8 GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR GUYS!

GEAR. Great gear is a motivator for exercise all year round. Some of my faves are the Nike Sport Watch for your runner guy and of course, Nike has an array of stuff to help him suit up for his game.

SKINCARE. The primary problem in men's skin care is neglect. Most guys just don't take the time (and it only takes a little) to care for their largest organ - their skin. And when it comes to skincare, natural based products are best. I like STUF Men's Skin Defense natural skincare for men. The Maximum Performance Kit is perfect for a Christmas gift (or as my girl friend plans, her guy gets STUF men's skincare for the 8 days of Hanukkah).

MEDIA. Music and movies to be exact, plus video games, books and

magazines. I'm liking the ease of finding my guy's faves at Barnes & Noble or Amazon for movies, tv series, music, or video games. Shopping is simple. And, an easy one is to get his favorite Magazine like Men's Health or Golf Digest.

GADGETS. What guy doesn't dig the latest tech toy? If he doesn't already have one, an iPad2 (or a Kindle or a nook) is necessary! And, you can download his magazines to it too! Another gadget that is right there with the remote - a Roku2 to rock his world.

ACCESSORIES. Yes, show him how to add style with a handsome scarf (also good for warmth during the chilly holiday months), or a fancy Fedora.

EATS. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, my granny says. She also likes dancing, but I digress. Feed him healthy snacks that he can enjoy while watching his fave football game. Pork Rinds, literally deep fried pig skin - no carbs, lots of protein, and less fat then chips. Particularly fun is Dynamite

Redneck Fishing Lure Pork Rinds and Hot Sauce Set. I am also a fan of gourmet natural beef jerky with healthy omega-3 fats.

DRINKS. A good micro brew is good for you (for him, too). So treat him to some local flavor - one that will especially tantalize his taste buds.

SPORTSWEAR. His favorite team emblem on a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or jersey is always a pleaser (and then it can replace a ratty piece in his closet). My son loves the LA Clippers while my hubby prefers the Supersonics. Easy and fun to cater to their team alliance and treat them too!

PRIMPING & GROOMING ARE BLOOMING

Throughout history, women have focused on pampering and primping. And men are now catching on. The way you look has a lot to do with the way people look at you.

According to a recent survey by Allure and GQ, men spend only seven minutes less than women on their beauty regimen. Men use an average of 11 grooming products compared to an average of 16 beauty products for women.

The marketplace is meeting this swell with new products designed especially for men. A recent entry, STUF™ Men's Skin Defense, is brought to the market by Olympic icon Mark Spitz who enlisted derma e® Natural Bodycare to design the line of natural men's skincare. derma e® manufactures with wind energy and is an eco-friendly company.

Men's skincare needs are unique. Men's skin is oilier, thicker, more sensitive, and more acidic than women's skin. And in preparing and protecting the skin, natural men's skincare products are preferred for efficacy and for health. Ingredients like green tea, tea tree, aloe vera, vitamin A and vitamin E are top choices for soothing, anti-aging skincare.

There is opportunity to cater to men regarding their appearance - from grooming and skincare to fashion and style, men's attention to how they look is becoming more acceptable. The fact that men take care of their skin is universally accepted. Fashion and grooming will become a growing arena of interest for men. This market segment is developing and has legs... ooh, that reminds me of Joe Namath.