Men have a reputation of being hard to shop for. Often, year after year, people fall back to the same gift ideas, at a loss of something new and creative to give the men in their life. Below are five gift ideas, personalized for the recipient, along with five gifts to avoid giving. These gift ideas are great for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and other times of gift giving!
Magazine Subscriptions and Books: Tailor Them to the Recipient
Though a magazine subscription or a book might seem to be an odd gift for a man, they can easily be tailored to make a personal present. For the man interested in sports, there are multiple sports magazines. A book with photos of their favorite team or sports statistics is also a great choice. For those with scientific interest, a subscription to Scientific America or a book by Stephen Hawking is appropriate. The possibilities are endless. Sports memorabilia is another related idea.
Tickets: Find a Local Sporting Event
Every state has colleges with sporting teams – football, basketball, and baseball being the most prevalent. Car racing is also fairly popular. Season tickets for the serious sports lover or tickets to a single game for the less interested fan work well. To help personalize it, offer to go with the recipient or buy two tickets so that he can take a friend or family member. A day at a game with beer and hot dogs will get a smile from almost any man.
Movie Subscription: How to Personalize It
Movies are always a great idea. Every man has at least one genre that he enjoys. For those who like the movie theater experience, almost all movie theaters now offer gift cards. A few free movies will give the recipient the chance to relax and get away from the pressure in his life.
The men who prefer to watch movies at home might be happier with a Netflix or Blockbuster rental subscription. To personalize it, make a list of movies or television shows that they like and that the subscription offers. Make up a list and include it with the gift. Of course, if sharing a house with the recipient, make sure that he can use the television to watch the movies!
Gift Cards: How to Make it a Great Gift
Gift cards can be a great gift or a horrible gift, hence their inclusion in both categories. A good gift card, one that the recipient will like, is a nice dinner out. Figure out his favorite restaurant and get a gift card that has enough of a balance to cover a good meal. If the recipient is interested in outdoor activities, gift cards to Cabela's or Bass Pro Shop are feasible. One of the best features of gift cards is that they can be purchased online, making them a great last minute gift.
Five Gifts to Avoid
- Gift cards. As stated above, gift cards can also be a horrible gift. Generic gift cards to stores such as Wal-Mart and Target show little concern for the recipient's taste and little thoughtfulness.
- Ties. Men can pick out their own ties and their taste is vastly different than what the average woman's taste is. Chances are 99 out of 100 that he doesn't want to wear anything that would be deemed "cute." If a tie is the only option, stick with a solid color or a simple design, such as small checks or dots. Avoid at all costs flowers or cartoon animals.
- Socks and underwear. Again, men can buy these for themselves. While a staple of many a persons' gift list, this normally isn't a thoughtful gift.
- Simple tool sets. Specific tools that men request are a great gift. But simple tool sets, such as a set of screwdrivers or wrenches, are probably something they already own. Unless the man in question is just starting out living on his own or has requested something in particular, tools sets are a gift much vaunted by stores, but something to be avoided nonetheless.
- Personal grooming. Toothbrushes, shaving gear, and other personal grooming products should also be avoided. One exception to this rule is if the gift giver knows the cologne the man prefers. A much loved scent will always be appreciated. But avoid trying out a new cologne as a gift. Women who want to get their men something different can bring home some samples a few months ahead, and get their opinion on which one they like. By the time they get the gift, they will probably have forgotten about all the samples they smelled!
Show Love When Picking Gifts
As with giving gifts to anyone, there are no hard and fast rules for gift giving. Adding a personal touch or picking out a gift that a man hasn't received before, but will like, shows not only thoughtfulness, but love. Also, if the recipient puts something that he wants on a list, it is always a safe bet, even if it goes against "the rules" above.
Join the Conversation