Five Great Gifts for Men Who Are into Good Eating and Drinking

Holiday seasons, birthdays or simple thoughtfulness are prime gift-giving occasions. But if you're not sure what to do for the epicurean in your life, check out these five great gifts for men who are into good eating and drinking. You'll be certain to garner an invitation.

Automatic wine opener. Nothing tempts the man who has everything like a cool, techy, mechanical tool -- especially one that expedites the wine-opening process. While there are many such items on the market today, look for one that is rechargeable and comes with a foil cutter for extra elan. Include a bottle of wine, and you will be the ultimate gift giver.

Bacon-of-the-month club. What goes better with wine than cured pork? Nothing, to the man who loves meat. Bacon is surely the candy of all meats. Treat him to a coveted subscription to a bacon-of-the-month club. Your local farm or smokehouse may even have an artesian bacon club for those with a more refined palate. If you're thinking bacon might be too boring and banal, think again. Bacon comes in a spectrum of varieties from applewood smoked, brown sugar cured, peppered and so much more.

Programmable coffee maker. Most men love coffee in the morning. Gift the man with good taste a taste of something really good -- properly brewed java a la timer. Select a quality machine that stores, then grinds, the beans and next brews the coffee and keeps it warm. An insulated carafe is also preferred, as it maintains the temperature of the coffee without continuing to cook it until it's burnt. The programmable clock can be set to wake the sleepy gastronome with the delectable aromas of this divine elixir.

Best knife set ever. Good knives are as sexy as they are powerful. Knife sets come in many sizes and prices, so the gift can be customized to suit almost any budget. Look for at least three must-have knives in the best quality you can afford. You'll need the versatile chef's knife, small utility paring knife and a serrated knife for bread and tomatoes. Buzzwords to keep in mind are: high carbon steel, ergonomic handles, balance and precision-forged. You can even find Japanese knives that smack of Samurai swords. What is cooler than that?

Sweet, professional blender. Technologically advanced and powerful, the blenders the pros use can blend just about anything from ice and root vegetables to parmesan cheese and even the toughest nuts. Check out brands such as Blendtec and Vitamix. Both have been heralded as the finest, bar none. Men who are into good eating and drinking will love a serious blender as a gift.