It’s your job to make him a better man. This holiday, do it on the downlow.

Forgetful Fred
He’ll flex his memory and increase his design IQ with the Maharam Memory Game, which features 36 patterns by designers like Panton, Girard, and Nelson (Design Within Reach, 1838 Columbia Road NW; 202-265-5640). And help him remember your birthday, anniversary, or other important dates with NPR’s Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me desk calendar.

Know-It-All-Norton
He’s always got an answer; make sure it’s the right one with a personalized dictionary, thesaurus, and atlas bound in green, red, orange, or black monogrammed leather (A Mano, 1677 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-298-7200). And even he could learn a thing or two from Michel Richard’s new cookbook, Happy in the Kitchen (Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW; 202-364-1919). Toss in a gift certificate to Citronelle so he can see how it’s done (3000 M Street NW; 202-625-2150).

Drunken Duncan
Officially end his keg-in-a-basement phase with a wine course from the Washington Wine Academy, led by pros like Michael Franz of The Washington Post. A case selected by the experts at Pearson’s Wine & Spirits (2436 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-333-6666) is a head start. And for the aftermath: a Hangover Treatment — complete with wake-up call and car service — from the Grooming Lounge (1745 L Street NW; 202-466-8900).

Because even though you love him just the way he is, there’s always room for improvement.

Want more inspiration? We’ve done gift guides in all of our editions today. Start with Everywhere.