How to Buy Your Man a Valentines Day Gift

For actual men with individual personalities.

I get frustrated when I start shopping for presents for Hubbins. I have a strange URGE to look up lists like I will find a magical one that was made specifically for him. They usually look something like this:

1. Cufflinks
2. Shaving Kit
3. Wallet
4. Watch
5. Tie

6. Cologne
7. Beer Making Kit/BBQ Kit
8. Tools
9. Clothing
10. Games
11. Jewelry
12. Weird Novelty Items
13. Random Tech Gadgets
14. Accessories for Tech Gadgets

Cufflinks? I have never met anyone (outside of a wedding) who was wearing cufflinks. Only rich people and car salesmen look up LISTS for gifts apparently. Maybe it is because I'm below middle class but the same goes for ties. Shaving kit? My Hubbins keeps a full beard so that is out.

Case in point THREE emails I received with Valentines Day lists. Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy.. Lets compare.

Amazon's List Walmart's List Etsy's List

Amazon: Where is the "for him" section? I see several "for her" sections. Oh on the left bar there is a "fashion for him" but looks like other than that you are stuck looking for gifts in the "Gifts for the..." sections in the middle.

Walmart: Down toward the bottom there is a "Gifts he really wants" Which suggests a tablet, cologne, and a watch (surprise, surprise.) After clicking on it it takes me to a list of cameras, computers, tablets, and watches. There is a ring called Forever Bride 1/10 Carat T.W. Sterling Silver Men's Comfort Feel Diamond Ring in this section. It looks like..this.

 I support men wearing gems 100% but I feel like this "mens" ring is pushing that envelope. I mean... my husbands ring looks like THIS.

It is the one on the left with the ruby (mine is on the right.) It has a ruby.. correct me if I'm wrong.. but even the manliest of men couldn't sport this without some raised eyebrows.

Etsy: Out of all of them Etsy clearly shines. I wasn't expecting much... honestly. Even though I personally shop on Etsy F.O.R. everything. They have a lot of the most common suggestions wallets, a tie, cuff links, and shaving implements. I see so much more though.. customizable cell phone covers/cases, messenger bag, compass (love this idea), personalized pocket knife, and soap? I approve of this list. It could really get your ideas flowing. So B- for Etsy!

Anyway. You get the idea. Here is how to shop for YOUR guy.

Do what I do... make it a gift for HIM the easy way.

The first step is to pay attention to him. Does he complain about ANYTHING and can one of those complains (because I'm sure he does) be FIXED with a gift?? That is the easiest way to make someone happy. If his chair is uncomfortable get him a new one and have someone make a SEAHAWKS cover for it if he's crazy about his home team. (12th woman!)

If you don't find inspiration down that road here is a sure fire way to find SOMETHING for him.

1. Make a list. This is a list of everything he LIKES to do. Does he play video games? You don't have to be specific yet. Just make a list. Sports, Video games, Fishing, watching TV.. etc. Whatever it is. If he likes to DRIVE. If he likes to SIT OUTSIDE. Just make a list.

2. Make a list of things he uses. Does he have keys? Keychain. Does he WEAR jewelry? Rings? Does he wear CLOTHES? Does he drive a car? What kind of phone does he have? Does he read (bookmarks).... etc. Or even things you THINK he would LIKE to use.

3. RANDOM ITEMS! Just FUN stuff like magnetic poetry for the fridge, posters, and models.

Now that you have those chose something from 1 and something from 2 and put it together. If you want extra small stuff to go with more expensive items mix 1. and 3.

Examples:
1. Hubbins likes the game Eve Online
2. I got him a keychain that was the symbol for his favorite empire.

1. One of his favorite book series is The Wheel of Time
3. I had a woman on Etsy print the map from under the cover onto canvas

1. Quote from favorite show/video game/movie
2. PUT it on something. Shirt, book mark, cell phone case...

1. Hubbins doesn't love hunting
2. Don't make things CAMO! lol

Personalize with inside jokes, memories, or names.

We ALWAYS have spending limits for every occasion and they are never over $50 usually. So, we never have extravagent gifts. We never give each other anything we "need" but that doesn't mean they are always crazy. Last year one of the gifts he got me (not sure for which holiday) was an iced tea maker... its amazing. I didn't even know I wanted one.

On Valentines Day 2014 I will update this list with what we got each other so you can see how it worked out. I don't see Valentines Day as a "present" holiday so our spending limit is $30. This doesn't include dinner/flowers/chocolates we would like to get each other.

I'm excited. The presents that I chose for him this year are both very small. One of them is a fun item and one is a personalized (by this system) gift. Its on the sweet side because of Valentines Day.

Good Luck and don't stress. I'm sure if I got Hubbins a paper bag puppet he would love it.

LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE

Thank you so much for following along!