gifts

Groomstars.com Review - Formal Gifts For Men

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style, Luxury Shopping

The website Groomstars.com is founded on an interesting idea - that being the concept that men are hard to shop for (especially when it comes to gifts for special occasions). As the name of the site implies, the focus of the site is offering gifts for the men who participate in weddings (not like routinely or anything). Along with the fact that guys are not super easy to shop for, most gift websites usually have items that either appeal only to women, or are gifts guys don't normally want. Groomstars strives to offering an enticing selection of male-minded gifts, and like many other gift based websites, Groomstars also features most (if not all) of their products as being personalized.

Featured products including a range of decent quality pens, holders, valets, watch cases, clothing accessories, hobbyist goods, nice tools, and other things men usually like, but wouldn't normally buy for themselves. I actually appreciate the selection a lot. It is as though someone waded through most of the obvious (and many non obvious) gifts a man would like and presented them in an easy to navigate place.

A lot of people will likely enjoy the site when shopping for groomsmen, a best man, the father of the bride - or anyone else who may be a friend, boss, or relative. Prices aren't cheap, but part of what you are paying for is the curated content. One such item that is nice is the Groomstars Striped Wedge Wood Watch box. It contains space for a few watches and related accessories, while the inside is cloth lined to prevent scratching. It comes in a nicely veneered closing box case with a personalized plate near the push-button opener. The inside is lined with soft cloth and quality is better than you might expect (or perhaps I simply have jaded expectations). Their watch boxes also come in a few different finishes and retails for $265 - all of course available for purchase online.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Groomstars watch box

Tags: box, case, gifts, groom, groomstars, men, personalized, watch, wedding

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Gift Guide from Luxist and AHAlife

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Art, Holiday Guides, Luxury Shopping

Before you go overspending on Valentine's Day gifts that will surely be returned, peruse this gift guide from Luxist and AHAlife, "where discerning taste meets an inspired life." We teamed up with AHAlife's careful and creative curators to bring you the best Valentine's Day Gift Guide you'll find, whether you're looking to spend $100 or $5,000. Below, you'll find images and prices for each item on this special list, as well as our reasoning for recommending the items. It's easy (and free!) to join AHAlife, so don't hesitate at the signup page. Close your other tabs and dig in; your Valentine's Day shopping is finished. Here are the Top 10 Best Valentine's Day Gifts for 2011 from AHAlife and Luxist:

1. Camel Bone Jewelry (above) - from $230.00

This exotic collection is so stunning, few women could open it without an audible gasp. There is a certain powerfulness in the femininity and boldness of these rare camel bone pieces. Giving one of these to your loved one is more than an observation of custom; it implies a respect for her primal strength.

Tags: 2011, ahalife, gift, gifts, jewelry, romance, romantic, top 10, top ten, Valentines Day

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Johnnie Walker Gold Label Ice Pillar

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Johnnie Walker has unveiled a stylish new gift set for its Gold Label Scotch whisky designed to serve the exclusive spirit ice cold, stemming from the connoisseurs' practice of freezing their Gold Label to release its true character as the whisky warms in the mouth. Inspired by frosted gold leaves, the outer case of the Ice Pillar opens to reveal a stunning display piece that works as both a chiller and an ice bucket, conceived by top design firm QSLD Paris. Gold Label, the famed brand's Centenary Blend, is crafted from blend of 15 different whiskies, each aged at least 18 years. It's rich and mellow with a creamy, honeyed body and a slight caramel and vanilla nose. The gift set is available at select retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price of $97.

Tags: gift set, gifts, gold, Johnnie Walker, Johnnie Walker Gold Label, Scotch, Scotland, spirits, whiskey, whisky

Shanghai Tang's New Pocket-Sized Refillable Atomizers

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance, Holiday Guides, By Design

Shanghai Tang has collaboarted with Travalo to produce refillable pocket-sized atomizers

Looking for a unique gift for the holidays or an early purchase for Valentine's Day 2011? Look no further than Shanghai Tang, the luxury Chinese which is offering pocket-sized, pump-action refillable atomizers in coordinating leather pouches for men and women.

Shanghai Tang collaborated with Travalo, the innovative producer of pocket-sized, pump-action refillable atomizers, to create one with a patented PumpFill valve that refills in seconds. The atomizer, which provides up to 50 sprays, can be refilled in seconds from any pump-spray fragrance bottle. The pressure regulator within ensures no leaks making it extremely convenient to carry in your handbag or pocket. Each Shanghai Tang Travalo set includes two capsule
atomizers, encased in a skillfully embossed leather pouch elegant enough for all occasions.

The Shanghai Tang Dragon Travalo Set for men (seen above) comes with a black leather case embossed with a dragon---a traditional symbol of power, strength and good luck. A dragon is also engraved on the black and gun-metal capsule atomizers which are filled with Shanghai Tang's signature Mandarin Tea fragrance for him.

