Marriage Mondays: A Dozen Guidelines for Giving Gifts to Your Guy

It's that time of year again, when we gals try to find the perfect gift to get a genuinely excited response from our usually even tempered man, secretly hoping he'll jump up and down and plant a big kiss on our relieved lips. 

But what to choose ..... ?

photo via stock.xchng

Giving a gift that says, "I know you and value what makes you unique" is one way of finding praise from our man (Prov. 31:28), a way to do him good (v.12) and a way to be sure he trusts in us not to lack any gain (v.11).  Whatever your budget, whatever your man, make the most of your chance to give a blessing to your guy. Thinking (even praying!) about the right gift can be one way a wife loves a husband. 

On the way home from our Thanksgiving travels, I interviewed my own man and asked him, "What advice would you give to a wife about how to buy the perfect gift for her man?" 

His answers were very revealing and could easily apply to boyfriends or fiances and, in some cases, dads. I'll admit that I added a few "after-thoughts" of my own. ;) In a few instances, he elaborated and added some helpful info. Happy hunting for that awesome man-gift!

A Dozen Guidelines for Giving Gifts to Your Guy

1. Listen to things he likes throughout the year (Keep a hidden list of what he mentions. Translation: “I know you and appreciate what makes you unique.”)
2. Be aware of stores he likes (Yes … you have to shop at the Jerky Outlet)
3. Consider hobbies he has (Think about gear/equipment/books related to his “happy place”)
4. Think about teams he likes (Then look for unique memorabilia, clothing, tickets to a game)
5. Avoid the stereotypical tie and shirt (Now I’m stuck … Jeff needs this. See #6)
6. Choose things he likes instead of things you’d like for him to have (Rules out a “give your wife a massage” kit)
7. Remember guys love gadgets (Jeff has a flash light he LOVES. He says to focus on electronics or tech here … GPS, walkie talkies, heart monitor watch …). I’m told tools are a whole other category of their own, and you have to ASK good questions to find out what he wants or needs. Jeff is sure he’ll tell you. ;)
8. Shop in stores you normally don’t shop in (Farm n’Fleet, Dicks, Gander Mtn)
9. Notice what’s worn out in his closet and needs to be replaced (CAUTION: DON’T throw out the old one, just get a new one ;)
10. Create coupons for things that speak his love language (Night out sans kids, night IN sans kids, back rub, day out fishing, dinner of his choice, “get out of chore free” pass)
11. Love his car and love him (Seat covers, hitch cover, “cool plate,” detailing, or other accessory. Check any auto department or auto specialty store.)
12. Don’t rule out sentimental gifts (Jeff suggested a photo book, but with pics like sporting events he’s gone to, golfing outings w/guys, adventures with friends, successful hunts he’s had, projects he’s done … depends on what makes your man who he is!)