Man, Oh Man! Another Tie?

If it's shoes he needs, then it's shoes he shall have. Head over to Fleet Feet Sports, 713-520-6353, and surprise him with a new pair of running shoes. Not only will you be updating his running image, but you'll also be saving him the agony of suffering through shin splints. After all, a pair of shoes can last only so long, and the shoes that he bought ten years ago are now not only absolutely hideous to look at, but they're also about as useful as a set of flat tires. And just as it is hard to drive a car on a flat tire, so is it to run in deflated running shoes.

Perhaps, though, he's not really the running type. Maybe fishing is more his speed. Well, then you're in luck, because Angler's Edge, 713-993-9981, has been the premier fly-fishing outfitter in Hous-ton since 1986. The store carries the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art fly-fishing equipment from Sage, Scott, Winston, Abel, Tibor, Hardy, Hart and others, as well as premium clothing and gear from Patagonia, Ex Officio, Simms, CC Filson, Revo and other first-rate manufacturers. They also offer lessons for fishermen of various skill levels.

Fashion

There are other avenues to take, though, when buying the perfect gift for the perfect man. Think of something he needs. Look around the house. Keep an eye out for subtle clues. Still not working? Here's a hint: Look inside his closet. Christmastime reminds us of miracles, and what would be more miraculous than getting him to replace those worn-out pants (you know: the ones with the frayed cuffs and the hole in the seat that he fondly refers to as his own custom air-conditioning). Take a stroll down to Bill Walker Clothier, 713-871-9811, and help your man give his fashion sense a bit of a boost. This year the hot items they're promoting cover a wide array of styles, yet they all have one thing in common: style.

Now, it's true that for some men, gifts of this caliber might come as a bit of a shock. Some might even put up some resistance, but fear not. Stand strong and you shall prevail. Play to his sense of pride. Keep reaffirming how dashing he looks in his new threads. In no time at all, you'll have him striving to be a member of the few, the proud, the chic. Saks Fifth Avenue, 713-627-0500, is a great place to find some fantastic fashion ideas for him. If nothing there strikes your fancy there, then hop into Lord & Taylor, 713-627-8100. Other men's stores worth checking out include Men's Wearhouse, 713-529-6191, Lucho, 713-961-3577, Abercrombie & Fitch, 713-629-6221, and The Custom Shop Shirt-makers and Tailors in The Park Shops Center, 713-655-8858.

After you've taken care of his ward-robe, put the finishing touches on his new look with a little help from Eyeworks at Midtown, 713-942-9080. Eye-works offers a wide selection of designer frames and styles. If he wears glasses, he might as well wear glasses that are both practical and fashionable.

Something Different

Perhaps, though, the idea of clothes for Christmas just rings a bit hollow. A great idea for some of the dads out there is portraiture. Get the kids together and arrange for them to have their portraits done at Gittings Portraiture, 713-965-9301. A portrait makes a timeless and heartfelt treasure for any family member.

Looking for something to get that guy who is so cranked on skateboarding that his mantra in life is "I live for shredding"? Well, The Source Board Shop is the place to go. They have all name-brand skateboards, decks, long board skateboards, clothing, shoes and surfboards. Who knows, maybe he'll be the next Tony Hawk. All he needs is the right equipment. Call them at one of their two locations: 713-946-0414 or 713-520-8980.

Another good idea is to sign up your man for a day of relaxation. Whoever created the misconception that men don't need pampering, well, was probably a woman. Truth is a man can appreciate a day at the spa just as much as a woman can. Bella Rinova Day Spa and Salon, 713-572-0022, has gift certificates. Show your man how much he is loved. Give him a day of relaxation.

Kardio Kickbox is a high-energy, ex-citing and motivating form of exercise. It is a non-contact, full-body workout with the explosive techniques of kickboxing done to music. Every workout is different. Sign your guy up and give him that little nudge he's been needing to get back in shape. Call Urban Jungle Self Defense at 713-861-7252.

There are many other hot items this year. It's so easy, though, to get overwhelmed by the seemingly bottomless pool of potentially great gifts and opt instead to travel the road so often traveled and leave originality at home with the dog when you have absolutely no idea what to get. So this year be prepared. Give the gift that stands above the abyss of meaningless junk. Dare to be different. Whether it's an update to his wardrobe, a selection from the plethora of cabled and wired "it" items hitting the marketplace this season, sporting supplies or goods, or just something altogether different, the key to giving a great gift is simply this: Give from the heart! Don't give him something because it's Christmas, give because he means something to you. Give not because you'll be getting, but give for his not forgetting. So go forth with confidence, and find that something special for that someone even more special. And if you should come across the boxers with "Santa's Little Helper," trust us...keep on walking!