What He Really Wants: These Are a Few of My Favorite Things.

Sorry friends, no girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, or snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes. However, I figure since the holidays are rapidly approaching, you may be looking for some fun, new gifts for the special man in your life, not that he didn't love the sweater and target gift card you gave him last year. I thought I would share a few of my favorite things, both things I own, and things I covet/lust after (and no, this is now my subtle way of putting my holiday wish list out to my family. However, family, if you're reading, wink wink, nudge nudge.) I mean, if Oprah can do this, why can't I?

In no particular order:

1. Monogrammed Pajamas. Because sometimes you want to leave a little something to the imagination. Perfect for a lazy Sunday in bed with the New York Times Crossword Puzzle, Christmas morning, or when you really do have a headache and just want to get your sexy little sleep on.

To Buy/photo credit: www.jcrew.com

2. Jonathan Adler Needlepoint Pillows. Who says your sofa or favorite easy chair shouldn't have a little whimsy?

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.jonathanadler.com

3. Postalco Notebooks and Journals. It's like Back to School shopping for big boys. Staying organized is sexy. Great, chic little notebook for your shopping lists, to-do lists, and the perfect place to jot down your next great book idea.

To Buy: http://postalco.net/paper.html

Also to Buy/Photo Credit: www.jcrew.com

4. The RayBan Clubmaster Sunglasses. The original design was launched in 1986, and it's still a bright idea.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.jcrew.com

5. The Jonathan Adler Whale Collection. Call me Ishmael. Ishmael, pass the butter, please. You know I love the whales. Who says a pitcher has to be just a pitcher and a butter dish just has to be a butter dish. It's time to have a little fun at the breakfast table. A whale of a gift. The best part? You can get them at "Oh, Suzannah" in downtown Charlottesville.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.jonathanadler.com

or Oh, Suzannah of Charlottesville.

6. The original Hunter Wellington Boot. Because you can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather, Miss Jackson. Available in myriad colors from classic "Hunter" green to orange. Stay dry, in style from the English countryside to the city streets.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.jcrew.com

or www.zappos.com

7. The Converse Jack Purcell Sneakers. The classic is back and better than ever. The quintessential Saturday, walk the dog, trip to the farmer's market shoe. Dress them down with a pair of shorts and a basic T, or dress them up with a casual blazer and your favorite jeans on a night out. Jack would approve.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.jcrew.com

8. The Vintage-Inspired Graphic T. Let him show the world a few of his "favorite things." Perfect for a lazy Sunday or perfect under a casual blazer/jacket on a night out at the bar. A fun alternative and a good way to get him to stop wearing his old fraternity crawfish boil tshirt from 10 years ago.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.urbanoutfitters.com

9. Mint Condition: A favorite from one of my Favorite Cville Boutiques. Grab a fun toss pillow from Pillow Mint of downtown Charlottesville. They're sure too add a bit of fun, class, and whimsy to your sofa, favorite chair, or guest bed.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.pillowmint.net

10. Heavy Metal: A Bitchin' Kitchen. I fell in love with this vintage-inspired metal kitchen collection from Sundance. Shelving inspired by old gym locker/wire storage units, and these heavy duty chairs and stools. A fun, masculine way to shake things up in the kitchen, home office, or mud room.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.sundancecatalog.com

11. The Crab Polo by Jimmy & Sook. A Virginia staple (Irvington, Virginia to be specific) by Jimmy & Sook (Their Clothes and Things.) Perfect pique for a summer day, barbecue, or next vacation. The embroidered blue crab adds a little fun to your everyday polo.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.jimmyandsook.com

12. Will Cook For Sex Cookbook: A Guy's Guide in the Kitchen. I love this cookbook. It takes you through several multiple course dinners, as well as what to make for breakfast the next morning, if you get my drift. Not only is it funny, there's an amazing salad called "Hidden Greens" I make all the time. The difference between this cookbook and other cookbooks? It's the difference between "I'll call you." and "I'll wake you."

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

13. Shade Shop Lamps. Your Christmas tree and the Little Star of Bethlehem aren't the only things that can light up your night this holiday season. You probably saw my previous post about the lamp I won from this fine local establishment. So many fun styles, brands, and unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for your home.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.theshadeshop.com

14. A Little Night cap. Literally. If you're like me, you wake up in the middle of the night craving a nice glass of H2O.Thanks to this recycled glass water bottle, all you have to do is reach over to the nightstand, take the glass off the top and pour yourself a drink. Keeping the glass on the top cuts down the chance of spilling in the middle of the night. The best part? It looks great on your nightstand. Fun, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

To Buy/Photo Credit: http://www.reformschoolrules.com/

15. The Cabot Apron by Lucy & Michael. Get your cook on, stay clean, and look hot while doing it. One of those great aprons you won't mind running around in when your guests arrive less-than-fashionably early at your next shindig. You should check out Lucy & Michael if you're in the market for some gifts for the little ones. They have adorable play tents and kids aprons. Bon Appetit.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.lucyandmichael.com

16. I am Not a Paper Cup. Do you feel all warm and toasty walking down the street with that t0-go paper coffee cup and cup huggie in your hand? Well, now you can do it and be friendlier to Mother Earth. It's the James Burgess "I'm not a Paper Cup" reusable coffee cup. Enjoy your Macchiato and do your part for the environment. Remember, One Earth.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.uncommongoods.com

17. The Stanley Thermos. He may work in an office cubicle, but he can carry a thermos like he works in a coal mine. This vintage-inspired piece is perfect for those 3 cup kind of days. Simple, clean, masculine, classic, yet modern. Great for camping, tailgating, or just the regular Monday-Friday commute.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.restorationhardware.com

18. The Snowball Maker. You're never too old for a Snowball fight. With this helpful gadget, your hands stay warmer and dryer, and you get the perfect snowball almost every time.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.restorationhardware.com

19. Smathers and Branson Needlepoint Belt. Anything else is just a waist. It's like bling for your waist. Dress up your jeans and khakis with these fun, needlepoint belts. Show off your favorite hobbies, places, and even your alma mater.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.smathersandbranson.com

20. Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook. Down home, Southern, Comfort food done right. Matt and Ted Lee take your appetite down South in this fun cookbook. Ever wanted to know how you can cook with Royal Crown Cola? It's time you learned.

To Buy/Photo Credit: www.boiledpeanuts.com

or www.amazon.com

And a Grab Bag for Boys and Girls, alike. Well, maybe more for the girls, but I still love it.

21. Cartier I Love You. My favorite photographer, Bruce Weber and the jewlery house without an equal pair up in this centennial celebration of 100 years of Cartier luxury. The book is even made to look and tie closed like a Cartier jewlery box. Worth a look.

To Buy/Photo Credit: http://www.amazon.com/

So, while it's no raindrops on roses or crisp apple strudel, these are just a few of my favorite things. You may not love all of these items, but they may spark some new ideas and inspiration for your holiday shopping. Maybe you don't love the Jack Purcell sneakers like I do, but it may make you think "hey, he sure could use a new pair of everyday shoes," giving you a chance to be creative and enjoy the hunt. Either way, you're sure to end up on the Nice list this year, that is, unless you'd just prefer to be on the Naughty list...that's a whole other post.

Cheers,

Ed