Trends | Holiday Gift Guide

Be a man. Go ahead, we want you to. Light that stogie, drive real fast, start a bar fight, win at five-card stud…whatever it is you do, do it. But wouldn’t it taste better with the accouterments that wily gentlemen have long relished? ie, the cigar. J Barbera, the Garden City based tobacconist, is not only a purveyor of the greats in international cigars, they have the collection of accessories to keep up. What better way to package a gift card than in a handsome cigar box matched with personalized cutters and lighters? J Barbera is also a smoker’s oasis: A leather and deep wood rich environment to savor a cigar, with no back-room, stale cloud of smoke to dampen the taste. Call: (516) 284-7806. Web: jbarberacigars.com.

When it comes to cool, few things are more symbolic than a pair of shades. Whether you are the rock star variety of 80’s hair band, 90’s grunge or 00’s world beat (ugh, or 70’s disco), the shades make the man almost as much as the clothes. Michael Allen Opticians of Woodbury knows this and makes eyewear available to match the brands men of taste prefer. Car buff? Go for a Maybach. Surfer dude? Maui Jims. Motorcycle man? Chrome Hearts, all the way. The perfect gift option: A gift card neatly wrapped in a specialty case. Shown here are Maybach and Chrome Hearts. Tele: (516) 364-1288. Web: michaelallenopticians.com.

Watchwear is the ultimate in gentlemen’s indulgences, at least as far as accessories go. Gelber & Mundy (Great Neck & NYC) has been directing men in making the smartest buys of this kind for about 60 years. Specializing in Raymond Weil, Longines, TAGHEUER, Bulova and other leaders of horology, the selection may be comprehensive, but the service is specific: World class, reliable, smart. Like the precision timepieces they sell, Gelber & Mundy offers a no-nonsense approach to acquiring the watch a fellow will welcome to his wrist for decades to come. Tele: (516) 482-1585. Web: gelbermundy.com.

The sky’s the limit. That’s how your loved one sees the world, isn’t it? That’s how you want him (or her) to see it, no? Nothing can compare to flying lessons in saying so. Nassau Flyers (at Republic Airport in Farmingdale) is the leader in exceptional flight instruction and aviation services. Since 1976, and recently under new ownership, NFI offers hands-on, first-rate training for those looking to either try it once or go all the way to piloting an aircraft solo. If you’re looking for a gift that says, “unique, boundless, take charge, daring…” this is it. Call (631) 454-0626 or visit flynfi.com for details.