Charming gifts for great guys, or how to avoid buying another tie.

From Staff Reports

A tie is not a great gift. Unless, of course, that special man in your life is a collector or deeply desires a different tie for all 365 days of the year. Tragically, many of our fathers, sons, brothers, husbands and boyfriends may end up opening the dreaded gift tie this holiday season.

Why are men so hard to buy gifts for? This is the question -- quietly uttered in coffee shops, nail salons and around the cosmopolitans at the office holiday party -- that drives women to distraction during the season. Maybe it is because, to us, they are our charming heroes, friends, playmates, lovers and they help make our world joyful.

Men, in general terms, are creatures of comfort and utility. This season, why not keep that in mind instead of fielding the confused look when your main squeeze opens up his jar of cranberry sea salt scrub. Instead of hearing "Where does this go?," why not aim for a simple nod of thanks. After all, not having to figure out where to put yet another tie is a gift unto itself.

Social is as social does. Give the single guy in your life the social version of a business card. Whether he's mingling at the office Christmas party or dancing the night away at a downtown club, it's easy to make lasting connections. These little gems -- which can be created through online printers such as vistaprint.com -- make phone numbers on cocktail napkins look downright cheesy. Just make sure to include his name, phone number and email address. Remember, it'll be up to him to decide whom to give them to. If you want to add a little flair, give him a new business card holder to match.

Fly away with me. Giving a romantic trip as a holiday gift is a great way to say "Let's go to Paris in April," without having to plot or pout. And, if your guy isn't a big fan of the classic romantic destinations, you can always opt for a private tent at your favorite campground. If you know you'll still be together, make your reservations for late spring or summer. Break the surprise by giving him a souvenir from the destination before letting him in on the trip.

Personalize it. He may have fond memories of his mother writing his name in his tighty-whities but you're not his mother. Instead of taking a sharpie marker to his undies, why not get him a comfy tee shirt that shows off his personality. Threadless.com allows you to submit designs as well as score and buy designs done by other members. To build up the bling, give his shirt with a subscription to a popular men's magazine, like GQ.

Java jive. Does Dad love coffee but loathe the Starbucks phenomenon? A French press mug could satisfy his java craving at work and save him from having to choose a trendy establishment. It turns out, too, that if Dad is a tea-lover the mug will give him endless hours of brewing pleasure. Add some zing to his office coffee or by giving him a manly-looking tin for his stash at work.

Pretty boy fever. Many a man is doing the metrosexual movement, and women everywhere, a favor by getting with the picture and getting to the spa. Massages, manicures, pedicures and hair removal aren't just for the ladies any longer. If you guffaw when you think of your man entering a spa, think about going with him the first time. Many spas are now offering couples massages and treatments. It could just be the first step to a better-looking, and smelling, guy.
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