Buying a gift for your man can be intimidating – especially if he isn’t very vocal about the things he wants or needs. But if you know how to shop for guys, buying the perfect gift becomes less stressful and challenging. Here are a few pointers:
- Focus on Function Over Form
As women, we often prefer form over function. We’d much rather receive something beautiful than useful. In fact, if a guy gives us a useful gift, we might even see it as offensive or less-than. But men are, typically, the opposite. They’d much rather have a functional gift over a beautiful one. They’re often about function over form. This isn’t to say you can’t give a beautiful gift – just that functional gifts work really well.
Good functional gifts include tools and anything related to a hobby he enjoys. Whether it’s golfing, fishing, or woodworking – get him a gift he can put into action and he’ll love it.
- Buy the Thing He Would Never Buy Himself
What do you get a man who has everything and can pretty much buy anything he wants with his own money? Pretty simple: Buy him the thing he would never buy himself.
For example, your husband might not ever be able to justify buying a video game system. But if you know that your husband would enjoy it, you could buy it for him. This gives him a license to enjoy a gift that he would feel silly purchasing himself.
Another example would be a piece of jewelry. Some men feel odd buying jewelry for themselves, but would love it if their partner picked it out for them. John Atencio has some really beautiful options for men who have a good sense of style. This includes bracelets, watches, and rings.
- Make it Something You Can Experience Together
If you can’t find a physical product to buy, consider giving him an experience that you can enjoy together. For example, can you schedule a surprise weekend getaway? Or even if it’s not a surprise, you could plan it together.
Don’t have enough room in the budget to splurge on an entire trip? One-day experiences and events are great, too. For example, you could go to a baseball game, concert, or beer festival together. Pick something you know he’ll love and plan a day together.
- Buy Something for You…For Him
This is going to sound a little backwards at first, but sometimes the best gift you can give a man is a gift for yourself. Add some new lingerie to your closet and spice up the bedroom – he’ll love it.
- Don’t Get Him Anything That Requires Work
As a general rule of thumb, don’t give your guy anything that requires him to work. For example, avoid giving workout clothes. (Even if he loves the gym, it can send the wrong message.) And avoid giving him something to use at work. (This will remind him of work and could actually make him more stressed.) The same goes for yard tools – unless he’s the kind of guy that absolutely loves his lawn.
- Avoid Gift Cards
Gift cards are cop-outs. Whatever you do, don’t give him a gift card. It comes across as lazy and impersonal – like you couldn’t think of anything so you went to the store last minute and swiped a gift card at the register and tossed it in a Hallmark card.
If you absolutely can’t figure out what to get him and are thinking about a gift card, you’re better off taking him out shopping on his birthday and having him pick out something. In this case, you at least show that you’re willing to spend some time shopping for him.
- Ask Him What He Wants
When all else fails, just ask him what he wants. Tell him that you’re excited about his birthday and want to make sure you get him something that he’ll actually be excited about. He might brush it off or tell you that he doesn’t need anything, but press a bit. Even if he doesn’t give you outright suggestions, you might offer up a few hints. This can be enough for you to run with.
Get Your Guy the Perfect Gift
Buying a gift for your boyfriend or husband doesn’t have to be this impossible feat that leaves you paralyzed for weeks on end. Use the tips highlighted above to make a smart and educated decision that your man is sure to love. Not only will he be thankful, but it’ll strengthen your bond even more!