Tags: atomizer, gifts, gifts for men, gifts for women, holiday gift, Holiday gift guide 2010, holiday gifts, perfume, shanghai Tang, travalo, Valentines day gifts

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Ltd. Edition Glenfiddich Decanter by Steuben

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Spirits

In search of the ideal present for the Scotch lover on your list? Famed single malt distillery Glenfiddich has partnered with renowned luxury glassmaker Steuben to create an exclusive hand crafted whisky decanter (above) in a limited edition. Priced at $690 and available exclusively at the Steuben flagship store in New York, the bespoke decanter is a collaboration between Steuben's master craftsmen and Glenfiddich master distiller Brian Kinsman, representing more than a century's worth of artisanship, tradition and expertise. The Steuben hallmarks of flawless design and attention to detail are combined with filigreed decorative elements inspired by some of the rarest and most precious Glenfiddich expressions.

The elegant piece also features subtle design cues that reflect the storied history of the Glenfiddich distillery, est. 1876, including the famous stag head design and the signature of its founder William Grant. "Both Glenfiddich and Steuben share a dedication to craftsmanship that stretches back more than a hundred years," notes David Bitran, Glenfiddich Senior Brand Manager. "In that time, while the successes of both our companies have grown, the dedication to craftsmanship and quality has endured." "Much like Glenfiddich, this beautiful decanter is the result of hard work, the best materials and the finest craftsmanship," adds Robert Nachman, Vice President of Design and Marketing for Steuben.

Tags: bar, barware, decanter, distillery, gifts, glass, Glenfiddich, Holiday 2010, Scotch, Scotland, spirits, Steuben, whisky

The $1.5 Million Macallan Ultimate Single Malt Experience

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

If you missed out on the world's most expensive bottle of whisky – the 64-year-old Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue which was just auctioned off at Sotheby's for a record breaking $460,000 – not to worry: for $1.5 million you can make that look like a mere bagatelle. Glossy chronicle of the filthy rich Robb Report is offering the ultimate single malt experience in conjunction with The Macallan as part of this year's Ultimate Gifts offerings, featuring a journey to the the Macallan estate in Scotland to select eight extremely rare single malt Macallan whiskies barreled during each of the last eight decades for your personal collection. The experience begins with a first-class flight to Paris and a two-night stay in the Presidential Suite at the ultra-luxe Four Seasons George V, during which you'll take a chauffeured Bentley to meet with the crystal artisans at Lalique to create the custom decanters that will house the whiskies.

A private jet and helicopter will then take you to the Macallan estate for a two-day consultation to select the whiskies from barrels dating back to the 1930s. Once the decanters are completed they'll be filled with the precious elixir and delivered in a bespoke cabinet from royal furniture maker Viscount David Linley. David Cox, Macallan's director of fine and rare whiskies, calls it nothing short of "a liquid history of Macallan," noting, "You'll be drinking whiskies distilled by The Macallan before the Second World War, each with quite a distinctive style."

Tags: Bentley, David Linley, Four Seasons George V, gifts, Holiday 2010, Lalique, Macallan, Paris, private jet, Robb Report, Scotland, single malt, The Macallan, whisky

Holiday Shopping Guide: 10 Gifts for Your Man

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Holiday Guides, Men's Style

Shopping for a husband, boyfriend, or significant other can be intimidating for many of the same reasons shopping for dad often is, but you can take at least some of the guesswork out of the process by focusing on gifts that are fun, functional, and really good at doing whatever they were meant to do. And of course if they're also expensive and brag-worthy (like most of our favorite picks below) that's frosting on the cake.

Leather Officer Jacket, $2,195
If you want to buy him clothes take our advice and steer clear of the sweater aisle and set your sites on something like this Leather Officer Jacket instead. Soft dark brown lambskin and clean lines result in a look that's both trendy and timeless and will easily mesh with a variety of personal styles.

Tags: gifts, gifts for men, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, men

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A High Octane Holiday Gift from Mercedes-Benz

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Looking for a high octane holiday gift idea? If you buy a very lucky someone a new Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicle for Christmas, they'll now get a free pass to the amazing AMG Driving Academy that we wrote about last year. If that's out of your price range you might still be able to afford them an adrenaline rush with a gift certificate to the thrilling course. In three skill levels, AMG Driving Academy provides race-tested instructors who teach drivers to train and use their reflexes for maximum driving excitement and performance on closed-off circuits. Drivers can bring their own cars, use the standard school cars or upgrade to the gull-wing SLS AMG supercar (above).

