Gift Giving Episodes

“So what’s the hardest year of marriage?” You may be surprised to hear that I've been asked that question more than once. (Unless you're married. Then you know it's not an uncommon question, especially when you're talking to young men who are about to get married.) I actually used to ask that same question as a young lad working behind the jewelry counter. It was a nice ice breaker when someone was in the store looking for an anniversary gift. One day I asked a certain gentleman that question, ...

There are some fantastic pieces of jewelry that are beautiful and impactful, and they tend to cost a lot of money, and it's also the kind of jewelry that she won't wear "all the time." It begs the question, “Why would I spend a lot of money on something that she won’t wear that often? It's not 'practical.'" That makes some sense I suppose, and it can seem like a valid reason not to buy that fancy bracelet or those diamond hoop earrings for an anniversary, a birthday, or certain holidays becaus...

In this episode I'll address another great question from a listener. He asked, “What are some best-sellers or guaranteed things I can get that fall in the range of a 'safe surprise gift'? I’m asked this question in one form or another all the time, and it sounds something like this, "What sort of jewelry should I get if I want to surprise her, and KNOW that she’s going to love it and I’m not going to look like an idiot? How do I know that she’s going to love what I pick? Jeez, where do I even s...

Someone asked me to put together a Top 10 list of the things a guy (or girl) should know to make buying jewelry less painful, and maybe even fun. I personally believe buying jewelry should be fun. When I spend money I want it to feel good, and I'd guess you feel the same way. There is no pleasure in paying an electric bill or that speeding ticket, but there is certainly a feeling of excitement and anticipation when you find something wonderful that you know she’s gonna love, and you just can’t...

This episode was originally published in December, 2022. Picking the "right" engagement ring or other fine jewelry can be unnerving as hell. Questions start flooding your head..."what if she doesn't like it?" "Is it the right color?" "Is it big enough?" Those kinds of things. A lot of guys fold at this point, and say something like, "I think I'll bring her in and let her pick it out." This may seem like a good idea , but there's a reason why it's not, and what it means to her when you do this ...

In this episode I'm going to share something I learned first hand about what you should not do when you buy and give something as special as an engagement ring, an anniversary gift...hell...any gift for that matter. I get right to the point when I tell you, "Don't tell her how much it cost. Not even a hint." Telling her what you paid for something can quickly turn a special moment into an awkward one. She's not going to feel cherished, loved, or appreciated if you disclose the price tag. It'll ...

A lot of guys have no idea what a “push present” is. I have to confess that until there was a baby in my future, I never heard of it, nor did I know what it was. (And I'm in "the business!") So what is a push present? Is it something you should consider when there’s a baby on the way? First, a push present is a gift that you present to your wife or girlfriend shortly after the baby is born, to celebrate the occasion. The term "push present" originated from the idea that the mother has "pushed" ...

So, what should you do when you've found the perfect gift for someone and the salesperson is assuring you that it's a no-brainer, or "she's gonna love it!" but you still have a little doubt? Too often, guys ruin the magic moment by talking too much when they give a gift. They apologize as she's opening it or looking at the ring, saying things like "I hope you like it. You can exchange it if you don't." It's not the best way to present something as impactful and important as diamonds and jewelry...

What do you do when you ask her what she wants for her birthday, anniversary, or the Holidays, and she says, "Nothing." We've all been there, and it's a tough spot, but there IS an answer, and it's simple. I'll share the greatest and most obvious secret in the world when it comes to gift giving. (I learned it from an old "Ad Man," and I've never forgotten it, and neither will you. It's a huge help.) If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. I'm happy to ...

What are the best jewelry gifts to get the person you love, no matter what the occasion? There are some fail safe jewelry gifts that you can literally know next to nothing about, and they'll be a slam dunk. I narrowed them down to five categories, with a few short disclaimers to help you get it right. If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. I'm happy to personally help you find the right jewelry for your situation, or put you in touch with a jewelry pr...

Picking the "right" engagement ring or other fine jewelry can be unnerving as hell. Questions start flooding your head..."what if she doesn't like it?" "Is it the right color?" "Is it big enough?" Those kinds of things. A lot of guys fold at this point, and say something like, "I think I'll bring her in and let her pick it out." This may seem like a good idea , but there's a reason why it's not, and what it means to her when you do this on your own. If you want to talk with me personally you c...

In this episode I'll quickly explain what Wish Lists are, and why they're fool proof. (Unless you forget one simple rule!) If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. I'll keep it simple so you can get the "right" ring, in budget, and be the hero she knows you are. Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head. They're awesome. Listen To Preacher Man o...

You may be caught off guard when she finds her perfect ring, especially when there are sales associates involved. It feels like everyone wants you to make the next move, but what does that look like? In this episode I'll tell you what most guys do in that awkward moment, and what you can do to get out of it with style, and move one step closer to getting her the ring she wants. If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. I'll keep it simple so you can get th...