CITY FOCUS:Gifting guide for men

Attention merry gentlemen!

The first Hanukkah candle gets lighted tonight, and there are 10 days remaining until Christmas. Do you know what you’re getting the special people in your life?

There is help for the hopelessly procrastinatory, overworked or sidetracked. It comes in the form of a book by Laguna author Ann Hult Crowell entitled “Wrap It Up! The Guy’s Guide to Giving & Gifts.”

Available at several local bookstores and other locations, the book promises to end gift-related stress for men.

“If you don’t laugh while reading this, I’ll give you your money back,” Crowell said.

She will hold book signings tomorrow from 9 to 11 a.m. at D.N. Evans, 442 Ocean Ave., (949) 494-8602, and from noon to 3 p.m. at Laguna Colony, 384 Forest Ave.

With more than 200 tips, such as “What a Woman Wants” and “50 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ Without Saying It,” the book covers a wide variety of topics, from a crash course on how to wrap a present to a list of the gifts which one must never, ever give.

On Crowell’s Website, www.wrapitupbooks.com, visitors can sign up for a free newsletter and to receive e-mailed reminders about upcoming special dates.

“The inspiration for the book was my former husband, who was a fantastic gift-giver,” Crowell said.

Her tome contains a place to write down measurements for future reference, ideas for special events like quinceaneras and the 39-again-th birthday, and lists of specialty stores for maternity wear, hobbies and jewelry.

Crowell’s background as a marketing and advertising CEO and consultant shaped her into what she calls a “consumer detective.”

Her sections are intentionally simple and concise, she said, due to an empathy for her intended audience. Her admittedly verbose first draft was whittled down into an easy-to-read text full of white space, bullets and large fonts. Those seeking more detailed information can find it further in the text.

“The book helps them know what to listen for,” Crowell said. “And then they can look forward to the rewards from a delighted recipient.”

She also offers advice for the recipients. .

“A guy’s intention is to please the person they’re buying for,” Crowell explained, adding that if a gift of a new vacuum cleaner is a dud, recipients have to respond positively to the intention. “Put Scotch tape over your mouth and wait a few days” before bringing it up, she suggested.

“The primary thing is to help guys listen — things are buried in hints, and guys don’t get hints,” Crowell said. “Be just embarrassingly clear about what you want.”

Crowell suggested that if men are determined to give that set of nonstick cookware to their significant other this year, they throw in “something they might like to see her wearing while they cook.”

She also suggested throwing some fragrant hand lotion in the pot; anything to add a personal dimension to an otherwise-impersonal gift.

Presentation can also be key, she added.

A holiday gift can be placed in a gingerbread house or under a waiter’s silver domed tray. They can then come to the table saying, “Here is the special dessert you ordered.”

A handmade card can become more cherished than the Tiffany bracelet it accompanied, and wrapping that blue box with the newspaper’s funny pages or style section can have more resonance than the most gilded, sparkly tissue.

“Part of the subtext in all of this is that these two people are learning to dance,” Crowell said.

Her biggest hope is that the gifts won’t end at the conclusion of the holiday season.

“The little givings that go on all year long are the cement of the relationship,” Crowell said.