Buying gifts for men has always been a challenge. But with the holidays approaching and shopping season upon us, now is prime time for the all-too-common quandary of What gifts can I give
him that he will genuinely like and appreciate
Whether you have a husband who has everything he wants aside from that half-million dollar Lamborghini or a father who tells you not to buy him anything, choosing gifts for men that they
will genuinely like can be a challenge.
While there'ss no perfect gift out there that will please every man, these tips will ensure you'sll be tuned into the psychology of gift-giving to men, and help you choose a unique gift
for him he'sll really love.
1. Think function, not sentiment
In a heterosexual relationship men tend to think of gift giving more in terms of an economic exchange of goods than women do, says Professor Margaret Rucker, who holds a doctorate in
psychology with an emphasis in consumer psychology, and is a gift-giving expert.
So while a woman may be completely impressed by a house filled with roses, a man would probably prefer an item that he can hold on to and use. Think a gift for him like a Swiss Army Knife with 30
different implements versus naming a star after him, for example.
2. Listen to what he wants
While women may offer hints as to what the perfect gift would be, men tend to be less subtle and may come right out and say what they want. Rather than going out of your way to find a
surprise, simply buying the item he'ss said he wants can be ideal. The key is to pay attention and buy the item that he wants, not the item that you, the giver, wants (or thinks he should
want).
3. Center it around his interests
When looking for a functional gift for men, be sure it centers around something he likes, perhaps with a unique edge. If he'ss into golf, for example, think golf balls with his favorite NFL team logo on them (see
http://www.happybirthdaygiftideas.com/christmas-gifts-for-him.html) versus a pack of regular golf
balls.
4. Avoid generic token gifts
This rule applies just as much to women as it does to men: most people, including men, don'st value generic token gifts. Token gifts for men, like socks and underwear that you'sve given
him every year, are regarded as low cost and low effort, Rucker says. Generic gifts are regarded similarly.
5. Make it something fun
While there are some men who will definitely appreciate a practical gift (some new work clothes, a garden hose, etc.), generally speaking, men want a gift that'ss fun. (The exception here
may be seniors, particularly those on a fixed income would actually prefer something they already need.)
The key is finding something that the man will use, but that will be fun to use, not something work-related. For instance, buying a man a regular tool set is comparable to buying a woman
a vacuum cleaner -- unless the man loves woodworking, etc., and you find that special tool he'ss been looking for.
6. Put some thought into it
Men like to feel special, too, and a thoughtful gift will make him feel loved and supported. What makes a gift thoughtful Finding something that he wants and that he'ss interested in.
Check out the SixWise.com store to see if there are any products that would interest him search sites that suggest unique and interesting gifts like
HappyBirthdayGiftIdeas.com (www.HappyBirthdayGiftIdeas.com) or of course Google specific gift search terms that may be up his
alley.
Note: Republication of this and all See the entire How to Choose the Right Gifts for
Men article now at www.SixWise.com.
SixWise.com is the home of the no-cost Be Safe, Live Longer & Prosper
newsletter, now the #1 most subscribed to consumer wellness, wealth, and much more newsletter on the Web.