You can't tell me that men are an unusual breed of recepient when it comes to gifts. Men receive the worst presents (from both genders alike) and it comes down to one thing: uninspired gift purchasers who really don't give a crap. Men, come on: you know what I'm talking about. It only takes a few key questions to get to the bottom of what they want. Or, read the "7" list below to see a few unusual assortments that will get you thinking about that man in your life who deserves more than a cheap-ass tool or a Jovan musk set.
In no real order and gift cards are a non-non:
7. CUSTOM BUSINESS CARDS. Find out what his interests are, pick some artwork then head down to VistaPrint.com. Get all of his normal contact attributes (those that aren't too personal, of course) and make him a set of custom business cards. Add his Twitter, Facebook information, etc. for extra points. If you put enough thought into it, he'll be appreciative enough not to break up with you in the New Year.
6. CUSTOM LIGHTER. All men need a lighter. I don't know why, but we just need one. A custom lighter with our initials makes it even more special. Try this place: http://www.executivegiftshoppe.com/zippo-lighters.html. Throw in a few fresh cigars and you have a nice package. Trust me: nicotine is always a plus. Throw in some dirty women graphics on their ftw.
5. ANYTHING FROM EXCALIBUR. Something about these damn LCD-infused gadgets are alluring. One: they've been around forever. Two: they are all over the place as far as breadth of their product line. Third: they're simply fun gadgets that won't break the bank. Hints? Can't go wrong with an electronic version of chess, or, they have some simple turn on and play games like NFL football, golf, etc. The simplicity and focus make them a plus.
4. WIND-UP METAL. Metal toys are something primal. You'd be surprised that all age ranges of men go for this. Again, there's probably some physchological reasoning behind the attraction, but simply: men like shiny metal objects. These were surely the pre-cursor to the gadget age. Try Tin Toy here: http://www.tintoyarcade.com/. The robots are a favorite of mine.
3. ANYTHING FROM THINKGEEK. These guys have got it covered, from geek pocket tools to gadgets up the wazoo. Most of these, you really can't go wrong, so sweep through the site, close your eyes and hit 'Add to Cart'. Again, they know how to service the modern geek. Just avoid the multi-tools, those are personal to each guy.
2. STEAKS ALL YEAR. Some of you are vegan, so skip this one. But, if your guy enjoys the excercise of his incisors - then hop on down to Omaha Steaks and get him a "gift plan" package that'll ship him a few steaks through out the year. It'll keep him from forgetting you. Added bonus to commit to cooking them up as an excuse for a romantic dinner...or something. Frankly, I'd be happy just to get a steak - what's easier to cook, even for that special moron in your life?
1. CAST IRON BANKS. Weird, I know. But men like to put stuff on shelves. From the executive office to the doorstop behind the garage door. Cast iron banks are the fun way to lose coins forever, but there is that nostalgia factor. Bits and Pieces have them here: http://www.bitsandpieces.com/category.asp?c=43&bhcd2=1289290884.
As you can deduce, this "7" is all about what really pleases him, not you, not society...wanna make him happy, then really get something that'll make him think. If men aren't so hard to figure out, then why do the gifts usually blow?
Actually, the next "7" will be a definitive list of what not to buy. It'll get personal.
