I'm Stumped- another holiday gift thread

[halfwaynowhere]

My family isn't really doing Christmas this year, for various reasons. But I love giving presents- to me, its the whole spirit of the season.
I've been dating someone since the beginning of November. Its not really serious yet, but I feel like it could be. He's not from around here, so he doesn't have any family in the area, and he's been getting kind of bummed about the holidays. So I want to get him a gift, so that he doesn't feel completely left out. Problem is, I don't have a clue what to get him! I always have issues shopping for men!
He's a 37 year old bachelor, a football fan (although I can't help but think football merchandise is tacky and impersonal). He rents a room, so he doesn't have a whole lot of space for stuff.
I'm looking to spend anywhere from $15-50 on a gift. I can do homemade though i'd prefer not to at this point. I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions!

 

[chickaddict]

What does he do for a living?

If he works outside - an extra thick shirt or a gift cert to a donut shop for coffee

 

[halfwaynowhere]

he runs his own business, though i'm not really sure on the details. he does security related stuff. he works a lot, but i don't know exactly what he does, so i don't know what kinds of things he can use for work.
I prefer to stay away from gift cards, i'd just rather give him something that shows i put some thought into it. problem is, all the thinking i'm doing is coming up with nothing!

 

[redhen]

What does he need? Thats what i'd get him..
If hes renting a room..maybe he needs a hot plate or toaster over to make small meals? (if he has no kitchen in his room?)

 

[debilorrah]

Here it is. The ONE. Send him a plant and with that plant will be an invitiation to a candlelit dinner at your house (or to a restaurant). Ken's birthday was the day after we met, and this went over VERY well. We still have the plant!

 

[halfwaynowhere]

Quote:
problem with men is that they tend to buy themselves the stuff they need or want, which doesn't leave a whole lot of room for anything else.
he has access to a kitchen, so i doubt he'd need a hot plate or anything. i'd get him a blanket or something, but he likes it cold. everything i can think of, i can think of reasons why it won't work! men are complicated (or maybe I'm just complicating things too much).

 

[redhen]

Debis idea is fun... make him a special dinner and night of fun.

 

[SparksNV]

Does he enjoy wine? A nice bottle of his favorite.

Or how bout beer? A selection of beers from microbreweries.

Put together some snackies from World Market.

A bowl with popcorn or candy and gift certificate for two to the movies with an invite from you.

An invite to go bowling or miniture golfing.

A warm pair of slippers.

A favorite DVD or CD.

Does he play Wii? A new game.

have fun!

 

[PineappleMama]

Quote:

I like it. I'm death on plants... good thing the first gift I gave DH was a dagger.

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
yes yes!! sounds awesome Good idea Deb!!