Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

Valentine's Day, of course, is not only for the ladies; we cannot reasonably forget the gentleman in our life whilst he is showering us with sweets and flowers! Here, then, are a selection of items which might, just possibly, fit the bill. It is difficult to surpass a Brooks Brothers for classic style, quality, and selection. Some particular favorites of mine are the Woven Medallion Silk Ties (A182) in dark green, gold, rust, navy, or dark red, Pinpoint Cotton Dress Shirts with a forward point collar (761E), and their Italian Camel Hair Sport Coat (167M). www.brooksbrothers.com If your fellow is an outdoorsy type, why not try L.L. Bean? How about a pair of their Scotch Plaid Flannel Pyjamas in Dress Campbell or Black Watch (KL11001)? They may not be very glamourous, but they will keep him toasty warm! www.llbean.com Does he have the dreams of an aviator? Smithsonian's Leather Flight Jacket (2845) is adapted from a World War II A-2 jacket on display in the National Air and Space Museum. www.smithsoniancatalogue.org Is he perhaps a bibliophile? The Daedalus Book catalogue is well worth checking out for interesting volumes which are deeply discounted to boot, including "The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World" by A.J. Jacobs (49545). www.salebooks.com Is he, perchance, a lover of fine wines? Check out Pop's Wines at www.popswine.com for a great selection of wines and spirits at deeply discounted prices. My personal favorite, the 2000 vintage Croft Porto (846920007) sounds simply delicious. To keep him "traditionally" warm, why not give him Creative Irish Gifts Aran Sweater in Merino Wool (CG028). The sizes go up to 2XL and (they say) it may be machine washed or dry-cleaned. Personally, I would prefer the latter, given my experiences with washing machines. www.shopirish.com For the organizationally challenged a thoughtful gift might be Red Envelope's Standing Valet (150127) on which he can hang a suit, tie, belt, and has a handy shelf for his wallet, telephone, and any other electronic accessories. www.redenvelope.com If his wardrobe needs to be attended to in an, ahem, more basic fashion, you might scan the pages of the One Hanes Place catalogue. A three-pack of Hanes Classic briefs goes for just under eight dollars (988OL). Boxers are also available, of course, in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They also have great walking socks with a cushy reinforced heel (991E) in White, Navy, Khaki, and Black to fit shoe sizes 9-12. www.onehanesplace.com If you have a fisherman or hunter in your life, grab the Cabela's catalogue and settle down for a good long read. They have absolutely everything, from lures to catch fish to the waders to don before casting out your line, to the Lodge cast-iron skillets to use in cooking your catch of the day, as well as smokers and dehydrators and all sorts of neat stuff (even for those of us who do not hunt or fish!). Their "gifts" section offers a number of charming items with a rustic touch, including "Sportsmen's Signs" such as: "Business Hours Subject to Change During Hunting Season" (CF-61-9203), wildlife prints, elk and whitetail dinnerware collections, wall murals, and, surely a great conversation piece, reproduction-antler chandeliers. I didn't see the mounted Jackelopes in this particular catalogue, but they are also not to be missed. www.cabelas.com I wish all you ladies out there the best of luck in finding that perfect gift for your sweetheart!!