10 obsolete gifts for Fathers

It is common knowledge that motherhood impacts most women physically and psychologically, but what is not so common is that fatherhood also impacts men, especially their psychological side. So this is a post for fathers in their thirties and early forties, whose priorities in life have evolved over the last 15-20 years. From personal experience, I can certainly claim that I no longer like most of the things, which I adored in my twenties, and in fact, have gone on repent some of the things (remember the Schwarzenegger and Sunil Shetty action flicks).

So as part of our evolution from bachelors to family men, our choice of gifts have also evolved over time. So, as a safe bet (there will always be exceptions) for all ladies, here is my list of gifts that you should not buy for your man:

• Deodorants: A definite “No” for a first-time (or occasional) user. And definitely not, if you are suggesting that your man “needs” it.
• Cartoon print clothing: We are done with wearing our attitudes on our sleeves, so please ladies, no T-shirts with cartoon prints or messages.
• Men creams and lotions: While it may be an in-thing to look “fair and handsome” and the “metrosexual,” it may not be such a “macho” thing for your man, as he has grown up learning that “tall, dark, and handsome” is what men are supposed to be.
• Gym memberships: Most men like their women to love them for what they are, not for their developed abs. Don’t get me wrong, health and fitness are important for us, but not by going for a gym regime. Believe me, most men think they are fit enough to climb Mt. Everest (agree that is an exaggeration!) till they go on a mountain trek. Moreover, our kids are there to keep us physically fit and active, so why bother?
• Spa treatment vouchers: While most women would love this, it is not such a happening thing for men. While it is true that men do fantasize about getting a spa and massage treatment service from women, practically, they prefer the “professional and complete” treatment. So, on a softer note, if you can afford it, make the spa treatment part of complete package (including other salon services, a 4-star or 5-star hotel stay, and/ or an exotic location). The last thing he wants is to get caught in traffic after a relaxing spa treatment.
• Self-help books: We don’t mind reading the occasional Rhonda Byrne or a “chicken soup” book, but not as a gift from our ladies. And please, after a career spanning 10 to 15 years, we are done with the Dale Carnegies and the Napoleon Hills of the literary world.
• Jewellery: Most men are the worst when it comes to flaunting jewellery, unless of course, you are over-decked with it à la a Bappi Lahiri. We are much more comfortable flaunting our latest watch, smart phone, or our camera. So then, what’s the point in buying an expensive jewellery gift, if your man does not show it off?
• DVD compilation of favourite movies: In the age of free movie downloads using Torrent or WebCrawler or streaming movies, a DVD compilation of your favourite movies can be used for posterity and long memory. But, believe me, with kids around, you can never be sure how long those DVDs will last.
• DVD compilation of favourite cricket matches: In the age of Twenty20 and new skills and improved clothing, would your man (even a die-hard cricket fan, if this one still exists) be interested in a DVD of old cricket one-day matches?
• Ties: If you have to buy this one as a gift, buy one with simple patterns. Nothing too loud and attention grabbing. You don’t want his colleagues at work to be looking at his tie, rather than him, do you?

So this is my list of obsolete gifts to buy for men. I guess “obsolete” would be too harsh a word, as we do appreciate the lady’s sentiment behind the gift, especially if it is not for any special day.

For the published article, visit yowoto.com.