Fashion For $50: Great And Cheap Gifts For Guys

Birthdays, weddings and Christmas all have one thing in common: you need to bring a gift if you're on the guest list. There are the standard gifts, of course, but you probably don't want to look like an idiot and bring what everyone else brought. So put aside that gift card for now and see if you can get your buddy something more fashionable.

Neckties
Don't knock the Dad's Day cliche just yet. Although it is a relatively tired gift option for Father's Day, it's still a very practical choice for virtually any other male relative, friend or coworker. Besides, it's a chance to show how fashionable and tasteful you really are.

Considering that neckties usually start at about $20 (about the cost of a tie at GAP), $50 can already get you quite a respectable piece. Budget-friendly retailers like GAP and H&M should have something right up your alley. If you're willing to up the ante, though, start combing higher end stores like J Crew and Banana Republic.

Pick something simple and elegant; a novelty tie covered with the face of Bugs Bunny is neither sophisticated nor presentable enough to be a gift. If you don't want a solid tie, a simple striped or regimental one would fit the bill just as well.

Bags
Although $50 won't get you a designer brand pebbled leather briefcase, it's still more than enough to get you a respectable bag for the host. Don't bother with the actual luggage section. 50 bucks won't buy anything there and go straight to the sports area.

Yeah, you read that right. The sports area is a mecca for sub-$50. It's all a matter of good taste and elegant choosing that will make even a sporty bag look like an elegant gift. $50 should be enough to get you a good duffel bag or two from brands like Nike and Adidas. A navy or black duffel should work for practically any kind of guy or situation.

Alternatively, you could just get your bud a Dopp kit. It's an item that's gained popularity with the rise of the metrosexual male, and it's an easy-to-get gift. If you can't find one pre-assembled, get a small toiletry bag (usually about $20 at the most) and fill it up with the essentials. Soap, mouthwash, facial scrub, shaving cream, lotion, a toothbrush and a razor should complete the kit.

Glittering Gifts
Tie bars and cuff links also make for fantastic gifts, especially for coworkers and friends who regularly wear office formal. It's very practical so they're sure to appreciate the gesture, and the items themselves are very easy to get as well.

Quality, however, is a big issue for these items. You really don't want to give something that'll tarnish in just a couple of weeks. The best way to approach the problem is to look for a reputable brand you know and then buy the simplest models they've got. If the recipient is fashion-aware, he'll probably even appreciate your effort to get him quality.

Get the simplest and plainest ones you can get at the store. Guys can get pretty particular about tie bars and cuff links, and you really don't want to upset any of the recipient's style sensibilities. Going plain might be taking the ho-hum route, but it's also the surest way to make sure that your present is actually used and not re-gifted.

If you're familiar with the rules of men's fashion, $50 should be enough for you to get a gift, no matter the occasion. It's not the budget but good taste and elegant wrapping paper that'll save the day for you.