Why Is Gifting Men Hard?

In all honesty, finding the perfect gift that'll leave a man in awe isn't always as easy as they make it seem. "Men are simple creatures; they're easily impressed," they say, but the opposite seems to be the reality.

You think you’ve found the perfect gift—something cool, useful, or heartfelt only to be met with a polite "Oh, thanks."

Are men ungrateful? No. They’re just sometimes hard to read, as they don’t always broadcast their wants the way women do.

They tend to buy themselves what they need as soon as they want it. They don't wait around for someone to see their need and solve it. They want it; they find a way to get it as soon as possible. This leaves little to no room for surprises.

Another reason gifting men can feel so complicated is that their wishlist tends to be specific or vague. On one end of the spectrum, you’ve got the guy who wants a wrench from a particular brand that’s only sold in Germany. On the other, there’s the man who shrugs and says, “I don’t really need anything.” Now you're left with nothing but observation and guesswork.

Ego is one factor that comes into play. Some men feel uncomfortable being on the receiving end. Some view gifts through a lens of utility; if the gift isn't serving an important purpose, it's just clutter. So now you’re trying to find something that’s thoughtful and practical but still makes them smile.

Their hobbies are also most times too expensive. Into watches? Cool, you just need a few thousand dollars. A car enthusiast? Hope you can afford to fund their next engine rebuild. Meanwhile, you’re over here wondering if a pair of spongebobs socks qualifies as "fun but functional."

What is the solution? You ask.

If your aim is to surprise him, ask indirectly.

A question like "What's that one thing that'll move you to tears if you were to receive it right now?" might get you the answer you're fishing for.

Closely watching out for habits or complaints is another option to explore.

Experience gifts never fail. Take him somewhere he's always wanted to go to. Their favorite singer is hosting a concert—a perfect opportunity. A new restaurant that sells their favorite meal just opened—perfect!

Think beyond the everyday 'Gift for him' packages you see on social media. These stereotyped gifts do not make it easier. Things like a gym subscription renewal, a month's upfront payment for their favorite drink in their favorite spot, etc. would totally blow his mind.

Customized gifts tend to do the magic too. Seeing his name imprinted in the tie you gave him might be the cutest thing anyone has done for him this year.

Most importantly, you do not have to wait for a special occasion to gift him. Little everyday gestures might be the most heartwarming thing anyone has done for him. Fuel his car, offer to pay for the next car maintenance, cook or order his favorite meal every now and then, and leave a note expressing how much he means to you every now and then. These seemingly little things leave a lasting impression.

Yes, gifting men is hard. But it isn't rocket science. What matters more is the effort, attention, and a reminder that even if he doesn’t need anything, he still matters enough for someone to try.