Man caves are all about testosterone. The more macho the décor, the better. As a matter of fact, “décor” is a word that really doesn’t apply to what you’ll find inside the typical man cave. The furniture is generally well-worn, a large-screen TV dominates the room, there’s a refrigerator for brewskis and snacks, and anything you find on the wall appeals only to that unique masculine taste.

That said, you would probably be hard-pressed to describe any man cave wall hangings as art. These domiciles tend to better lend themselves to posters and signs, often unframed. As a matter of fact, most man cave signs have something to do with sports since one of the main purposes of such a space is so that its owner can watch “the game” in peace. These signs usually emphasize his favorite sport or sports, and often include photos of his favorite team or player, pictures of a treasured stadium or arena, or prints of him in his high school jersey or uniform, standing with his buddies who shared the same passion for his sport of choice – a vision of days-gone-by.

If you’d like to help spruce up the cave, posters and signs make great gifts for the man cave dweller and are appropriate for a variety of occasions including Christmas, birthdays, Father’s Day, and – for the older cave dweller – retirement. Often, you can locate personalized sports-related signs that might feature, for example, his name on the official jersey of a favorite team or on the leaderboard of a famous golf tournament. These signs are available for a variety of sports including baseball, football, hockey, and golf, and the personalization adds an extra special touch to an already unique gift. These high-quality prints are generally nicely matted and framed as well and do indeed add a bit of class to the walls of the cave, something the women-folk would appreciate.

It’s a new term that seems to be catching on quickly, especially among today’s middle-aged working man who’s constantly in search of a little “alone time”. A “man cave”, notes the Urban Dictionary, is a noun that refers to “a room, space, corner or area of a dwelling that is specifically reserved for a male person to be in a solitary condition, away from the rest of the household in order to work, play, or involve himself in certain hobbies or activities without interruption. This area is usually decorated by the male that uses it without interference from any female influence.”

Man caves, say those who enjoy them, are a necessity in this day and age. They give the men in the family a much needed respite from the rigors and stresses of daily life, providing a place where “a man can be a man”, free to yell at his favorite team when they screw up, free to make crumbs on the couch and leave them there, and free to scratch wherever he pleases without receiving a dirty look from his wife.

Some women insist that men retreat to their man cave to avoid their responsibilities, like taking out the trash or driving little Susie to ballet. Men, in contrast, will note that they’re often banished to this out-of-the-way room when their wife or girlfriend finds the need to take over the control of the “main” house.

Either way, the man cave seems like a concept that’s here to stay. And for the man who owns the “cave”, usually located in the basement or some other far-removed corner of the house, there’s the opportunity to decorate however he pleases. That might mean furniture that includes a favorite ratty old chair – no longer fit for the family room, a comfy couch complete with cup holders for his beer and other favorite beverages, and tables that will accommodate his feet…with his shoes still on! Decorations generally consist of sports-related posters, girly calendars, his favorite collection of beer mugs, and anything that would drive his wife crazy should they appear in any other room of the house.

Though the word “décor” is used loosely when describing the furnishings and other trappings found in a typical man cave, some men actually do go all out when deciding how to best decorate their personal space. Some man cave decorators even choose themes for their caves, ranging from a rustic cabin-type atmosphere to a rock star “pad” or even a futuristic setting.

Most importantly, the décor of any man cave should reflect the owner’s interests and his idea of what comfortable is all about. For many men, that includes furniture that’s already broken in and comfy, no longer fit for the main house. For others, it’s a chance to go out and purchase some new pieces like a big recliner chair or a sectional sofa with cup holders, appropriate for when the guys come over to enjoy the game.

A home theater-type set-up can be part of the man cave as well and those can indeed be quite elaborate, featuring large screens and movie theater-style chairs that recline and include a spot for your drink and popcorn. Movies posters might decorate the walls. Other men opt simply for a large-screen TV, which often becomes the centerpiece of the room.

