How to buy presents for a man!

Even after all these years I still have a major problem buying gifts for Michael-I mostly always get it right and am successful but sometimes my gifts are a complete flop! I mean, what do men really like? Do they even want presents? Often Michael will say he doesn't want anything but then I always feel like I want to give him something. With our anniversary coming up quite soon, I have my planning hat on (which is pretty much permanently attached to my head) to try and find something for him that is as 'original' as possible. When we first started dating it was actually pretty easy...a video game perhaps or a book I thought he would like. However I truely feel like I am having to broaden my horizons and think outside the box a little now! So here are some ideas, some based on previous gifts, on what to buy presents to buy for a man...

1. Experience Day

I am starting to find this a *little* dry and boring now as I have bought Michael quite a few and it seems that at the moment it's all afternoon tea or spa days. Over the years I have bought Michael a trip around Arsenal's stadium, afternoon tea, go karting...but most successful was an Indian cookery day which he loved. I guess you need to find something strongly linked to an interest. I only get an experience day if I find them cheaply and can combine it with a discount code. Red Letter Days is fab, they often have discount codes for up to 20% and I have always found their services good. Also, Lastminute is hit and miss but I have bought a few good deals on there-just keep a close eye on their website and promotions. You can get something amazingly original for your man, like a Spy day or Zookeeper for a day...they are usually £50+ though so not great for the bank account.

2. Hamper

I have made Michael hampers in the past and they have gone well-one was filled with his favourite foods and one just with things he love. It could be based on a theme like football or a sport or if he loves a certain cuisine it could be filled with spices, sauces, etc if likes to cook. It is normally a maximum cost of £30 with a little bit of preparation and lots of thought :)

3. Memory Books

This is, realistically, more of a girlie gift but a man may appreciate it a memory book filled with pictures, souveniors from your travels/trips or from throughout your relationship-and in the back you could make your own little book of personal vouchers like "I promise to make you tea and breakfast in bed" and *ahem* various other promises...

4. Theatre/Event Tickets

Football tickets or tickets to see a west end show/comedy stand up...these make a good gift because normally you would go together and make a great night of it. Obviously you have to factor in the cost for yourself but I normally use Lastminute.com for theatre tickets as they often run "Show and Meal" deals which often cost cheaper than 1 ticket itself-they are not always available on key dates like Valentines or Christmas but if you are willing to go a week before/after they can be really good value!

5. Trip away

This is the expensive one-although if planned VERY carefully, it can be done on a tight budget. I have bought trips away for Michael in the past, including to Longleat Safari Park but this did involve me booking about 4 months in advance, including the train tickets and risking that Michael could actually go! Also I got the hotel (Travelodge) very cheap-£19 per night and this is done by booking at least 2-3 months in advance and also you have to willing to get a non-refundable deal. However trips away could just be to a town near you in a hotel for the night-I often browse Groupon, KGB Deals and Wowcher-they have tons of hotel deals which are mostly pretty decent.

6. The 'perfect' evening

This is one of the cheapest things you can 'buy' or create for your man-you can cook them a 'Come Dine with Me' style 3 course dinner, fill the bedroom with lots of lovely candles, play their favourite music and maybe fill some little baskets with their favourite sweets or if you are inclined, some baked goodies. Also, if you are brave enough...wear something sexy! 

Also there are the usual DVDS, books, clothes etc and these can also make great gifts but it nice to be creative sometimes. Now, I just have to actually think of a gift for our anniversary-any ideas? xoxo