What should I get my fiance and friend for their birthdays?

You know, gift giving can be very difficult, even for the best gift givers. I consider myself a good gifter, but even I am totally stumped sometimes. So I understand your dilemma.

To be a good gifter, you have to really listen to your loved one A LOT. Often, you will get 1,000 hints and tips on what would make a good gift for him/her if you retain information and listen to the little things that they suggest needing to make life easier or more fun.

And if you’re still stumped, try making it less about a specific gift than a day of fun spoiling him rotten. First, wake him up with breakfast in bed and flowers. Guys can appreciate flowers, too!. Then take him out for a trip to a museum or movie or a light local attraction you don’t usually see. Then, instead of dinner at Chili’s, why not plan a nice gourmet picnic in the park by candlelight. Pack a dinner that is different from the norm with unusual, sensual foods. Gourmet sandwiches, some popcorn in a big tupperware bowl, some apples a cheese (if you’ve never had it, TRY IT!) and share cheesecake for dessert. To quickly and cheaply add a little eroticism try a special side dish such as chocolate covered fruit or cashews. Don’t forget to bring a nice beverage (look up a recipe for sangria–it’s AWESOME). You know, put some thought into the foods rather than just the norm everyday stuff you eat. Then during your picnic, just give him a nice gesture gift such as a t-shirt he’d like or something having to do with a hobby or interest.

Often, birthdays are less about what kind of gift was given and more about the day in itself. A guy once gave me a nice bracelet and a hallmart card for my birthday and then the rest of the day was business as usual. It was nice, but he didn’t put much time or effort into buying me the piece or picking out a card and his laid back attitude the rest of the day sort of took the air out of the birthday sails.

Guys are way easier to please on their birthday. All they really want is your expression of love in a creative way. Thought and preparation and consideration (and it NEVER hurts to feed him!) go a lot longer way than a simple giftwrapped material item. Think outside the box and go out of your way a bit for him. He’ll love it, cause he loves you.