How to Shop for Him this Holiday Season

Men are notoriously difficult to shop for. If you ask him what he wants for Christmas this year, you’ll most likely get a response in the form of a shrug and an “I don’t know”. This year, make your gift-giving a little less complicated. Whether you’re shopping for your boyfriend, brother, or father, we’ve narrowed down the steps to finding the perfect present for the man in your life this holiday season.

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Step One: Set a Budget

This portion of the shopping process can get you in trouble when overlooked. Without setting a budget, you can find yourself out $500 and short on rent after an incidental spree. If you can afford it, there’s no shame in splurging on a special present, but you risk setting yourself up for disappointment if the sentiment is not returned. To keep everyone on the same page, it’s helpful to create a mutually-agreed upon spending limit. That way, you won’t feel cheap for getting him a pair of movie tickets when he hands you a diamond necklace. Set a cap of $100 maximum – and stick to it. Having a budget will help you narrow down your gift hunt, and it can be a fun way to mix and match smaller items. If you have a lot of men within your family members, consider playing ‘Secret Santa’ this year. Instead of shopping for everyone, each person will draw a name out of a hat and be responsible for only that person’s gift. It’s exciting to see who got who in the end, plus it’s an excellent way to save money.

Step Two: Determine His Tastes

Okay, so you’ve determined how much you’re allowed to spend – now what? If your man is difficult to shop for, revert back to basics. What’s he like? He might be a tech enthusiast, a craftsman, a nature fanatic, or a sports lover. Can you break these categories down even further? For example, if you’re shopping for a bookworm, try to pinpoint his favorite author or genre. If he loves sports, what’s his favorite game – football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey? The more specific you get, the more personal and sentimental your gift will become. You can also refer back to his favorite hobbies for gift inspiration. He might like to spend his time at the golf course or woodworking in the garage. If you know what he enjoys doing, you can think about whether he has any unmet needs – like that ever elusive Allen wrench or the shoddy nine-iron he’s always complaining about. When you shop with his tastes in mind, you’ll be sure to give a gift that won’t disappoint.

Step Three: Memories or Materials?

Finally, after you’ve narrowed down who exactly you’re shopping for and how much you can spend, it’s time to decide on the token present. In this stage of your shopping experience, you have to ask yourself whether he would prefer a memory or a material item. Memories are made from experiences, and they make great gift ideas because you can often be involved. Groupon is a great way to save money here. For the craft beer snob or wine connoisseur, give him the experience of a brewery tour or vineyard visit. Things can break, clothes can fade, and jewelry can tarnish, but memories are sure to last a lifetime. If he’s more of a homebody and not so adventurous, play it safe with an item he can get a lot of use out of. That way, every time he picks it up he’ll think of you. These dad sunglasses can be worn every day, and they’re great for fathers chasing the fountain of youth. Your brother can probably always use some more sports memorabilia, so grab him décor featuring his favorite team. If you’re dating a techie, consider a customizable accessory for a low-budget, high-value gift.

If you’re shopping for a special man this year, remember the spirit of the season. Don’t let yourself become too stressed out over what he wants, as he’ll be sure to appreciate anything you get him. If you follow these steps, you’ll shop more mindfully—after all, it’s always the thought that counts.