For the _____ In Your Life: A Men's Holiday Gift Guide

During the holiday season you want to impress that special someone with a gift that's as incredible as they are. Good news: we're here to help. This men's holiday gift guide has a little something for every type of personality to ensure that each individual's unique needs are satisfied. These distinct items may be purchased or experienced locally in Santa Barbara, simply click on the pictures and links to discover more information!

Surfer

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9' 10" Andreini Owl Tribute Vintage Longboard from Surf-n-Wear's The Beach House, $1,650

Winter has arrived and so has the swell. What better way to ride those long waves at Rincon than with a vintage longboard from a local surf shop established in 1962. Sounds like a surfer's fantasy!

Food Fanatic

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Farmer's Market-To-Fork Dining Experience from the Four Season's Biltmore Santa Barbara, contact the Biltmore for pricing 

With Executive Chef Alessandro Cartumini as your escort, visit the local farmer's market to select fresh produce. Then, continue your journey with a private cooking class; finish off the experience with a remarkable four-course lunch and wine pairing at the oceanfront Bella Vista restaurant. Guests at the Biltmore resort are invited to partake in this gourmet dining experience, so book a room and enjoy a romantic day!

Business Man

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42 mm Burberry Round Leather Strap Watch from Nordstrom, $695

Keep things classy and traditional with this Burberry watch. It's available at Nordstrom in the Paseo Nuevo Mall in a variety of colors, making it a quick buy but a guaranteed timeless piece.

Adventurous Spirit

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Hot Air Balloon Ride from Cloud9Living, $432 for two people

The sky's the limit with this fantastical adventure! Experience a Santa Barbara sunrise and California wine country from an entirely different perspective. And to top it off, enjoy complimentary champagne and a continental breakfast upon landing.

Health Conscious

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Fitness Retreat from Sky Ranch Fitness, $2,900 for 4-day all inclusive trip

Fitness, nutrition, and rejuvenation are the highlights of this retreat. Whether you're trying to kickstart a healthy lifestyle or simply desire a wholesome fitness trip, this gift is great for every fitness level. Hikes, training, healthy cuisine, therapeutic spa treatments, personal coaching, and a 4- or 6-day stay at the Bacara Resort and Spa are all included.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Gentleman's Wishlist

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Looking to impress the man in your life with the IT gift of the year? Fear not as 2013 did not disappoint, with a list of exclusive gifts and gadgets from luxury electronics to designer accessories certain to delight the most distinguished gentleman! Read on to find the area's most lusted-after wishlist.

1. Sonos Wireless Music System.Santa Barbara electronics company Sonos has quickly become a household name with its line-up of high-tech sound systems. Hifi speakers and audio components distribute your music collection throughout the home, allowing you to create a unique atmosphere for each room by customizing the soundtrack - controlling the entire system from your preferred device. Find it at Santa Barbara's Home Integrated Technology. (Play:5+Bridge Gift Pack, $399).

2. Louis Vuitton Steeve Men's Bag.Louis Vuitton's coveted trademark checkerboard design adorns this stylish and functional men's bag. For business or pleasure, the versatile bag holds all the important possessions to take your man from the boardroom to the gym and from the gym to dinner without a stop in between. Find this fashionable gift at La Cumbre Plaza's Louis Vuitton boutique. (Steeve Men's Bag, $2,600)

3. Taka Puna Bespoke Suits. Luxury menswear designer Tom Ford made 2013 the official year of men's made to measure suits. Custom made suits in crafted in the finest textiles is the ultimate in luxury gift giving. Make your man the eye candy of every holiday soiree by outfitting him in a tailor made suit by Santa Barbara's premier bespoke tailor, Taka Puna. (Starting at $1,950).

4. Breaking Bad - Complete Series. Breaking Bad, the men's entertainment obsession of the year. Did your man miss out on the action? Is your TiVo backlogged with saved episodes he watches over and over? Remedy these tragedies with one easy gift - the complete series DVD gift set. Find it on Amazon.com. (New from $470)

5. Burberry The Britain.  Owning a fine timepiece is a symbol of accomplishment and status. Shower the gentleman in your life with praise and show your appreciation for the hard work he puts in all year. The Burberry Automatic Alligator Strap watch is a modern take on the classic Burberry design. Find it at Nordstrom in Santa Barbara's Paseo Nuevo. ($1,995)

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire!

