Men’s socks are typically pretty boring.  They just don’t have the variety and colors that women have.  Yet, socks are piece of clothing that men are always in need of and that’s why they make such a welcome and practical Christmas gift or stocking stuffer.  But socks for men are universally plain. They are almost always in one single color, and that color is almost always black, brown, white, or gray.  This is not the case with argyle socks.

The argyle pattern has definitely made it’s way back into current fashion. The pattern can include vibrant colors to coordinate with any outfit from shorts to suits and you can optionally pick up a pair of the well known gold toe argyle. Although the original argyle socks are made from wool, today you can also shop for them in wool, cotton, nylon and other materials to suit your needs. A pair of argyle socks make a classy addition to a man’s wardrobe.

History of Argyle Socks

History provides various versions on the origin of argyle socks, but it is generally agreed that these socks first showed up around 1500 as the footwear of the Scottish clan of Campbell in the town of Argyll in Scotland. The clan’s colors were green and white and represented in their kilts.  Later, footwear was made of the same cloth when clansmen cut their tartan plaids on the bias for use as foot coverings.  From this simple beginning, argyle socks were born.

Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish writer and poet was largely responsible for immortalizing the argyle pattern when he brought attention to the design in a casual mention in his writings.

If you’re of an older generation, you may remember the fashionable golfer of the 1920′s, proud in his plaid golfing hat, pullover sweater vest and matching knee-high argyle socks, posing for the camera in all his fashion glory. This appearance was the birth of argyle socks as an American fashion.

These patterned socks enjoyed immense popularity as a fashion accessory for young people during the Roaring Twenties, fading as America entered the Great Depression.

Surfacing again in the 1940′s and lasting well into the 1950′s, argyle socks were a favorite knitting project for young women to make as gifts for their boyfriends or for their own wardrobe.  Argyle patterns soon made their way into vests, sweaters and hats, as coordinating fashions to be worn with the esteemed argyle sock. So pervasive was the fashion, the argyle sock look eventually became cliched, dying of overuse and becoming dated and out of style once again.

Then came the Preppies of the 1980′s, with their Retro interpretation of penny loafers, that sensible shoe of 1950′s fame, teamed with argyle socks.

Today, the famous socks are again enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Revivalist golfers are sporting the pre-1930′s style.  The argyle sock is not only fashionable to golfers, but also with all ages.

Argyle socks are a part of fashion history. As the saying goes, “history repeats itself”, so you may well be a trend setter with your own new take on the argyle sock.

First of all, keep in mind that men are very different than women (duh!).  But, along with that difference comes the simple fact that most men are not concerned with you buying the perfect gift. They are quite pleased that you remembered them by putting the time and effort into buying them a gift.  They will not narrow their eyes and sulk if you buy them the wrong brand of shirt, they will just be over the moon that you thought of getting them a shirt in the first place. A Christmas present for a man need not necessarily need to be the best piece of electronic-gadget or most expensive aftershave – it really just has to be something he thinks he can use at some time or another.

Visit Red Envelope Gifts to find out the top selling gifts for a man

In all honesty, buying a Christmas present for a man may take some ingenuity and perception, but all it really just requires that you listen and notice. Men don’t normally drop hints if they want a present – they are usually very obvious about it. If there is a gift that they really would like, they will usually just come out and suggest it.  Sure, there are exceptions to this rule, but nine times out of ten men are really happy to receive a great pair of socks or a new tie they have been meaning to buy since they were eighteen. Remember that most men don’t like to shop in the first place and some are just stumped when it comes to fashion.  So a Christmas present that includes an outfit that would look great on him is a win-win.  You gave a successful gift and he doesn’t have to shop or try to coordinate an outfit.

When a woman is thinking of buying a Christmas present for a man, they should not concern themselves with quality over quantity. Buying a lot of little gifts and creating a Men’s gift basket could be the perfect choice.  Gift baskets for men are so easy to put together because there are so many smaller gift items that men love.  Some gift ideas for a basket could include cigars, wine sausage, cheese, brandy, pocket watch, pocket knives, and all kinds of other gadgets and gizmos.  The list could go on. 

