Men are notoriously hard to buy for. Not any more! No matter what he's into we've found the perfect gifts for men he most definitely won't be donating to Oxfam!
It's no urban myth that we tend to dread looking for that perfect present for the men in our lives, so we've put together our handy guide to the dos and don'ts to bear in mind when buying gifts for men.
Gifts For Men Dos:
Do try and give him something he wouldn't buy himself
When buying gifts for men experience gifts, or luxurious treats that he might not fork out for himself are always a good idea. Let's face it, it'll hardly be on top of his list to run out and book helicopter flying lessons for himself!.
Do opt for the classic gift option
His favourite book or album in a specialised format (an anniversary edition or vinyl) always make a great gift for him, and he'll appreciate that you put thought and care in giving him something he'll always remember.
Do remember that its okay to play it safe
If you know that he'll love something, don't be afraid to play it safe. If he loves sport, buy him a gift of tickets to see his favourite team; if he's a movie buff get him that box set he keeps meaning to get. Even you're not exactly filled with joy at the thought of spending all day in a field/ watching re-runs of Top Gear, he'll love it so your job is done.
Do keep it simple
We don't mean simple as in buying him a pair of socks- more that you don't have to spend hours making a handmade birthday card to show you care. It's the thought that counts and if you stick to what you know he'll like (you'll most likely have an in depth knowledge of this) chances are he'll be very happy.
Do stay away from gifts for him that you think might be a bad idea
Chances are, your instinct's will be spot on.
Gifts for Men Don'ts:
Don't give him anything with an obvious monetary value
Never, ever give cash!. Not only is it supremely impersonal, it shows a distinct lack of imagination. Plus do you really want him to know the exact monetary worth that you put on him?.
Don't give him anything his Mother would buy him (unless you are his mother!)
For obvious reasons!
Don't get him something you wish he would wear/use
In other words, don't buy him a gift that you think might encourage him to change. It may seem like a bright idea, but there's a good chance it could backfire and you don't want to get a bad rep for what we're sure are your super gift buying skills. The best gifts for him are gifts that he (rather than you!) likes.
Don't over think it
If you're feeling super stressed about it, trust your instincts and go with what you know he'll enjoy. Choosing a gift for him should be a pleasure, not a chore.
The quintessential ‘Little Black Book’ - perfect for stylish lotharios about town...
Price: £35.00 From SmythsonThis inspirational gift card comes from Quotable Card's collection. Give it to someone in need of a little motivation....
Price: £2.45 From Bloomsbury StorePlace your new mini bride in water and watch as she expands 600% over a period of 72 hours. The perfect woman, she will never run up huge credit card bills, doesn't carry any...
Price: £1.99 From ToydayKnow someone who fell out of the ugly tree? Break it to them gently with this ever so stylish ugly bag: it does exactly what it says on the bag.
Price: £3.75 From AmazonUnexpected company can be both a blessing and a curse. Take Andy Warhol's advice and only accept your friends presence when they bring the possibility of a party with them.
Price: Was £94.00 Now £79.00 From Art RepublicIf he's moping around the house post-divorce in his dressing gown, at least he can have some Hugh Heftner panache with this Playboy Shield Badge. And when he's feeling better...
Price: £3.95 From AmazonHow's this for passive-aggressive? A biodegradable clay seed missile that will see ryegrass, poppies and buttercups sprout anywhere your grenade lands. While we can't advocate...
Price: £12.99 From FireboxThis inflatable wife promises a low maintenance partner for a stress free and easy life, guaranteeing that she will always leave the toilet seat up, won't crash your car, spend...
Price: £5.99 From Play.comThis sumptuous six-volume illustrated autobiography follows Playboy’s first 25 years and even includes a facsimile edition of Playboy #1 from 1953—featuring the...
Price: £819.75 From AmazonIf you're looking for a gift that explores the baffling contradiction of love rather than a mushy love poem, then Harland Miller’s 'Incurable Romantic - Seeks Dirty Filthy...
Price: £1,250.00 From Other CriteriaA guide that catalogues the 'deal-breakers' that turn ideal dates in to worst nightmares whether it's an annoying habit (talking during films) or a worldview (grandeur...
Price: £7.19 From AmazonBreaking up is hard to do, so ease a friend's pain with this light-hearted and understanding perspective on the big D-I-V-O-R-C-E. With illustration, witticisms and accurate...
Price: £11.66 From AmazonWhen Nancy Archer has a close encounter with an alien, her resulting growth spurt sees her wreak revenge on her cheating husband and his mistress. This print comes from the...
Price: £33.00 From Art RepublicCheer them up with this Keep Smiling Chocolate Bar. Choose from crowd pleasing milk chocolate or rich dark Belgian chocolate. Just remember, it's the flavour they like, not your...
Price: £4.45 From Not On The High StreetIf you know someone who's going through a painful break-up or divorce this quirky knife block is sure to raise a smile. Who knows it may even encourage them to put down the tub...
Price: £59.99-£74.99 From FireboxDivorce is never easy. Help guide someone from movin' out to movin' on with an appropriate divorce gift.
Read more