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 Martin Loofah King is a completely unique (and pro civil rights) loofah mitt that makes every shower rather momentous and quote-worthy thanks to the "I have a...
Price: £6.49 From AmazonIf you're about as enthusiastic about Valentine's Day as you are about wet Monday mornings, then this t-shirt should get the message across when the heart-shaped hell rolls...
Price: £15.00 From Shot Dead In The HeadWhen the heart-shaped hell of Valentine's Day is getting you down, let this print give you solace. When you're feeling lonely, you can feel assured you're not the only one.
Price: £50.00 From Design SupremoIt's the good book for iPhone lovers and bibliophiles. Keep your iPod wrapped up in a brown leather book casing that doubles up as a wallet. You'll never forget the important...
Price: £49.99 From FireboxExtremely Loud and Incredible Close (now a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock) is not a book based on 9/11 you think it might be. Oskar is a...
Price: £5.84 From AmazonBurn baby burn... Get in shape faster without breaking the bank on gym membership. XCO Trainers are composed of weatherproof aluminium tubes that contain a move-able granular...
Price: £59.99 From FireboxThis bicycle tyre messenger bag features novel, adjustable seat-belt straps and a tube body with amazing tyre detail. It is complete with an interior of red cotton and has an...
Price: £62.70 From BoutiquaWith a plethora of talented writers such as Mavis Nicholson, Ruth Rendell and John Sweeney, The Oldie boasts a myriad of talented contributors and offers something a little more...
Price: Was £11.25 Now £1.00 From Magazine GroupIt's squidgy and it may look dodgy but it will rid your keyboard of any dirt trapped between the keys from when you were too lazy to eat at the table or to lean back a few...
Price: £7.99-£13.99 From FireboxFridge magnets have come a long way and now with this magnetised memo gadget you can pop it on your fridge and it will play a recorded video. You can record notes and messages...
Price: £55.53 From AmazonA great study aid or memo board for the family, this giant notepad serves an an environmentally-friendly substitute to thos piles of papers, menus and recipes you have lying...
Price: £19.95 From Stitch DesignworksYou don't need to be a sk8er boi to appreciate this Custom printed Damien Hirst skateboard deck. Stamped with signature and available in editions of 40 signed boards, for any...
Price: £480.00 From Other CriteriaBeware, the monsters are coming to hunt you down! Exclusively designed by Peskimo for Poketo this marvellous Monster T-shirt is made from 100% supersoft cotton.
Price: £16.50 From ArtransmitteThe Lexon Long Clock combines style with high-tech functionality and is perfect for the music lover in your life.
Price: £69.20 From Made In DesignNo larger than a Swiss Army knife, this nifty bike tool is packed with everything an unfortunate cyclist might need to fix and tighten his bike on the go. With sixteen tools,...
Price: £19.99 From FireboxLearn the art of sketching with illustrated close ups of work, strategies, controlling linear drawing, shadows,tones and everything else an art novice could need to know.
Price: £12.99 From Fred AldousThe personal touch makes any gift that bit more special; but combine the personalised with your Christmas gifts and you've got a twosome as festively perfect as Santa and Rudolf.
Read more