Guys are notoriously hard to buy gifts for. Unless they are very very specific in their interests and/or wants OR unless you have a ton of money to throw at the present problem solution, it's usually a crapshoot as to what to get them.
Buying a present for my guy is always an enigma, wrapped in a mystery, wrapped in a budgetary issue...
In the spirit of giving gifts which are cool, yet not socks, a tie or a gift certificate to someplace (fast food or otherwise) I have compiled a list of five great guy gifts for under $20, each.
1) Chapbook of 10 Original Erotic Graphic Art Prints
Shortyrockma, $25 $20 if you mention BitchBuzz!
These whimsical prints by artist Teresa Elizondo are nicely naughty and a whole hella lot of fun! Her original paintings run from $150 to $200 per piece (depending on size) and in the spirit of holiday decadance and giving she's combined ten of her most popular prints into a softbound chapbook sure to titilate and tease any guy on your list. (Except maybe your brother and father).
If you order a chapbook this holiday season, be sure to mention that you saw her art on BitchBuzz and she'll knock down the price from $25 to $20. She has a shop coming soon to Etsy, in the meantime you can order via email. (If you'd like to see a spec of the whole book, she's happy to let you look before you buy...)
2) A Pop & Retro Laptop Skin
Schtickers, $19.99
This is a great, cheap way that your guy can personalize his lappie. Schtickers sports a variety of great prints and graphic designs including Van Gough's Starry Night, a Linux penguin, a skull and crossbones, a sticker stating "Keep Calm & Carry On" and a bunch of bright graphics which really pop. Schtickers can also make personalized gadget stickers for lappies, phones, iPods and your office walls.
3) 101 Spy Gadgets for the Evil Genius
Graham & McGowan, $17
Is your guy Dr. Evil in disguise? How about double-oh-seven? Even if he's not, this book has a great resource of DIY projects and gadget schematics which will bring out the spy or inventor in your guy.
4) Handmade Leather Cuff
Birdhouse Designs on Etsy, $15
These handmade leather cuffs are not only punk rock cool, but pieces of wrist art for your discerning guy. Kristin Bird says that each cuff is personal to her, and that is clearly reflected in her thoughtful designs and the classic and repurposed materials she uses in each cuff.
If you contact her via Etsy she can design and make a custom cuff to fit what you want for your fella... At $15 these pieces are a true holiday steal. She also makes beautiful wallets, purses, messanger bags and cuffs/bracelets for the ladies.
5) NFL candles
Candles by Gizzie on Etsy, $13/candle + shipping
Gizzie's scented NFL candles are a great way to combine a little gift for you with a gift for him. Many guys have stinky apartments (no matter how clean they are) - yet - are loath to burning scented candles because they are "girly." One of these candles is absolutely manly and will clear up the stank in your guy's place. Plus, they can light the candle and pray for their team to win... Especially if they're rooting for the Buffalo Bills (like my Dad, Sparky).
The candles are available in any team colors, any scents. They are paraffin based and even burning, plus, packaged in recyclable Mason jars. Hint: it's cheaper to order more candles as Lara states that she can fit ten candles in the flat-rate box she uses for shipping.