its not the gift here that is important its the feeling that somebody pays that close attention to your likes and dislikes and really puts an effort into finding you that special something.

I always thought men had the advantage on this, because for us women to buy a man a gift, it always seems to be the same 4-5 things. With women, a man can get creative and buy things. Last Mother's day, my husband got me a flat screen monitor for my computer and I was upset because he spent too much, all I wanted was a new mailbox, because the one we have is all falling apart, and my bills don't get sent out regularly. He could have bought something for 50, instead he spent 400. Usually I try to be grateful for anything, but I felt he spent way too much for Mother's Day.

The ladies have a huge advantage in this area. Although there are exceptions, you can shop for many men, for every conceivable occasion, by shopping at a Home Depot type of store and auto parts stores. Even if you are completely unknowledgeable about what your man would like, a quick chat with a salesperson is usually productive. If you investigate what your man is working on and buy a tool or part for that particular project, you will not only have bought him the perfect gift, but you will bring tears to his eyes, for he has at long last found a woman who understands him. In his mind he is saying She not only lets me work on the car.... she bought me spark plugs! And look.......they are even the right ones! This is incredible. Where are you ever going to find another woman like this? In some instances, explaining that you paid extra for the keyless chuck because you knew it was the better way to go can elevate you to the level of a goddess. Play your cards right ladies, you have a gold mine here.

Rather than showing that they are willing to spend money on you, I think it shows they pay attention when they are around you. Let's say you love I Love Lucy and you have a small collection of memorabilia and your friend gets you a I Love Lucy lunch box it shows they know what you like and they pay attention to you and that shows they care.

I admit, this is my weak point. I'm not a shopper, I hate being at the malls, and I'm not cut out to go from store to store. But I do make an effort, however begrudgingly. On the other hand most people that know me and love me, know how I am, and still continue to find the right gift for me. But then I'm the easiest guy to shop for, I have pretty simple taste. I usually get books, which is what I want, but I also get Levi's alot and gift certificates to my favorite restaurants.