image - vicki archer
I don't mind admitting that I find the boys the hardest ones to find gifts for at Christmas time... They would disagree and say that's silly... but try asking the men in your life to give Santa a little guidance and I am sure you manage these similar responses... 'Whatever you think of will be perfect'... 'You know me... I am so easy'... 'Something like last year... loved that'... 'Not really sure, but I will let you know...' Are you getting my point? My boys are not helpful at all... maybe they just aren't as in the know as my girls... but I doubt that... The boys... they really are the hard ones...
So I thought that we should chat... chat ideas about our boys... what they wear, what they read, what they are interested in... Help each other out and find that perfect gift... You can see what I have come up with for my boys here.... and I will add your suggestions to the pages as we go...
More Christmas decorations coming your way tomorrow... I have found the sweetest glass mercury Eiffel Tower so if they last... they are yours... comment, tweet, like me on facebook or subscribe by email... If you have done so already then you are automatically entered in the draw....
And in the meantime... lets chat about the boys... xv
I have 3 GBs and always struggle to buy them something that isn't a voucher. This year - No 1 - Ted Baker shirt, cookbook, ???, No 2 - needs new linen for his apartment (work in progress...), No 3 - Persol sunglasses and "boardies" . Big Boy - no idea! Any ideas greatfully received!
ReplyDeleteAlways difficult for boys .. but you have the wish list was quite managed to fill! I still miss a nice leather belt and wallet. Maybe a scarf, earring, necklace or watch?
ReplyDeleteGreat idea from you! Who knows, it still comes in handy sometime.
A beautiful day!
Helena
Oh Vicki, I have a thing about the Eiffel Tower, it was such a surprise when I saw it in the distance and went a bit weak at the knees. Would LOVE one.
ReplyDeleteAbout the boys, in my case grand sons,(my sons get wine)The oldest ones this year will get a black striped apron and a very practical cook book produced in Australia using 4 ingredients, time they knew how to cook, well and easily. Their ages are between 26 and 12, and I know they should all know how to cook but surprisingly some dont, a new simple cook book with good recipes never goe astray, but I am not sure if this expected of a mother! Grandmothers can get away with something a bit silly.
Have spied some beautiful foldable old style Ray-ban sunglasses... they will be under the tree for my boy this year - perhaps even under the Eiffel Tower!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, men are the hardest to buy for. I believe my Dad will be getting a nice bottle of bourbon and some new clothes. He never wants for anything.
ReplyDelete~ Clare x
I usually end up buying books, dvd boxsets and aftershave.
ReplyDeleteVicki
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree about the boys - and the older they get, the harder it becomes. They already have everything they need or want. My hubby has all the clothes and shoes, over 100 designer ties, plenty of scarves and belts, doesn't like aftershave, has hundreds of books, several pairs of sunglasses, drinks very little alcohol and spirits not at all. In previous years have bought him great hats that he said he loved - a stylish borsalino from Palermo, a panama from Ecuador - but he hardly ever wears them. In every other way he's a delight and a wonderful husband - but when it comes to suggestions for presents, he's a nightmare. Every year I rack my brains. Will look forward to seeing others' solutions. A couple of years I paid for the vitamins and clean water for some children in a third world country. He liked this - and it's a wonderful thing to do, but it would still be nice to give him something personal.
Depending on the fellow's age, anything from fishing rods, baseball stuff, Canoe paddles.
ReplyDeleteto brief cases.
That gift sounds beautiful.
Have a merry Christmas,
I have snow this morning.
yvonne
I am so with you on the boy thing- I have brothers, two sons and a hubby, plus brother-inlaws as well. If you know what they love a good book, my 5 yr old wants everything that is remote control, my teenage son loves a new rash vest and swimmers and any clothing that is cool. I make it my mission to style the hubby in some trendy gear. Eco friendly and natural skin care products are great for men, no one ever sends back a box of Daryll Lee chocolates or hand made ones from the boutiques. I like giving the teens a sun care pack- glasses, towel, roll on sunblock and a beach bag to carry it in. I also love eco friendly stainless steel water bottles. Hope my list helps and I would soooo love an Eiffel Tower on my tree- closest I'll get this year xx Corrina.
ReplyDeleteI have several boys/men to buy for and struggle every year to find something new.... Can't say I have any brilliant ideas though. I'm starting to wonder if Christmas should be less about gifts and more about just being together - really listening to each other and really enjoying each other's company.
