There are a lot of bazaars now in the metro because Christmas is fast approaching. As I write this, we'll be celebrating Christmas in 25 days, 13 hours and 50 minutes so expect more bazaars to open up even for just a week or two. Bazaars become popular because it is a good place to find good gift items at reasonable prizes. But that is not the point of this post. This is all about Christmas gifts for men. I would often hear from bazaar goers that it is more difficult to find gifts for men than for women. There is some sense to this observation. There aren't as many choices of gifts for men so women just settle for basic gifts like t-shirts, neckties, faux wallets, pens and hankies. They may not complain when they receive these gifts but I know they would also want to receive something that was well thought of. I'll be giving you some suggestions about this. This list includes some of the basic choices I already mentioned but I'll give tips on how you can make them look more exciting.
1. Spa package. Yes, I know this is a bit expensive. But don't worry, there are a lot of discount sites (like ensogo, cash cash pinoy, metrodeal, etc) now where you can buy vouchers at very, very low prices. Men love to be pampered like women. But many men do not feel comfortable going to one especially if they are alone. So give them a gift certificate. If they have the gc already they will surely go to the spa shy or not. Or better yet, get a gc for two and join him.
2. A buffet treat. The best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. True? True! Men love to eat so he will surely love the idea of getting the chance to eat everything that he wants. There are a lot of places where you can treat him to a buffet (eat all you can). There are also a lot of offers in discount sites.
3. A gadget. Boom! There goes your 13th month pay. I am only suggesting this to those who really have a lot of money to burn. But if you do not have much, you can just settle for accessories. A nice protective thingy for the tablet would be appreciated (but I would suggest you give original versions). Earphone/Headphone is also a good idea.
4. Shirt. Yes! You can still give him a shirt. But make sure you look for the right size. Knowing if he's S, M, L or XL is not enough. You see an S in one store is not necessarily the same as the S in another. And even within a store, an S in one rack can be different from the S in another rack. Design affects the size. So how do you make this gift special? A safe way would be to find that hard-to-find shirt he likes. There are men who are obsessed with this or that jersey from Nike or this or that new statement shirt from NatGeo or this or that new design from A & F. You may need to order these from abroad so better start deciding now. A not so safe way would be to experiment a bit. Give him a shirt that is not like the usual shirts he wears. Find something a bit trendier. Who knows, he might have been planning to have that design but is just afraid to try.
5. Car Accessories. If you cannot afford to give a car, give him some accessories. lol. I'm not referring to the dogs with heads bobbing up and down and the plastic sunflowers with flapping leaves when there is sunlight. Give him stuff like sun shield, car matting stuff, eyeglasses/sunglasses holder, cellphone/laptop charger, etc.
6. Unique Beer. If your guy drinks beer, give him a six pack of a unique beer brand. Go to a liquor store and ask the salesclerk for a brand that is not sold in sari-sari stores or even in bars in the metro.
7. Gumball dispenser (with gumballs lol). Who says that gumballs are only for kids? Men love gumballs. Look for a mini gumball dispenser (similar to dispensers in malls where you insert coins to get your round chewing gum) over the internet and order one. This is something your guy can bring to the office. Gumballs are good stress relievers, you know.
(If you are 'on a budget')
1. Socks. Men need socks everyday so giving them socks is very practical. But remember that sports socks are different from formal socks. If the guy spends most of his time in the office wearing tie, find him dress socks. If he is into casual clothes always, give him some less formal socks. If you do not know the difference, ask the salesladies. They would be more than willing to help you. But again, this is not a strict rule because surely, the man in the suit sometimes plays ball and the man in jeans sometimes sips wine.
2. Handkerchief. Like socks, men need this everyday. But please do not give them hankies with their name embroidered on one corner. Men do not like other people to know their names when they are blowing their nose in public. And stick to safe colors -- white, blue, gray -- plain if possible.
3. Boxer shorts. This is the in thing among men. Men wear boxers over their undies before they wear their pants. Men also wear boxers to bed. Some men wear boxers when they go to the neighborhood convenience store. Giving your guy a pair or two would be safe. But please, even if you are on a budget, please find a good brand so it would last long.
The title says Gifts for Men I. This means there is going to have at least a Part II so watch out for that.
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