How to Choose a Gift for a Boyfriend

Picking out a gift for your boyfriend can be a trying, headache inducing task. Not only do you have to figure out what the gift will mean in light of your relationship status, you have to figure out what he needs and wants. Most women will come right out and tell you what they want. Men, when posed with the same question often will answer "uh...I don't know...socks?" If you think that wrapping up a pair of gold toes is not an option, you will have to do a little thinking and a little research.

Things You'll Need

• Money

Instructions

1. Consider the reason for the gift. Is it his birthday, an anniversary or "just because"? An anniversary gift should come from the heart and needn't be too expensive. Lower- budget items include a DVD of the movie you saw on your first date, a CD of music that is meaningful to you both or a book of romantic poetry. In general, "just because" gifts should be small and inexpensive while birthday gifts can be a bit more elaborate or expensive.

2. Consider also how long you have been together and how serious the relationship is. For a serious, long term boyfriend, consider a gift that the two of you can share, such as a couple's massage, concert tickets or a weekend getaway. You probably want to avoid an anniversary gift if the milestone that you are celebrating is three months. If you feel that you must get the new boyfriend something for an anniversary, a card with a heartfelt message is probably on target. For other gift giving occasions, if he is a relatively new boyfriend, less is more. Costly and extravagant gifts may scare him off during the early stages of a relationship.

3. Hone in on some common problems in his daily life. Maybe he has some essential item that is falling apart or maybe there is some item that would really make life easier for him. If he is constantly complaining about something that is broken or malfunctioning, consider getting him a replacement. Does his iPod conk out all the time in the middle of his workout? Get him a new one.

4. Think about what you could get him to help solve daily annoyances. Does he frequently get lost and have to stop for directions? Consider a GPS navigation system for his car. These types of gifts are safe choices if you want to avoid anything that could be interpreted as "I got you this to show you how much I want to marry you right now!"

5. Consider his personality. What type of guy is he? Is he laid back and fun loving or more of a practical and logical type? The answer to this question will help you to decide if you should get him something he needs or something he wants. The practical guy will appreciate that you bought him a new drill that he needs or some clothes that he never has the time to shop for himself. The laid back guy may view such gifts as too maternal. Get this guy something fun and frivolous like tickets to a football game, a home beer brewing kit or some sporting equipment. When in doubt, get him something he wouldn't normally put in his budget, like an electronic toy. He'll appreciate that you got him something he wouldn't otherwise have

6. Pay attention to the little things he says in passing. What has he always wanted to do? What is his dream day? What did he used to do that he misses? Maybe he talks about how he used to go camping all the time but hasn't been in ages. Get him some new camping equipment and book a site at a favorite spot. Is he a thrill seeker who often finds himself chained to a desk at work? Take him parasailing, bungee jumping or skydiving. Is there a type of food he has always wanted to try? A city he wants to visit? Make his wishes come true. Not only will he be thrilled with the chance to cross something off his "must do before I die" list, he'll be touched that you put so much thought into him.

7. Give his best friend a call if your boyfriend isn't giving you any clues. Put out some feelers with friends and family and see what they come up with. His best friend might know of a new, hot item he seems particularly interested in; Mom might know of an unfulfilled gift request from last year's Christmas list.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, keep your budget small and the romance factor minimal

• Unless you know his size, his taste and his desire for new clothes, don't buy him any