Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 5 – Gift for the Men

Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 5 – Gift for the Men

I’m a man (yup, still a card carrying member) and I can tell you we’re pretty simple when it comes to gifts.  The simple things like bacon and beer would be enough to make any man happy.  This post takes it one step further, we have some simple gifts, some thoughtful gifts, some heartless electronic gifts they may have wanted and always bring a smile to any guys face.

The saying the way to a guys heart is though is stomach isn’t far off, so taking him out for a nice meal or cooking dinner for him (making it kind of special) is a good way to go.

The simple clothing solution is a nice pair of boxer shorts (silk or cotton) doesn’t matter this one is the thought that counts. Additionally some candy goes nice to round this package out.

The next item up is a guy favorite – BEER – so this is a way to serve it super cold and delicious while saving some money. The BeerTender from Heineken and Krups [Linkis an awesome product (no I don’t have one yet, YES, I really want one but really cant justify that much intake of beer) my friend has one and always rubs it in my face.  Clearly the thought has to be given if your man drinks Heineken, actually he should pretty much ONLY drink Heineken to get the most usage out of this product.

For those retro lovers, find a record shop and get some classic vinyl records [Link].  Make sure he likes the music, this could be a win for you that you get an album or two that you love as well.

After beer we have technology & toys because I’ve yet to meet a guy that doesn’t love something techie (bright shinny objects we’re putty).  Here’s the run down… PlayStation 3 Slim [Link] (newest PS3 on the market) is awesome – also doubles as a Blu-Ray player (HD movies drool!).  You could also give a gift card to Apple in hopes of holding out for that new iPad [Link] incase you were sleeping under a rock for the last month its a large ipod touch.  You could opt for an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch that you could get most any place.

For the thoughtful husband you could arrange a family portrait (or maybe some boudoir [wikipedia] photos of yourself) of course I’ll plug my wife here – Suzanne Cohen Photography [Link], which is also a gift to yourself since the images will last a lifetime.

For those that need the renewals, every couple of years its nice to get a new wallet.  Coach is my brand of choice for men’s wallets [Link], I’ve had mine for years and I’m ready for a refresh.  A money clip, just make sure they usually carry cash or have cash (otherwise its a jab) get it personalized with his initials.

Finally the classic for most men is the go to sexy lingerie (for yourself) and some good loving for him.

Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 4 – Gift for the Kids

Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 4 – Gift for the Kids

Kids are usual pretty easy on Valentine’s day – a stuffed animal (perhaps with the year) and some candy that they normally don’t get to eat and you’re done right? Nope. These kids are wanting more so here are some ideas.

For the babies…
Pajamas – every baby store sells something with a heart – its cute and fun (or funny). Take some photos all dressed up, so you can embarrass them in years to come.

For the little ones that wont remember…
Stuffed Animal or little toy – they’ll love it for a second and forget about a moment later.  Take some photos and videos of them playing with it and feed them a special dessert.

For the young ones old enough to remember…
We can get them toys (to add to the junk pile a minute later) but what about taking them out to get the toys… make it an experience, going to the American Doll Store and building their own doll or to FAO Schwartz for a Monchichi [Link] that you might have had as little kid.

For the ones too cool for school…
This is all about the experience, check out the Nike iD Studio [Link] I’m sure they have them around your neck of the woods and if not you can build out a pair online [Link]. You could also go retro with name necklaces (as seen on Carrie from Sex and the City) great deals to be found on over on eBay [Link] I’ve purchased from this seller before for my wife.

For the ones too old to care…
Candy, Cash, and maybe flowers if they’re not getting any from someone else but please dads don’t write cards making them think its from someone else [not cool]. If they’re up for spending time with you, try dinner out on the town.

Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 3 – Gift for the Wives

Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 3 – Gift for the Wives

My wife is an amazing woman, she cleans, she cooks, she takes care of our son, she is starting her own business – Suzanne Cohen Photography [Link] and once in a while she takes care of me (I’m joking all the time!).  My feeling about buying gifts for my wife is only the best of whatever she wants.  Here is a list of items that I’ve either given to her with great success or that she’s been asking for (she’s got great taste and can really trend too).

Jewelry – Helen Ficalora [Link] best known for her charms (image to the right) she’s been featured in Lucky Magazine and pretty much every other celebrity mom.  My wife has a couple of charms at this point an M for Marc (our son), a cut out star, a crown and a small puffy heart.

Perfume – Crystal Noir by Versace [Link] is up in the air against Stella by Stella McCartney [Link].  Now I don’t think that I even have to say this but everyone’s taste in perfume will be different.

Travel – One of the best ideas is to get away. While many think thats just crazy, if you do the simple math of fancy dinner, gifts, and headaches if anything goes wrong try an all-inclusive vacation.  You could find short trips at a very amazing price (plus its a gift to yourself!). Check out “Cancun OR Riviera Maya Last Minute Steal!, Airfare, 6 Nights, All – Inclusive Beach Resort $349 [Link]” from TravelByJen.com [Link]. Jenny is my step-sister, she travels all the time with her family of 6 – knows all the spots and I book all my travel with her!

Electronics – Everyone is talking about the iPad (which isnt out yet) so you could get over to Apple and purchase a giftcard to cover the new item.  You could opt for an ebook reader like the Kindle DX (9.7 inch screen) [Link] or the smaller Kindle (6 inch screen) [Link]. Which will save a ton of space/weight when traveling. You could get a Flip Video Camera MinoHD 120minutes [Link] which makes video capture just one button (we own 2 both sets of parents own one too – love them!) they download in a second and make emailing videos a super simple process.

and finally I wouldnt be doing my job as a husband without offering the idea of…

Photography – These moments don’t last for a lifetime but photography does. Take a look at Suzanne Cohen Photography [Link] and perhaps think about signing up for a session.

Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 2 – Candy is a must

Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 2 – Candy is a must

I’m not sure about you but Candy is a must have on Valentine’s day. Seriously, If my wife doesn’t get an unhealthy amount of chocolate someone is going to get it (and by that I mean death and by someone I mean me).

The historical chocolate in the heart can be found at any drug store in America.  Yes, its lame in a kind of cheesy way its so over done way.

You could step it up and go with a gourmet Chocolatier such as…

  • Max Brenner [Link] My Mother-in-Law considers this her crack (she loves it!)
  • Payard [Link]
  • Christopher Norman Chocolates [Link]
  • MarieBelle New York [Link]
  • Tribeca Treats [Link]

You could go the mall route with a premium chocolate maker such as…

  • Godiva Chocolate [Link]
  • See’s Candies [Link]
  • Ghirardelli Chocolate Company [Link]
  • Lindt & Sprüngli [Link]
  • NOKA Chocolate [Link]
  • Ethel’s Chocolate [Link]

And if you’re really feeling special Hersey’s M&M’s that you could personalize (with images) [Link]

If you’re not a coconuts for coco (get it?!) then you could head to your local bakeshop for the latest trendy dessert (this month its still cupcakes).

You can also fall back to Candy Hearts which I think where made 100 years ago (along with the United States supply of Halloween Candy Corn).

Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 1 – Start Small get the card!

Valentine’s Day: Prep Day 1 – Start Small get the card!

Valentine’s Day is Just 13 days away.  As men we need reminders and gift ideas. Over the next 13 days I’ll be helping a few of you out and also making a few of you guys look bad by not getting your wife/girlfriend/partner the right thing.

If at this point you are planning on eating out in a major city at a fancy place, you’ve probally already missed the top 4 hot spots (they’re booked!).  Here’s a quick tip – check OpenTable.com they may have something special.  Otherwise as they say on QVC “Be Dailing!”

If you’ve gotten that its time for the card.  Have you been to hallmark the day before of the day of? it like the you get to choose between a card written 20 years ago covered in dust and something someone put their chewed gum inside of… its not pretty.  Today’s the day to get out there and purchase a card for your wife/girlfriend/partner.

If you have a baby girl – you should get her a card and a stuffed animal.

If you have a baby boy – you should get him a card to give wife/girlfriend/partner/mommy/daddy.

You have a few choices in terms of cards funny or serious.  I go with one of each many because I cover my bases (subtract the B and E).  Its also important to read the card – make sure its not made out to Mom instead of Wifey (that’s a long conversation that might involve a doctor). You could also make your own card but that’ll make you less of a man in a few people’s eyes (unless of course you make it with your child/children then you get a pass).

The question that a lot of people ask is hasn’t this just become a Hallmark holiday? If thats how you look at it then yes.  If you respond saying I dont need one day to celebrate my wife/girlfriend/partner I do it the whole year, then clearly either you don’t understand that your wife/girlfriend/partner will be told by all their friends of what they got on valentine’s day and you got them nothing or you just have the perfect wife/girlfriend/partner who doesn’t care which is rare like winning the lottery.