As the holiday season approaches, if a woman is still totally at a loss about buying a Christmas present for a man, she should merely do one of two things. She can ask him directly or she can ask his friends. It is probable that she would get two honest answers.

You say you have to get a gift for someone who has everything, needs nothing, and has eclectic tastes? You note you can’t spend a lot of money, but you want the gift to speak to the love and respect you have for the person? Here’s a great gift idea for boys, girls, men, and women – edible bouquets.

Edible bouquets are nothing new but somewhat forgotten. I remember about thirty years ago, every Halloween my grandmother would buy a bag of Tootsie Pops® and a huge pumpkin, and would push the pops into and all over the surface of the pumpkin, making a jack-o-lantern with candy "hair".

Edible bouquets are ideal for those special people in your life. Here is an idea for an edible bouquet that I once gave to a very special friend who had quit smoking. When my friend quit smoking, he basically got hooked on lollipops, which he would enjoy instead of a cigarette. I created a stunning edible bouquet of lollipops for him and I am including the instructions below if you would like to try making one yourself.

Edible Bouquet Instructions

1. Go to a department store and find a gorgeous glass vase for a few dollars. (I found one for $4.50. It was hand blown and stood about a foot high.)
2. Buy a bag of the lollipops that your friend loves—fruit-flavored suckers, Tootsie Pops®, Dum Dums®, etc.. (This will be under 5 bucks.)
3. At a discount/dollar store, get a cheap but beautiful bow or ribbons. (Total cost=under $2.00.)
4. Visit the florist and ask for an oasis–a green, malleable foam block used by florists to arrange flowers with–which you can also sometimes get in the floral section of the major grocery stores. (The blocks are about $1.00 each. Get a couple in case you want to stuff the vase tightly.)
5. Back at home, fill one half of the vase with half of the lollipops.
6. Then, cut the oasis to fit fairly tightly in the vase’s neck (making it look like a bed of green grass from afar).
7. Next, insert the lollipops, one at a time, into the oasis, starting in the center and circling outward with varying colors/flavors (or all one color if you know your friend’s favorite).
8. When the edible bouquets are finished (in under ten minutes!), wrap the ribbon around the mouth of the vase, adding a big bow, if you bought one, and present your unique and edible bouquets to their recipients!

Shop Online For Aromatherapy Gifts

You can shop online for a great selection of aromatherapy gifts that are conveniently packaged in practical gift sets and baskets. You can mix and match your own gift basket for an added personal touch, or select from one of the many aromatherapy gifts that are packaged attractively and affordably priced. Even if you are not sure what the person’s personal fragrance preferences are, consider what type of person they are, what type of life style they have, etc. There are aromatherapy gifts for every individual need and pleasure. There’s not one woman I know who doesn’t enjoy a little pampering every now and then, and they may not always take the time or spend the money to do it. You make the selection, all they have to do is enjoy it. Even if you are selecting a gift for a seasoned spa veteran, who is knowledgeable in the ways of aromatherapy, you can select an aromatherapy gift or new fragrance or product that they have yet to try. And while you’re at it, why don’t you pick something out for yourself too?

If you choose to shop online, check out the retail sites that specialize only in aromatherapy gifts, essential oils, burners, candles, bath and spa treatments, and aromatherapy accessories. Information is provided regarding what types of properties certain essential oils have, and what works best for specific needs, such as stress reduction, promoting sleep (lavender), anti-depressants (peppermint) increasing energy levels, or just making you feel better. Essential oils are named essential because of their aromatherapy properties which have the ability for healing.

Many sites offer express shipping to the recipient of your aromatherapy gift selection, and include a personal message from you. They won’t be disappointed, and they’ll be thinking of you as they reap the benefits of aromatherapy because of your great taste in gifts.

