Cuff links get a bad rap as a boring, unoriginal gift. But actually, they’re chock-full of history. It’s said that a gentleman is not supposed to buy his own cufflinks. Instead, it was tradition to present them as gifts, the provenance of each pair providing a story to tell. Historians say cuff links predate even the shirt. There’s a National Cuff Link Society, even a cuff link museum, in New Hampshire. The most expensive cuff links ever sold were a pair given to a soon-to-be king by his wife that featured diamonds set in platinum. Those sold at auction for $440,000. You can get a much more affordable version at Tiffany & Co. and start your own family tradition. Where? Tiffany & Co., South Park Mall 704.365.7773 How Much? Prices vary; cuff links pictured, in titanium and sterling silver, retail for $375
My husband saw me researching gift ideas for this issue of Uptown and freaked out when I asked if the “Richard Petty Driving Experience” would pique his interest. Apparently men still like fast cars, and the folks over at RPDE aim to please. They describe it as a “hands-on, high-speed driving adventure where race fans sit behind the wheel of a stock car like the one that made Richard Petty ‘The King.’” In other words, your man will go fast. Really fast. And he’ll thank you for it well into the new year. There are 25 RPDE locations across the country, but we’ve got the headquarters in our backyard so there’s no reason to not add this to your holiday shopping list. Where? Richard Petty Driving Experience Concord, N.C. (800-BE-PETTY or online at 1800bePetty.com) How Much? Ride-Along Programs start at $99; Driving Experiences start at $399
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