by Rita Mcconnell

Created on: October 14, 2009   Last Updated: October 16, 2009

Men. While they often characterize women as difficult to please and even harder to buy for, they themselves may be among the hardest to find a gift for at holiday time.

As a result, perplexed women the world over have either totally given up finding the right gift - evident in the number of ties, golf balls and socks bought at holiday time - or continue to disappoint their men and themselves each year, always thinking this holiday is the year they've finally found it.

Buying for men, however, is just like buying for the people on your list you like shopping for. Finding the perfect gift just takes one thing - truly knowing what the men on your list enjoy. Here are some ideas for different types of men in your life this year:

It may be stereotypical, yet when it comes to men, it's hard to go wrong when you think sports. But the gift doesn't have to be the typical sweatshirt or pennant. Red Envelope offers some wonderful items made from the building materials of now-gone stadia and arenas. Try cufflinks made from the seats of hallowed parks like Shea Stadium and Comiskey Park. Uncommon Goods, a company that specializes in the "up-cycle," new stuff made from old things, offers a great storage box made from broken hockey sticks. If your man has a favorite team, look into what that organization may offer. Some teams do special gifts at the holidays, such as behind the scenes tours of locker rooms, special ticket packages, and VIP services. Need a gift for dad? Spend the day with him - at his favorite sporting venue.

Is your husband or sweetie an outdoor enthusiast? Consider some warm under-things to prepare him for his next visit to the woods. LL Bean offers a fantastic, old-fashioned union suit, doubled layered and perfect for the hunter, or even someone who works outdoors in the wintertime. But get there early. They sell out quickly. Other great gifts for the handier among men: headband flashlights that free up hands for mechanics, electricians and others who work in small or dark spaces; removable metal cleats mounted on stretchable rubber that fit over shoes and boots are great for those braving ice to clear snow from driveways; and check out your local Sears for Craftsman's specially designed wrench that can work in small, confined spaces. Bonus: pick up a handsome handyman in the tool section for yourself.

Would he rather mellow out with some relaxing tunes after a rough day? Plan and download the quintessential collection from his favorite artist to his iPod, and burn a backup CD just in case. Plan a weekend getaway around a performance by his favorite musician in an intimate venue. Have a die-hard Springsteen follower to buy for? Take him on a tour of early clubs and bars the Boss played in Jersey before he was the Boss.

Is the man on your list a business road warrior? If he spends lots of time in his car, check gift stores and business supply stores for a mobile office, which opens on the passenger seat to keep all a traveling businessman needs at his fingertips. Consider a collection of good road maps. Even those who spend their time on the road get lost and hit construction. Or, share some of the latest business best sellers on CD to make the most of his time on those long trips.

No matter how the men on your list spend their time, there's a gift out there that meets his needs. But most importantly, make it something useful, ladies. Men don't go for the sentimental and almost always miss the meaning in the subtle. Find something that shows you've been paying attention and know what he likes, without requiring him to ask you what it is. Chances are he'll think you're one of cooler women he's ever met.

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