Atlantic City Weekly

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Buying gifts for people can be very intimidating. However, picking the right one is definitely rewarding.

The popular question during this time of year is usually what does SHE want? We all know that if mom/wife/girlfriend is happy then we are all happy, right?

That statement may sound funny, but it is very accurate. But let’s flip the script for a second, especially during a time when both sexes are trying to please one another. I am curious to know about what HE wants.

Women are stereotyped as hard to buy gifts for and that is certainly understandable, but good gifts for men are always assumed to be the usual tie or a pair of socks. I started wondering if those gifts were truly what men really wanted. So this past week I set out to find the perfect gift for the men in our lives. I picked the brain of a few guys and although they mostly all laughed at the socks and tie idea I think you will be intrigued with some of their responses.

One guy said he actually hates gifts because clothes don’t fit and things are usually useless. Another added that gifts are more trouble than they are worth between returns and exchanges. I asked him what he would like and he said something personal such as a nice card or some kind words. That surprised me — it wasn’t a “typical” answer to hear from a guy.

Another guy said that he would love cologne if it was from a significant other, even if it’s not his normal scent. His theory is that she’ll buy something she likes the smell of, ultimately making her happy. Hmmm, interesting.

The next day I talked to a prominent businessman in the area who said that men like gifts that involve short get-a-ways, tickets to a game or concert, or even high-tech gadgets such as iPods or video games. He followed with another great gift idea; something personal such as a photo box with pictures, or even a book that relates to a personal life situation.

I took from this that a small personal gift would make the gentleman in your life as happy as the big-ticket items that he would also enjoy. Then over the weekend one man I queried said he preferred gifts on the expensive side, such as a sports fishing trip. In the same room I heard another guy say that he actually likes getting socks and although others heckled him in the room, he stood firm on his decision. One guy said that he would like the gift of a massage and facial and a few others agreed.

Then there was some consensus on another simple, personal, inexpensive gift — a coupon book from a significant other having them do the honors of a massage or something like doing the laundry or preparing a nice meal.

Everyone has their own taste and style and you really need to know a person before you get them something personal. If you are in a bind then it’s a safe bet to go with the good old tie and socks. However, while many guys will take the expensive gifts, most of the men interviewed agreed that the inexpensive touches that involve thought and preparation were definitely popular.

Whitney’s Radar

Speaking about getting a present for someone special, I found something that is inexpensive, great quality and best of all unisex. It is the Branigan Weavers Scarf. They are handmade in Ireland and made from alpaca fur so they are super soft and come in beautiful natural colors such as browns and taupes.

The best part is that they are un-dyed and eco-friendly. You can find them at a charming store called Ireland & Old Lace located on the Village Green in Historic Smithville. Owner Kelly Coleman says, “Sales on the scarves are up 30 percent this season. Because of the economy, people aren’t going out and buying new coats. They are buying new accessories to dress up an old coat.”

These handmade scarves come in a flap scarf that crosses your neck with a little flap and a long scarf. Between the two, prices range from $22-$32. You can check out the store’s Web site at irelandandoldlace.com, but definitely stop by the store as the entire shopping and dining area is in the holiday spirit.