Online - December 07, 2005

Ask and He Shall Receive

2005 Holiday Gift Guide for Guys

There are certain questions to avoid with men. Where is this relationship going? Are you sure you’re not lost? How many inches?

But when it comes to asking him about what he wants for the holidays? Fire away.

Are you a large or extra-large?
Though clothing may not be the first thing on his list, he’ll definitely be excited to receive a Duncan Quinn cashmere pullover, a nonfrilly James Perse bathrobe, or a Steven Alan reverse seam button-down shirt. Since finding out his true size below the belt isn’t an option, just get him a large in a spicy pair of boxers from Unfed.

Do you like to have control?
He’ll be master of his domain with a Harmony 880 universal remote, which syncs with every item in his home entertainment system. With the Eton E1 XM satellite radio, he’ll have access to all AM, FM, shortwave, and satellite signals.

Can you stand the heat in the kitchen?
He’ll be quite the cook with East Coaster Scott Conant’s New Italian Cooking and West Coaster Suzanne Goin’s Sunday Suppers at Lucques. Both will call for quality olive oil and salt; get him some from Il Buco. If he’d rather take it outside, help him hone his grill skills with a Pro Meat Thermometer.

Are you cool?
As if you’re in any doubt. Still, in The Book of Cool, experts in every imaginable arena — pool, rugby, cards, yo-yoing — show him the ropes, so you can both be extra sure.