To Sir With Love
Christmas can be a watershed relationship moment: whether you've been together for ever or since last Tuesday, choosing just the right gift for the special man in your life - that sends just the right message - is a challenge. Which is why, of course, we're here to help. Click through for ideas on the best gifts for giving depending on the state of your man on your relationship. And let us know your ideas, too - in the comments, on Facebook and on Twitter!
istockphotoThe man you've just started seeing
Not yet sure if he’s more than a friend-with-benefits? Hold back on the lavish present-buying and opt for something cheap, cheerful and – above all – perishable, so you don’t have to think about it gathering dust on his desktop after you realise on New Year’s Eve that he's quite annoying. A bottle of high-end booze would be a hit with most of the men we know, or a quirky house plant for the more metrosexual dude.
istockphotoThe man you know is not forever
Can’t bear to end it before Christmas, but certain there’s a sell-by date on this one? DO opt for a gift that says, well, not much, like a celebrity autobiography, or an inoffensive and utilitarian jumper from GAP. DON’T get something that requires that you hang out with him in the distant future, like tickets to a gig.
istockphotoThe passionate man
In the hot early stages of a relationship when even the thought of what Santa’s left you under the tree is insufficient enticement to get the two of you out of bed? We say go classic: a set of new lingerie for you, wrapped up in a nice package with his name on it. OK, you can throw in a nice pair of boxers or some luxe massage oil if you’re feeling particularly generous.
The sophisticated man
Seeing a man with rarefied tastes? Don’t panic if your Christmas budget can’t stretch to include his preferred luxury brands: get him a subscription to GQ, which will serve as a sweet monthly reminder that you admire his excellent style...
The family man
If this is the first year you’re spending Christmas with his family, the gifts you give to them are probably of greater significance than what you give him, and it’s probably most important that you impress his mum (we find that dads-in-law aren’t too fussed about what we give them). Best bet: conservative, perishable and not too personal, which says, “I’m a gracious, charming guest” but also says, “I’m not trying to become a member of your family immediately.” A lovely luxury food hamper, a Jo Malone candle – DO. An unusual piece of art that they’ll feel compelled to take out every time you come round – DON’T.
istockphotoThe long-term guy
If you’ve been together FOREVER and don’t feel like rolling out the standard prezzies, why not discuss the possibility of scrapping this year’s gift exchange in favour of spending the money on an experience that you’d love to have together? Think: a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, a city break somewhere you’ve never been, or lessons so that you can learn something new together.
istockphotoThe loved-up man
Have you just declared your love to each other? So sweet – this is the year that you can indulge in the urge to give him something a bit cheese-tastic...you know he’ll love it. Just stay within reason: framed photo of you together is reasonable, tattoo of his face on your bicep is probably not.
The on-and-off man?
Expecting to love him on Christmas Eve, dump him by Boxing Day and then be back together by New Year’s Eve? Get him a box set of his favourite TV series for him to watch to keep busy while you’re having your off time.
istockphotoThe slow-to-commit man
Are the two of you at that stage when you’re ready to become an official couple but somehow it’s still going unspoken? Prime time for a touching homemade gift – nothing says “I really like you” then a slightly lumpy hand-knitted scarf, which says “I like you so much I spent hours making you this piece of personalised knitwear”. It’s very touching. Can’t knit? If you want to commission your nan to make it, we promise we won’t tell...
istockphotoThe engaged man
If you’re planning on tying the knot in 2011, you and your bloke are likely to be looking forward to weeks and months of wedding chat. You could get him a subscription to Bride’s, but we think he’ll appreciate even more a home-made gift certificate committing to reserve a day to spend together doing something you love together – and not talking about the wedding at all!
istockphotoThe ex
This is a delicate one – ideally, you shouldn’t have to give him anything, but if the break-up is pretty fresh it might feel strange not to. The strategy here: get him something thoughtful, but keep it inexpensive – a book he really likes, or an iTunes gift certificate if he’s a muso. Basically, you’re aiming for something that says “I care about you, but not that much.” Unless, that is, you’re still kinda mad at him, in which case you can always wrap up whatever he gave you last year and give it back.
istockphotoThe crush
A well thought-out Christmas present can be the perfect, subtle way to let a guy know you think he’s rather special without, well, actually telling him that you think he’s rather special. The key: something small that you know he’ll really appreciate. Fortunately, if you’ve been crushing on him you’ve probably held on carefully to his every word, so it won’t be difficult to get him something for under a tenner that will make him smile.
istockphotoThe long-distance man
Got something simmering with a guy who’s unfortunately far-flung? If a ticket for a visit is out of the question, consider other ways to make you feel closer together...an iPod Shuffle loaded with your favourite music, a webcam to make Skype calls easier, or a phone card so that the two of you can speak a bit more often.
istockphotoThe stuck-in-a-rut man
If you’re feeling like your relationship needs a little bit of a shot in the arm, skip giving him another pack of socks and opt instead for something that reminds him of why you got together in the first place. This could be anything from a few things to remind him of the early days of your relationship (a DVD of the first film you ever watched together, a night out at the restaurant where you went on your first date) or even tickets to a gig that he’ll want to go to with one of his mates to remind him that he’s still young and independent!
istockphotoThe stressed-out man
If it’s been a bit of a tough year for your guy, now’s the time to help him to properly relax. Give him a taste of what it’s like to be a beauty junkie and get him some indulgent grooming products or book him for a massage – even if he’s not naturally into pampering, we promise you that he’ll come round to the idea once he has a chance to kick back in a fluffy white dressing gown...
