If you're stumped on what to buy the man in your life, a contribution to his wardrobe will never go amiss. Stylish men will always appreciate pieces that compliment what they already have hanging, while those less sartorially minded will be thankful for some guidance. After all, every man needs clothes, and this is your opportunity to play dress up.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When my mother passed away some years ago, my brother and his wife placed a stuffed black cat toy in her casket. My mother had owned several black cats. Months later, I was opening a Christmas gift from my brother. It turned out to be a stuffed black cat. He said, Do you know where that came from? Of course I knew! My mouth dropped open. Miss Manners, was this absolutely the worst Christmas gift ever, or am I missing something?
Gift-giving is an extension of a relationship and an expression of feeling. Thank you is not a phrase that has passed out of the lexicon. But we don't give to receive thanks. However, if you're feeling the relationship is one-sided, maybe it's time to change the mode of communication. That communication is key here. If you want to hear from the other grandchildren more, you can say so.
Something I unabashedly love about myself is that I am a great gift giver. I've given friends unique jewelry pieces that wind up in their daily rotation, surprised my parents with sweet birthday treats that fit within their diet, and once gifted my fiancé's brother-in-law (a guy I barely knew) with coffee beans so good he still orders them to this day. I guess you could say this talent is just my gift in life.
Our late uncle was a pilot, and he had a tradition where he would pick up little local candies and bring them back for all the cousins. There were 15 of us, so it was always just small treats. But it's a cherished memory. I started a career that lets me travel, so I have picked up the tradition of bringing small regional sweets whenever I see my nieces and nephews.
