When it’s present time, there’s no arguing that it truly is the thought that counts. But what to do when the very thought of wrapping another tie or pair of socks bores you to tears? Check our guy’s gift guide, that’s what.
For the Rock Starry-Eyed
A limited-edition Rocker watch by Nixon (made from goods donated by Ozzy, Slash, Anthony Kiedis, and Jeff Buckley), a reissued design tee from Worn Free, or a beat-up yet luxe leather BlackBerry case by David Winter (Milk, 8209 West 3rd Street, between Harper and La Jolla Avenues; 323-951-0330) will make him feel like he’s with the band.
For the Neo Dandy
Tuck a gift certificate from newly opened men’s barber and body care stop Service Station into a Jack Spade dopp kit (Flight 001, 8235 West 3rd Street, at South Harper Avenue; 323-966-0001), and he’ll get the picture. Throw in a terry loop robe to send the well-groomed message home.
For the Outdoorsman
Cater to his inner Boy Scout with a Coleman Mountain Lodge king-size sleeping bag, a handy Vortex travel blender, and Lomography’s souped-up Color Flash Holga (Fitzsu, 7970 Melrose Avenue, between Edinburgh and Hayworth Avenues, West Hollywood; 323-655-1908). So what if the presents were intended for the great outdoors? They’re all pretty great indoors, too.
For le Dude Sportif
If he’s got athletic leanings and design-driven taste, cardigan sweatshirts at WE (144 South Robertson Boulevard, between Melrose and West 3rd Street; 310-385-9315), Ryan McGinness’s soccer ball, or white sneaks customized by Oliver at Kicks Sole Provider (3938 West Sunset Boulevard, at Sanborn Avenue, Silver Lake; 323-644-1272) should get his heart rate up. He might even break a sweat.
For the Ponderous Pundit
Satiate his studious side with the iPod-friendly Model One Tivoli desk radio in classic walnut (Alpha, 8625 Melrose Avenue, between Huntley Drive and San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood; 310-855-0775), a pound of dark roast coffee from local roasters Split Bean Coffee, and William Claxton’s gigantic new book, Jazzlife. After all, he really is as smart as he looks.
Want more inspiration? We’ve done Gift Guides for Guys in all our editions today. Start with Everywhere.