Three last minute gift ideas for your hard-to-shop-for man

Masterfile

I don’t really like it when my wife asks me what I want for Christmas, because I already have everything I want that costs under $200. Anything else materialistic I currently desire is going to set me back a couple grand, easy. That’s why I haven’t bought it. (Yet.)

So I started thinking about little things that don’t cost very much that a typical guy might like if you were looking for one last thing to stuff into a stocking or put under a tree. Here’s what I came up with:

1. Tunes

I’m going to be specific here. Does your man dig guitar? Most guys I know really love some rockin’ guitar music. Here are some of my personal suggestions of CDs with righteous guitar playing:

• Grace Under Pressure by Rush
• Ten Invitations from the Mistress of Mr. E. by Rik Emmett
• Acoustic Highway by Craig Chaquico
• Surfing with the Alien by Joe Satriani
• Van Halen by Van Halen
• The Wall by Pink Floyd
• Blizzard of Ozz by Ozzy Osbourne
• Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin

Of course, his musical tastes might run in different directions, so check out what he already has and then get Googling to find something by that band or in that genre that is well recommended by that he doesn’t have. He’ll dig you for that.

2. Booze

You don’t need to drop $100 on some expensive bottle of scotch. Here are some other ideas:

• A pricier-than-normal single bottle that comes from far away and has a unique flavour.
• A single serving bottle of expensive scotch. Don’t wrap this, but just bring it to him in a tumbler on the rocks when he’s just sat down to relax.
• A nice bottle of wine you both like. Once you’re alone, turn off the TV and other distractions, break it out and drink it with him.

3. Workout Stuff

• A watch with a stopwatch. I use the Timex Ironman.
• Some expensive running socks.
• An iPod Shuffle – this is the really tiny one that is great for working out.
• If he runs at night, a blinking arm band or reflective straps. My wife got me an arm band years ago for Christmas and I always wear it at night. A headlamp is a good choice too, and not just for running, but get used for camping and household chores in tight spaces.

Okay, that was really hard. My, and I suspect most men’s, brains aren’t wired to come up with this kind of stuff. I hope you appreciate the effort.