Gifts for Him

I accidentally broke my boyfriend's favorite beer mug. What could I get him as a gift to make up for it, besides physical affection. 

Let's not be too hasty. Physical affection is always the way the future Mrs. Ex-Coyote soothes the savage beast within. But let's not get too personal here, unless you already have by breaking his favorite beer mug.

Depending on how well you know him, you can always blame it on an animal or small child. When lacking one of those, trying super-gluing the sucker back together. Too many pieces? Then ask yourself how well you know his sizes.

There's nothing like replacing a gift that's been damaged, but in lieu of a German beer stein import shop, go with one of the alternatives that I love: Accessories or a custom shirt. Because neither one involves you knowing his size. So let's assume you don't know his size, but you want to get him some stylish piece of attire for his wardrobe.

Option 1: Accessories
A new billfold, driving gloves, watch or cuff links are perfect gifts. These days most men don't use briefcases, so stick with the basics. And no tie. Those are for father's day. Personally, my favorite gift from an ex-Mrs. Coyote was a pair of simple, go-with-anything cuff links from Shanghai Tang (pictured). There was thought, generosity and love in thatgift -- and I remember herevery time I wear them. In fact, I'm wearing them right now. Moment of silence, please.

- or -

Option 2: Custom Dress Shirts
I'm not talking the online custom deal. No ma'am. I'm speaking of a full-on bespoke shirt from a local tailor. He may ship off the requirements to get made overseas, but the sentiment is the same: Your gift, his measurements, his choice. A quick Google search for "custom shirt" + your town or "bespoke" + your town should turn up a good mix. A good shop won't mind putting you in touch with some of their satisfied customers so you can ask them yourself about the service. Get a gift certificate, then let him pick the fabric, style, cuffs, and collar. But beware. If you hook him with a custom shirt now, he'll always go custom.

Then if those don't work, there's always the physical affection.

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Topics: Accessories