The news is out: this holiday season is going to be a tough one. The economy is still uncertain, and the recession is affecting nearly everyone. If you’re clueless about where to start or looking for inexpensive gift ideas for your husband, try some of these tips.
To avoid those gifts he’ll still be laughing over ten years from now – you know, the horrible tie, the ugly sweater, the scarf he wouldn’t wear for a million bucks – focus on the following suggestions.
Get to know him again.
Even the best spouse purchases a gift that’s a dud from time to time, but to avoid that this season, stay focused on his interests. The first step to getting your husband a perfect gift is to know him well. What are his hobbies and passions? Resist the temptation to give gifts that appeal to you, and try to do all of your shopping through his eyes.
Look and listen.
Many husbands would rather cut off their big toe than fight the crowds at a mall, but if your husband isn’t one of them, invite him to do a little shopping with you. Watch to see which items and stores appeal to him, then head back to those places the next time you’re on your own. But if your husband is a strict anti-shopper, don’t torture him by dragging him along. Instead, listen carefully throughout the fall season for any off-hand remarks he makes about products he sees online or on TV. You can also try “window shopping” together online.
Stand by your man, but don’t smother him.
Consider that sometimes, your company is the best gift. If he loves reading, buy two copies of the same novel, cuddle up together, and create your own mini-book club. If he loves fishing, bundle up and head for the water. But also keep in mind that his me-time is just as important as yours. The avid reader might find that a new book, breakfast in bed, and a quiet house is exactly what he wanted, so if you think that would appeal to him, head out for the day.
Take the easy way out.
Have your husband make a wish list, either on paper or online. If he balks at this idea, mention the fact that he’ll likely get gifts he won’t use or doesn’t need, especially if he’s hard to buy for (and how many husbands aren’t?). Spending a few minutes on Amazon.com sure beats trying to fake pleasure at another gadget he’ll put in the garage when you’re not looking. You can always pass the wish list along to his family and make the gift-giving season easier for everyone.
Consider layaway.
Instead of using credit cards and suffering the often astronomical interest rates that go along with them, research the stores in your area. Believe it or not, some still practice layaway, which allows you to make small payments on your purchases over time. You may find that privately owned stores and small chains offer this service more often than larger department stores. For many people, this is easier on the budget than spending a large amount in a short time.
Now comes the hard part: actually buying your husband’s gifts. Since budgeting is especially important this season, consider the following gift ideas that are sure to please even the pickiest husbands.
A good book has no ending.
…or so the saying goes. If he enjoys reading, head straight to the bookstore. Be sure to have some of his favorite authors in mind, and either add to his collection of their works, or ask the clerks to help you find other writers with similar styles and content. To make the book special, write him a short message on the inside cover and date it, so he’ll always remember this holiday. Your thoughtfulness will add to the value of the gift, so take the time to think about what you want to say. If your husband isn’t a bookworm, don’t despair. There are magazines on almost every subject, and most subscriptions are between $20-$30.
Fill his stocking.
Stockings are a wonderful way to save money this season, so if you haven’t practiced this tradition together, consider starting now. You can pick up inexpensive gifts for between $1-$10 throughout the year and store them in a box out of sight. This way, by the time the end of the year rolls around, you’ll have an impressive number of little prizes for him without having affected the budget much at all.
Feed his guilty pleasures.
Is he addicted to dark chocolate? Expensive coffee? Rich pastries? Consider adding these to his stocking or making up a basket of treats, especially if he considers them rare indulgences.
You scratch his back…
…he’ll do nothing. Or that’s the idea at least. Head to the computer and print out a “coupon book,” just like the ones you used to give your mom for “One free hug,” and “One dog wash” when you were little. Fill it with coupons he can trade in for services from you – either practical or romantic. Mix in offers to mow the lawn (or whatever his usual household duties entail) with coupons for breakfast in bed or a twenty-minute foot rub. After a busy week at work, he’ll likely appreciate these more than you think.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
And fifty of them are worth many more. Consider making a photo album or scrapbook for him. Get in touch with his family and friends and ask them to contribute material from his early days. Add captions to as many photos as you can to help bring back memories, and spend a couple of hours listening to him reminisce once you’ve given him the gift. You may find that you learn things about him you never knew. If an album isn’t possible, or if the idea of scrapping drives you mad, consider framing a few shots of the two of you together or with other family and friends.
Just remember that gifts don’t have to cost a lot to be enjoyed. Your mother probably told you that her favorite gifts were the ones you made as a child, and you just might be surprised that your husband feels the same way. Sometimes it really is the thought that counts.
