Mr. Love From Lila, Post 2 of 3: Present Buying for Men – A Male Perspective

When you repeatedly ask us if there’s anything that we’d like as a present, and we don’t give you any hints beforehand, it probably seems like we don’t want anything sometimes. This isn’t quite true but unless there’s something that we are thinking of getting then we don’t generally mind what you get us. We really do appreciate the thought as much as the present, even though you may not believe that!

Often, women tend to have their eye on one or two presents for themselves that they will hint about to their partner. Men on the other hand see present buying as such a daunting task that they spend more time worrying about what to get you, than thinking about what they might like themselves. Unfortunately that might leave you on your own searching in the dark.

If you’re getting stressed about present buying, take a scrap of paper and a pen and write down all of the things that your partner likes…

• Is he into music?

What artists does he like? Any new albums out that he would like? Is he a festival guru/does he like smaller concerts? Are there any upcoming gigs that you might like to go together to?

• Is he into sport?

Does he support a team – tickets to a match or merchandise might be a good idea?

• What films does he like?

It may seem like a bit of a cop-out but you can’t really go wrong, particularly if you go for less obvious ones!

• Does he like to keep himself looking good?

Old fashioned grooming/shaving kits are always nice. Suit related gifts are always welcome, anything that might help him look a little bit smarter.

Men tend to go for the affordable, standard version of things when they buy for themselves but it’s really nice to have the premium version. So if your money can stretch, premium is best. You know your partner better than I do, so get writing that list and your next problem could be narrowing down your ideas!!

If you need extra help, the following might be useful to note:

• Look at interesting events or days out that either he/both of you can go on. Just have a nose around the internet, you may have a good idea of the things he wouldn’t mind doing. I’m sure something will jump out at you.
• If in doubt, asking family or friends may give you big clues, but then again sometimes they’re clueless. It’s always worth giving it a go!
• Homemade presents are nice too – if you can cook or bake, we’d appreciate the effort, just make sure it’s edible!
• Obviously personalised gifts are a simple one – anything relating to your relationship would be a nice gift, (in a picture frame or photo album etc.) just don’t go overboard and get lots of these in one go.
• You could buy more practical things, like clothes – women tend to be more reliable with buying clothes than men so we’re more likely to take your judgement when it comes to these things. It doesn’t really seem to work the other way around though…

Filler presents are fine too, but only as a last resort and try not to get too many. Don’t be afraid to go over budget (if you’ve set one) either. It’s better to buy a really good present for a little bit more than use up your money buying too many filler presents.

We might like practical things but just like you, we don’t really expect them as a gift. So avoid buying things like a new games console or satellite box and strange gifts like that. And lastly, hopefully it should go without saying…please no gift cards! It just says “I’ve given up”. Other people can get gift cards - you really shouldn’t need to…

Anyway I hope this has been helpful, if so, let me know in the comments.

Good Luck, with Love From Lila’s Better Half xx