The approach to the festive season often presents a headache about what to buy for the men in your life. Of course, it’s not the only time of year when you have to buy male orientated gifts but it’s just that there are more of them to think about. There is always the option to be practical, but how many times can you really get away with socks?
Many people opt for vouchers. The voucher market in the UK is huge, amounting to approximately £5 billion in expenditure each year. But isn’t buying someone a voucher a little like giving them the money and then restricting where they can spend it? The giftware market also equates to approximately £5 billion expenditure each year and there is a rising trend for personalised and functional gifts, with gifts costing under £10 being popular. Choosing gifts isn’t that difficult, but it does involve some careful thought.
Don’t just opt for boys toys
You walk into a shop and you see shelves laden with boy’s toys, from remote control helicopters to desktop darts. If you see something that is going to be really useful on a personal basis; like a compass for a guy who goes orienteering that’s fine. Otherwise, is the man you’re buying it for really going to be interested? Away from the wine fuelled exuberance of festive unwrapping is the gift ever going to be greeted enthusiastically? If not, then it’s a complete waste of money.
Don’t sale shop with no plan
Now that sales are common place in shops year round it’s tempting to check out the bargains for gifts. There’s nothing wrong with this if you have a plan. But just because there’s a great sale on dress shirts doesn’t mean you should buy ten of them; especially if the guy is more for casual t-shirts.
Do get yourself a bargain
Just because you shouldn’t randomly buy whatever is on sale, doesn’t mean you can’t get a bargain. Once you have ideas about what you might be looking for, take some time to find out more about the codes and vouchers that are available to help you make sure you get the best possible deal. If you don’t have a massive budget and you have a lot of presents to buy, this can be a huge help. You’ll find some excellent discounts for a wide range of big name retailers like Burton and Beaverbrooks.
Making a choice
If you’re choosing a present for a man there are plenty of factors that go into the decision.
- How well do you know them?
- What is your budget?
- Is it a personal gift or a Secret Santa?
If you know a person well then you’re going to have an idea of their likes and dislikes. Have they mentioned a new DVD they’ve got their eye on? Are they a frustrated chef who may love a cookery course? If you’re buying for the guy who has everything then an experience is a good idea; maybe a night out at a comedy show or a weekend away. If you’re budget is limited then as we said it’s a good idea to check out codes and discounts. Alternatively, why not have a themed evening with the man in your life. You can decorate, cook and take out the cocktail shaker. It’s cheaper and a lot more personal than expensive presents. You could also consider joining forces with others. If your dad has been wanting a new tool bench then speak to other family members about buying one between you.
If you don’t know the guy you’re buying for very well and it’s a personal present then do a bit of detective work; ask his friends what he’s interested in. If you have no other option we’re firmly in the ask camp. Remember, surprises are only great if you don’t absolutely hate them. Of course, Secret Santa gifts are different. If you don’t know what they guy likes, go for funny, at least it will be memorable.
Hopefully you’ve got some useful tips. Now all you have to do is hit the shops. Good luck!
