Let me just say that the number one thing that continues to
baffle me every December is the shopping styles of men and
women.
Let me just say that the number one thing that continues to baffle me every December is the shopping styles of men and women.
This is mainly because throughout the rest of the year most men don’t even think about shopping. They could care less if you bought the green couch or the wicker ottoman, just as long as they get to stay home and watch the game in peace. But don’t let this act fool you. Come December, they suddenly sit up and pay attention. And not only that, they now have a whole shopping philosophy – one that sends your entire gift-buying system lurching into disarray.
No one knows exactly why this happens, but whatever the reason, suddenly the malls are filled with men and women shopping together. So what, you say? Granted, nothing is wrong with this on the surface, but the real trouble is that, deep down, most men and women have ver-r-r-r-r-y different shopping styles. One group considers shopping more of an “experience,” sort of like a long, drawn out social opportunity. While the other, considers it more of a sport, with the goal being to spend the least amount of time and money as possible.
Gross stereotyping? Sure. However, the real problem comes when you end up giving people on your list, the very same people whom you consider friends, velour tank top sets and Chia pets because someone in the latter group found them on sale.
If you don’t believe me, let’s take a look at the discussion my husband and I had during last year’s Christmas shopping trip. It went something like:
Me: I can’t believe they’re out of the 14-karat gold pearl earrings I wanted to get your mother.
Him: Hey, what about a nice hibachi from the clearance table instead?
Me: I really don’t think your moth-
Him: Or this steel cooler?
Me: Bu-
Him: It’s only $12.99, including a thermos and a pack of blue ice!
And it’s not just my husband. My friend Linda’s spouse went Christmas shopping alone to buy gifts for their kids and came back with a digital cooking timer, a wine rack and a George Forman grill. All 50 percent off.
And, OK, I admit I love a bargain as much as the next person does. But the problem with this particular shopping philosophy is that it never, ever applies to buying anything having to do with electronics. Trust me, it happens ever year. Once we’re among the televisions and computers, our conversation will go something like:
Him: Hey, we really should get this portable battery charger.
Me: But we hardly use the cell phone. Besides, it’s not even on sale.
Him: Well, we might really need it one day, and then we’ll be glad we have it.
Me: But-
Him: And look, a leather carrying case for my CD player. It’s only 79 dollars!
Him: And Dolby headphones!
Him: And just look at that portable DVD system!
The change is mind-boggling.
So after all these years I’ve finally come to the conclusion that the only way for men and women to get through Christmas shopping together is to not go Christmas shopping together. Either that, or compromise. So, in the true holiday spirit of things, that’s what we’re doing. This year, we divided up the shopping list and now, while I search rack after rack looking for a custom-made Angora sweater for my aunt Ida in the exact color of blue that matches her eyes, my husband rushes around the store clutching the newspaper’s sale insert.
And everyone will end up the happier for it. That is, except for half of the people on our Christmas list.
But, hey, who said gift-giving is the true meaning of Christmas, anyway?