Most women love chocolate. This is a well-known fact. You can create a great mother gift basket that will address the occasional urgent craving for the cocoa bean. There are so many different kinds of chocolate available and they come in very attractive packaging as well. You can make a beautiful arrangement with little effort.

Think Pampering

Remember that chocolate comes in all shapes and forms as well. Consider a whole theme that includes hot cocoa, cookies, pastries and the traditional gift chocolates. Adding a chocolate colored silk robe and matching pink slippers would be a great touch. You can also find cocoa scented candles as well as bath salts and gels that can be added to the mother gift basket as well. This is a particularly great gift because it will overdose Mom on chocolate, if that’s even possible.

While we are on the subject of food you might want to consider a gourmet theme for the mother gift basket. Why not put together an interesting collection of pastas and unique sauces? Mom might be interested in a great cook book as well. Instead of putting the basket together in a "basket", use a beautiful pottery bowl that can be used over and over again.

You could also theme your basket around drinks instead of solid food. You can make a mother gift basket using coffees and ceramic mugs. Tea lovers would really appreciate a sampling of a lot of different kinds of tea. Some moms would love a nice bottle of sparkling wine with fine crystal glasses. Add a novel into the mix and you have a mother gift basket that you can truly be proud of.

Then there is every female’s favorite, a bath theme. With spa treatments being so popular these days, you could a gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure and then add some nice nail polish and hand or foot lotion. Remember to use mom’s favorite scents. A scented candle in lavender or vanilla would be perfect for this collection. This mother gift basket will not be forgotten.

I’m sure that you are aware of your Mom’s personal favorites which could also be added to a basket or ideas that the basket could be themed around. Maybe she loves scrapbooks. She may adore a bunch of pictures and some scrapbook supplies. When it comes to the perfect mother gift basket the choice really depends on mom’s tastes and interests.

Many women have a difficult time picking out presents for men. Whether the man is your husband, father, boyfriend or brother, gifts don’t seem to be any easier to pick out.  And to come up with ideas that will be surprises as well as appreciated makes the task even harder. It’s typically much easier to buy a reasonably priced Christmas gift for woman. But when it comes time to buy a Christmas gift for a man, women are stumped. It seems that men generally need or want less. How many pairs of socks do they really need? If you have trouble finding a Christmas gift for a man, you have to get some help.

There are lots of unique ideas online, and this is what has finally helped me in my search for a Christmas gift for a man in my life. The problem with shopping in stores is that they seem to have the same stuff each year, and most of the stuff we’ve already given them as gifts. Many times the gifts for men that are of interest are expensive to purchase and are items that women are unfamiliar with, such as power tools, sporting equipment and electronics. So when it comes time to buy, I turn to the Internet to find what I need.

What to Buy for a Man for Christmas

You don’t have to buy online, but it is a great source to find unique Christmas gifts for men.  It all depends on the interests of the guy in your life, some great ideas that I have found for guys are:

• ipod or ipod accessories
• membership to a beer of the month club
• membership to a wine of the month club
• CD’s with some holiday music
• Sports memorabilia
• Anything chocolate
• Anything gadget
• Anything romantic

The nice thing about buying online is that you can get items delivered to your home, which totally bypasses the crowds in the stores.

I like to pay attention during the year and take note of what toys my man wishes he had. He doesn’t buy a lot for himself, so it’s fairly easy to pick up something special. Probably one of the most popular and unique gifts that I gave him was a Garmin Nuvi GPS system. He has enjoyed it so much, he often says that he doesn’t know how he would get by without a GPS now.  So this Christmas, on the GPS theme again, I’ve picked up the Garmin Forerunner 305 for his Christmas gift. He is a runner so I think that the gift will be perfect for him.

When it just seems like nothing is working out, and you think buying a Christmas gift for a man is hopeless, know that you have one last option. This may not seem like the best gift, but it will always be a welcome one. No matter what their favorite hobby may be, you can find a gift certificate that will help them buy equipment, supplies, or anything else they may have a use for. Buying a Christmas gift for a man should not be this hard, but perhaps that is just how it is.