Gemstone virtuoso
Jewelry designer and gemologist John Meier has a passion for colored and phenomenal gemstones, which is immediately apparent when you see his collection of earrings, rings and pendants. Meier boldly mixes and matches stones such as tourmaline, moonstones and sapphires, creating richly dazzling pieces that command attention.
The Bay Area-based Meier studied gemology in the States and in Thailand. His work is carried at Oncina Fine Jewelry in Menlo Park and Palladium Fine Jewelry in St. Helena, and is online at JohnMeierDesign.com. It’s also visible in this issue’s fashion coverage.
Plush rush
Tell him a day of pampering awaits, then have him slip into this calf-length terrycloth robe from Brooks Brothers (it’s machine washable – no worries). Then lead him directly to the sofa for a lie-down lay-down facial, shave and man manicure. A little doting will do him good. $148; monogram $12 (allow two weeks).
383 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.462.0936 (also at Santana Row); brooksbrothers.com
Smokin’ hot!
Got a guy who likes a good cigar now and then? Give him a membership to the Los Gatos Cigar Club, which offers a broad line of premium cigars and a unique place to relax and enjoy them. Membership includes a small humidor to age and store his cigars; a day pass will let him try out the club to see if it’s a good fit. Inquire about both by phone.
21 College Ave., Los Gatos, 408.395.7800, losgatoscigar.com
Cooking cool
Featuring more than 100 recipes from Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar, the Tommy Bahama cookbook (“Life Is One Long Weekend”) makes a cheery present for the man who loves cooking and resort wear with equal devotion. And you get to look forward to tasting the array of signature cocktails, entrees and desserts. DK Publishing, $35.
355 Santana Row, Suite 1015, San Jose, 408.984.8688, tommybahama.com
Pocket pal
A must for the macho minimalist with cash to burn. This ultra-thin Nominal Merge wallet from Hlaska boasts an internal money clip, and it’s so sturdy it will last forever (and look better over time, thanks to Italian leather). $95.
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12 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.326.1999 (also at Santana Row); hlaska.com
Gym dandy
Quite possibly the most tactical, practical bag ever with good looks to boot. Tumi’s Alpha McGuire Duffle is the perfect gym carryall, and it’s sized for carry-on with exterior pockets for organizing small items. $325.
333 Santana Row, Suite 1010, San Jose, 408.244.6512, tumi.com
Hair therapy
For the man with “mane on the brain,” gift Billy Jealousy’s deliciously peppermint-scented Fuzzy Logic shampoo. The formula softens, strengthens, thickens, volumizes (and stealthily fights hair loss) – plus the bottle looks killer in the shower. $22.
Sephora, Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara, 408.248.7095, Sephora.com
Soothe operator
Looking for a simple stocking stuffer? Wrap up Aveda Pure-Formance Dual Action Aftershave, a naturally derived, two-in-one moisturizer and aftershave that reduces razor burn and ingrown hairs. It also will improve his skin tone and texture. Men love their beauty products, too. $35.
Atelier Aveda, 378 Santana Row, Suite 1120, San Jose, 408.244.4222, atelieraveda.com
Face it
Take care of one of his best assets with a customized facial. Try The Spa-Los Gatos, which offers a luxurious “Gentleman’s Relaxing Facial” with a choice of two professional skin care lines (Jan Marini and Epicuren); the facial Includes an invigorating neck, shoulder, face and scalp massage. 60 minutes $115.
The Spa-Los Gatos, 100 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.354.5901, thespalosgatos.com
Man-jewelry
We’re talking subtle, sophisticated bracelets made out of manly materials such as solid tungsten, stainless steel, wood and ceramic. They make a statement: strength, character, confidence. What’s not to like? $89.95-$99.95.
Red Envelope, redenvelopressenterprise.com
Ride the pony
Get your guy in the game with some modern-day fragrance, like Ralph Lauren’s Big Pony, a collection of four scents aimed at the 18-30 crowd and based on different aspects of his life: Sport (citrus), Adventure (mint and ginger root), Style (mandarin and kyara wood) and Seduction (dark chocolate and musk!). $50 each (2.5 oz.).
Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.com
DIY microbrew
Let’s call it artisan beer. This kit contains everything he needs to create up to 2 gallons in 14 days. With reusable brew keg and screw-top bottles. Cheers! $49.95
Red Envelope,redenvelopressenterprise.com
