A simple question from a Mamamia Podcast listener, Maeve, has pretty much nailed this current Christmas conundrum.

Oh, MAEVE.

via GIPHY

It’s hard buying for grumpy men. What made them so grumpy in the first place? Did you give them cash in a sock last year, except it was a $2 coin presented in a used, sweaty sports sock and they haven’t forgiven you?

What is the key to unlocking a frosty man’s heart, to buying the perfect item that all men want but never told us about?

So I took it to the panel onMamamia Out Loud. They’re smart women, I thought. They have a wealth of life experience including time spent with various men.

But I’m sorry Maeve, the news is not good.

Listen to Mamamia Out Loud argue about what is a good gift for men this Christmas:

We called upon the highest, most sensible man-gift buyer in the office, Jackie Lunn.

Charged with gifting for husbands, brothers, nephews and fathers, she gave the following suggestions:

If you're dating a real thinker, give them something ridiculous and say, 'you know why you're getting this'. It'll annoy them for weeks. (Source: NBC.)

So, yeah. Thus proving we have no idea, either Maeve.

So we're crowdsourcing on the facebook page:

HELP THE SISTERHOOD. LEAVE AMAZEBALLS SUGGESTIONS HERE

Bring the ideas forth, people. What's worked for you? Did you nail it one year? Can we steal your idea?

I quite enjoyed Holly Wainwright's suggestion of a magazine subscription, but Mia Freedman thinks that's the beginning of the end and perhaps she should re-evaluate her entire relationship and subsequent life choices.

At this stage, cash in a sock is winning, Maeve. Just make it cash in a *new sock you haven't worn yet.

The full episode of Mamamia Out Loud is here. It's the weekly show with what women are talking about. Listen here: