Long’s Fine Jewelers has unveiled some world-class pieces for fall and winter, from classic diamond pieces by Oscar Heyman and Hulchi Belluni to masculine military timepieces by Bell & Ross. But our favorite might be the personalized Heather Moore globe charm, a gorgeous rock of Earth-shaped gold that can be customized with diamonds embedded in the places throughout the world that are important to you and your loved one. Your first vacation spot? Make it sparkle. The place you met? Make it shine. It’s a creative, personalized gift unlike anything else we’ve seen in the big, wide world. (Contact for pricing; longsjewelers.com)
Long’s Fine Jeweler’s
If you’re part of the one percent, Monopoly makes sense on family game night. But if you’d rather something where everyone wins, Boom Boom! Cards is a toy worth tucking under the tree. Each deck from the lesbian-founded company features a different act of kindness to perform: like putting extra money in an expired parking meter. Then you can record your card’s ID number online, pass it forward to a stranger, and track the “guerilla act of goodness” as it spreads the spirit of the holidays all year long. (Decks start at $9.99; boomboomcards.com)
Stereotypes can be infuriatingly offensive or excruciatingly funny, depending on the intent and delivery. We defy you not to laugh at this pithy humor book, a great gag gift for a gay Yankee swap. Stuff That Makes the Gay Heart Weep runs through 150 snarky entries of community dislikes: “Sarah Palin,” “Couples Who Dress Alike,” “Watching Madonna From the Nosebleed Seats,” “That Angelina Jolie Is Not Gay.” It’s the uproariously good-natured version of every catty dinner party conversation. Trust us: tears will run. ($18.23; bn.com)
Stores are flooded with holiday-inspired scented candles. But really, no one’s home should smell like a cheap gingerbread house. For a tasteful whiff of the holiday spirit, gift someone with a selection from NEST Fragrances’ Elton John Collection. The piano man’s Holiday Classic candle offers a sparkling seasonal combo of evergreen, fir needles and rich woods. New this year is the Fireside candle, casting the cozy aroma of vanilla, smoky embers and juniper berry. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which makes us glow inside. ($38; shop.nestfragrances.com)
The holidays are a popular time to pop the question. If you’re planning to give the gift of a lifetime (literally), check out Proposition Love Fine Jewelry. The married men behind this brand have “EnGAYgement rings” and wedding bands that will fit every budget like a charm, and incorporate traditional materials like gold, platinum and diamond into contemporary designs. There are even limited editions designed by celebrities like Kathy Griffin and Perez Hilton (proceeds benefit LGBT charities), and the “Countdown Collection” with bands symbolizing each state that legalizes equal marriage: like firstin-the-nation Massachusetts, seen here. (Prices range; propositionlove.com)
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