Great guy gifts for under $50

There's something about shopping for a man that can send even an expert shopper into a tizzy. If you're thinking a) tie, b) aftershave or c) holiday sweater (aka snowflakes and reindeer), cross them off your list. He'll thank you for coming up with something just a smidge more unique. Assuming the guy in your life hasn't been naughty this year, here are some recommendations for:

THE WORKAHOLIC

Stress relief has come a long way since the days of the squishy tension-relief balls and clunky hand-held massage devices. Perfect for the guy whose boss makes him come in on Sundays, Restoration Hardware's Desktop Speedbag ($35) is an actual Everlast punching bag on a spring-loaded coil that suctions itself to the base of a desk or other surface. If he loves NBC's hit show "The Office," the British version (for which the U.S. show was inspired by) will be a hit. The DVD box set of the British show's first and second seasons ($41.99) is available at amazon.com.

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WILLIAMS-SONOMA

Créme Brûlée Torch Set ($49.95).

THE RESIDENT CHEF

Know a guy who's a closet (or outed) fan of the Food Network? Then chances are good he'll appreciate a new gadget for the kitchen. Just make sure it's not a Bundt pan. Show him you appreciate his culinary prowess with his very own culinary torch. Check out the Créme Brûlée Torch Set ($49.95) from Williams-Sonoma, which comes with a torch, four ramekins and a recipe booklet. It's a bona fide power tool for the kitchen!

THE GUY'S GUY

The Seattle company Kavu is a good place to visit if you have an outdoorsy man on your list. Here you'll find clothing that stands up to the elements, such as the Long Beach Pullover ($36). Fun fact: Much of Kavu's clothing is made from unusual materials such as bamboo and eucalyptus wood, even recycled Pet plastic bottles. The Strap Cap ($18.50), one of the company's bestselling products, also makes a great gift.

THE GADGET GUY

Ever been on a trip or stranded in traffic with a dead cell phone and no charger (you left it at the office, again)? Chances are he has too. There's a new gizmo on the market this season that puts an end to that. For $19.95, you can get him the SOS Charger Kit. This hand-crank device (just three minutes will give you enough juice to make a call) doesn't require batteries and fits most modern cell phones, so it's great for emergency situations.

THE SKI BUM

If you're looking for a perfect gift for a guy who hits the slopes every weekend, the folks at Fiorini Sports in University Village say you've got to get him a soft shell — and they're not talking about the crustacean variety. Basically a souped up fleece, it's a jacket with a warm fleece interior and a spandex-like, water-resistant, wind-proof exterior. This will probably set you back more than $50, so how about a gift certificate to Steven's Pass? Put $49 on SnowDough gift card from Steven's Pass and you can treat him to a full day of schussing or riding. The new Seattle clothing and sports supply store Evo carries every ski and snowboard accessory he could ever want, and plenty of gear for mucking around in the rain too. A hoodie, such as Evo's Dragon Black Stain variety ($45), is something nice to tuck under the tree.

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"Tini Bigs Martini Book" ($19.95).

THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

Seattle's long-standing martini bar Tini Bigs just released a "cookbook": "Tini Bigs Martini Book" ($19.95), available at most local bookstores. Paired with barware — or martini glasses by Roost ($17 each), available at Click! Design That Fits — and you've got a perfect gift for a fun-loving guy friend.

THE LADIES' MAN

Designer T-shirts, such as those found at the eclectic Fremont boutique Enexile, are hot items this season. The store carries several brands in various designs ($26-$30). Here, you'll also spot a fun number: strap-on or snap-on cuffs ($16-$22) — bracelets for men (and women too!) available in all kinds of colors and styles. Blackbird, Ballard's hip men's clothing store, carries locally made Coal hats ($25-$35), which come in cool fabrics such as tweed and khaki.

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