere," said owner Roz Schwam. 

"We have one knife set in particular [in] a shape of a man with knives sticking in him," she said. "It's our number one seller. People usually stop and take pictures of it."

FYI: That knife set is called "The Ex."

"Pens start at $8 for a little purse pen and then I have something that's hand-painted limited edition that's $2700," said Schwam.

At Periwinkle's Fine Gifts in Cranford, owner Elaine Moffett has no shortage of unique gifts. "The store looks like a winter wonderland," she said. "My things are so unusual," she added, referring to glass blown ornaments, and a variety of brands like Byers' Choice.

So if you're ready to start shopping for any of the men in your life, here's some help to get you started.

Merino Sweaters: Warm, comfy and classic, solids and argyles are both popular this season. They're a "top seller" at Banana. $59.50 to $69.50, Banana Republic, Westfield

Cashmere Scarves: "A big gift item," according to store-manager Rodriguez. $59.99

Traveler Cashmere Sweaters: Price varies depending on the current promotion. They've been listed for as low as $99 and as high as $295 (buy one get on free), Joseph A Bank, Westfield.

Silk-Cashmere V-Neck Sweaters: something to dress up the wardrobe, without going overboard $69.50 to $79.50 Banana Republic, Westfield

Plaid Shirts: Plaid is rad for men and women this year. $39.50 to $49.50, The Gap, Westfield

Half Zip Sweater: for the more casual side of his closet...  $49.50, Banana Republic, Westfield

Under Armour Cold Gear: Seasonal and popular, it's perfect for the temperature drops $49 and up, Thompson Sporting Goods, Summit.

The Finer Things

"Drink This: Wine Made Simple": It's like the cliff notes for wine guides. It covers everything from food pairings to cost and need. Turn your husband into a wine expert overnight. $26, Barnes & Noble, Springfield.

Xikar Cigar Lighters & Cutters: If your husbands a cigar smoker, he'll know the brand. Prices range from $29-$200, depending on the item. Florez Tobacconist, Summit.

Wine Wand by Philip Stein: If he appreciates wine, he'll enjoy this unusual but expensive gift. It is a "wand" meant to "accelerate the aerating process of wine by replicating the natural frequencies of air and oxygen," according to the Philip Stein website, www.philipstein.com. After about three minutes the wine is good to go.  $325 Adlers Jewelers, Westfield

Mont Blanc, Visconti, Delta Pens: These high-end pens start in the mid $100 range. $145 for Delta, $185 for Visconti and $350 for Mont Blanc, Presidential Pen, Westfield.

Bosca Leather Briefcases: $500 range, Presidential Pen, Westfield.

Gadgets Gurus

The Yogen Universal Charger: If your husband loves his gadgets but hates to charge them, this gift will be his best friend. It's an emergency charger that is powered by a cord that you pull repetitively. He'll get a workout at the same time! $39.99 www.yogenstore.com

Canon PowerShot A480: CNET rates it as one of the "best cameras you're going to find for the money." It's "easy to operate" and takes AA batteries. $109.99 Best Buy, Union.

Palm Pre: Labeled "one of the hottest smart phones of the year," according to CNET, it has the "best multitasking capabilities" ... "and also features a multitouch screen, great information management, and a 3-megapixel camera." Sold for $149.99 at Sprint stores with a 2-year contract, 2565 Route 22 West, Union.

Speaker Phone Wireless Blue Tooth 2.0 by Motorola (MOTOROKR T505): Think safety first for your spouse this holiday season. This palm-size device allows him to talk on the phone hands free and plays music through speakers or his car stereo. $99.99, Best Buy.

Coffee Lovers

Nespresso CitiZ Espresso Machine: For the ultimate coffee lover, this machine is sleek and space-saving, $279.95, William Sonoma, Westfield.

Keurig-Single Cup Coffee Maker: Coffee is hotter than ever with this simple, self-sufficient machine. You'll never have to count scoops again because the machine does it all for you. Just slip in the packet, and out comes the coffee. You'll find no shortage of flavors. The white-hot chocolate is delicious too! Prices range from $89.95 for the Mini personal brewer to $249.95 for the Breville. www.keurig.com or Williams Sonoma, Westfield.

Some Other Gift Ideas

Retro 51 or Fisher Space Pens: Low-end pens that have an up-scale appearance, $25, Presidential Pen, Westfield.

Business Card Holders: Leather or hard-cased, they're a great gift-alternative. $30 for hard cases, $50 for leather (add $10 to emboss), Presidential Pen, Westfield.

Black & Decker Power Drill: Battery operated and portable $28, Kryston's Hardware Ltd., Summit.