I honestly think that you have to know your audience. One of my male co-workers was very ill earlier this school year and I asked him on the phone what colors he wanted. He said to think spring and flowers for hope. He has a purple, pink, green and yellow pillow and loves it.
My DH, while still being masculine, has all sorts of colors in the quilts I've made for him. He doesn't care because to quote him, "it's all been stitched with love by you"
My Mom only wants browns and blues. If there's a hint of pink or purple she'll hand it right back.