Okay women, sisters, mothers, wives admit it. You have bought some marginal or even awful gifts for the men in your lives. You know it because you found last year’s silk tie holding together the garden hose or the flowers you sent his office mysteriously disposed of by the time you visited him. Even worse, he comes home with a chipped tooth from the cookie bouquet you had delivered. This year, you tell yourself, will be different. This is the year of the good gift, the great gift.

Women, we need to accept that men are different and thus their gift giving needs are unique. Here are some guidelines to help you select the gift that will have him touting your praises:

1) Most men wish for a gift that exudes manly qualities and is a reflection of them rather than a reflection of the woman giving the gift. If they want movie passes to the opening of some action flick, embrace his Schwarzenneger alter-ego and save the season passes to the opera for when he “owes you one.”

2) Don’t give your guy anything that will embarrass him or make them uncomfortable at their place of employment. This is often where we fail, ladies. We often think that because we enjoy getting flowers, food baskets or singing telegrams, they will enjoy it as well. Even if they DO secretly like the herb scented lotion and foot scrub, having it delivered to work may make him run for the break room to escape any ribbing from the guys.

3) Give your loved one something that will make other men jealous. A little competition between male friends is acceptable and fun. While women often seek consensus, men don’t mind standing out in a crowd. You know you have picked the perfect gift if another guy was trying to steal it after they have opened it. (This means stay away from the cologne, gals. How many men will steal another man’s cologne?)

4) You know the old saying – “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Certainly, give good food but stay away from red heart cookie-pops. Think about what they like or love. Trust me – if you have premium beer delivered to him, not only will his buddies be jealous, but you’ll be the girlfriend every guy wished he had.

5) If you are going to be sentimental, save it for the card. Hand-craft the card instead of purchasing schlocky, pre-made sentiments that are actually impersonal love poems. Write your own and give it to him in private where he can appreciate it.

6) Remain practical with your gifts for men. Many guys appreciate one well-made item; something that solves a dilemma for them or is useful. Most men would like one gift of quality rather than a series of trinkets that won’t last.

So this year, note your man’s habits, hobbies and likes. Combine this personalized information with the above tips and this may be the year, your brother, father, husband, boyfriend comes home with a wry smile and true twinkle in his eye of appreciation. A present well given!

Kris Query is the owner of Bucket o’ Brew, a bricks and clicks store that specializes in gifts for men. Customers can find buckets of premium bottled beer or wine for all occasions, including Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Boss’s Day, Christmas, and more at http://www.bucketobrew.com.