First off, it’s helpful to shop with a specific occasion in mind. The same tie that you wore to your little sister’s graduation from kindergarten probably won’t fly on a first date. And if you’re going to a black tie gala, make sure you actually wear a black tie. On the other extreme, you can feel free to pick a tie that’s more comfortable and in line with your personality if the occasion is something more casual, like a friend’s party.

Second, you need to stay up to date on which tie styles are currently popular. Right now, long, skinny ties are back in vogue, but short, chunky ones are definitely out. Remember to bookmark fashion blogs like this one to read about trends as they evolve.

Now, tie colors and patterns are going to depend on what shirts and suits you hope to match them with. In most cases, dark-colored ties in shades of red, blue, and black are safe bets for almost any outfit.

Also, watch out for cartoonish, novelty ties. Those are no way to impress a boss, unless it’s Casual Friday, or he’s got an especially forgiving sense of humor.

Luckily, there are a couple of sure things when it comes to picking out presents for men – motorcycles, cars, and football. You don’t have to actually buy your guy a car, of course, but anything car-related will drive them crazy, be it an iPod charger or funky new lighting.

Still, if you want to go above and beyond in your gift-giving efforts, I’ve prepared a list of fashion gifts for the man in your life.

First up: the tie. This is a good auxiliary present – no man wants his primary gift to be a shiny new tie, but a stylish silk or satin option will really help him stand out at the office. Plus, with all the colors and styles available, it’s easy to choose a tie to compliment your man’s existing wardrobe.

If you’re looking for something fancier, consider designing a watch for your man. He’ll love the tech-factor, while also appreciating all the thought you put into his gift. There are several websites that allow you to customize your own watches, so you can create a plastic diver-style watch with glow-in-the-dark hands, a classier gold business watch, and everything in between!

And if you’re man’s a little quirky, I recommend a pair of cufflinks. These don’t have to be your standard gold or silver designs – the internet is full of cool options, like cufflinks with four leaf clovers, pool balls, Scrabble tiles, and more. You can even customize your cufflinks to include initials or logos.

Doesn’t that sound better than a football jersey?