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How to Choose Special Gifts for Men

by Erik Steel

  • Overview

    Everyone deserves a gift suited to his own tastes. Just as women are often the recipients of candles or bath beads because they are generic gifts for women, so, too, are men pigeonholed into receiving tools and golf T-shirts, along with the ubiquitous necktie. This article will help you select a perfect personal gift for any man.

  • Preparation

 

  • Step 1

    Set a budget. Considerations should include your own financial situation as well as your relationship to the man in question. For instance, don't spend more on a colleague than you might on your father or son. Also, always remember: you don't have to give until it hurts.

  • Step 2

    Gather information about your gift recipient. What are his favorite stores? What does he already have, and what does he need? Has he expressed interest recently in a particular item? If you are going to buy clothing or accessories, what are his sizes and tastes? If you are not very close to the recipient, inquire about this information from someone who knows him better. Use this information to narrow down your possibilities.

  • Step 3

    Shop around once you've narrowed down your options. See if you can get a product for a better deal at another location or if a similar but superior gift is available.

  • Step 4

    Select and purchase your gift. Keep the receipt and, if possible, ask to have a gift receipt printed. This gives both you and the gift recipient the greatest degree of freedom.
  • 2
  • A budget Info about your gift recipient
  • A budget
  • Info about your gift recipient
  • Give gifts that reflect the existing interests of your recipient, as opposed to your own interests or things you think the other person should like; avoid pressuring with the gifts you give. If you're at a total loss, browse--it's possible that something perfect might jump out at you. Be practical--especially for the adult gift recipient, presents that have practical value can be well appreciated. Go with your heart--and save the receipt in case your heart was wrong. Be original--if you got your dad a shirt last year, how about a concert ticket this year?
  • Give gifts that reflect the existing interests of your recipient, as opposed to your own interests or things you think the other person should like; avoid pressuring with the gifts you give.
  • If you're at a total loss, browse--it's possible that something perfect might jump out at you.
  • Be practical--especially for the adult gift recipient, presents that have practical value can be well appreciated.
  • Go with your heart--and save the receipt in case your heart was wrong.
  • Be original--if you got your dad a shirt last year, how about a concert ticket this year?
  • Avoid giving gifts from displays that say things like "Great for Dad!" These are based on narrow conceptions of what men might like, and may or may not reflect your gift recipient's desires and needs. Instead of describing the man you're buying the gift for demographically, provide a little information about him to store clerks so they can help you pick a personalized gift and not what's most popular with males between 18 and 35 right now. Avoid gift packs (like cologne or tools), as these demonstrate little thought on your part. Instead select, for instance, one bottle of cologne from a favorite line or one well-crafted tool your recipient might need.
  • Avoid giving gifts from displays that say things like "Great for Dad!" These are based on narrow conceptions of what men might like, and may or may not reflect your gift recipient's desires and needs.
  • Instead of describing the man you're buying the gift for demographically, provide a little information about him to store clerks so they can help you pick a personalized gift and not what's most popular with males between 18 and 35 right now.
  • Avoid gift packs (like cologne or tools), as these demonstrate little thought on your part. Instead select, for instance, one bottle of cologne from a favorite line or one well-crafted tool your recipient might need.
     
     
 
 

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