Top Ten Gift Ideas for a Going-on-thirty Male

Do you know a young man, well into his twenties, nearing this thirties, close to crossing that threshold that separates men and boys? Are you having trouble coming up with a gift idea? Do you buy something a man would like? Or a boy? What does he need? What would he like? It's, sometimes, if you don't know him well, very hard. So here are some gift ideas that, at the very least, he can certainly use. Besides, he is beginning to learn that the best gift is something useful and considerate anyway, so he should appreciate it.

10. Books. By this age, he is beginning to concern himself with his mind. Am I smart? How can I expand my mind? Maybe I should read. But, unless he really pursued an education, has really gone above and beyond the typical literary call of duty, he probably hasn't begun to scratch the surface when it comes to books. Plus, he is also beginning to take pride in his house, and things like books really look good, can impress people when they come inside. So go to the bookstore and, based on his personality, ask the clerks there for some good recommendations.

9. Wristwatch and handkerchief. While not exciting gifts, part of the process of becoming a man is obtaining items like a wristwatch and a handkerchief. They are things that the man in question probably doesn't want to waste his hard-earned money on, so receiving them as a gift, when thought about, is actually quite nice.

8. Ballroom dancing lessons. Especially now that "Dancing with the Stars" is such a big hit and influence on society, men more than ever need to know how to dance when the situation calls for it. Whether it is their wedding, a big office party, or another similar affair, they will, at some point, need to know how to dance like a sophisticated person. So why not help them out? Chances are they won't do it on their own. While at first glance the gift might be objectionable, when it's all said and done they will thank you kindly, and gracefully.

7. Gym membership. By now, his body and metabolism are changing. He doesn't burn off the fat like he used to. He probably drinks and eats more, and exercises less. He has less time, and is tired more frequently. So if he doesn't have one already, a gym membership makes a great gift. It will encourage him to go the gym, to get some exercise, to shed those extra pounds, to get himself active again. He probably doesn't have a lot of extra cash for things like this, so it will be a very well-received gift.

6. Laser hair removal. Laser hair removal applies to those men who have noticed a sudden and unwelcome growth of hair in certain places of the body, specifically the back. This might not apply to everyone, so do some research (respectfully), but for those who it does apply to, it can be as painful and hindering as the loss of hair. So to have it removed is a very wonderful gift.

5. Hair restoration. Almost the exact opposite of the gift mentioned above, (although similarly this will not pertain to all young man of this age, so make sure it applies first), this applies to the re-growing of hair. Assuming it does apply, and that the subject would not be offended, then this could be a great gift. Hair is a precious thing, and many men find out at some point, often too soon, that it is also fleeting. For those who have started to lose their hair, or who have already lost it, to bring it back is among the greatest gifts that could be given. So look into it.

4. Sport jacket, suit, or other fine clothes. Now that they are progressing in the business world, these kinds of things are necessary. Unfortunately, they probably aren't highly successful yet, and their salary doesn't warrant such extravagances. So any help in this department will be much appreciated.

3. Contribution towards down payment on house or car, payment of credit card debt, and so on. Money, at this age, is always nice. But for those who aren't comfortable shoving over money for who knows what, then make a contribution to one of the aforementioned things. They will go along way; it's a gift that all can feel good about.

2. Airplane tickets to Washington, D.C. Why? Because at some point he will have to learn about politics. It is a tough transition from sports and bad music to politics, from the mindless breaking down of football match-ups and guitar riffs to campaigning and political talk on the radio and television, matters of the world, things like that. It's not something that happens overnight. You can't just turn on the radio and delve right into a political debate. One needs to be inspired, to be motivated to learn and embrace it. So send them to Washington, D.C. to grasp the culture and history of it. Give them an itinerary so they know where to go, what to look at it. When they return, if the trip was successful, they will thank you dearly for helping them with a very important life transition. If the trip isn't successful in that regard, it was probably a much needed vacation anyway.

1. Vacation. Speaking of vacations, for those of you who are more set on giving a great gift than a meaningful one, send them on a vacation to your place of choosing. Probably, for the first time in their life, at an everyday, sit-down, interviews and meetings kind of job, with a career path and raises and resumes in mind, a vacation from that grind would be a great thing. Because they haven't been around for a long time, they are new to the working world, only a few years of real work experience, they probably don't have a lot saved up, so a trip, to anywhere, no matter how small, will do wonders, and is a wonderful gift.