A bar is also a common site in the man cave. These can be elaborate polished-wood masterpieces or something much simpler. Behind them, you’ll often find vintage bar signs or perhaps posters and prints of him and his buddies or of his favorite sports team. And a good man cave bar should include a set of sturdy beer mugs or steins, shot glasses, wine glasses, a cocktail shaker, and anything else the well-stocked bar might boast.

Because the man cave is often in the basement or garage, lighting is often an issue. When planning the man cave décor, be sure to consider purchasing some table lamps and perhaps an overhead light or floor lamp. While they won’t be needed for movie or TV watching, they’ll help during card games or other manly activities that regularly take place in the cave.

Most teachers will tell you that they enjoy receiving holiday gifts from their young charges, especially the ones that have obviously involved some careful thought and an extra-special personal touch. Baked goods and candy are always yummy but teachers usually receive those gifts in abundance at this time of year. And who needs another candle?!

If you want to please a favorite teacher and be this year’s “teacher’s pet”, consider giving him/her a unique personalized item this holiday season. There’s a wide choice of personalized gifts for both men and women and many are appropriate for teachers.

For items with a Christmas theme, choose a personalized tree ornament or a winter-themed picture frame or coffee mug. Another ideal gift for teachers might be a personalized desk accessory of some sort, such as a desk caddy, mouse pad, or attractive pen and pencil set.

For the teacher with a penchant for travel, purchase a personalized item such as a duffel bag or tote. These can be used for his/her next trip or for carrying books and papers to and from school each day. Other suitable personalized gifts for teachers include key chains, keepsake boxes, and sports-oriented items (especially for phys-ed teachers!).

Most of the above-mentioned items can be inscribed with the name or initials of the teacher and the date of the gift. In same instances, additional sentiments may be included with the personalization.

The birth of a baby is a grand occasion and for many parents of the Christian faith, a christening or baptism is yet another time to celebrate. A baby’s christening represents a time when he/she is welcomed into God’s church and to the congregation in which he is being baptized, and for many it represents the beginning of a lifelong connection with a particular faith or denomination.

Once the ceremony is complete at the church, many parents welcome friends and family to attend a christening party at their home or at a restaurant. Held in honor of the newly-baptized little one, these parties are a good opportunity to admire the baby and visit with friends and family. Of course, as with most parties, guests are generally expected to arrive with a gift. Many bring a check or perhaps a savings bond. But there are other options for christening gifts that will long be treasured by the parents and, later, the child.

Personalized christening gifts are an excellent idea and these religious items are more than appropriate for this occasion. One possible selection is a personalized baptismal cross bearing the name of the child, the date of the special event, and often an appropriate Bible verse or other inscription. There are additional crosses available that are not specifically for a christening celebration but are still suitable as a present for a religious occasion as special as this one. These crosses might include a bedtime prayer or other verse appropriate for a child and are a nice addition to the bedroom wall.

Another excellent christening gift is a personalized baptismal candle. This item includes name and date and will be lit for the first time at or after the baptismal service. Parents may choose to light it again each year to commemorate the child’s birthday or anniversary of their baptism. Other personalized gifts for young children that make appropriate christening gifts include silver plated banks bearing the child’s name or personalized baby-themed photo frames. All these items can be part of a child’s world for years to come and serve as an excellent remembrance of this important occasion.

For many individuals, the chance to unwind after work or on the weekends includes gathering with friends and enjoying the chance to knock back a pint or two while engaging in fun conversation and reminiscing about days gone by. For many of these people, providing a pub-like atmosphere for their family and friends to gather is important and they go out to make their home bar area warm and inviting, with deep-colored walls, rich wood bars, and a wide variety of brews.

If you’re looking for a gift for that person, consider presenting them with a custom personalized pub or tavern sign, just right for hanging behind the home bar. Many of these signs are traditional in style with a vintage look resembling something you’d find outside a public house in jolly old London or along the streets of Dublin. Some sport old-fashioned pictures and witty sayings as well.

Personalized pub and tavern signs are available in a number of different designs. Often, buyers can find one that suits the recipient’s hobby, such as a golf-, fishing-, or pool-themed sign. Others might include a photo and saying about a favorite alcoholic beverage, like a bullfighter and an ad for tequila.

The signs are usually quite colorful and are appropriate as gifts for a variety of occasions including retirement, birthdays, and Father’s Day. Many grooms even consider them a very suitable gift for their groomsmen, especially those that are beer or ale aficionados. Personalization on the signs generally includes the name of the recipient enmeshed into the text found on the front of the sign; for example, “Johnson’s Pub” or “Davidson’s Tavern.” The words “owner” or “proprietor” might appear under their name.

While these signs are often purchased as decoration for a home bar, they can indeed be used by a legitimate place of business and might just add that special vintage touch to a cozy pub or tavern, where the drink is fine and the company is even better!

Anyone who is getting married wants to make sure they include their closest friends and family members in their festivities. But what about family pets? For many individuals, pets are a much-loved part of the family unit and many couples are choosing to include their pets in their wedding ceremony. While many might scoff at this idea, true pet lovers believe it’s the right thing to do.

However, including a pet might not be as easy as it seems. Some locations – including churches or fancy reception halls – will be adamant about not allowing pets, so be sure to ask before you make any decisions. However, if you’re committed to including your dog, cat, or other animal in your wedding, be sure to schedule the event in a place that allows animals. The best location is generally at an outdoor wedding where restrictions will be few.

Furthermore, it’s necessary to consider the disposition of your pet before making a decision to include him/her in the festivities. Does she bark a lot? Is he aggressive towards strangers? Will he get into the food? The last thing you want is for your ceremony or reception to be ruined by an unruly pet so give careful thought to what might go awry if your pet is included in the wedding party.

If you do decide that your pet can handle being included in your wedding ceremony or reception, consider what the best role may be for your animal, and remember to be flexible. Like small children, pets don’t always perform as you wish. Also, it’s a good idea to let your pet “rehearse” his or her role, especially if the pet is functioning as a “ring dog” or in some other important job. And always have a “human” back up plan, just in case the pet is uncooperative.

If it’s easier, you can simply plan to have your pet present at the wedding without allowing him/her to have a specific job. A small pet can be in a crate or cage while larger pets should be kept with a trusted handler who can make a quick exit if things get out of hand. Also be sure to protect your pet during the event. Certain reception foods can be toxic for your dog or cat, so be sure that guests are not permitted to feed your pet.

Wedding etiquette has changed through the decades. Any bride can wear white, pets can be part of the wedding ceremony, and – lately – grooms don’t hesitate to ask their favorite female friend to be their “best man”. And why not? That role is reserved for the best friend, and if the best friend is a female, it seems logical to choose her.

When a female assumes the role of the “best person”, as some are calling her, some things can remain the same but others will most likely change. The female best man can still be responsible for helping choose tuxes for the groomsmen, can assist the groom with other wedding plans or buying a wedding gift for the bride, and will no doubt make the toast at the wedding reception. However, the woman who has stepped into the best man role will probably have to realize that there are certain things that the groom will want to do with his guy friends only, including a bachelor party or other pre-wedding event. Furthermore, the best gal should be honest with her friend and let him know if there are any typical best man duties that make her uncomfortable.

The question of what the “best person” will wear can also be an issue. Many who’ve considered the option agree that they wouldn’t ask a male bridesmaid to wear a dress, so asking the female best man to wear a suit or tux would be inappropriate as well. Some couples have opted for a formal black dress for their best person, perhaps with a sash or other ornament that matches the bridesmaids. Others have simply opted for her to wear what the bridesmaids will wear. And some do indeed choose the tux or a formal pant suit. It’s a good idea to ask the best person what she is most comfortable wearing and take it from there, being sure that all are in agreement. In photos, be sure that the best person is standing next to the groom, the same place a traditional best man would stand in wedding photographs.

Remember, it’s the bride’s day AND the groom’s day, so keep an open mind when it comes to making this small gender shift.