For some unknown reason, buying birthday presents for male friends and relatives is something of a minefield. Even people you know really well can stump you when it comes to buying the perfect gift. You might be fully aware of their interests and hobbies. But how do you turn this into gift-buying success? If you’re struggling for inspiration, look no further. This handy guide will enable you to navigate the stormy seas of gift shopping with ease.
Gift-buying tips
Before you start shopping, take a minute to think about the kind of present you’re looking for, and how much you want to spend. It’s always a good idea to have a rough budget in mind, especially if you have a large family. Think carefully about the individual. What do they like? What are their passions? What do they spend their disposable income on? Is there anything they need? When you’re buying presents, put your own taste aside. You’re not shopping for things you want. Put yourself in their shoes instead.
When you’re browsing, make use of the Internet. Online shopping often gives you access to a broader range of products and ideas. It also saves you the stress of negotiating busy stores.
Birthday gift ideas
Do birthdays, Christmas and Father’s Day leave you flummoxed every year? If so, here are some suggestions to help you locate the perfect presents for your dad, your brother or your best bud.
For the gamer
If you’re buying for a gamer, the options are endless, and there’s something to suit every budget. You can start small with accessories, or go large with a new gaming laptop, a console or a collection of games. Most gamers are always eager to expand their library of games, and there are new releases coming out all the time. Gadgets are also a great option. Who doesn’t want a new headset or an innovative gizmo to improve live streaming?
For the retro gamer, cards are an excellent option, especially if you’re adding to an extensive collection. Take Pokemon for example. Avid fans have been compiling albums since 1996. But with the launch of Pokemon Go, the value of traditional cards from CCGCastle will only increase. The same rules apply to games like Donkey Kong and Kirby. If you can invest in old-school paraphernalia now, it’s a gift that will keep on giving. If you’re looking for the hottest new gift ideas in the gaming world, the Internet is the best place to start. If you’re not familiar with this world, you can find all kinds of tips and suggestions online.
For the gadget fan
What man doesn’t love a gadget? If you’re searching for inspiration for a gadget lover, read some technology blogs and peruse some glossy magazines. Nowadays, you’ll find all kinds of weird and wonderful contraptions. You can buy everything from devices designed for the perfect selfie to accessories to hook up to your camera or laptop. If your Dad’s always ahead of the crowd, or your mate’s already got every computer-related device going, think outside the box. One cool suggestion is a virtual reality headset. This is a market, which is set to boom in the coming years. It gives you access to a whole new world, and you can link your phone to play games and communicate with others.
For the sports lover
Does your Dad spend his life at the golf course? Do you love nothing better than getting the boys over for a soccer or football game? Does your uncle enjoy bowling or is your brother a massive baseball fan? Buying presents for sports lovers is relatively easy. There are loads of avenues you can go down. Add to existing collections of memorabilia, or book a stadium tour. If you are interested in signed shirts, prints, or old programs, search online. If you fancy a day out, why not check fixtures and book some tickets for the next home game? If you’ve got a tight budget, look out for autobiographies or go for a novelty themed gift. You can buy everything from personalized boxing gloves to pens shaped like rowing oars.
For the culinary genius
Many of us fancy ourselves as the next big thing in the kitchen. If you know a barbecue king or a culinary genius, there are loads of great gift options to choose from. Book a table at a fancy restaurant or invest in some personalized grilling utensils. Design a sign for the backyard bar, or organize some professional cooking lessons. Go wine tasting, or order some glossy new recipe books.
For the adventurer
Sometimes, if you can’t find a material gift, experiences are a better option. After all, memories can last a lifetime. If you’ve got an adventurous relative, or you want to push the boat out for a friend, why not organize an adrenaline-packed day out? Hit the rivers and go whitewater rafting or try your hand at ice climbing. Book a track day and channel your inner petrol head. Go bungee jumping or get a bird’s eye view from a zip line. Go tandem skydiving, or try extreme mountain biking. There are all kinds of activities and adventures to try, and you can make a day of it. Film it, print the photographs and enjoy a cool beer afterwards back on terra firma.
For the man that never has enough time
We all know people who constantly seem to chase their tail. If you’ve got a hard-working friend or family member, why not treat them to a day off. Book some manly spa treatments, or organize a drive in the country with a stop-off at a winery for lunch. Buy a voucher for a serene hot air balloon ride, or arrange a meal out and a few drinks. The gift of time is always bound to go down well.
If buying presents is a conundrum, hopefully, we’ve helped you to crack the code. Shop around, and use hobbies and interests as your inspiration. Embrace the power of the Internet, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Good luck!
