2014 Gift Guide: The Boyfriend

Men are by far the worst people to shop for. Men you're attempting to make some romantic overture at? Even worse. So, here's a couple of ideas. I'm not guaranteeing that they're good ideas. But they're ideas.

Something to Wear

It's cold. Really cold. You probably know his shirt size, and if you don't, you can probably guess, right? This is a good chance for you to give him something practical that will also make him look great. I'm loving this wooly jumper from Nordstrom. The shawl collar is appropriate for the colder months. If he's a little on the slimmer side, definitely check for something that fits a little closer on the hips and sides so it's more flattering than not. Maybe step outside the box in terms of color, with orange or an oxblood.

An Experiential Gift

My family in particular isn't big on material gifts. We give each other trips or adventures instead. Why not pick something out that you know he will love, but will still work for you too? If price is no object, plan a luxe vacation somewhere you two have talked about going. If price is more of an object, look around for some more local couples activities. Near where I live, you can sign up to be a brewmaster for the day at a distillery, or a day of snowmobiling through the wilderness, or maybe a day at the shooting range. If he's into it, you can make it a couples adventure.

Something to Play

If you're traditional, you could go with monopoly. Less so, perhaps one of those R-rated novelty games or Cards Against Humanity. Maybe splurge on a nice collector's edition?

Something for Work

There's nothing that compares to a classic leather-bound book for keeping notes at a meeting. Everyone at the office will think it's extra classy and it will look great sitting on his desk.

Something Spicy

I know so many guys who are into the magic of Sriracha. You can douse anything it. Expand his palate a little with a hot sauce sampler pack, like this one. He'll have fun playing around with them, and if we ever have a sriracha-factory-going-bankrupt scare again, he'll have some thing to fall back on.

Something for Looking or Smelling Nice

I obviously enjoy my creams and lotions and powders and perfumes, but does your man? A nice way to ease him into some of the fancier hair and skin products is to pick something extra manly looking. For example, The Man Can. I saw this and thought it was great. The products smell nice, as well as masculine, and it'll up his game a little bit if he's usually a no-maintanence guy.

Something Homemade

Especially if you haven't been together long, you're probably not spending the holidays together. If things aren't too serious, a great night together could just be a movie night with a couple of homemade gifts. Even if you aren't crafty or creative there are so many options available (I'm looking at you, Pinterest). My favorites, linked here, here, and here because they definitely aren't mine, are one of those no-sew ragged-edge blankets, a golf club head cover, or a tech case (this one's for an iPad, but you might want to masculine-up the fabric). Don't forget about food gifts either. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Best of luck finding a good gift for the special guy in your life!