I have the Crabtree & Evelyn best badger brush (~$35): I think it is a great brush...it was my first and is still my only brush at this point in time.

I have experimented with more creams than soaps, so I can't be of much help in that area. I hear nothing but glowing reviews about The Gentlemen's Quarterly (TGQ) soaps, as well as Mama Bear soaps. Crabtree & Evelyn is supposed to be good (but I would check the scents personally, as at least for me some of their scents were overpowering)...and there is always Art of Shaving soaps as well.

Good luck with making your wish list....and a premature Happy B-day!