While I hate to decide on what to give someone for a particular gift giving occasion, I do actually enjoy giving nice presents to those who mean a lot to me.  It used to take me forever to choose a gift.  Now, though, I just turn to the Internet.  I don’t mean that I just go online to buy a gift, although that is where I do most of my buying.  No, I mean that I go to the web to get gift ideas.

First, a little confession:  I almost always give gift that I would actually like to receive.  No, I don’t actually have them monogramed with my initials.  I don’t carry it quite that far.

Okay, here’s an example.  I cherish food.  It’s not that I actually eat very much, it’s just that I love truly good food.  Therefore, by extension, I love to get gourmet food gift ideas.  Not just ordinary food, of course.  I never give someone a loaf of bread for a holiday, although maybe a truly great French bread wouldn’t be a bad idea, now that I think about it.  But I like to give food that is delicious and also demonstrate’s that I have considered my loved one’s tastes.  Imported (or even fine domestic) cheese, for example, is one of my favorite categories.

I also love toys.  I am a man, after all.  Of course, I’m a bit old for Sponge Bob, so my idea of the perfect toy is usually something electronic.  I am admittedly a sucker for anything that blinks, whirs or otherwise involves some sort of high tech magic.  There are so many places online where you can find reviews of electronic gift ideas, such as gaming systems, DVD players or even simple music players.  I can browse those sites for hours without getting bored!

Even as a man, I love jewelry, although I don’t really wear any except for watches.  But a lot of men, and almost all women, wear a lot of jewelry, and I have a sincere visual appreciation for it.  From bracelets to ear rings, from necklaces to unique key chains, I am alway looking out for unique jewelry gift ideas.

I guess one of the reasons that I like to search online for reviews and recommendations for things that I would enjoy receiving or that I admire from afar is that I can understand what the articles are about.  For example, I would never try to buy someone a dress, because I have no understanding of what the terminology means.  I know the difference between cotton and polyester, but that is about as far as my knowledge will take me.  On the other hand, show me a diamond and I can appreciate its luster; tell me what a game system does and I’ll know whether it is enjoyable and state-of the art.  Best of all, tell me about a rare Wisconsin cheese, and I will completely understand the description.  I stick to what I know.

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