1. Shaving cream by The Art of Shaving. This is among the best shaving cream in the world, and a bottle of the preshave oil makes a nice combo that's sure to turn anyone into a convert. Both last a while (unless your wife gets a hold of them). About $45.

2. Vintage books. Check out: “The Stainless Steel Kimono,” by Elliott Chaze, the tale of a southerner's adventures in occupied Japan. Another good choice: “The Martial Adventures of Henry and Me,” by the prize-winning journalist William Allen White. Autographed hardcover copies of Jimmy Buffett or Carl Hiassen books are nice, too. Prices vary. Bookfinder.com. To really splurge, see BaumanRareBooks.com.

3. Gold collar stays - unseen by everyone else - remind the wearer of his inner mettle. I especially like the 18-stay collection (different lengths) from Brooks Brothers, primarily because it comes in a smart-looking leather case that makes it easy to keep track of them and is also nice for travel. $35. Brooksbrothers.com.

4. When inspiration strikes, you've got to be ready, and Levenger's shirt-pocket briefcase is a handy tool for inveterate jotters. The company also makes personalized note cards for them, which are not only a nice touch but something you can give year after year, though any 3-by-5 card will work. $38. Levenger.com.

If you're looking for the ultimate upscale gift, I suggest the black silk-and-cashmere turtleneck from J.Peterman. It's impossible not to look good in this: It's elegant dressed up with a jacket; it's pretty darn spiffy dressed down with a pair of jeans. $250. jpeterman.com.

-- Andy Obermueller

Photo albums are so yesterday. The 7-inch digital photo viewer/frame has slide, zoom and rotate functions to show off all of her favorite pictures. $100 at J.C. Penney

The Vera Bradley laptop bag is functional, yet so stylish. The Metro bag comes in all the Vera Bradley patterns and colors. $80

Her cell phone doubles as her phone book. This little cellstik stores all that pertinent info in a safe place for the inevitable cell phone mishap. $40 at redenvelope.com.

When stress hits, this compact, battery-operated Mini Masseuse will give her an electronic simulation massage - no matter where she is. Great for the office, plane or cab. $50

With the handy Zagat's America's Top Restaurants 2007 guide, the busy exec can eat well no matter where she travels. Even better, buy her the Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts & Spas 2007. Under $20 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

If she loves shiny hair - and what woman doesn't - pick up J Beverly Hills shine mist for a fun stocking stuffer.

And since Andy went upscale with his last suggestion, I'll go him one better: A John Hardy bracelet in sterling and gold, maybe with a sprinkling of diamonds, is “the” status symbol for successful women. $300 to $2,000 at Barnes Jewelry.

-- Marty Primeau

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, December 14, 2006.