To purchase a gift certificate, visit www.AMGacademy.com/drive, select the Basic or Pro Class at the desired venue, and register the recipient. Pricing starts at $1,595. For 2011 the Academy is also adding Lime Rock Park in Connecticut as the third track in its impressive U.S. stable; the other two venues are Laguna Seca and Road Atlana. As an added bonus if you register before Jan. 15 you'll get a 20% discount.

Tags: AMG, Connecticut, driving school, driving tour, gifts, Holiday 2010, Laguna Seca, Lime Rock, Lime Rock Park, Mercedes-Benz, racing, SLS AMG

$44 Million Yacht Tops Robb Report's 'Ultimate Gifts'

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Yachts & Sailing, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings, Holiday Guides, Wealth

It seems that Robb Report, the glossy chronicle of the filthy rich, has come back down to Earth a bit after last year's offering of the world's most expensive Christmas present, a matching custom private jet and megayacht set costing $500 million. Each year the profligate publication features an Ultimate Gift Guide, a seasonal offering of over-the-top exclusives. This year's sybaritic selections top out at a measly $44 million, which gets the recipient Aquos Yachts' 164-ft. expedition superyacht Star Fish to be delivered in 2012 and a luxurious three-week, 10-person charter trip aboard her sister ship, the 148-ft. Big Fish, while you're waiting. Among the other big ticket items for the price-is-no-object set:

Tags: Bahamas, Bugatti, Bugatti Veyron, diamonds, fighter jet, gifts, Holiday 2010, magazines, Parmigiani, private jet, Robb Report, safari, submersible, supercar, superyacht, theme park, wealth, yacht

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How to Buy Hot Holiday Gifts for Her from Agent Provocateur

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Luxe British lingerie brand Agent Provocateur has come out with a Gentleman's Buying Guide to help fellows who want to buy their ladies something especially sexy this holiday season. From luxurious lingerie and nightwear to pampering beauty products, the label offers something for every woman. Here are some of their lingerie buying tips:

• Colors That Complement: Whilst red lingerie may be the tradition, classic pink and black is guaranteed to please. But if you want to surprise her, take a look in her wardrobe to see her favorite colors.

• Know Her Style: Whether she's daring or coquettish, find the perfect lingerie and nightwear to suit her style or mood.

• Get Her Size Right: Achieving the perfect fit can sometimes be tricky but playful babydolls, kimonos and dressing gowns suit every shape.

• Finishing Touches: No Christmas treat is complete without the finishing touches. Adding the matching suspender belt will make her feel like a true seductress, whilst silky stockings and high heels add an extra touch of glamour.

Gallery: Agent Provocateur Holiday 2010

Tags: Agent Provocateur, gifts, Holiday 2010, lingerie, UK

Mini Gifts can Make for a Big Christmas

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Luxury Cars & Autos

Mini drivers are known to love their Mini things, so the funky British brand has unleashed a bundle of holiday bounty to please. The limited edition Internet radio by German firm sonoro – a Mini-fied take on sonoro's 'elements W' radio – is a tiny box bedecked in Eclipse Gray metallic and "bonnet" stripes. The control is aluminum, the OLED display can be dimmed, and among the 18,000 stations it commands are four Mini Sounds channels: Space, United, International and Cross. It comes with a remote, an iPod dock, can receive media from a computer and, if you had more mundane uses in mind, yes, it can be an alarm clock with sleep and snooze.

The fiberglass and synthetic Mini Jet helmet with polycarbonate visor is probably not to be used when piloting your actual jet, but when you take control of your Piaggio this could save the day with more bonnet stripes and a Union Jack. When off the scooter you can don the Mini Badges Lapeer Hat with earflaps, and your other end gets to make do with Mini Countryman Boots.

Even though it can tell the difference between day and night, a chrome Mini cuckoo clock, even as cute as it is, will probably test the patience of any Mini-phile. And in the "I know you drive a Minis but I don't know anything else about you," there's a MINI Calendar by Wolfgang Block or an 8GB Mini USB stick. There's a passel of other gifts for various genders and ages in the photos below, or peep them all at www.MINI.com/shop.

Gallery: Mini for Christmas

Source

Tags: accessories, christmas, gifts, lifestyle, mini, sonoro

$10,000 Skull Cufflinks & More from Ralph Lauren for the Holidays

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

Ralph Lauren is offering a number of exclusive, ultra-luxurious gifts this holiday season, starring an eye-popping pair of skull cufflinks for $10,995. The luxe links, with a skull in a top hat motif, are finished in white gold with diamond eyes. The designer's new Holiday Collection encompasses chic decorative accents, entertaining accoutrements and luxurious travel accessories. Iconic tartans, a signature palette of cashmere cable-knits and rich velvets have a classic appeal, while items like the cufflinks and crystal barware appeal to a more modern sense of sophistication.

