Show Him the Love

If it's not your anniversary, it's his birthday.  Or it's Christmas, or it's Valentine's Day.   Who has time for all this crap, not to mention the money?? Staying single is definitely a smart move.  But if that’s not gonna happen, may we at least suggest that instead of another tie or gadget, you put your money towards an experience that the two of you can share together (aw, memories). Our first “experience” gift is perfect for the romantic type, while our second suggestion is for the guy who has a little more adrenaline rushing through his veins. Either should make for a fun, interesting afternoon that both of you will enjoy, which is certainly more than we can say about a new tie.



For the romantic type who loves to stare deeply into your eyes (please, if it doesn’t work out with him, send us his number), may we suggest packing a picnic and spending the afternoon at Malibu Wines. The grounds are absolutely beautiful – you feel like you’re in Napa – and the wines are quite affordable, with flights costing about $10 to $12 and bottles starting at $16. The employees are friendly and helpful, so you don’t have to worry about them looking down at you for not grasping the difference between “hints of raspberry” and “subtle undertones of blueberries.” After you’ve finished your tasting at the outdoor wine bar, buy a bottle of your favorite and sit down to relax at one of the picnic tables or on the grass. If you’re here on a weekday, it’s quiet and relaxing, but if you come on a busier day like Saturday or Sunday, they have live music. Make sure to pack your own food since theirs is overpriced (when it’s even available). You can prove what a sweetheart you are by bringing your man’s favorite food, but if he is a garbage disposal who will consume anything, just pick up hummus, pita, and other goodies at the Trader Joe’s that is right off the freeway. We also recommend bringing a blanket along, because (1) it can get chilly despite the heaters, (2) on the weekends, you might need to set the blanket on the grass since tables can get snatched up, and (3) how cute it is to snuggle under a blanket with your beloved? So cute we might throw up.



Malibu Wines Tasting Room


Hours: 11am – 6pm, seven days a week


Location: 31740 Mulholland Highway in Malibu


Phone: (818) 865-0605



Perhaps your man is not the type to sip wine and relax amongst nature. Perhaps he’s more the type to…shoot things. Not in a needs-to-be-institutionalized kind of way, but more in a have-fun-and-let-loose-some-steam kind of way. Please note that we do not suggest releasing a stream of bullets anywhere but in the Los Angeles Gun Club located downtown. It’s very affordable – you can rent a gun for just $5 to $10 (gulp), ammunition costs $11 to $15 per box of fifty rounds, and protective eyeglasses and earmuff headphones are complimentary. It’s also surprisingly fun! Unless your man spends his time playing Kumbayah on his acoustic guitar, he will enjoy his time at the shooting range, perhaps a bit too much, and both of you will love the stress release that comes with obliterating your poor, innocent paper target man. Another plus is that this can be a great way to figure out if your man is secretly working as a sniper. Too many bulls-eyes? Very suspicious…



Los Angeles Gun Club


Hours: Mon through Thurs from 3pm – 11pm

Fri through Sun from 11am-11pm


Location: 1375 East 6th Street downtown


Phone: (213) 612-0931