For some reason, men have a reputation for being more difficult to buy gifts for than women. Maybe it’s because men don’t have such an interest in clothing, jewelry, perfume, toiletries and nick-nacks for the home as women do, so there’s less choice. Good gifts for men often center around their hobbies and interests, so, for example, a Red Sox baseball shirt or the latest Fallout game. Then there’s tech. What man doesn’t like to play with something remote controlled or be able to boast they have the latest technological marvel? The time it can get extra tough to choose for a man is when you want to show the one you love just how much you care.
Disposing of myths and stereotypes
Just because most men will fit into one of the categories listed above, doesn’t mean they all do. Lazy stereotyping is a form of sexism, so don’t make the mistake of ascribing all men with the same, masculine orientated interests. If you love your man, you should have an idea that although he might not say so, he’d enjoy a foot spa, or a soft cushion to rest his head on when he’s watching TV. It’s not traditional to buy chocolates and flowers for a man, but if he has a sweet tooth, why not get him some candy? If not flowers, then perhaps a plant for his office or a particular shrub for the backyard. Just because you’re buying for a man, your gift doesn’t have to be macho.
Why the usual gifts just won’t do
The kinds of things you might get for a friend, or for your beloved at Christmas, are brilliant gifts, but they don’t have that special something that truly demonstrates the depth of your feelings. Showing you love someone with a gift takes something a little out of the ordinary. It has to show how you have gone the extra mile to get something that will mean a lot to them, and if you can illustrate how well you know them with your gift, then that’s even better.
What will do?
Here are some ideas for special “I love you” gifts:
- Jewelry: Many men wear rings and necklaces, as well as piercings. Buying jewelry for a woman is a traditional way of expressing love, so why not do the same for your man? You will know whether they are open to the idea of wearing jewelry, and if so what type. There is plenty of choice for male jewelry, and you could choose to go for something modern like a surfer style necklace or select something more mainstream in white gold or platinum. You can get Christian rings for men, for example, or buy him a vintage automatic watch by a leading Swiss watchmaker like Girard-Perregaux.
- Experiences: Take the idea of getting him some baseball memorabilia a step further, and arrange for him to attend a game. This is good if he doesn’t normally get to go, but if he has a season ticket you’ll need to go for a stadium tour, or related event that he hasn’t had the chance to experience before. If he loves the idea of skydiving, book him a course of lessons, or if he’s always wanted to drive a Ferrari, book him on a track day experience – or hire him a Portofino for the weekend. The trick is to find something he has a longing to do, but that he’s not likely to do for himself at this point in time.
- Personalize: Having an Italian leather wallet inscribed with his name, or a silver photo frame engraved with a personal message on the back is something that will bring pleasure and stir memories for years to come. If you’re planning to give your beloved something that has the potential to be personalized this is a valid and touching way of immortalizing your love.
The setting is important too
The way you present your gift says a lot too. You could make a special day of it and go sailing, or drive to a secluded hotel for the night. You could surprise him with your gift; for example, if he’s a passionate golfer and you’ve bought him a new bag for his clubs, rather than just handing the bag over, why not secretly transfer everything from the old bag to the new one? If he puts his clubs in the trunk the night before his game, you could make it an even bigger surprise and have him drive off in the morning to discover the new bag when he gets to the golf club. Of course, you won’t be there to see his face when he goes to get his clubs out and finds your gift, which you may feel is a shame. But in some ways that is the essence of giving someone a gift that shows them how much you love them. It’s not about you in any way; it’s all about them and their pleasure, so missing the reveal is a worthwhile sacrifice if it enhances the experience for him.
Some things aren’t such a good idea
When you’re in love, it can cause you to take a temporary leave of your senses, and sometimes you can feel the urge to do some crazy things to express your love. Tattoos are a good example of this phenomenon. It seems like the ideal way to demonstrate your enduring passion, but can end up falling flat. Going to get tattoos together might be fun, but turning up one day with a giant heart on your arm with his initials in isn’t going to do a lot for him. That’s not to say he won’t like it, he may think it’s great; but it’s more about doing something for yourself than showing him how you feel, and any element of self-interest will devalue your thoughtfulness.
Having a loving partner is one of the most joyous experiences of your life, so show him how much you love him with a gift that comes straight from your heart.