Filed under Holidays on December 10th, 2008:
Your Holiday Guy Gift Guide
Wondering what to get that man in your life this holiday season? It’s not always easy, we know. Buying a gift for a man can often be a daunting and baffling experience. It wouldn’t be so hard if they could just give us a few suggestions, but let’s face it, men aren’t known for being the most expressive creatures on the planet. Besides, there’s nothing better than surprising him with a gift he truly loves and truly does not expect. So, if you’re up to challenge, you’re going to need some help. That’s where we come in.
Ask the Right Questions. Buy a Great Gift!
Now, we could have made a holiday gift guide with thousands of different gift ideas presented in nice, orderly columns– and it might still be totally useless to you. The key to buying a great gift for your man is not to look for someone else’s quick answers, but rather to ask the right questions. Is your guy into electronics? Is he a reader? Does he play an instrument? Is he an avid chess player? No one knows your man like you do.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a Holiday Guy Gift Guide that truly works. It contains a series of key questions that, when answered, will help you think of some unique gift ideas that are just right for that special man in your life this holiday season. So sit down. Grab a pen. And start brainstorming!
Experience or Item?
This is a great question to start with. Would your man prefer a new surfboard (item) or a surfing trip (experience)? Would he like a new cd of his favorite band (item) or a chance to see them live (experience)? Perhaps you could give him both. Sometimes it’s fun to combine an experience with items of the same subject matter and make a thematic gift.
Clues?
Has he made any passing comments recently about wanting to catch that upcoming boxing match on pay-per-view or try that new golf club? Sometimes men will lay little clues out, just hoping you’ll notice? Imagine how pleased he’ll be when he realizes you actually did.
Replace or Replenish?
Did his iPod recently break? Has he run out of his favorite cologne? Is he still wearing those bottle cap glasses he got back in ‘78?
Hobby?
Does your man have a favorite past time: working on cars, practicing an instrument, playing a sport, etc? Is he missing any item that will help him in his hobby? Anything need to be replaced or replenished? He’s guaranteed to like any gift from this area.
Collector?
Does your man have a collection that he obsesses over? If so, is he missing any items in his collection? Is there a special piece that is hard to find? EBay and other online auction sites are great ways to find collector’s items.
Clothes?
Is he in desperate need of some new shirts, a coat, shorts, jeans? If so, sneak into his wardrobe, find the article of clothing in question (make sure to look for his favorite or the one you think looks the best on him), and write down the color, size, and brand. Buying clothes can be tricky so make sure you keep a gift receipt.
Charity?
Instead of giving your guy another Hanukah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas present, make a donation to his favorite charity in his name. A great online resource, Charity Navigator, can help you find just the right organization to give to.
Gift Card?
Some people may think these are tacky but, when given sparingly, I think they’re just fine. I personally don’t know one guy who would get upset at the chance to purchase whatever he wanted at Best Buy or the Apple store.
You?
Is there something personal that only you can give your man? Think domestic, like promising to cook every night for a month, or maybe a bit sexier (I’ll let your imagination run wild on that one). You could even create your own homemade gift card saying, “This card is good for ________,” and (if you trust him not to get too crazy) let him fill in the blank. You’d be amazed at how many men consider this their favorite gift of all.
December 12th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
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