'Tis better to give than receive...

 

I have one of those husbands that is particularly hard to buy for.... ya know, just like basically all men. I think there are a few reasons for this:
1. If he wants it, he buys it.
2. Things he does want, but doesn't buy are generally really pricey
3. He doesn't voice many things, in general, he'd like.

So, this year I have tried to put on my listening ears early, conviently placed catalogs near him to hear feedback, and begged for hints of reasonably priced things he'd love. We just bought a house this year, so we can't get too crazy. We're already spending a lot of our "extra cash" on fun stuff for the house. Here are a few of my favorite man things...

1. Mangrate. I only know about this because my darling husband talked about it for a while befroe I finally took the hint. Apparently, if the know (and love) Adam Carolla they know about this product. It's for the grill and makes food good (in man speak). And, in wifey speak, it is awesome and provides delivious non-burnt, juicy meat.
Apparently, this is why it works....

via

2. Speaking of Adam Carolla... Men love his books. My bestie's hubs and my hubs and traded his books back and forth and love to discuss why he's so funny when he talks about women being crazy... I'm not sure why that's funny (or true...), but they love it. He has a number of books out, all of which are 100% man approved.

3. All things NFL shop. We watch more football, espn, and red zone than that average household... so if you have a hubs like mine, football gear to support his team is always a good idea. So despite it being pricey, it's one of those things that he's sure to love. Slap a titans logo on it, and Jason is in love... Only downfall, once you order from NFL shop, you're likely to get swamped with "sale" emails from them every day...

4. Hobby gear. Right now, this would be hiking gear for Jason. But, it might include a new fishing pole, scuba gear, whatever. But, in my experience buying the hubs "hobby gear" validates your support of his personal man time.

At the end of the day, my experience tells me men love gifts with a purpose - whether it is tailgating, grilling, or new hiking boots, all of these things encourages them to DO SOMETHING. So, while women love framed photos, memories and "stuff," men love experiences. Happy shopping!

PS. Honey, this was not a shopping list that I used when shopping for you... sorry! xo

PSS. Rest assured, this guy is plenty spoiled, but totally deserves it for being so adorable.