Patterned ties by Deadly Squire (aka Les Savy Fav front man Tim Harrington and his wife, Anna) inject a classic “guy gift” with some rock cred. | $52, Penelope’s, 1913 W Division, 773-395-2351

Belt buckle knives allow easy access to a blade when you need it—they’re handy, cool looking, and entirely legal, though perhaps inappropriate for air travel. Custom designs are available on orders of ten or more. | $70-$85, belt-buckle-knife.com

Reproductions of vintage “Shanghai girls” posters—advertising pinups from 1930s China—add a shot of cheap glamour to any nest. | $4.50, Praha, 3849 N. Lincoln, 773-549-1227

These pretty printed tools make home repair a little more decorous. (There’s a screwdriver in the hammer’s handle.) | $12.50 each (the $75 six-piece set comes with a matching bag), White Attic, White Attic 5225 N. Clark, 773-907-9800

They’re small, but Mark Zlotkowski’s oil paintings of individual cups, glasses, and bowls are oddly satisfying. | $275 each, mzlotkow at sbcglobal.net

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