by Kyle Betts

Created on: December 16, 2008   Last Updated: December 20, 2008

There is no such thing as a man that has everything, only a man who lacks the cash buy a space shuttle. So it's not so much that he has everything, but rather you need to float a loan to get what he doesn't have. You could gab for hours on which sex is more difficult to buy for, but in my opinion men are probably more expensive to buy for than women and I base this outrageous theory on one simple observation-

Look at a man next time he grocery shops. He doesn't have a list, he doesn't plan ahead and then he finishes so quick you'd think it's the morning after. Men are impulsive, unorganized shoppers, and the chances are, if there's something he wants that's within a reasonable price range, he's bought it for himself already.

But don't hock your wedding ring yet. There are some clever gift alternatives for the man in your life.

Books for example, make great gift ideas. If he's a music or movie fan, he might have every CD or DVD known to man that is fit to grace his immaculate collection, but, there is no way he has every book about his favourite band, director or film. Head to the local big box book store and you should have no problem finding something he would enjoy.And if movies or music aren't his thing, you can be sure to find him a 'dummies' book to introduce him to a past time he hasn't tried yet. There isn't a man alive who has explored every avenue of interest.

Not into books? Vouchers for your action oriented man-friend are a great alternative. Whether it's flying lessons for your aspiring pilot, rock climbing/white water rafting for your weekend warrior or improv classes for your free spirited smart aleck, there are so many options, it would be impossible to not find something. While some of these experiences might not come cheap, they make great, memorable and unique gifts.

And finally, how about food? Men love food. You've probably noticed this by now. Chances are, your guy's favourite restaurant offers gift cards, and depending on his tastes, you could easily load up enough for one epic meal of steak-sized proportions, or 8 nights of pizza. Either way, you can not go wrong.

So during this holiday season, wheter it be Christmas Eve or Boxing Day, and the sales are hot and the elbows are flying, and you can only remember one thing, remember this;

men like doing 'stuff'. Don't fight it - and whatever you do, don't buy him a sweater. We hate that!

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