My husband loves to go biking. He used to mountain bike, but thanks to a little (big) spill down a hill (mountain), he’s sticking to the road these days. I know he needs new gear for the level terrain, but I know nothing of the gadgetry he already owns or the things he needs. All I care about is his safety. So for Christmas this year, I’m getting Paul a gift card to the bike shop and a big, dorky, orange, reflective, safety triangle to wear on his back—delivered with love (and a wagging finger).

Do you have a guy in need of a gift card? Here are some fun suggestions:

Let's hope he makes it to another birthday!

• D-I-Y Guy. The Do-It-Yourselfer is always in need of a new power tool, but don’t stress over which one to buy. Pair a gift card from his favorite hardware store with safety glasses or an inexpensive hand tool like a tape measure, hammer, or stud sensor.
• Barbeque Bud. Rather than getting the king of the grill another novelty apron, purchase a gift card from the grocer’s meat counter and attach it to a new burger flipper, wire brush, or barbeque cookbook. Download some new rub recipes from the internet and slip those into the card as well.


Sports drink and a gift card for the old sport in your life

• Sports Fan. Buy your guy a gift card to his favorite Major League Baseball team and pair it with a bag of peanuts or sunflower seeds. Or hook him up for the tailgater with a gift card from the beverage store and a package of bratwurst and face paint in his team colors.
• Fitness Guy. The guy who’s more likely to be running than watching will jump all over a gift card from the sporting goods store combined with a new pair of sport socks, an electrolyte supplement, or a pack of trail mix.  If he’s a golf or tennis junkie, then attach the gift card to a new sleeve of golf balls or a can of tennis balls instead.
• Movie Man. If your guy is a fan of the films, buy a movie theater gift card and a copy of Premiere movie magazine so he can read the reviews before making his cinematic selection.  If he prefers the big screen to the silver screen, purchase a gift card for the video store and wrap it up with a box of microwave popcorn and licorice ropes.
• Chef. Similar to the Barbeque Guy, Chef Guy likes to cook but has a more refined palate.  Get him a gift card for a cooking store, gourmet food grocer, or a “food of the month” club and deliver it on a bottle of olive oil or a new wisk.
  

  Mr Gadget on the grill--gift card plus some BBQ sauce

• Gadget Guy. He owns more gizmos than any other guy on the block and can’t wait to get his hands on the next techno-toy.  Get him a gift card to the consumer electronics store or a specialty retailer that features innovative products and couple it with batteries, batteries, and more batteries.
• Bookworm. A gift card for the bookstore is perfect when you know he loves to read but aren’t sure what books he’s already finished.  Then laminate favorite photos into sentimental bookmarks.  Or give him some book suggestions from family and friends.  You might even attach the bookstore gift card to a stack of books you’ve already finished.  Something old, something new…
• Outdoorsman. The only commute this guy makes is to the lake.  Buy him a gift card to the camping supply store and combine it with some waterproof matches, a small first aid kit, or some mosquito repellent.
• Rocker Dude. We’ve got a trunk full of old albums and an armoire full of CD’s.  But it’s still easier to access and organize our music online.  If he’s a music lover, gift card him with some downloadable music and a stack of recordable CD’s.  Add the message, “You Rock” to the card on top.
• Hungry Man. My friend Tracy suggests a gift card to a restaurant plus a bottle of heartburn medicine or a pack of his favorite acid blocker. He’ll thank you for the gift and get a kick out of the presentation. (Does it get any more personal than that?)

I love that guys just don’t overanalyze anything.  I hope I’m not being overly stereotypical here, but honestly you could just slap a gift card in his hand, say Happy Birthday (or whatever the occasion), and cut the cake.  The added touches, however, give him something to open in the moment and will help you feel better about gift carding the guy in your life.

If you have an idea of your own, please share it with me.