Do your research.
Be observant.
Remember when you walked past the Psychic Bookstore and he
sighed and said he wished he had his own deck of tarot cards? Or when you were
watching cartoons and he said how he misses watching vintage episodes of Hong
Kong Phooey? Sometimes the best gift ideas come from past events and experiences
you've shared together. Think back when he was excited about something. Chances
are he'll appreciate a gift more if he knows you were paying special attention.
Don't buy him what you want.
Ever get a gift from one of your friends who just
wants to borrow it the minute you open the box? If he doesn't want the new Crash
Bandicoot game then don't get it for him just because you want to play it. The same
goes for music, books and movies. 'Tis the time to be selfless, after all.
Stay away from the gushy stuff.
You know what this means - no teddy bears
and jewelry. Most guys freak out when they get lovey-dovey gifts you might want to
reserve for Valentine's Day. Also try to control the urge to put a photo of yourself in a
frame and hand it to him. All that's missing from a conceited gift like that is your
autograph.
Be creative.
When you're strapped for cash, or still have no idea what to buy your
boy why not make him something or plan a fun activity? Perhaps he'd like a
home-cooked meal complete with a cake you make from scratch? Or maybe he'd be
thrilled to see flames custom-painted on his dullsville bookcase collecting dust in
the garage. If you're not the Martha Stewart type, take him out for a night of
miniature golf or treat him to day at the zoo. If you plan something out of the
ordinary, he'll be sure to remember it longer than a boring gift certificate.
When it comes to relationships, buying presents shouldn't be something that gets in the way of how you feel. Don't stress gift-giving too much. You don't want to turn this into a plot straight out of the Gift of the Magi. Sometimes the best gift of all is love. Ahhhhhhh.
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