ReplyDeleteOh, I know what you mean Vicki....the boys and men in our family are so difficut to buy for. Our son is a musician and works in the music industry so he always has a list of vinyl records that he wants....none of you will have ever heard of most of them !!!! We usually add to these some clothes....I just sneak a look at the labels to see what he is into at the moment. My husband....the most difficult. Sometimes he might have said he liked something earlier in the year, which is quite good but not this year !! My sister and her husband love their garden and food (eating and cooking it !!) so, we have bought them a medlar tree and a hazelnut sapling which has had it's roots infused with truffle spores. I'm pretty pleased with this present. There are many other men to buy for so, I shall be reading all of the comments that you get.
ReplyDeleteSorry that I can't be more helpful and good luck with the men !! XXXX
Pour les garçons, petits ou grands, un Monkey Light est un moyen sympa d'améliorer à la fois le look et la sécurité à vélo.
ReplyDeleteDans un tout autre genre, les coffrets de La belle-iloise sont un régal...
Anything to do with The Green Egg for two of my men and golf things for the other son.
ReplyDeleteThe Eiffel Tower casts a spell on everyone. What a lovely ornament you are sharing for your giveaway. You are most generous!
I haven't any boys in my life. No brothers, uncles, cousins, but when we were going to visit a family with two boys and a girl, I took the 6 year old a head-light. A light that straps to the head. He and his 12 year old brother took turns over it all the time we were there. It was such a hit! I took his brother an English language book on science, and a small hand held electronic game. He loved it. He loved science and was studying English in school. For his sister, I took a craft set. I find great gifts in museum shops. And always Pixie Sticks. They still love them when I send them.
ReplyDeleteI have a house full of girls, and I don't even know what to give them! I think the book Natural Curiosities is always a hit!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Liz
I got my husband a TUMI messenger bag with the new John Grisham book tucked inside with a few of his favorite chocolate Ritter bars. Hoping to make his commute into NYC as enjoyable as possible. Also, a bottle of the Aqua Di Parma Arancia Di Capri. He has been wearing this cologne for years.
ReplyDeleteI have been making books of our travels thru Blurb books along with some fabulous bookends to go with it for the man in my life, keyboard/case for his IPad. My son loves golf things, books and music of all kinds and clothes. They truly are the hardest to buy for! xxoo
ReplyDeleteNow this is strange...I don't know about the boy's but I have one of these old black phones on my Christmas list! I remember my grandparent's phone...the handle was so heavy...it fell on my little noggin once and almost knocked me out!
ReplyDeleteCatherine
I don't have sons, but I have brothers that are almost impossible. I love to cook. My middle brother requested that I make him a personal recipe book. It's been quite the project, but I think it will be pretty neat when I'm done.
ReplyDeleteThe boys, mine like gift certificates to American Eagle, nice totes ( I found a very cool, manly looking one at Barnes & Noble) Treats to Eat. T's and plaid PJ bottoms!
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI have two adult sons and thankfully they give me their list via Amazon. One asked for a Tumi wallet, the new nano (even though he has an iPad and iPod), I guess there's some new technology to the new nano? One wants Warby Parker sunglasses and they both want a long list from Kiehl's.
Since one is married and one is engaged they hardly ever ask for clothing...I think their sweeties dress them now. Phew!
Karen
I totally agree that men are so hard to shop for. The problem is that they can be so low maintenance. They don't require much to be happy (or the toys that they really want would have to count for every Christmas gift for the rest of their lives). My husband always says, "I don't need anything; don't buy me anything." Talk about a roadblock!
ReplyDeleteI hope to find my husband a unique pair of vintage binoculars. He appreciates vintage things, and they are also something he could actually use.
I look forward to hearing the responses from your readers "Male Gifts for Dummies"
Mandy
YES!I have three of them this year and every year and this year is especially hard!One son wants tires........boring and I have no idea which tire you know I would pick the wrong one!One year I found BEER signs that lite up like for a BAR!That was a hit!This year i'm at a loss...........good luck with yours!
ReplyDeleteI just realized the double entendre for my title "Male Gifts for Dummies"...I'm not too sure who the "dummies" are when it comes to figuring out what to buy for men-men or women!
ReplyDeleteMandy
I look forward to reading some of the great ideas that your readers have about what to give their men. I actually saw a couple of books on Tina's blog "The Enchanted Home," that I thought sounded like perfect gifts. Don't recall their titles so I will have to go back and find them.
