Gift Guide: Too-Cool-for-School Sibling

Does your brother or sister pride his or herself on knowing that band you haven't heard of? You know, the one they'll deny liking when they're wildly mass and popular? Do they see advance screenings of indie films? Have they been stopped for street-style shots?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then you've got the classic too-cool-for-school sib. Don't worry, I have one, too, and they're nearly impossible to shop for. So as somebody with a little experience, let me guide you through gifting them for the holidays.

12:00 AM, December 2 2011

By John Jannuzzi

Miansai by Michael Saiger has been around for a while, but that doesn't make the label any less cool. The fish-hook on these guys adds a little bit of unexpected charm. Plus, they're not gender specific.

The too-cool-for-school sibling often prides himself on his refined aesthetic. Anyone with an appreciation for design would welcome a book all about one of the industry's most celebrated duos, Charles & Ray Eames.

Okay, I know what you're thinking, but hear me out. On a recent trip to see Sarah Mills, the woman who cuts my hair (and my too-cool-for-school brother's hair at my suggestion) I caught the wiff of this candle. And no, it doesn't smell like a bunch of hippies smoking ganja, it smells more like an old library. It's the most distinguished smelling candle I've ever smelled.

Cool people love correcting people and using air-quotes. Mittens have always presented a problem for cool kids because the classic two-finger air quote turns into an odd hand-flapping motion. These mittens solve everything.

If you're feeling very generous, these speakers are the perfect option for your absurdly hip sib. They're well designed, hook up to an iPod and have great sound quality. Maybe your super-cool sibling can bust some dance moves while listening to that band you haven't heard of yet.

First of all, do not buy this for your sister—this is strictly for carriers of the Y chromosome. I've purchased this book as a gift for several people and everyone seems to love it.

The advice comes from the pen of Glenn O'Brien, gentleman extraordinaire and GQ Magazine's "Style Guy."

Some people think diaries are lame, but these ones are super-funky-fresh. The Simple Diary takes the stress out of keeping a journal. Each page boasts a different quiz—because sometimes staring at a blank diary can be very daunting.

You've already bought Lucky subscriptions for everybody on your list. Make your sib feel special by also sending her Lula. All the cool girls love the twice-yearly UK publication from the U.K., known for ethereal and dreamy editorials. Although it comes but twice a year, it's always welcome and looks great on a coffee table.

Legos were fun for everybody when they were kids; you built castles, staged large-scale territorial battles between Native Americans and Spacemen and painfully stepped on them when barefoot.

But, when you consider Legos as something more than a toy, they become art.

Well, if none of my suggestions are up to par, may I suggest a gift card to Fab.com? Fab is a great resource for furniture, art, accessories—pretty much anything made for the tragically hip. Not to mention: every sale is deeply discounted. So when all else fails, remember Fab.com! I recommend at least $50.