When shopping for gifts for loved ones, friends and family, we always try to keep in mind that it’s the idea, not the gift, that counts. That adage, however, applies more to women than to men. As they say, it is easier to buy gifts for women than to look for one that will please men. The gift has to blend with the man’s personality and tastes to be appreciated, otherwise it will end up in the garage or in the garbage can.

Several gift shops give you a quick look at the gifts available for men. There are also catalogs that list the best gift ideas for men, but the best thing to do when looking for gifts for men would be to visit shops and stores that carry items exclusively for men.

If your man’s birthday is fast approaching or you want to surprise him on your anniversary with a wonderful gift, in addition to the usual warm hug and passionate kisses, try considering the following gift ideas for men.

Contraption. Men are techies, they say, and gadgets—cell phones, laptops, Blue-ray players, iPods, and the like—should be at the top of the list when considering which gift to buy. The gadgets, however, depend on the age of your man because there are men, especially those who are in their senior years, who don’t know how to play with the latest gadgets.

Shoes. Rubber shoes, sneakers, running shoes or even leather shoes are also perfect gifts for your man. Look at the type of shoe he prefers and get a new pair to surprise him. However, make sure you know his shoe size so that everything is perfect.

Subscription. Do you like to read car magazines or sports magazines? Do you like to read men’s magazines or health magazines? Why not surprise him with the gift of a one-year subscription to his favorite magazine? Or better yet, get him a book written by his favorite author. Men who are bookworms will surely love these types of gifts.

Massage and spa. If your man works hard every day to make ends meet, take him to a massage parlor or spa to revitalize his body and refresh his senses. There’s nothing better than an hour of pampering after days of hard work at the office or workplace.