Category: ‘grooming’

What: John Varvatos Artisan Fragrance , $75

Why: February is nearly behind us, which means spring is almost (and finally) here. Help your guy get ready for the warmer weather with the new Artisan fragrance from John Varvatos. I sensed a strong citrus scent after the first spritz, but with woodsy undertones, so I didn't smell like a Glade air freshener. And in typical John Varvatos fashion, it’s all about the details. The fragrance flask is housed in hand-woven rattan making it a smart addition to my bathroom display.

Get Yours: Exclusively available at nordstrom.com

Guys and cologne are an interesting combination. Whenever I buy cologne, the goal is to find a personal connection with the smell. Ii don't want the smell to be overbearing, but at the same time it's a great feeling when a complete stranger passes by and twirls around as to keep your air around just a bit longer.  As you walk through the men's cologne aisle looking for that perfect scent for your man, be sure to sample some of the great scents below:

Davidoff Adventure ($33.33) can best be described as woody and earthy with a great subtle clean smell that is perfect for everyday use at work.

There is a great consistent sweet/fresh smell amongst the diesel products (cologne, aftershave, lotions) that I just love. This Diesel Limited Edition Gift Set ($65.50) will keep your guy smelling great both day and night.

I finished this bottle of Ed Hardy's Men Fragrance ($75) quickly. It's become one of my faves for going out at night – a great combination of citrus, sage and sensual musks. A must smell.

What: Le Labo Patchouli 24, $52

Why: We know what you’re thinking….patchouli? But Le Labo Patchouli 24 won’t make your guy smell like the Haight-Ashbury. The smoky, leathery character of birch with a touch of vanilla is unique and sexy and unlike any cologne we’ve ever tried. And what makes Le Labo even more special is you can personalize the bottle by adding a name on the label. “A scent filled with danger for those of us who like to walk a tight rope.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Get Yours: lelabofragrances.com

What: Mistral Soap for Men, $5 and $14

Why: Pssst…do the men in your life know that they need to moisturize their skin? Many men shave, shower, and leave it at that, so Mistral Soap for Men has made it an easy part of their rather minimalist morning regimen. Mixed with green coffee and white ginseng extracts, organic shea butter and pumpkin seed oil to refresh, cleanse, and moisturize men’s skin, Mistral keeps it simple and effective. The bars I tried lasted almost twice as long as a traditional bar of soap. Available in travel and full-size bars, these indulgent yet practical soaps make great stocking stuffers this holiday season. And if you offer to lather him up, I’m sure he’ll love them even more!

Need more guy gift ideas? Check out our picks for the Top 11 Online Gifts for Guys on YourTango.com

Get Yours: mistralsoap.com

What: Peppermint Foot Care Kit, $17.50

Why: Let’s paint a picture together. You come home from work, your man follows soon after. Both of you have had a long day and the first thing you both want to do is kick off your shoes and relax.  You have some dinner, watch a little TV, and begin the process of decompressing. Then – you become a rockstar. Why? Because you've purchased Peppermint Foot Therapy for your man – a foot scrub and cream that will alleviate foot dryness and shed away damaged skin – but more importantly, massaging your man’s feet after a long day will earn you HUGE bonus points. Created exclusively for men, the Peppermint Foot Therapy products smell fantastic and should counteract any other interesting smells that come from the foot. The kit also comes with a deodorant foot stick!

Bonus: Chances are you’ll get some reciprocal foot love after hooking your man up.

Get Yours: amazon.com

What: Philosophy’s Haunted House Set , $30

Why: Halloween is almost here – and this is the perfect fun gift for your man to help spice up the festivities. Philosophy has come up with 3 wonderful flavors – Caramel Apple, Spicy Pumpkin Muffin, and Black Licorice – each wrapped into a high foaming shampoo, shower gel, and most important – bubble bath.  Now this sounds like fun now matter how you slice it. Slice it – Halloween – get it? I strongly encourage sharing this product and even carrying the fun over through Thanksgiving. You can buy each gooey bottle individually, although the Haunted House pack gets you all three.

Bonus:  Each bottle has real holiday cooking/baking instructions on the front.

Get Yours: amazon.com

What: Sean John Unforgivable Shower Gel, $20

Why: The man of many names (P Diddy, Puffy, Sean Combs, Puff Daddy, The Puffmeister – ok I made that one up) has personally launched a collection of scents under the name, Unforgivable. One item under that collection is the Unforgivable Shower Gel. Now most guys probably have no idea what a shower gel is so you may have to help out after you buy it for him. And by help out, I'm referring to in the shower – I'm sure The Puffmeister would not want it any other way. The Unforgivable Shower Gel smells great and it does a nice job of cleansing and softening the skin. Perfect for an active lifestyle, this stylish shower gel is easy to travel with – especially thrown in your man's gym bag (after your detailed explanation in the shower). Keep it sexy people.

Bonus: Like the scent of the shower gel? Pick up the Unforgivable cologne – their scent is one in the same!

Get Yours: beauty.com