The Observer, December 8, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 13
Sex & Dating: Gift Guide
It's holiday shopping season and you might be feeling more than a little overwhelmed. With finals ending as late as Dec. 20, you might have very little free time to find the perfect gift for your perfect someone. But have no fear. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide.
For a too-hairy boyfriend. Give him a gift certificate for a romantic day at the spa. A day filled with massages, hot tubs, and yes, total body waxing. Call ahead and book a surprise wax job for your honey, then act surprised when he comes back from his "mud bath" hairless. Encourage him to drink lots of the complimentary champagne before he gets ripped and be sure to schedule the massage before the wax. Otherwise, it's just cruel. Ouch.
For a girlfriend with a bad dye job. Treat her to a hairstyle at an upscale salon you know she'll love but would never splurge for on her own. When she's jumping up and down with joy, tell her that it would be even more fun if you both "picked out" new styles for each other to get. Instant revamp. And there's not too much changing she can do to damage your buzz cut.
For a boyfriend who thinks sweats are "business casual." Surprise your guy with an ensemble you know he would never buy for himself: something clean and unwrinkled, and maybe even color-coordinated. Clothes are always an easy gift for a guy, and you'll have the added satisfaction of not being embarrassed by his "I'm with Stupid" T-shirt.
For a girlfriend who likes to steal your clothes. While your old lady might be the most stylish woman you know, she still guards your oversized high school sweatshirt as if it is her first born. If you're itching to reclaim your lost clothing, buy her some super warm sweats of her own, especially if you know she'd never admit she wants them – J. Crew has a set of fleece-lined sweatshirts in a variety of colors. After all, nothing says "you're beautiful no matter what you wear, now give me my stuff back" like a nice pair of sweats.
For a TV bug. Maybe your significant other is always ignoring you or shifting plans to watch Grey's Anatomy or SportsCenter. Ugh. Surprise them with the gift of TiVo. You can set it up to auto-record all their favorite shows to give it a personal touch. And the next time they want to rush home to not miss the beginning? Tell them that you would rather finish your gelato at your own pace, and that TiVo is taking care of the rest.
For yourself. If you're really stuck, you can always get a gift you know at least someone will like. Buy your honey a gift card for your favorite restaurant and you can count on a trip there soon. Grab a shirt you know he'll look amazing in or buy her sexy lingerie that you'd die to see her wear. At least someone will be smiling when the gift is unwrapped.
Gift buying can be a major stressor, but don't let it ruin the season for you. Use your heart and your creativity to pick out something (or make something!) special for your beau. And take time to sit back and enjoy just being together during this time of year. Happy Holidays.
