How to Drop Christmas Gift Hints to Him

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You may think it’s bordering on gauche to drop hints to your man about what gifts to get you for
Christmas. Or perhaps you simply think he should know you well enough to choose something suitable.
But if you haven’t figured it out yet, men are not psychic, nor are they generally particularly keen
at “guessing” what you might like. In truth, they often need our help to figure out just what is and isn’t
an appropriate gift. So unless you want to end up with yet another pair of warm socks or a set of his-
and-hers shot glasses, perhaps you should get on the ball with a little hint-dropping. Your man will
appreciate that you’re not making him rack his brains to find the perfect gift and you might actually end
up with a present that doesn’t get stuffed in the back of the closet for eternity.

1. The direct approach. The easiest way to get what you want this year is to come right out and
tell him, in no uncertain terms, that the item you want had better be under the tree. Or you
could make him a list. While this definitely removes the element of surprise and makes most
women wonder why they don’t just get what they want for themselves, it will certainly ensure
that your man isn’t scrambling at the last minute to come up with a gift that he hopes you’ll
appreciate.

2. Subliminal signals. Understanding nonverbal communication cues can help you to drive home
a point nicely without being overly obvious. Suppose you’re looking at jewelry and you see a
piece you’d just love to have. You could tell him that you like it, but you’re much more likely to
make a lasting impression if you drag him over to see it, point it out, and touch him while you’re
talking about it. Squeeze his arm, run your hand down his back, or give him a kiss on the cheek;
this reinforcing behavior will help him to associate the item in question with romantic feelings.
It may sound devious, but it could just help him to get the hint so that you don’t have to come
right out and tell him. He might even think it was his idea.

3. Hinting with help. Men often turn to other females in your life (your mother, sisters, or friends)
for help in getting you a gift. Make sure these women are well versed in what you want so that
they can give him a hint when he asks for their advice.

4. Offer reminders. If you’ve found the perfect gift but you doubt he’ll remember, keep it in the
conversation. Talk about how that piece would have gone perfectly with your outfit, or how it
would have been so useful during a certain occasion. Craftily inserting it into the everyday will
help keep it at the front of his mind.

5. Take him shopping with you. Finding a stunning pair of diamond studs at a Los Angeles jewelrystore or a gorgeous cashmere sweater on Fifth Avenue won’t do you any good if he’s not there
to see it and take note. So drag your man along on targeted shopping excursions. Just make
sure not to point out too many things or he could end up getting you something other than
what you really wanted.

Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for www.icingonthering.com where you can find a large assortment
of loose diamonds and engagement rings settings.