Last Minute Gift Guide
10 things a man will absolutely like - guaranteed
2007-12-21
Men never ask for what we really want for Christmas. It's not that we expect
you to figure it out, it's just that we've come to expect women to buy us
what they want us to have as opposed to what we desire anyhow.
Now that time is running, here's advice from a guy on what to buy a guy this
Christmas (or whenever):
Snowboarding Pants
Quietly, snowboarding clothes have become the best-designed items for men in all of fashion. The pants especially address all the needs men have. Baggy enough to be stylish but not so much to look sloppy. Cool enough to make you feel young but not so cool that they look like you’re trying too hard. Hip and utilitarian. Plenty of pockets for weekend errands but nice enough to throw on with a sweater and do a casual winter dinner.
Recommended: The Bada Bing line by SIMS.
A Fancy Box
The fancy box, like silver plated shaving brushes and crocodile brushes, comes under the category of completely unnecessary “Guy Stuff” that men like to have but never think of buying for themselves. For his watches, cufflinks, business cards, cigars, naughty pictures of you (you hope).
Recommended: Lebanese Mosaic boxes
A Guitar
Whether he plays or not, every guy imagines himself a rock star. Even as a piece of art, what’s not to love about a guitar? They’re shaped like curvaceous women and hold the promise of someday turning you into a chick magnet. A substantially better gift than the red Corvette and Chinese massage he would buy himself.
Recommended: If you think he’s actually going to try to play it seriously and make some dough on the weekends, swing for the fences and get him a Fender Strat, or a classic Gibson Les Paul if you have the money to burn.
If he’s more of a bass guy, get him this Warwick at the high end or this Ibanezt at the low end.
If he’s the type that will just look at it and dream, get a Dobro for the artistic value alone.
High Tech alternative: Guitar Hero 3
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow
Aside from a fascinating study of an incredible life, this book is a reminder that for every time and every generation, there are great opportunities out there if you’re wiling to buckle down and pursue them.
Buy it Here
A Great Chess Set
Not just any old chess set – a great one. If he plays, he’ll love it. If he doesn’t he’ll learn after enough people ask if he plays. He’ll take on a new skill, and since chess is a lot like life, you’ll learn plenty about him. HINT: If he’s willing to sacrifice his queen to win, he’ll be a great player but you might want to keep a bag packed and open your own account.
Recommended: Onyx & Marble Chess Set
A Serious Overnight Bag
You can’t talk your way into First Class with a gym bag. A man has to look like he deserves leg room and free booze.
Recommended: Cooper Duffle by Ralph Lauren
A Weekend Away – Without You
I know you want to be a part of the moments of his life. So does he – but not every freaking moment. If he gets a break, he’ll be a better boyfriend/husband/Dad when he gets back.
Recommended: Land Rover Experience Driving School
A football
Most guys haven’t actually owned one (that doesn’t belong to the kids) since he was a kid himself. Something about the feel of a football and the way it sits in your hands always reminds you of the best times in your life.
Recommended: Wilson Official NFL edition
A Flying Lesson
Note that we said Flying LESSON, as in singular, which means with a qualified instructor. Anything he decides to do after that is up to him, you and your insurance company.
Recommended: Start by Looking for Qualified Local Instructors
Something that Says You Believe in His Dream(s).
No matter how successful, every guy has a vision of something he wants to do that time/money/kids/circumstances have not allowed him to pursue with the attention that matches his passion. It doesn’t have to be fancy – a book, a magazine subscription, a toy or a photograph that reminds him to keep dreaming goes a long way. He’ll return the thoughtfulness in spades.