Gifts for "Grown-Up Boys" from Myth and Legend

With another Christmas come and gone, are you thinking you might have missed the mark with some of the presents you gave this year? We keep hearing from our customers about those "grown-up boys" who are so hard to buy something unusual. They buy themselves plenty of toys like video games, car accessories and power tools, so when it comes to the holidays, what's new to give them? Here are some fun ideas for gifts inspired by myth and legend that are sure to delight your grown-up boys -- it's never too early to shop for next year!

Number one on our list is a mythically themed chess set that will bring years of enjoyment to your overgrown adolescent. Let's face it, most men love a challenge, and what could be more challenging than a great game of chess?

Make it even more interesting by choosing a set that bases its pieces on Civil War battles, Chinese warriors or legendary dragons. Made from beautiful, durable materials like alabastrite, soapstone and glass, your guy will be fascinated as much by the set itself as the games he's determined to win!

Dragons, Chinese warlords and Civil War generals aren't the only legends that fascinate those hard-to-buy-for men. If your favorite guy loves sports, there's memorabilia that will bring to mind legendary sports heroes every time he sees it.

You could, for example, buy coasters, pennants or coffee mugs for your NCAA fan. If NASCAR is his passion, why not surprise him with a gift that brings to mind the legendary Dale Earnhardt or Jeff Gordon?

NFL fans who can recite the stats for their favorite football legends will smile each time they lift that Packers tankard or sip from their Dallas Cowboys travel mug. You can even give them gifts for bed and bath emblazoned with their favorite team's logo!

There's one more type of legend many men will admit to admiring. Legendary greats from country music, rock or even classical have inspired countless interesting gifts.

Does he get "all shook up" when someone mentions Elvis? Then by all means, go for Elvis memorabilia when shopping for the holidays. Again, they may look like men, but inside there's usually a boy who'd be delighted to receive something that immortalizes his favorite stars.

No matter which myth and legend your grown-up boys find most fascinating, there's a gift to match. Great warriors, great football heroes, legendary NASCAR drivers, and history's great musicians are all commemorated by gifts that will bring years of enjoyment.

Pay attention when he's talking about what inspires him most, and then look online for great gifts in that theme. If you do, you'll find your own gifts becoming a legend with the grown-up boys in your life!

Why Candles and Scents Make the Perfect Gift

If the words "gift candles" conjure up an image of plain-jane "candles in a jar," it's time to take a closer look at today's candles and scents. There are candles, candle holders and scents in many forms, enough to please your entire gift list. Here are just a few of the occasions when candles and scents make the perfect gift.

Hostess Gifts: If you're like us, you're invited to numerous parties over the holidays. Good manners dictate we bring along a small gift for the host. Did you know there's a candle to please nearly every host or hostess?

Why not surprise them with a set of simple ball candles nestled in a pretty gift box? Ball candles can be used in so many ways over the holidays -- on a mirror or tiered candelabra or in ceramic dishes -- to set just the right mood for holiday festivities.

If you really know the host or hostess well, give simple tealight holders and a set of tealight candles that suit their home's decor. No matter which you choose, candles and scents say "Thanks for inviting me!" wonderfully.

Wedding Gifts: To bring a smile to the special bride and groom, consider the gift of exotic scents for their bed and bath. Graceful wooden reed diffusers scented with jasmine spread their aroma beautifully and set the stage for romance! Another wonderfully romantic gift for newlyweds is a ceramic oil warmer paired with one or two nicely scented oils.

Secret Santa Gifts: A nice assortment of candles, incense, or scented oils is a good choice to give when you're a "Secret Santa." No matter how well you know the recipient, you can't go wrong with a tasteful assortment of candles and scents.

Graduation Gifts: Want to be the one who doesn't gift the grad with a watch or luggage? Consider a mystical incense holder and an interesting collection of stick incense to spice up their first apartment. This is also a great idea when you're looking for a housewarming gift!

No matter what the occasion, we believe candles and scents make the perfect gift. For bed and bath, or to brighten a cozy living room, every home is made better by beautiful candles. By taking time to look at online gift shops, you can find wonderful selections that will fit your budget. And won't it be nice being the person whose gifts your friends can't wait to open?