When it comes to choosing gifts for men, women often find themselves at a loss, as most men have different tastes and are difficult to shop for. But when you keep in mind the following seven rules, you’ll be able to choose gifts that any man will appreciate and enjoy. Keep reading to learn more!
The 1st Rule: Choose something he would love
Take a minute to think about what he likes and then choose something that aligns with those likes. For example, if you know he loves baseball, choosing an official MLB team shirt is probably a good option. If he’s always talking about how much he enjoys playing golf, getting him a golf gift certificate would be great. If you aren’t sure what kind of gifts he may like, checking out his online profiles and social media platforms is also an excellent way to get ideas. The last thing you want to do is give someone a gift they don’t want or enjoy! It might seem somewhat obvious but one of the most important rules when it comes to buying gifts for men (or women) is choosing something they will actually use and love!
The 2nd Rule: Get his opinion about what he wants
Don’t settle on a gift just because you think it’s something he might like. Trust me, guys don’t really know what they want at that moment. Many times, we don’t know exactly what we want until someone suggests it to us. That may be why men tend to prefer cash and gift cards as gifts: no second-guessing is required. To make sure you hit it out of the park with a present he likes, get his input on all your gift ideas — and get specific feedback about which item (or even brand) he prefers from your list of options. That way, you can be sure to pick something he loves every time! (For more ideas of gifts for men or women, check out this blog.)
The 3rd Rule: Consider his hobbies
Many of us guys have hobbies we love to spend time on, be it golfing, woodworking or programming. Give a gift related to his hobby and you’ll score bonus points! If your guy is into electronics, give him a soldering iron or electronic components kit. He will appreciate your practical gift choice. Bonus: They can help improve his skills in that area! The most important thing with hobbies is to know about them and make sure not to go overboard with buying too many gifts. It’s very easy to fall down that rabbit hole of spending more than you should have — especially when there are so many gifts for men around you ready to be bought.
The 4th Rule: Think about who will use it with him
men have diverse tastes and personal styles, so it can be difficult to decide on a good gift. Sometimes, you’ll want to buy gifts that align with their taste, but other times you’ll choose something that he’ll use at work or with his friends. No matter what kind of gift you’re looking for, think about who will use it with him and you’ll always find something he’ll love (even if it’s not what he might pick out himself). If your husband likes beer, perhaps a home brewing kit would be perfect as a gift. If your dad is into yoga, consider an armband case to hold his iPhone and earbuds.
The 5th Rule: Know his tastes and style
Whether he’s simple jeans and T-shirt guy or prefers suits and ties, it’s always a good idea to do some light research on his current wardrobe and habits. A simple Google search should tell you everything you need to know about his preferred style — and maybe even his favorite brands. When in doubt, go with something classic that he can mix and match every day of the week. If you’re shopping for your boss, go with something professional like a tie or suit; if you’re shopping for your best friend, shop carefully based on their personality — in other words, don’t buy them an oversize novelty tie if they’re more of a minimalist.
The 6th Rule: Get more than one idea before buying
Many people feel very strongly about giving gifts. They will want to do something meaningful and special, but they might not know what that is. The first step in buying gifts for men is thinking about them in a thoughtful way — but you don’t have to stress yourself out trying to find an idea they’ll love. In fact, it’s better if you buy them two things, they would like than one thing that makes your heart sing. Especially if you’re new at buying gifts for your man, aim to have multiple ideas and get some input from him before you go shopping. Doing so will also give him a chance to be as involved in gift-giving as he wants and there’s no such thing as too much involved when it comes to gift-giving!
The 7th Rule: Give an Experience, not Just a Gift
If you want to give a gift that’s truly memorable, consider an experience instead of a material item. Experiences are often shared with other people and can create lasting memories and long-lasting friendships. If you want to go big, think about tickets to events such as concerts or sporting events, or consider taking him on a trip he would never normally be able to afford. Don’t think these types of gifts are too extravagant — if anything, most men would prefer experiences over more things in their house.
