Gifts for Men
With Christmas just around the corner, gift buyers often commit two sins. Many tend to either buy a totally uninteresting gift or a niche one that he is unlikely to use. The key is strike a balance by finding something that is appealing and practical at the same time. While every man is different, here are five gift ideas that even the worst re-gifters will struggle to let go.
Watches
While jewellery is a woman’s best friend, men nearly universally appreciate the fine craftsmanship of an exquisite time piece. Women in particular can often underestimate the importance of a watch in a man’s outfit. For many of the more conservative gentlemen, this is the only piece of jewellery they will wear in their outfit. When thinking about the often high cost, it should be remembered that a quality watch is an item that a man will value for a time. Before purchasing a watch, it is also important to understand the different styles of watches (ask a salesperson if necessary) and the occasions they are appropriate for. Finally, never buy a digital watch
Blazer or Sports coat
Often the centrepiece of an outfit, it is versatile enough to wear to a function or on Friday night. Chosen appropriately, this may be a piece that a man carries for his entire life. A fashionable blazer oozes class and will make every other man in the room green with envy. In today’s t-shirt and jeans culture, a well dressed man commands attention. As far as clothing is concerned, the blazer is a fine gift for every man.
Headphones
Music is a universal interest among people and there is an enormous demand for portable music players. Apple holds a lion’s share of this market and the ubiquitous Ipods are bundled with terrible white ear buds. Most consumers don’t replace these with superior sounding headphones and never fully experience their music. An upgrade can drastically improve the listening experience. Similar to watches, there are many different types of headphones for various purposes but buying brands with proven audio performance (such as Sennheiser or Shure) is often a safe bet. This is a great example of an attractive, yet practical present.
Personal Training Sessions
Many men want to get in shape but lack the motivation to do so. Gym memberships are often received, used once, and never seen again. Personal training is a great alternative to this as it provides motivation for continual training that can yield great results. Trainers can set goals and provide nutritional information, while creating a bubble from the rest of the gym environment, which can be intimidating to the physically inept.
An Experience
While this may seem excessively vague, this is intentionally the case. With physical items often hogging the limelight at times of giving, be different and gift something that can be experienced. Safe options would be concert tickets to a favourite band or admission into a sporting event. However, there are plenty more options such as skydiving for the adventurous or perhaps theatre tickets for the artistically inclined. Think tickets or vouchers, there are almost no boundaries here. This can also be a great way to spend time with the recipient if you choose to buy a ticket for yourself. This is an exciting gift that will stand out from the many others he will receive.