Sure the economy is still hobbling. And yes, the luxury market is feeling the fallout. (Bye-bye, bling.) But it s the holidays, and in the spirit of spoiling our loved ones, we came up with a list of some of the year s more indulgent practicalities. Today, cufflinks.

OUR TOP PICK:
Scott Kay Onyx Cuff Links ($425)

RUNNERS UP:
Burberry Knot ($225)
David Yurman Curb Chain ($525)

Old coins. Commemorative stamps. Antique watch parts. Certainly, these are all collectible items on their own. But they re increasingly making their way into the centerpieces of today s trendiest cuff links. There s even a pair for baseball fans, accented with a sliver of wood from an old Yankees Stadium seat.

Despite the lingering economic doldrums, retailers ranging from Men s Wearhouse to Bloomingdale s say they ve been expanding their cuff link selection to keep up with growing demand. Popular themes include occupational symbols (think scales of justice for lawyers), college crests for loyal alums and, of course, umpteen variations on the sports theme.

But unlike in the past, when most sales were driven by businessmen in power suits, cuff links today are growing in popularity among boomers looking to spruce up a jeans-and-sportcoat look as well as younger buyers trying to add a pop of color to a nightlife ensemble. Top retailers report that men drop, on average, between $125 and $300 a pair, though they range from as low as $10 for silk knots to more than $3,800 for sapphires and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold.

Novelty centerpieces often stand out on the sleeve, but many are framed with rhodium plating that slowly wears down after being bumped and scratched. Pricier settings made from sterling silver tend to last better over time, with the knot shape a particular classic, says Eric Jennings, fashion director of menswear at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Still, for a bold yet elegant statement, we like Scott Kay Onyx cuff links ($425). They re a little larger and heftier than the typical pair, with a black onyx centerpiece. But it s the swirling designs on the underside and striking insignia that caught our attention. They look like pieces of art, almost like mini sculptures, says Paul Song, an in-house designer and marketing director at Cufflinks.com. We couldn t agree more.

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