We love the men in our lives. Whether it be our dads playing Mr. Fix It, brothers teaching us about football, or boyfriends helping with the dishes, they are always there for us when we need them. The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for guys’ gifts is that, contrary to some opinions, men are not all the same. Each of the men in your life dances to the beat of a different drummer and your gifts to them should reflect their unique personality. Below, we’ve got gifts for all men from, Type A’s to Z’s.

For the GQ Guy

Cuff Links, Eco-artware.com
Cuff links are classic, try something off-beat like these vintage watch movement cuff links.
($130)

Custom Polo, Ralph Lauren
Pop this collar- go to www.ralphlauren.com and design him a custom polo. You can pick your own color, style, and monogram for a unique twist.
($79.50)

For the Metro Man

Gift Card, Halo For Men
Save him the embarrassment of asking the girl at the salon for a back wax. Hook him up with a gift card from Halo For Men for a relaxing spa session.
(Prices start at $50)

Bay Rum Men’s Shaving Kit, Burts Bees
“Looking good never smelled better.” Upscale shaving kits are an easy way to show a guy with sensitive skin that you care. We like this one from Burts Bees.
($30)

For the Emeril Wannabe

Knife Skills Workshop, Sur La Table
Help him hone some serious knife skills. The Gold Coast Sur La Table offers Knife Skill Workshops. You can book a class online for their Walton Street outpost but make sure you do it in advance, as space is limited.
($79)

Coffee For One, Willow
Coffee? Tea? Me? While you’re on your walk of shame home in below freezing weather your guy can enjoy his morning coffee all by himself! (We kid, we kid) But, this set is perfect for easy and quick coffee or tea.
($30)

For the Boss Man

Personalized Leather Portfolio, PersonalizationMall.com
We suggest something practical he can take to work or use for traveling like a leather folio or case for his business cards . Is it a little boring? Yes. But some guys (ahem, workaholics) dig this stuff. 
($54.95)

Power Station Organizer, X-TremeGeek.com
Help keep him organized and in control with this charging station. It keeps cords hidden and all his electronics will be in one easy to find place.
($19.95)

For the Party Guy

Gin and Titonic, Willow
Ships Ahoy! Under $10 gets you 4 ocean liners and 4 icebergs. Add a bottle of gin and you’re good to go.
($8)

Deluxe Marshmallow Shooter, BoyToys on Etsy.com
This is one of the coolest things we’ve seen in awhile. Operation is simple. Just load the mouthpiece with mini-marshmallows (it has a range of over sixty feet, we kid you not) and blow. Again, we can’t make this stuff up!
($10)

(Lindsey Duda)

You’ll usually find the Beauty Maven lounging around the spa, stretching out at a yoga class or scoring free samples at a department store. She is a little obsessive compulsive about her beauty routine, but the results are worth it, as she always looks picture perfect. Any of the gifts here are sure to compliment her current fitness and beauty habits.

Manicure, Nail Bar
Anyone can appreciate manicured hands during the holiday season, so get your girlfriend a “Quickie Hand Job.” It includes shape, cuticle, detail, and high shine buff.
($15)

Gift Card, iTunes
A good workout would not be complete without a great soundtrack. Give that special someone a personal play list with a itunes gift certificate, includes free shipping!
(Starting at $15)

Sleep Mask, Flight 001
We all know the foundation of a good beauty regimen is a good night’s sleep. This pretty silk sleep mask will make catching some z’s even more enticing.
($22)

Audrey Hepburn DVD Collection, Target
The epitome of classic beauty. Give your friends a classic gift and a night in with Audrey.
($26)

SPRI Yoga Starter Kit, Sports Authority
Everything she needs to stay lean, toned and relaxed this winter, without ever having to leave the house!
($39.99)

Smashbox “Gift of Glow”, Sephora
A PLRG favorite, this make-up kit is valued at $127 but on sale for $46. If your looking for something less pricey, Sephora even has a ton of gifts under $25!
($46)

