Who is harder to buy gifts for- men or women?

Before everyone responds with this–no, there’s no restaurant in existence such that everyone could find something on the menu they’d enjoy. But there are certainly restaurants that have a broader appeal than others.

For the past three years I have given the same gift to my closest male friends that have wives or female SO’s. Gift certificates from Victoria’s Secret. No complaints so far A gift for both. I give the GC’s to the ladies. Men get tools. It does not have to be a “full” tool, add-on parts and accesories are allways needed. One man is getting special bits for a screwdriver, another tiny plyers for model working.

Men are easyer if your a man, and vise versa.

Just my take on this one: I’d love a B&BW gift card, but if someone just “closed their eyes and grabbed anything” off the shelf, chances are, I’d hate the scent or product. I’m picky about scents, and pretty much only like their shower gel.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with gift cards. If you get one to a store that you know the recipient likes, then it’s a good choice.
Books, music, a hobby shop, a fancy food shop, movie gift cards, even a cift certificate to a restaurant you know they like.

Leatherman pocket tool kits are great, yet bulky. Try the Mini.

Better still, go with Victorinox Swiss Army knives. I’ve used all 3, & Victorinox is best.

GO HERE, click on products, then pocketknives.

I’d recommend the Swiss Champ or Handyman models, or the new Swisstool, a version of the Leatherman multitool.

It might be nice to think that pocket knives or tools would work for every guy, but there is exactly one guy in my life for whom either of those would work. He’s already got multiple really nice pocket knives. A tool? If he doesn’t have it by the time I’ve heard of it, either he doesn’t want it or it won’t fit in the garage/my budget.

None of the others would know a socket wrench if it came up and bit them on the ass, and most certainly would not appreciate being given a set–no matter how nice.

Shopping for women is *always * easier, IMHO. Jewlery is one-size fits all.
Men are only easy to shop for when they are just starting a new hobby and don’t have all the stuff yet. Other than that, you can only hope you know them well enough to take a guess at books or music.
In my case, my sister-in-law is just as difficult to buy for as my brothers-in-law, because she does not want things “for the house/kitchen” as her gift. I tend to give her nightgowns and earrings. My brothers-in-law often get techno-toys or kitchen tools.

The men I know buy themselves what they want as soon as they figure out that they want it. Also, women are easier because they tend to have multiples of things (a towel to wash the dog, a towel for everyday use, a towel for guests), whereas men have one of something, which they use to pieces, then buy another. That’s my WAG as to why men are so freakin’ difficult!
Men also don’t do tchotchkes. I’m a woman and I hate that kind of crap myself, but I would feel no qualms about passing off some little decorative knick-knack on another woman.

Thanks, I’ll look into it. I have to make sure it’s got all the right gadgets for him. :slight_smile:

:smack: I lost a leatherman mini like that once - had always remembered to take it off my keychain every other time I had flown, but it just completely slipped my mind. Ah well, I didn’t need it that much anyways. They are really pretty cool things to have, though.

/end hijack

I tend to think guys are easier to buy for, for me, but that’s probably because 95%+ of the guys I feel compelled to get gifts for are close friends, and I know what they want/need. I am willing to admit guys are probably harder in general, though - I know a really good female friend of mine ALWAYS bitches that there’s nothing good to get me, and I tend to agree, since at least three quarters of the time I get a gift from people… well let’s just say I appreciate the thought and the gift doesn’t matter so much, and that’s probably a good thing.

-K.

Yeah, but I can barely set foot in the place because of the overwhelming odor! Gack! Plus, that stinky stuff makes me itch like a mutha! But I would absolutely appreciate it if it was given to me, because typical woman that I am, I appreciate the thought. Then I’d pass it along to a friend or something.

Here are a couple of gift suggestions that might seem a little odd, but if given to the right person, would be greatly appreciated. I’ve given these in the past, with great success. And they’d work for a man or a practical woman.

–A great big first aid kit. Costco usually has one available for about $20.

–A new Rand McNally road atlas or the DeLorme Gazeteer for their state.

–A big package of Sharpies that includes all the colors. (You’d have to be sure the person would like this)

And a nice, machine-washable afghan or throw is usually appreciated by everyone.

Preach it, brother!

Indeed. Women need lots of towels. If you’re a man, you only need one.

When it gets stiff, you buy a new one.

Oh, and another suggestion, which is a little more generically appealing: A truly leak-proof stainless steel travel mug.

This is the only one I know of that is truly leak proof when closed, but still easy to drink out of when open. I’ve been using mine for years. It’s fabulous. It fits in regular car cupholders, and comes with a thingie so you can hang it on your bag if you want.

And since I’m really trying to be helpful to those of you who find it difficult to shop for guys…

Do you get the Lee Valley catalog? I shop from them all the time. They have some really neat stuff, the quality is excellent, the prices are fair, and they’re a pleasure to deal with. Here are some things that I can personally vouch for that are good gifts for guys (including some stocking stuffers for you, jabiru)

Stainless-Steel Rasp and Zester Holder–Great for a woodworking or tool-loving guy who likes to cook.
Fridge Super Magnet–Seems expensive for a fridge magnet, but worth every penny. Great stocking stuffer for anybody.
The World’s Kindest Nail Brush–A nail brush as a gift? It’s really cool, really cheap, and ultimately, really appreciated.
Japanese Nail Set–A very handy little tool.
Microbrush Applicators–Super-handy and a great stocking stuffer.
Watchmaker’s Cases–Anybody with a hobby that involves lots of small parts would probably like these.
All the Knots You Need book and rope–I got this for Christmas last year. Tons of fun.
Cabinetmakers’ Rulers–These are wonderful. And inexpensive.
Veritas® Workshop Pads & Scratch Pads–The best pads of paper ever!
There is tons of other stuff available from Lee Valley, but as I said, those are all things that I personally own and use, and that I’ve given as gifts.