Don't get the man in your life a tie. Sure, it seems like it's something he needs (and it probably is), but don't do it. No matter how fine the silk or how nicely it matches his favorite suit, a tie gift just has "afterthought" written all over it.
He's better than that.
Also, don't buy the man in your life a pair of pants. Yes, he certainly needs a new pair of pants, but that's beside the point—it's not what he wants. And while we're at it, don't buy him a belt, a tennis racket, a sommelier class, a wok, or a set of fishing lures. That is unless you secretly hate him and want to slowly drive him from your life via a steady parade of underwhelming holidays and birthdays.
Holiday Gift Guide bugWhat your brother/husband/boyfriend/son/dad/uncle wants and needs in his life is the latest technology. And it's not just about status or frivolity—he needs to be empowered in our increasingly connected world. And he needs you to buy it for him.
In these uncertain economic times, it's not like he's going to buy himself a smart basketball that provides real-time feedback via his smartphone. He doesn't need that. It's not like he's going to be entering the NBA draft anytime soon. But he wants to improve his game using quantified biofeedback. And shouldn't he be able to do that?
That's why you need to be the hero in this scenario and buy him the amazing technological doodad he won't buy for himself. For that is why we have the holiday season and that is why we present you with this list of 11 amazing gifts for the man in your life.
For more, check out our roundup of the best gadget gifts for women.