Hangover Helper Duo, Bliss Spa
This kit is the perfect solution to a hangover, inspired by David Kirsch the kit includes raspberry vitamin super juice and Kirsch’s famous energy bubbles.
($65)

SPLURGE

Dark or Pure ghd IV Styler, ghd
The rounded edges of this “styler” can create curls, waves or pin straight hair. Available in two limited edition stylers, Pure (white) or Dark (black) it also comes with a heat resistant carrying case.
($270)

(Veronica Mendez)

We might love the “Martha’s” in our lives more than anyone. It’s probably because they are constantly feeding us, taking care of us and sharing tips on how to do everything better. The “Martha-wanna-be” in your life will appreciate any of these gifts to stimulate the appetite and their creative minds. Chances are, you’ll reap the benefits!

Knife Sharpening, Northwestern Cutlery (810 W. Lake St.)
A dull knife is the most dangerous tool in the kitchen. Bring your knife set here and have them sharpened while you wait.
($3.50 per knife)

Magazine Subscription, Domino Magazine
It’s the gift that keeps giving all year long.
($10 for 10 issues)

Carmelini Candies, Das Foods
Katie Das started Das Foods in Chicago three years ago. Check out their Assortment box of Carmelinis. It “was among the top 10 picks for the “Outstanding New Product of 2008″ at the 2008 International Fancy Foods Show.”
(12 oz for $20.99)

Rachael Ray’s Big Orange Book, Everyday with Rachael Ray
Her newest cook book with over 400 recipes. 
($24.95)

Wine of the Month Club, Sam’s Wine
2 bottles a month for 3 months
($79.99)

CulinHome Knife Frame, Chopping Block
Cooking utensils of any kind are a great gift for the chef and Chopping Block has plenty of great option (like this knife set). Visit their 2 locations in Lincoln Square or in the Merchandise Mart.
($80.00)

20% off, Bliss Food Creations & Catering
This is good towards cooking classes, personal chef services and catered events.
(Contact Kristin Hamzik at klhamzik@yahoo.com)

Meal Delivery Service, Cooking Fools
This Bucktown spot offers home meal deliveries customized to your appetite.
(Pricing Varies)

SPLURGE

Phillipe Starck “Louis Ghost Chair,” Highbrow Furniture
The ultimate combo of modern and classic design, this chair (in transparent colors) will go with most any home decor. Her inner designer would be overjoyed to find this under the tree!
($328, originally $410)

(Kristin Hamzik)

The Holiday season is once again upon us and with it the anxiety inducing tradition of gift giving. Maybe it’s just me, but I prefer giving gifts that have meaning. So, for a friend maybe it’s something that reminds me of an inside joke we share. Or, for my father a pre-paid Geek Squad plan (never again will he be tempted to take a hammer to his PC). Of course though, when the pressure’s on and there’s four weeks until Christmas, I don’t always have the luxury of taking my time to research and purchase that perfect present.

That’s where the anxiety comes in. Each year, without fail it is December 20 and I am still empty handed, scrambling for original (and affordable) gift ideas to please everyone on my list. I’m fairly sure I am not alone in this dilemma, so this week PLRG has put together a sweet Gift Guide to help you stock up on goodies for all the different people in your life. Taking a cue from our typical categories (Get Hot, Get Rich, etc.), we have the scoop on the best presents at the best prices for all of those hard to shop for peeps.

We’ll be adding a new “personality type” each day this week, so by Black Friday you should be all set to get out there and pillage those deals (don’t forget to check out our list of the best Black Friday sales). We’ll begin today with “The Boss Lady,” where you can find the perfect gift for the uber professional in your life. Then, keep an eye out all week for more gift ideas for “The Beauty Maven,” “The Martha Wannabe,” “The Fashionista” and “The Party Girl.” And, don’t worry, we did not forget about the special men in our lives. For each personality we have also included ideas for the male equivalent (think “GQ Guy” instead of “Fashionista”).

So relax this week and enjoy your Thanksgiving. We’ve got your holiday shopping covered!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief