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One of the most difficult things for me to do is to buy a present for someone else.  Whether it is for their birthday, wedding, bar mitzvah or any other special event that requires gifts my creativity normally fails me miserably.

Despite this, other people often impress me with their fine choices and I often say to myself: “Write that down”  Just make a note of it somewhere for future use.  That however never happens when the next event comes up, it’s all back to square one.

What’s even worse is that I cannot even answer you if you had to ask me what I would like as a gift.  It sounds strange but I really find it difficult.  Something I realised the past week.  Maybe it is a result of being not wanting to sound greedy or hoity-toity.  Realistically it will also not go down well to put R1,000,000.00 and an Aston Martin on your wish list.

Since I don’t believe that I am so unique in this situation and there might be many others with the same problem, I have decided to put together a Top 10 list of ideal gifts for men.  Unfortunately I was not able to put together a similar list for the ladies but I appeal to all out there to write back with suggestions.  I’m aware that there are many similar lists on the www but this is my five cents worth.

The list below is no particular order and the author will not take any responsibility for unsuccessful choices.

The Top 10:

1. Gift Vouchers – From any store and for anything.  This works wonderful as the receiver can buy exactly what he wants.  Be sure to choose a suitable amount.
2. Clothing – A cool fashion shirt or a jersey.  Welcomed by most guys.  You will know if it will be appreciated.  Be sure to know the recipient’s style and size.
3. Books, CDs, DVDs – A lasting gift with personal significance
4. Advanced Driving Course – All men are naturally excellent drivers but we all like to take a Mercedes Benz C63 around the track with the traction control disabled.  Not really as expensive as you might think.
5. Wine/Spirits – A gift that will also in almost all case be well accepted.  It has to be special though so steer well clear of Richelieu and Tassenberg.
6. Art – An original painting or canvas.  Albeit an expensive choice, it will make a lasting impression and be sure to be remembered for a fair while.
7. Braai Equipment   - Any braai accessories that he does not yet have and there are lots available from Weber.
8. Crystalware– Every man will appreciate a set of Czech Republic crystal whiskey tumblers  to enjoy his finest from.  Also refer to 5. above.
9. Apple Inc. – Anything from Apple will go down well.
10. Magazine Subscription  - Get him a gift subscription to him favourite mag.  There any many options  available i.e. Men’s Health, Golf Digest, Getaway etc.

Then there is also the list of what not to buy.  When getting something for a guy, avoid these items unless you intend to prematurely end a friendship/relationship or even marriage:

1. Flowers
2. A lawnmower
3. Tickets for the Celine Dion Concert or Sex in the City II
4. A pet
5. Soap-on-a-rope
6. Socks or hankies
7. Anything that you got as a gift.  Especially if it is engraved with YOUR initials.
8. Verimark Products
9. A soft toy
10. A copied CD or DVD.  This is just lame and say I actually don’t give a crap!  Similar to Xerox a book and give that as a gift.

Well I hope that this will help a bit to alleviate some of the difficulty associated with gifts.  Also let me know of your own wishlist.

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Apple Inc., Aston Martin, Getaway, Gifts for Men, Golf Digest, Men's Health, Mercedes Benz, Soap-on-a-rope, Weber