GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Footlocker Ala Moana employees, from left, Lavail Givens, Aina and Romeo Flores wear retro-styled Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Cowboys jerseys.
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By Shawn "Speedy" Lopes / slopes@starbulletin.com
Holiday shopping for guys really needn't be a complicated task. We all just want the necessities: food, drink and an entertainment system with a price tag matching Bhutan's gross national product, complete with HDTV, surround sound and a satellite system that picks up everything but Lifetime and the Soap Channel.
If that's out of the question, stick to the basics and remember the almighty B's: beer, babes, barbecue and ball. That's ball as in football, basketball or baseball.
Here are some additional pointers:
Tip No. 1: It never hurts to know his favorite sports teams.
Tip No. 2: Nifty gadgets will always get you bonus points.
Tip No. 3: Men will always find space for a bikini calendar.
Throwback sports jerseys: Authentic retro-styled sports jerseys will bring tears to the eyes of the sports fanatic on your list who can wax poetic on the athletic exploits of Dr. J, Kenny "The Snake" Stabler and "Pistol" Pete Maravich. Even those too young to remember these classic duds will be thrilled to look as cool as today's rap stars, who often sport them in music videos. These hard-to-find jerseys are highly prized items, as evidenced by their hefty price tags. The good news is that when you buy one jersey at regular price at Foot Locker, you get half off a second, lesser-priced clothing item. The jerseys are priced from $60 to $150 at Foot Locker stores.
Beer from around the world: As any true beer drinker will tell you, the only thing better than a good beer is a good, free beer. Assemble eight of the world's tastiest, most exotic bottled brews in one practical carry-box, place a bow on top and you've got the easiest, no-hassle guy gift ever. The cost is $19.88 at the Liquor Collection at Ward Warehouse.
Magazine subscription: For far too long, GQ magazine was the only magazine subscription for men that didn't come with a knowing look from your mail carrier. Unfortunately, it also came off as far too stuffy for your average male. Several years ago, however, someone came up with the brilliant idea of filling magazines with things that actually interested guys -- the almighty B's included. Provided you don't have any objection to the man in question viewing steamy spreads of Alyssa Milano or Catherine Zeta Jones (I guarantee you he won't), a year's subscription to Maxim, FHM, Gear or Stuff for Men will make an inexpensive yet appreciated gift. A subscription to any of these costs $9.97 to $15.97 and will win you points for all of 2003.
Char-Broil Big Easy 8000 gas grill: The name says it all. Football season barbecues are a snap with this gizmo. The Big Easy features a FastStart electric ignition for quick lighting at the push of a button, Versaflame multiburner, SureFire side burner, a rotisserie burner, weather-resistant side shelves and tool holders. The Big Easy's best feature? Its price. This little monster has sold for $199 on the Internet, though a few models may be found at Kmart for a mere $169, a real steal.
Altec Lansing 2.1 speaker system: This snazzy, 40-watt speaker system completes the ultimate gaming experience with booming crystalline sound, high-performance microdrives and a digital controller. It is compatible with all platforms, including Playstation 2, Xbox and Gamecube, and easily connects to TVs, VCRs and DVD players for true-to-life surround sound to match the hyper-realism of all the latest games. Find it for $99.99 at CompUSA.
Suitcase CD and record player: Few entertainment systems meld classic style with modern technology as effortlessly as this dandy stereo package from Sharper Image. It is a completely self-contained unit with built-in stereo speakers and internal amplifier. CD and AM/FM radio capability are to be expected, but a record player, too? This "suitcase" phonograph plays those treasured 33 RPM records, 45s and dusty 78s as well. It also features 32 AM/FM presets, five equalizer presets and a wireless remote. Add a subwoofer for only $69.95. The basic unit is $229.95.
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