Picking the right gift for aspiring audiophiles is a lot easier than it used to be, as smarter alternatives to "best of [insert genre here]" discs have become more accessible. Take Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration, a retrospective of the eponymous Memphis label's staggeringly good output in the 60s and 70s. Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, the Bar-Kays, Booker T. & the MG's -- they're all there; and with 50 tracks for a mere 20 bones, it's a must-have. If you're willing to shell out a little more dough, Stax's northern counterpart, Detroit's Motown Records, released a thorough four-disc set this year. The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 9: 1969 might not highlight the definitive year of Hitsville U.S.A.'s heyday (is that 1961? '66?), but we'll be damned if hearing Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, et al. doesn't snap you into a lovey-dovey, summer-day mood faster than you can say "my cherie amour." And vinyl ain't just for record store snobs anymore, as loaded classic rock reissues like The Doors Vinyl Box attest. Honestly, the box's lizard skin casing is pretty cheesy (Lizard King! Get it?). But then again, so is "Touch Me." Speaking of music, no show had a soundtrack quite like The Sopranos (see our top 10 faves from Chase and company here). We've had to bid farewell to Tony and his two families, but relive this fantastic show in all its 86-episode glory by buying The Sopranos Seasons 1-6B DVDs.

Need a subtle way to wean dads off their Grisham-at-the-beach routines? Or get grads to, you know, pick up a book? The Code: Baseball's Unwritten Rules and Its Ignore-at-Your-Own-Risk Code of Conduct, despite that odd "code" repetition in the title, provides ammunition against all those naysayers who think baseball is a sport where "nothing happens." Writer Ross Bernstein chats with pros and coaches about the dirtier side of America's favorite pastime, like whether a base-runner deserves to get pegged if he sneaks a peak at the catcher's signal (he does). Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA's Spytechs, from Communism to Al Qaeda chronicles the CIA's hush-hush Office of Technical Service, where kooky James Bond-esque inventions met reality. Whether you want to look sharp for your first big interview or a night on the town, consult Modern Menswear's topnotch advice from fashion gurus like Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano.

In college, an outdoor BBQ simply called for some Natty Lites and low-grade ground beef. But grads are in the real world now, which means they should start eating and drinking real things. Omaha Steaks delivers plenty of specialties -- bacon-wrapped filets ($60.99, six six-ounce filets), whiskey marinated top sirloin ($75.99, six seven-ounce steaks) -- that are ready to grill, so you can skip the annoying prep work and concentrate on more pressing matters. Like day drinking. For sipping suds al fresco this summer, try these brews: the appropriately titled Dogfish Head Aprihop Ale Herb Spice Beer (combo of hops and apricots) and the crisp, citrusy Three Floyds "Pride & Joy" Mild Ale.

With golf season in full swing (excuse the pun), brush up on your game with Golf: The Best Instruction Book Ever!, a guide by "Golf Magazine's top 100 golf teachers." If you're not into the whole reading thing, it also sports a nifty DVD on ways to knock 12 strokes off your score. Golf is about adapting to any given shot, and Callaway's I-MIX System has taken note: The set lets you alter your club mid-play, with interchangeable FT-i and FT-5 clubheads and multiple shafts by Aldila and Mitsubishi Rayon. Make sure he thinks of you each time he tees up by scribing a message on Titleist Pro V1x Personalized Golf Balls (creative usage of "balls" and "holes" are, of course, encouraged).

The MacBook Air might be all the rage (whoever thought up that it-fits-into-an-envelope commercial deserves a raise), but the non-Apple set should consider the ThinkPad X300. Plus, it offers things you can't find on the MacBook Air, like a user-replaceable battery and multiple USB ports. For runners, Timex's wireless iControl attaches to your wrist, so you can switch tracks or change the volume remotely on your iPod without missing a step. And does your guy still shave with those cheapo razors from the corner convenience store? Set him up with one of the stylish options from the Fusion Chrome Collection. His face will thank you for it.