Dads are notoriously difficult to shop for at Christmas time. The ‘tie’ is more than just the universal symbol of bad gifts for men, but also a reflection of the frustration that so many of us feel in trying to find a great gift for the man in our life. Here are my top 5 gifts for the hard-to-buy-for man in Canada.
Gift-of-the-Month Club – Monthly Gift Clubs are Canada’s best kept gift-giving secret. Popularized in the U.S., gift-of-the-month clubs are relatively new to Canada. By far, the industry leader in Canada is www.monthlyclubs.ca. With club offerings including beer, wine, chocolate, hot sauce and coffee, and flexible membership frequency and durations, there is surely something for everyone to love there. You can even print or email a gift-announcement on the spot, making it perfect for a last minute gift. If you want to remind your guy that you care month after month, then this is your gift solution, hands down. To find out more about what Monthly Clubs has to offer, visit www.monthlyclubs.ca/clubs.
iPAD 2 – There is no company whose name is more synonymous with cutting edge consumer electronics than Apple. With copy cat tablets now hitting the market, Apple has once again raised the bar with the iPAD 2. With the power and flexibility it offers, and optional add-ons such as external keyboard and mouse, the iPAD 2 can truly be considered a replacement for the home computer, while still allowing the freedom of total mobility. To find out more about iPAD 2, visit www.apple.com/ipad/.
Viper Remote Car Starter – Remote car starters generally don’t strike people as cutting-edge. But how about a car starter that can be activated via smart phone? Perfect for commuters or people who find themselves parking at a larger distance from their car for work or pleasure, the Viper allows you to start your car from just about anywhere! Never get into a frozen or boiling car again with the Viper! For more info, visit www.viper.com.
Spa Package – Don’t be fooled! Men like to get pampered too. The metrosexual movement has been around for a long time and is gaining momentum year after year. He may be hesitant to say anything, but there is a good chance the guy in your life would thoroughly enjoy a spa day with a manicure, facial and even a pedi. A word of warning however…if your man leans more towards pick-up trucks and Harley’s then proceed with caution with this gift idea.
3DTV – 3DTV technology has been moving along at a rapid pace – even faster than that of 3D in movie theatres. Once out of reach and attention of the average consumer due to high costs, poor quality and technological limitations (wired 3D glasses anyone?), the 3DTV has now reached the mainstream. With arguably better 3D imagery than theatres themselves provide, as well as reduced costs and many models no longer requiring the wired monstrosities that were 3D glasses (many now use the passive glasses that your local cinema does), it may be time to bring your man into 2011, technologically speaking of course.
Of course the best gift that you could ever get that special guy comes from the heart, and reminds him that you love him long after Christmas has come and gone. And lastly, on behalf of men everywhere, “Please…no more ties.”