September 19, 2009

In Part 2 of this blog post, we continue to search for that perfect gift for each of the men in your life: the husbands, brothers, fathers, fathers-in-law, sons, nephews, and guy friends. These searches are not easy. (If you missed Part 1, click here).

As written earlier, it’s critical to think about who the man really is, instead of projecting on to him who you want him to be. That doesn’t mean you can’t introduce a man to something new, something he needs or something you think he is too shy to ask for. When a little thought goes into the decision, and the gift is personalised (taking who he really is into account), a man always appreciates it more.

Here are my final gift suggestions from among the successful ideas that I have tried myself. They may work for you too — just match the guy to his perfect gift:
Tailor-made Style:

Sometimes our men need hands-on help and encouragement with their style choices. Find some beautiful Egyptian cotton from which he can make a unique shalwar kameez. Men don’t draw sketches for their tailors like we do, so give the fabric with a sketch that you have made. Channel a 70s-form-fitting, rounded-finish short shirt with a loop for rolled-up sleeves and safari-style pockets. Boys often don’t realise, or are too shy, to request the detail that a local tailor can achieve. They need to be aware of the boon of customising clothes.

For those of you strapped for time, simply give a gift certificate from one of the better-known men’s shirt stores. These have slim-fit ranges that our men often don’t know about.
The Modern Mixed Tape:

Put together a CD from music especially downloaded for him. Like with movies, think genres: swing for the uncles; edgy for kids (flick through a “Rolling stone” and find out what’s fresh); and loungy for the in-betweens. It’s personal, it’s thoughtful, it’s unique. And in no time, he’ll be uploading it to his iPod.
Fire up the Pheromones:

I love the idea of signature colognes. My husband and I have exchanged a specific scent since we were teenagers. My best friend has been obsessed with a particular brand since he was a kid, and long before it was affordable for him. Over the years, whenever I have chosen to give these, it has been special because I have referred to a shared history.
So go ahead and love your boys. Because when it comes to our occasions, they try so hard, bless them! Clearly, our next list should be a guide to what us ladies would like. Let’s see how that would start: five-karat solitaire. …