The skull motif also appears on a velvet throw pillow for $195 and even a cashmere dog sweater at $115. Other items of note include tartan leather bags and accessories for both men and women, including a men's Cooper Bag at $3,995; a women's Tiffin Bag in black alligator for $16,995; retro style sunglasses finished in red tartan for $375; and exclusive timepieces priced from $17,500 – $32,000. In addition, RalphLauren.com will be offering multiple programs under the RL Custom Boutique for the ultimate in personalization, while the designer's Gift Vault site features a collection of rare and one-of-a-kind pieces ranging from $650 - $55,000.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Holiday 2010

Tags: cashmere, cufflinks, diamond, gifts, gold, Holiday 2010, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, holidays, mens style, Ralph Lauren, sunglasses, timepieces

2010 Wired Holiday Store

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Shopping

Wired, the popular design and technology magazine, has curated more than 200 products for its annual holiday Wired Store gallery. The shopping space in the Tower Records building at at 692 Broadway, New York City showcases consumer electronics, gaming, active gear, home goods, eco-lifestyle items, apparel and children's toys.

The products include design collaborations with Jack Spade, Bowery Lane Bicycles, Incase and Urbanears. The special edition Jack Spade for Wired bag will feature custom buttons from artists including Eric Elms, Jason Polan and Lenard Smith. The shop will also have a gaming lounge with the latest systems, interactive games, foosball and Ping-Pong furniture curated by Karim Rashid. The shop features departments with themes including: Adventure Capitalist, the outdoor extremist; Culturazzi, WIRED's resident culture vulture; Digital Gentleman, the well-appointed chap; Gadget Girl, personal electronics savant; Gastronaut, foodie meets-mad-scientist; Maker, DIY-ing before there was an acronym; and Smarter Upstarter, the next Silicon Alley CEO.

"The Ultimate Gift Bag" is packed with WIRED editor picks for the holiday season as featured in the December issue. Readers and shoppers can enter to win this must-have gadget bag valued at approximately $2,700 at www.wired.com/magazine/bagsweepstakes Shown at right is the Black Yellow Flannel Ramos shoe. It sells for $75 and a portion of the proceeds from sales of this product will benefit the Soccorro Island Conservation fund, a nonprofit protecting the diverse biosphere off the coast of Baja, California.

Tags: gadgets, gifts, holiday shopping, wired

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Pricey Handmade Chess Set Made Entirely of Legos

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Art

Chess is a sophisticated game that often lends itself to rare and expensive materials but for this version designer Derek Seiple chose to create a chess set out of common plastic black and white Legos. LEGOs might be common (who hasn't build a Lego fortress at some point in their lives?) but what they lack in intrinsic value they seem to more than make up for in nostalgia and collectability (as Wired pointed out this set costs more than a Macbook Air). The design takes almost 4000 lego bricks to create and the board is made using a special "no studs on top" technique so the squares have a smooth surface. The board measures 22 3/4" square by 1" thick and the King stands 4 1/2" tall. Each set is made to order and can be done in any color combination, with a lead time of about three weeks. Order now for the Lego-lover on your Christmas list. $1,295

Gallery: LEGO Chess Set

Source

Tags: board games, chess, games, gifts, holidash, holiday gifts, lego, legos

Luxist Giveaway: Win a Cambria Cove Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week VIP Gift Bag

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

As we noted in August gifting geniuses Cambria Cove – inspired by the idea that a gift is more than just the object, it's a connection between the giver and the receiver – was named the Official Gift Retailer for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this season. The chic site sells a variety of gifts made by artisans, designers and visionary brands around the world that span the range from gourmet food to travel accessories and jewelry, including items for men and women with personalized gifts available as well. As part of their initiative for the runway shows, Cambria Cove created an Official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week VIP gift bag (above) stuffed with dozens of desirable items which was distributed to celebrity guests, supermodels and VIPs at all the best designer displays. Now the company is offering one lucky Luxist reader the chance to win one of the exclusive sacks, along with a Cambria Cove "Pre-Holiday Shopping Spree" Gift Certificate of $100 so you can get a head start on your own gift-giving. The complete contents of the gift bag provided by various sponsors, valued at $500, are as follows:

Fashion Week garment bag
18 oz. glass bottle filled with gumballs
45g protein bar
Neoprene wine bottle insulator/holder
Two designer notebooks
Designer shampoo
Eyeglass care kit
Designer mascara and nail polish
Gourmet snacks and mineral water
Silk chiffon scarf
Compact umbrella with Fashion Week logo
Coffee mug
Fashion shopping site invitation card with $25 credit.
$200 gift certificate from a New York City spa
$100 Cambria Cove "Pre-Holiday Shopping Spree" Gift Certificate [continued]

Tags: Cambria Cove, contest, fashion, fashion shows, Fashion Week, gift bag, gifts, luxist giveaway, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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