As the holiday season rolls around, it's time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. You want to get the perfect gift for all of your loved ones and show them just how much you appreciate them. Giving feels good. You plan to give your mother the new mixer she's been raving about, your best friend an eye shadow palette that would look gorgeous with her eyes, and your boyfriend...

Hmm...

Not so easy.

You ask him what he wants, only for him to say, "you don't have to get me anything, babe" or "I don't care, I'll love it no matter what". Not helpful.

You don't panic - yet. You know him - his likes, dislikes, what he already has. It can't be that hard.

Well, he likes video games. Let's take a look at those. Oh my, this one is $60. I love him, but I have plenty of people to shop for and a college student's budget...

Moving on.

Maybe I could get him clothes. What size is he? Small, medium, large? Maybe I'll sneak a peak at a shirt tag when he's not looking. But what would he want? I kind of have an idea of his style, but men's clothing is foreign to me. Better play it safe and try something else.

Oh, I know! I'll make him something cheesy and sentimental. There are plenty of ideas on Pinterest. But I am pretty busy. What if I don't finish it in time? What if it turns out ugly? What if he thinks it's stupid? Screw Pinterest.

Maybe Google can help me. "What do I buy my boyfriend for Christmas?". Oh good, there are lists. "VR Headset" - again, I'm poor. Next. "Bourbon" - I'm not 21. Try again. "A Chef's Knife" - something about that seems strange to me if he's not a chef. One more try. "Sleeping Fox Print"... What?...

I give up.

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Now of course we all wind up finding something eventually. And more often then not, he loves the gift (or at least says he does). In the end I suppose it's the thought that counts. Trying shows you care.

This one's for all of our boys.