City Slicker
Even if he doesn’t broker big deals downtown or eat sushi—and brunch—on Market Square a couple of times a week, Knoxville definitely has a subgroup of guys with a citified outlook. Career-minded, hip on urban renewal and live music, maybe with even a loft (or at least a briefcase). Gift this man with urban ware, indoor pastime accessories, and maybe even a couple of office accoutrements. ’Cause he ain’t going back to the farm (or the suburbs, either.)
Empire State Building Bookends $46
BLISS 24 Market Square, 389-8868, shopinbliss.com
Start spreading the news... these functional bits of art history were created by Historical Wonders by TMS and inspired by the one and only NYC landmark originally built in 1931 by architect William Lamb. Just be on the lookout for King Kong.
AG Bootcut Jeans
BAR DENIM BLUES 5508 Kingston Pike, 330-2583, bardenimblues.com
Bar Denim Blues co-owners and buyers Stephanie Napier and Ally Bailey stay way ahead of the fashion curve so you don’t have to. Just one of the many finds they’ve introduced to Knoxville, these faded, blue-tinted “Fillmore” style jeans are bootcut and come from AG—that’s designer Adriano Goldschmied, whose styles appear on HBO’s Entourage. And have a good time shopping for your guy: the whole idea of Bar Denim is high-end shopping combined with the experience and relaxation of a bar.
(Gently Used) Video Games
MCKAY USED BOOKS & CDs 230 Papermill Place Way, 588-0331, mckaybooks.com
Once you’ve mastered a video game, where’s the fun? That’s why you can find a ridiculously extensive selection of used video games for everything from Playstation to Nintendo Wii at McKay—and while they work the same as the ones in shrink wrap, they’re a fraction of the price.
Skull and Crossbones Scarf $145
M.S. MCCLELLAN & CO. 5614 Kingston Pike #3, 584-3492, msmcclellan.com
This merino and angora number is dashing and different, great with a sport coat—not one for the kiddies making snowmen. Handwoven in the Highlands of Scotland and custom designed by Bob McClellan and his store manager, the indubitable Mr. Cox, these scarves sold out fast last holiday, so this year they’ve added more colors for a total of six.
Lily Pulitzer for Men Tuxedo Shirt and Formal Set
M.S. MCCLELLAN & CO. 5614 Kingston Pike #3, 584-3492, msmcclellan.com
The Lily Pulitzer motto is, “Serious clothing that doesn’t take itself seriously,” and this zany combo in signature LP pink and green is well made and flawlessly styled. Still, it’s not for the faint of heart to parade in at the New Year’s ball. You give this gift, he’ll need cahones for a night of high fashion.
Tickets to A Christmas Carol
CLARENCE BROWN THEATRE 206 McClung Tower, University of Tennessee, 974-5161, theatre.utk.edu
Texting Mr. Scrooge. These tickets say, “take some time to enjoy a play with a loved one.” And such quality! Jed Diamond, head of Acting at UT, plays Ebenezer Scrooge in this full-scale University of Tennessee production, and the cast and crew are studded with theater standouts from across the nation like so many plums in a pudding. The theme says “redemption,” the pace is lively, the script thoughtful and occasionally moving—but never sappy, so your guy isn’t going to catch a nap. Enjoy the holiday songs and celebration with the ghosts of Christmas present. Wednesday-Sunday performances through Dec. 21, $20-$33 per adult, depending on the performance night; senior, student discounts.
Massage By Michele Gift Certificate
MICHELLE SAMPLES 6711 Kingston Pike at Yucatan Spa, 806-0356
Sooth away those executive worries with therapeutic massage, reflexology, or the magical healing of hot-stone therapy from licensed and board-certified massage therapist Michelle Samples. With 23 years experience (not to mention an M.A. in public health), her appointment book fills up fast with physician-referred patients, but she can work wonders with tense folks who refer themselves, too. Relax, he’s going to love this.
Stuff Those Stockings
Jack Black True Volume Thickening Shampoo with expansion technology, $18, M.S. McClellan (msmcclellan.com), chocolate-covered potato chips, $16/pound, South’s Finest Chocolate Factory (chocolatelovers.com)
