Sorry for the infrequent posts guys, but Mary has been down for the count for much of the past week. She has tried to get a couple posts up when she gets some energy, but is running on low right now. So I thought I'd finally make my blogging debut and help out a little. Very intimidating stepping into such big shoes, but I'll do my best...
I'm starting with something I always hear complaints about, "its impossible to shop for guys! I never know what to get them." Well it probably doesn't help that most of the time when you ask a guy what he wants, he says "I don't know." I'm guilty of it myself. Its not that we don't ever want anything, its more that when we think of it, we probably mention it right then and there. And as quickly as it comes to us, it goes. My tip for you--if a guy ever mentions he wants something: write it down, text it to yourself blackberry an email to your computer, or just write it on your hand. At some point you'll need to get him something and if you've been paying attention you'll have a small list somewhere you can go back to. Best of all, he'll be totally surprised (because we forget we mention them) and you come out the hero for getting such awesome gifts. For those of you who need a more immediate answer, here are a couple thoughts:
Some swanky shaving gear from The Art of Shaving: a spiffy handle for the razor he loves (uses the blades he has and doesnt require too much change, because not all guys love change-- insert Mary eye roll here), or a really cool old school shaving cream brush, and plent of other great stuff a guy would love on the site too. Some of it can be pricey, so it's ok to wait for big holidays or go in on it with a couple people. We don't like shaving so making it a bit more exciting or fancy can shake things up.
I think gift cards can get a bad wrap. Maybe its not cool to give them to female population, but for the other half, who is lucky when they know where their keys are, let alone be able to tell you on the spot what they want for a holiday, gift cards can be a great option. For our wedding I told all my buddies that I wanted Lowe's gift cards. That way I could buy the tools I wanted when I needed them. It's hands down the coolest store, especially when you're moving into a new home, they have everything! Great military discount too. Starbucks gift cards are nice. We all know we can't break our addictions, so having one or two drinks treated by you is truly wonderful.
Another gift that gets a bad reputation is getting someone a tie. I love ties! Too much really, because in my job I dont get to wear them. And when I do get to wear one for work, its black...(uniform) But when I do get an occasion to where a tie, most of my favorite ties come from the following places: Vineyard Vines - their ties can be financially restrictive, so I try to buy mine on base or at the holidays when they are much more reasonable. The reason I love them is because they are just great looking ties, they come in lots of colors, and you can find one for just about anyone because the designs are so numerous you can find one for any hobby, sports team, or passion out there (see some above). Polo and Brooks Brothers are some of my favorite simply because they are a classic look. Not as bright and flashy, but very sharp looking. I'm not a big paisley guy, even though they appear to to be trying at a comeback, but stripes and other more traditional patterns work in just about any situation.
I think I've rambled on long enough, especially for my first post. I'll try to come back again with other ideas if you're interested. Let me know what you think, and if you have any great "gifts for guys" that I haven't mentioned leave them in the message window or shoot an email. Flightsuit out.
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