Be Mine
Valentine's Day Gift Guide for the Groom
When it comes to gift shopping, I'm a shameless perfectionist… Not for reasons associated with my general Type A personality, but rather for the joy I seek from the recipient. For me, nothing beats procuring the perfect gift specific to that person and seeing the excitement in his or her eyes upon opening it. That said, shopping is quite the challenge for me. But, if you share my high retail expectations, you're in luck. With Valentine's Day just 'round the corner, I've done all the searching for my busy brides to-be, and found some stylish, thoughtful gifts that are sure to fit any groom personality. To me, the mark of a good gift is something which the recipient would love to have but wouldn't purchase himself. If you find a gift that fits this mold, you've found the perfect gift. 1) Suit Up. For the frequent flyer, a luxury garment bag for transporting suits is a much-appreciated essential. Filson Suit Cover, $275, Brooks Brothers Phillips Place, 704-376-1900. 2) Scent of Love. Cologne can be tricky. If he has a favorite that's running low, feel free to buy the biggest bottle on the shelf to replenish, or even a gift set with shave cream. Otherwise this particular scent is a guys' winner across the board. Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men, $62 for 1.7 oz bottle, Sephora SouthPark, 704-366-5080. 3) Watch The Clock. Every man is in want (and need) of a classic timepiece. This sleek leather band option is timeless. Daniel Wellington Classic York watch, $225, Blank Canvas, 980-833-1135. 4) Old Classic. Find a first edition of his very favorite novel. It's a guaranteed win for any lover of literature. 5) Take Cover. Men are practical and usually subsist on simply the necessities. Give him a sleek case for his passport so he can store cards and travel documents together for the honeymoon and other future jetset adventures. Tumi Alpha Passport Cover, $68, Nordstrom, 704-442-6000. 6) Initial Effort. This sterling silver belt buckle will last him a lifetime. Sterling Engine-Turned Plaque Belt Buckle, $248, Brooks Brothers Phillips Place. 7) Nightcap. Pick up a bottle of his favorite high-quality liquor. He'll think of you each time he makes a drink. 8) Shaken, Not Stirred. This quintessentially Southern cocktail shaker feels sufficiently masculine for the bar cart. The Mason Shaker cocktail shaker, $28, The Sporting Gent, 704-896-5900. 9) Cotton Goods. Pick up a few pairs of his favorite boxers or briefs. He'll appreciate it more than you know. Gingham Boxer in White and Green, $38, J. McLaughlin, 704-335-3194. 10) Hobby Lobby. Put a personal spin on something associated with his favorite sport. These monogram golf balls are perfect for making sure he knows which one is his. Personalized golf balls, $29.95 for pack of three, Etsy. 11) Fit To Be Tied. A new neckwear piece is always a winning gift option. This classic stripe version can easily translate from work to casual and season to season. English silk tie in thin stripe, $50, J. Crew SouthPark, 704-597-0392
