Getting Personal

                The good, the bad and the ugly – gifts for men
            
                Directed by Sergio Leone, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is probably one of the best known of the western genre of films, particularly as it featured an all-star cast that included Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef. Indeed, referen
ces to the film can often be found in popular culture; for example, allusions to the film are made in a track by the Gorillaz entitled “Clint Eastwood”.

But what does the good, the bad and the ugly mean for those of us who are looking for gifts for men? Well, given that the process of gift-giving is often a difficult one, it would perhaps be beneficial for us to consider men within the context of these three different categories: the good, the bad and the ugly.

When it comes to gifts for men, 'Good' guys can perhaps be summarised as the men who are shameless – and hopeless – romantics; the men who are happy to sweep a girl off her feet, and really let her know how special she is. And while these types of men know a thing or two about gift giving, what type of gifts would they like to receive in return?

Anyone looking to buy one of these good guys a little memento might wish to consider a Secret of True Love Fridge Magnet. It might not make a great deal of sense when read, but it will make him feel all warm and fluffy inside. Or how about a beautiful pair of Bone China Letter Cufflinks? Designed to feature his initials, these amazing cufflinks are crafted from fine Bone China and then finished by hand. Or there is always the You're a Star Personalised Champagne. Made from the first pressing of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier grapes, personalised champagne is undoubtedly one of the best gifts for men when the most important thing is to show him how much you care.

But what about those men who might be considered 'Bad'?  These guys aren't actually bad – otherwise who would want to buy them a gift? - but are instead the daredevil action-heroes of the male side of our species. In this sense, the bad men amongst us are probably them most likely to love gifts for men that involve adrenaline and action.

And so, if this is indeed the case, why not treat him to a Tank Paintball Battles Experience Day? It might only be paint, but it's paint fired from a pretty impressive-looking beast. Weighing in at 17 tonnes, these armoured personnel carriers can fire special 4mm paint rounds – it's like paintball, but for men. Grrr! However, if isn't likely to appeal to his sense of fun, why no go for Indoor Skydiving for Two? With the action taking place in an upturned F1 racing car wind tunnel, the Indoor Skydiving for Two gift pack is one of the most exciting gifts for men available – and it can even be shared with a friend!

But what those men who might fall under the last 'Ugly' category? Now, to avoid any confusion, ugly does not refer to how aesthetically pleasing the man is – because that would be cruel. Instead, 'ugly men' are those with a wicked sense of humour; the type of man who likes to play a practical joke or two, irrespective of the consequences. This being the case, why not treat the ugly man of your affections to a Remote Control Tarantula? Capable of single-leg movements, this hairy beast is fantastic fun and the perfect way to scare family members or pets – especially when it makes its attack from underneath a cupboard! Or for gifts for men with a more macabre twist, how about the Hanging Harry Light Pull? It's a bit too late to save Harry, but at least you can have a laugh watching him swing!

So when shopping for gifts for men, make sure you bear in mind the man the type of you're choosing for. Is he good, bad or ugly? It's up to you to decide!