ReplyDeleteBoth my sons are getting the new Stephen King novel, '11-22-63' and a gift card to 'Whole Foods'. More little 'stocking stuffers' will be added for fun. The things they really expect are yorkshire pudding w/Christmas dinner and the crackers which we always have had. All our photos from Christmases past show us wearing our crowns. Fun! Will be sharing your post on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteOh my the guys! I get them something personal, cologne,etc.from Santa + in their name give to a charity. They always love Christmas(or at least say they do) xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteA good cookbook for a man or boy is THE MEATBALL SHOP COOKBOOK by Daniel Holzman & Michael Chenow (Ballantine Books). The book is inspired by the popular lower East Side New York meatball restaurant. Here's all you need to know about meatballs with the sauces and sides to go with them, including their bestselling Spicy Pork Meatballs. Lots of great photos and recipes ($28.00).
ReplyDeleteOr PAELLA: Everything you Need to Know to Cook Authentic Paella at Home, from the most Basic Recipes to Lesser-Known Variations (Phaidon; $39.95). Alberto Herraiz is acknowledged as one of Spain's greatest paella chefs, owns the Michelin-starred Paris-based paella and tapas restaurant, Fogon. Here are 108 paella recipes from savory to sweet, all cooked in one pan and ready to delight communal diners.
dress them up or paint a picture or a case of favorite wine!
ReplyDeleteBoys are so hard to buy for I agree. They do seem to like toys however, either latest gadgets OR (and this is very important) something retro. Maybe something that reminds him of being a boy. (For some reason, I find, they seem to like this). Nicole from NZ.
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness...what a great blog! I recently traveled to Paris and Provence for the first time and I now love all things French! I've added myself as your newest follower. Merry Christmas Ya'll from Houston,TX
ReplyDeleteI collect Eiffel Towers so would love to win this! xx
ReplyDeleteMercury glass and Eiffel Tower in the same sentence caught my attention. Could not pass on that opportunity.
ReplyDeleteBoys can be challenging to buy for. If they love cars the Top Gear Supercars book is a grreat idea. As is the dvd " Senna " a documentary on the life of famous F1 champion Ayrton Senna.
ReplyDeleteFor the foodie,Shannon Bennett ( Aussie restaurateur extraordinaire )has written books on both France and New York ( fine dining, best hotels etc )
Yes I agree. something useful is always appreciated. For my son, a keen outdoorsy type. I am buying a good swag and some waders for his fly fishing trip to NZ. My husband is harder. He is a passionate gardener. Perhaps a new book on Wirrz gardens, I know he would love that. Please let me know if you have any recommendations on gorgeous gardening books. Also a new tool for the garden, I know it's very predictable but he does love a good tool! SAx
ReplyDeleteBoys..oh boys, always the most difficult to shop for hands-down. Some winners that I came up with for Christmas' past for my sons were Bose noise-cancelling headphones, Apple's wireless keyboard for the iPad, gift certificates to some of their favourite Brew Pubs or Golf Courses. I think both sons would love a facial!
ReplyDeleteAlways challenging, but always great fun to try to surprise them.
Such fun to read everyone's ideas. Thanks Vicki for throwing this perplexing Christmas conundrum out there for us all to contribute to.
Cheers xx Deb
I have three grown sons and two grandsons so I have lived in a boys world most of my life.One son is getting a shaving kit from the shaving store, it is amazing sandalwood fragrance. the other son is getting North face jacket hat and gloves he works in the cold.My third son is getting a pair of Nike shoes that he loves, Clinton's new book. the young grandsons are getting hot wheels video cars and racetrack.The cars actually are a video camera.
ReplyDeletenow for the ornament. Oh my I would love to get that ornament. We are going to Paris in the fall for the very first time so it would be a wonderful memento of our upcoming trip!!
I usually get my brother (who works construction) t-shirts with funny sayings on this one. This year's says, "This is just a drill." And on it is an illustration of a...drill!
ReplyDeleteAnd I bake my Dad many, many, many dozens of his favorite chocolate chip cookies. He freezes them and eats them all winter.
P.S. - thank you for the lovely little ornament! It's so sparkly and sweet.