Fireplaces and impeccable spaces in these Montecito Estates.

Montecito and Santa Barbara are renowned  for year-round sunshine and temperate temperatures. The enviable climate allows for surfing, golf rounds, hikes, wine tasting and just about any other outdoor activity you enjoy, 12 months a year. Even the "cold front" which has moved into our lovely coastal town, bringing daytime highs down to the 50's and evenings to almost freezing temperatures, hasn't kept residents and visitors indoors, with many continuing with morning beach walks and strolls along Coast Village Road. Embracing our abnormally cool weather, Riskin Associates invites you to enjoy three cozy spaces where fireplaces are warm and inviting centerpieces. To enjoy more of these distinctive estates, click the links below.

From the top: Shadows of Provence, Stunning Ocean View Estate, Rustic Beauty

Local Indulgences for your Valentine

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Cupid's favorite holiday is already upon us and in Montecito romance is in the air! In case Valentine's Day snuck up on you, Riskin Associates can recommend a few ideas from local favorites to help you make the evening special.

1. No Valentine's Day is complete without a bursting bouquet of red roses. Show your affection with a "Love's Divine" arrangement from Gazebo Flowers. Love's Divine Bouquet, starting at $230

2.  Cloak her in colorful cashmere! This beautiful Franco Ferrari Barabba Air Paisley Colorblock Scarf  will keep her looking and feeling ready for Springtime ahead! Franco Ferrari Barabba Air Scarf, $298 at Dressed.

3. Is your man the king of the golf course (or does he think he is)? Treat him to a round at one of Santa Barbara's luxury golf courses. Sandpiper's championship course, which has been rated by Golf Digest as one of the Top 25 in the country, overlooks the Pacific Ocean, offering a beautiful break from the boardroom. Sandpiper Gift Cards can be purchased in the online store.Rounds start at just $139. 

4. Indulge your special someone and yourself (bonus!) with a couple's massage at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. The Spa Ojai has been listed by Conde Nast Magazine as one of the Top 25 North American Spas. Spa Ojai's Customized Together Massage, 50 minutes $145, 100 minutes $290 (price per person).

5. Can't jet to Italy for the weekend? Visiting Olio e Limone for a romantic Italian dinner is the next best thing! Hand made pastas and an extensive wine list promise you and your date a Valentine's Day meal to remember.

Our Montecito Holiday Gift Guide

1. Lend some warmth to your loved ones with the Hermés lightweight jacquard blanket. The equestrian print fits perfectly in a Hope Ranch estate or a Montecito Country Estate, not to mention, the Hermés family are Montecito residents. Hermes Finish Blanket, $1850

2. This Jo Malone candle will turn a house into a home with one flick of a match. Bring one when you visit your favorite hostess. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Luxury Candle, $400

3. Look locally for the bottle of vino that will wow even the most discerning wine connoisseur. With Jonata's luxurious cab, you can bet you'll bring something new to the table (and to your friends' palates)-- the ultra exclusive winery is one of the best-kept secrets of the California wine industry. Jonata Wines 2008 El Desafio de Jonata, Cabernet Sauvignon, $125

4. Montecito's beaches wouldn't be the same without the its residents' ubiquitous, beloved pooches. A bed with graphics as appealing as luxury pet brand, Blueblood's, not only makes a great gift for Fido, but looks wonderful in a Montecito beach estate. Blueblood "Cardiff By The Sea" Trellis Bed, $105-210

5. Wrap an electronic gift as exquisitely as possible with Chloe's tablet case. The tassels add a touch of couture to the simply sleek design. Chloé Leather iPad Case, $600

6. Local jeweler Daniel Gibbings presents an African-style, gold-and-silver confection. The exotic look honors the bohemian-chic style Montecito has become known for. Daniel Gibbings Safari Five Strand Cross Gold and Silver Elephant Hair Bracelet, $245