Gift Ideas for the Picky Man

by Heather
(Phoenixville, PA)

man unique birthday gift

Gifts for Picky Men

My husband would never tell me what he wanted for his birthday every year – and with his birthday in December (and both of our kids’ birthdays in December!) – I didn’t have the patience or creativity left to figure it out. Then one year he asked for one simple thing…my signature chocolate cheesecake.

This isn’t a simple no bake cheesecake. This baby takes all day, starting with grating the chocolate and crushing the chocolate graham crackers to letting it cool for just the perfect amount of time so it doesn’t collapse – and that it’s cooled enough to enjoy in the evening. But that’s what makes this gift special; the time and care that goes into the creation. Even if I’ve just made the cheesecake for Thanksgiving (it’s also a family favorite!) I make it again just for my husband. The cake is very thick and rich, and so I don't snack on it for breakfast and lunch the next day we cut the leftovers and he takes them into work. His co-workers love the day after his birthday!

If the man in your life – whether it’s your husband, father, or friend – is anything like the men in my life, their world is surrounded by their female companion’s “stuff”. Many men don’t want more “stuff”. What they would like is a gift from the heart, to show that you care. If you’re not a baker, perhaps you can hire someone to mow the lawn (or do another chore he doesn’t like) one afternoon while you two catch a matinee. Get a nice bottle of wine or his favorite beer. Hire a babysitter and go to a romantic dinner.

The best gifts aren’t those that come in packages with bows. They’re the gifts that are made with our time and love. And chocolate!