| Buying gifts for men has always been a challenge. | | | | 3. Center it Around His Interests |
| But with the holidays approaching and shopping | | | | When looking for a functional gift for men, be |
| season upon us (whether we like it or not), now | | | | sure it centers around something he likes. If he's |
| is prime time for the all-too-common quandary of | | | | in to sports, this might be tickets to a sold-out |
| "What gifts can I give him that he will genuinely | | | | sporting event, or some type of sports |
| like and appreciate?" | | | | memorabilia (think golf balls with his favorite NFL |
| Whether you have a husband who has everything | | | | team logo on them -- see -- versus a pack of |
| he wants aside from that half-million dollar | | | | regular golf balls.) A man who loves gardening |
| Lamborghini, a brother who changes his favorite | | | | may appreciate a special plant or gardening tool. |
| hobby daily, or a father who tells you not to buy | | | | Does he love watching movies? Maybe a DVD |
| him anything, choosing gifts for men -- especially | | | | player, a surround sound system, or a couple of |
| something they really like -- can be a challenge. | | | | CDs or DVDs would fit the bill. |
| While there's no "perfect" gift out there that will | | | | 4. Avoid Generic "Token" Gifts |
| please every man, these tips will ensure you'll be | | | | This rule applies just as much to women as it |
| tuned into the psychology of gift-giving to men, | | | | does to men: most people, including men, don't |
| and help you choose a unique gift for him he'll | | | | value generic token gifts. |
| really love. | | | | Token gifts for men, like socks and underwear |
| 1. Think Function, Not Sentiment | | | | that you've given him every year, are regarded |
| "In a heterosexual relationship men tend to think | | | | as "low cost and low effort," Rucker says. |
| of gift giving more in terms of an economic | | | | Generic gifts are regarded similarly. |
| exchange of goods than women do," says | | | | "If it's a gift you have in the closet, something |
| Professor Margaret Rucker, who holds a | | | | you could give anybody, that's downgraded," says |
| doctorate in psychology with an emphasis in | | | | Rucker. |
| consumer psychology, and is a gift-giving expert. | | | | 5. Make it Something Fun |
| So while a woman may be completely impressed | | | | While there are some men who will definitely |
| by a house filled with roses, a man would | | | | appreciate a practical gift (some new work |
| probably prefer an item that he can hold on to, | | | | clothes, a garden hose, etc.), generally speaking, |
| and use. Think golf clubs over naming a star after | | | | men want a gift that's fun. |
| him, and new slippers over a decorative | | | | (The exception here may be seniors, particularly |
| knick-knack. | | | | those on a fixed income would actually prefer |
| 2. Listen to What He Wants | | | | something they already need.) |
| While women may offer hints as to what the | | | | The key is finding something that the man will |
| "perfect" gift would be, men tend to be less | | | | use, but that will be fun to use, not something |
| subtle and may come right out and say what | | | | work-related. For instance, buying a man a regular |
| they want. Rather than going out of your way to | | | | tool set is comparable to buying a woman a |
| find a "surprise," simply buying the item he's said | | | | vacuum cleaner -- unless the man loves |
| he wants can be ideal. | | | | woodworking, etc., and you find that special tool |
| The key is to pay attention and buy the item | | | | he's been looking for. |
| that HE wants, not the item that YOU, the giver, | | | | For some really fun (and FUNNY) gifts see |
| wants (or thinks he should want). | | | | 6. |