Men and women are different in many ways. There will always be a very distinct difference between the two genders. Men are very thoughtful, great at grocery shopping, and most of all we listen really well. Ok, that was a joke. I wanted to believe for a moment that at least one of the three was true. In reality, men have to work hard at being thoughtful and cannot remember necessary groceries even if our wives write them on the back of our hands with a permanent marker. I know these are challenges for myself, anyway.
Buying gifts is certainly not my strength either. At this point you may be wondering, “Do you even have a strength?” and the answer is yes. I Google well! When it comes to being thoughtful or finding ways to remember the grocery list, I unashamedly use Google. Don’t judge me.
For women beginning to shop for a thoughtful husband whose strength is listening really well or who is just a great guy in general, remember these rules:
- When in doubt - buy him a cordless drill. It does not matter if he already has one. I have a friend who owns 17 and he has yet to complain. As a man, you can never have too many cordless drills. No one knows why.
- If you cannot afford a cordless drill, buy him anything with the word ratchet or socket in it. Men love saying those two words. "Hey George, can I borrow your ratchet?" "Okay. By the way, are you through with my 3/8-inch socket yet?" Again, no one knows why.
- If you are really, really broke, buy him gadgets of any kind, a .99 ice scraper, a small bottle of de-icer, matches, or something for his grill. Men love gadgets. No one knows why.
- Make sure and buy a man something that says, “Some assembly required,” because then it will give him an excuse to use his cordless drill and ratchet or socket. But never ask if he did it wrong or try to look at the instructions while he assembles it. Men always have parts left over. No one knows why.
- Men enjoy danger. That is why they never cook - but they will barbecue. Get him a monster barbecue with a 100-pound propane tank. Tell him the gas line leaks. "Oh the thrill! The challenge! Who wants a hamburger?" No one knows why.
Since I am a male and, yes, I was born a male and self-identify as a male, I cannot give you great insight on what to get any female. Plus, I have only been married for two years so what do I know? Since I have been learning much the hard way, I will help you think outside the box by looking at what not to get her. When you begin to ponder gifts for your outdoorsy and sports-loving wife here are a few things to remember:
- Do not just give her cash for Christmas. This appears unthoughtful no matter how thoughtful you were when you thought, “She can get what she wants and does not have to listen to me ask her when we are leaving.” Go shopping with her, not for her! Everyone knows why.
- As much as women love fishing and sports, Christmas is not the time to get them tickets to a game you want to see. My father tells me the selfishness is only funny 10 years later. All-purpose gifts are a bad idea. Everyone knows why.
- Again, as much as your wife loves the outdoors and sweating, do not get her exercise equipment. Everyone knows why.
- Do not wait until Christmas Eve to discuss getting each other gifts. Establish a price range for the both of you. Everyone knows why.
- This almost goes without saying, but do not show up empty handed. Everyone knows why.
Now as you head into the Christmas season and the gifts that come with it, I hope you have a better understanding of what to get your husband or guy, and what not to get your wife or girl. Let me know how it goes if you are reading this and choose to ignore my advice, or if it’s too late.
