Countdown to Christmas: The Fiancee / Husband (Part II)

Gift giving in a long-term relationship is often counter intuitive. You'd think that the better you know the person, the easier it is to buy them a gift. Deacon would argue that's actually harder - you've already personalized, accessorized and satisfied their wishes for fun experiences. Short of your sweetie developing a new hobby or needing a new wardrobe, the idea machine can fall into the predictable rut.

As the relationship grows, so does the budget. Deacon suggests allocating a portion (a quarter or so) for "necessities" like new clothes, a quarter for "toys" like golf clubs and power tools and the remaining half for either a big-ticket item like a new watch, a stereo system or a great experience gift, like a vacation, perhaps even one you pool funds to go on.

Manage expectations by discussing budgets beforehand. Even if money is tight and you agree not to do anything extravagant, still spring for at least a few fun, but low-ticket items.

Travel
Scan the upcoming sales on Jetsetter.com, a luxury travel web site from sample sale A-lister Gilt Groupe. Here, you'll find everything from ski lodge weekends to Tahitian island paradises, plus editorial review that give you the inside scoop on each place. (you can get a membership to Gilt, and thereby Jetsetter, by clicking here).




Wardrobe
If your man is as fashion forward as you are, consider a custom-created masterpiece from Eric Finn. Outfitter to America's Most Wanted host John Walsh and Redskins player Clinton Portis, Finn's hand-designed outfits will ensure your man walks the streets in style. For a lesser priced alternative, contemplate some of Robin Rotenier's sweet cufflinks, which are often found on sale at sites like Gilt Groupe and Haute Look.












Toys
Men are big kids at heart. Even the most buttoned-up Hill worker will appreciate this Havoc Heli helicopter, a pre-assembled indoor helicopter with remote control. It can fly through small spaces, turn on a dime, and soar up to 300 feet in the air, or so the box assures us. Best of all, it won't break the bank if they don't play with it past Christmas morn' - it's just $20.








Fun
Deacon admits to being just a wee bit obsessed with the catalog and Web site for Uncommon Goods, a carefully-curated selection of some of the most fun and unique toys and presents around. Peruse the "for him" section or score stocking stuffers in the "under $50" tab. Our S.O., a lover of "The Office," would channel his inner Dwight Schrute with the "Ninja Umbrella" ... it has a samurai sword handle ($28).