Gifts for guys

I think I have a serious problem with alliteration.  If you look back on previous posts,  you'll notice that the titles often follow that trend. Perhaps an alphabetical post title for 26 weeks with alliteration could be fun... but how do you find a subject matter or connected ideas involving the letter X? Or Z? This is when learning multiple languages and having a predictive dictionary on your phone becomes another asset.

Oh, but I digress. Do I ever stay on topic for long...?

In any case, this is a little post on gift ideas for guys. Because girls, I know how hard it can be. Men have the default of chocolate and cute stuffed animals to fall back upon if they can't come up with something sufficiently romantic or heartfelt for this coming Saturday. But where does that leave us?

What do you get the guy who has everything? The guy you barely know but want to keep seeing? The guy you love but would never risk dating?

Gift giving can be a harrowing task but I'll try and offer a few tidbits off Pinterest,  a few crafty endeavors and some advice of ages relevant not just to the men in our lives but perhaps will give them a bit of a spur in the right direction.

The first idea is a combination of all the above. Following this link you'll find a tutorial for a folded rose made from old ties. However, if you would like your other half to make use of the newly acquired adornment,  don't glue the skinny end of the tie to the dowel, instead,  hold the end in place with one hand while you fold. It can be a bit slick but you can always rearrange the "petals" afterwards. Also, use a straight pin for tacking down the thick end of the tie when you've finished,  making sure to go through all layers to the center. The longer your tie, the bigger the rose.

I made this one from a cheap tie from Daiso on a whim; however,  don't let that deter you. Use the synthetic fabrics for permanent roses and silks as temporary gift wrapping.

The hardest person to gift is always the one who already has everything he wants. Electronic goods. Expensive hobbies. Clothes.

This is where you have to pool your resources, channel the crafter in you and make something they cannot buy, or do something you know they would love.

For those in committed relationships, has he ever expressed an interest or appreciation in your assets beyond the daily looks, or nightly romps between the sheets? Perhaps he may not want to ask, but seeing as 50 Shades premiers on Saturday,  I must bring up the book and whisper that women are not the only ones who have read the trilogy (present company excluded,  but that is a post for another day seeing as it may not evoke the same feelings of lust and love this post should bring. ..) Instead of heading to the theater,  why not stay in and indulge your senses. 

Men, will you be the Christian Grey to your lady's Anastasia? 

Sexual fantasies may not be for everyone but I'm of a mind that food is the one fantasy we all love to indulge. Are your weeks filled to the brim? Feel overworked and haven't seen your man  enough? Instead of a fancy restaurant and dressing to the nines, entertain at home. Make his favorite dish, have a decadent dessert on hand and spend some time together.  Relax. Lie on the couch or in bed, legs tangled together watching a comedy and laughing.  Or peeking through each others fingers at the horror scene unfolding on the screen. Sometimes the best gifts are the little ones. :)

How's this for a steak? :P

Is he worthy of handmade crafts? Has he told you that the creative mind you possess drew him to you in the first place? This is the guy that we would call knit worthy on Rav. Find his favorite color, see what he wears most, try and incorporate likes, hobbies, or for the more nerdy inclined, movies or books.

Here, you can be both practical and impractical.  Something cute to represent yourself,  remind him of you when you're apart, or a shared joke. Is he in the northeast and needs a bit of warmth? Or is he disinclined to wear accessories?  Fear not, my DIY board on Pinterest has a multitude of ideas.

And if you are ever in doubt, ask. Sometimes,  being direct is the best answer to all problems. 

Want to be impractical and show your intellectual but fun side? Grab your hook and reel him in.

Give him your heart

Doesn't like clutter? How about this oversized but useful kitchen aid? Check out all the DIY Sharpie Mug tutorials floating on the Web or wait for my next DIY post with tips and tricks. 

Still not working? How about something warm and cozy for when you're not around to keep the chill away?

I made up the pattern for the fingerless mitts above but if you're not so inclined,  just find a pattern of your choosing.

Even if you don't have a significant other in your life at the moment,  it doesn't mean you can't use these ideas as a soundboard for future gifts. Or even for friends and family. 

Romance is not the sappy love story on tv, nor is it the comedic chick flick you plan on watching with a pint of Häagen-Dazs on Saturday night. No, it's the knowledge that when push comes to shove, you will do anything for them, you will be their anchor, the support they need when they're down and in turn, they will be your lifeline. So I hope you are able to express that somehow with some of these ideas. Take a chance. <3 nbsp="" p="">