Blank, blank and more blank... I'm stumped each year and always end up getting a that'll-do gift! Sylvia
ReplyDeleteWhat a challenge! I love your choices, Vicki. Gadgets seem to be popular as big boy toys, but I tend to focus on their particular passions and find something related that they won't have already bought for themselves {often an issue!} And a beautiful sweater would surely always be appreciated. As for your Eiffel Tower ornament, how delicate and pretty! It's a beauty.
ReplyDeleteShoes! My boyfriend wears his into the ground before he gets new ones. Perfect gift if you know the size. -R x
ReplyDeleteGifts for the grandsons sorted - books, games, board shorts, beach and pool toys for the Australian summer...
ReplyDeleteSon in law done - clothes, a design book and some cool mugs from Liberty of London for their new kitchen ...
Other half - more difficult, as he always asks for - "socks and jocks" and I refuse to oblige as it is such a pedestrian request, don't you and your readers agree?!
Have started with some sailing gear for him which is both practical and attractive.
Last year I gave him lunch at the "Jules Verne" restaurant in the Eiffel Tower as he is an admirer of Gustav Eiffel and his achievements.
We had such a memorable afternoon the ornament would be a happy souvenir to hang on the Christmas tree ...( ! )
Season's Greetings to you, Vicki and your many followers around the globe.
I had a similar Eiffel Tower ornament and then I accidentally broke it. All those sharp tiny pieces of glass went flying and I'm sure you can figure out the rest!
ReplyDeleteCLB
Enjoy the sunshine and have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteNathalie
J'oubliais... Pour des romans policiers qui sortent vraiment de l'ordinaire, je recommande chaleureusement les livres de Craig Johnson : la série commence par "The Cold Dish" et les personnages sont très attachants.
ReplyDeleteDear Vicki
ReplyDeleteLike Joanna I wanted to buy one of the glass Eiffel Tower ornaments as a memoire for my husband - of a very happy fortnight we spent some years ago at the Residence Eiffel in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. The main villa was Gustave Eiffel's own summer holiday villa in the loveliest spot right on the Mediterranean, looking across the water to Cap Ferrat and just one minute's walk from the Villa Kerylos. It was set in large beautiful gardens and the residence buildings contained well appointed studio apartments. It was sheer heaven, we took breakfast and dinner on the villa terrace looking out onto the bay and the sailing boats heading for St Jean Cap Ferrat. In the evenings we would savour our glass of wine on the terrace as the sun set. The villa itself contained the lounge, bar, dining room, library and club rooms - and probably was not so different from the time when Eiffel and his family lived there in the summer. Sadly it changed hands some years ago and last year when we were staying in Nice we returned to see what had become of it. It was so disappointing to discover that it seems to have been mothballed and was still empty. Such a waste. Sadly also it seems that it isn't possible to purchase the Eiffel Tower ornament if you live in Australia. At least that was the pop-up message I received from Amazon.
Hi Vicki! We were just Xmas shopping yesterday and yes...boys are difficult! (R. is 15 yrs) We ended up with a new computer game that weaves in historical events. A Swatch watch, online gift card to his favorite gaming site, cool running shoes, and a lap pad for his computer. I fill his stocking with traditionally favorite sweets every year: Turkish delights, flavored popcorn, jellybelly beans, and Lindt chocolate!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sooo excited about the "find" for my surfing son...who is also into cooking. "Surf Food - The Ultimate Surfer's Cookbook" by Nava Young is such a great "guys" cookbook! The photos are stunning, the recipes are easy, the surfer's indivdual backgrounds, and even the cover are a very "cool" gift and look for a guy. just a thought...shhh... please don't tell my son! :-)
ReplyDelete-xok.
I've canvassed the Hedge boys & they all reckon as long as they find parcels under the tree that they can wear, read, drink or a combo of all 3, they'll be very gruntled (as opposed to disgruntled!)
ReplyDeleteMillie xx
There are plenty of males in our family, and it is very difficult to know what to get any of them for Christmas. But, last year our budget was so tight, and I was worried that I would'nt be able to give them anything. Then, a light came on, and I bought some warm polar fleece, and made each of them a scarf. I used my moms embroidery machine and monogrammed their initials on the scarves. They were so delighted, and felt so honored to get something that was so personal and handmade.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful Christmas.
Carolyn
Little boys: Building toys, wooden or Lego or metal. Moving toys: skateboards, scooters, balls....
ReplyDeleteOlder boys: Gift cards to various good shops like here in the States Abercrombie or Urban Outfitters
Men: endless choices...
Merry Christmas!