Every girl is different but this is my generic list of what to give and what to avoid.
1. Perfume. Pick out something she doesn't already have, but that is in a similar scent category. You can do this online by searching what notes are in the fragrance she currently wears and then seeing what other fragrances have similar notes. Also, at Sephora they have a computer that takes the guess work out of it. If you know one fragrance she likes, they can tell you a variety of others she'll enjoy as well.
My top picks for best-sellers this Christmas will be, Dior Addict to Life, Bulgari Omnia Crystalline, Vera Wang Love Stuck, all of the Juicy Couture, all of the Marc Jacobs.
2. Jewelry. You have to be very careful with this one. If you've been with your girlfriend for a long time, and there is any inclination that she may be anticipating an engagement ring, do not get her any other type of jewelry. Jewelry is a great gift for your wife, or your new, or relatively new girlfriend, but any girl in between will be disappointed in any type of jewelry you get her other than that rock.
3. Watches, purses, sunglasses, shoes, other accessories. These are specific to the girl. Listen for clues. She will likely want some type of accessory for Christmas so find out what specifically she'd like and double check on that with her friends or family. Most girls have a purse, or other accessory in mind that they'd like to have, figure out what it is!
4. Bath & Body stuff. It's not a good idea to get just any bath and body stuff for your girlfriend. She wants to know you've been listening to her and you know her. If she mentions liking a certain scent and that she just ran out, then she'll appreciate that you were listening, but other than that she will just feel like you don't know her. It is great to give to family members who you may be stumped on what to get them, or friends who are just exchanging simple gifts, but it doesn't read intimate and thoughtful. It is more of a friend gift than a girlfriend gift.
5. Clothing. Again, this can be tough. First step is to notice colors, styles, and stores she likes to shop in. The simplest thing to do is check the size on a dress of hers, and buy a nice cocktail dress in a color she likes to wear, and a style similar to what she wears. You can ask her friends for help with this as well. When giving a girl clothes, you need to have a reason behind it. Say, I bought you this dress to wear on our next date and I plan on taking you out to dinner at "such and such" and then going to see "this show, movie, concert, etc." It is okay to include dates as gifts, if it is something a bit out of the ordinary. In my opinion, a slice of pizza, is not a substitute for a Christmas present, or any other holiday for that matter. which brings me to...
6. Tickets. Planning a romantic date is a great gift. Taking her to see a show she's been talking about, taking her on a mini-vacation, planning a day-trip, all of these show her that you thought about the gift and took the extra steps to plan something special that she will remember. Christmas time is full of romantic activities, from ice skating, to sledding, renting a log cabin, watching Christmas light displays, going to see the Nutcracker or another Christmas show. Any of these things will score you big points.
7. Spa Day. Just as you want to have your guy-time, football games with the boys, boys night out for billiards, etc, girls like to have girl-time. We want to be pampered and relax. A spa package with a massage will tell your girl that you want her to enjoy herself and take some of the stress off after the holidays. Some girls don't like getting pedicures, due to ticklish feet, so find out if she does before ordering.
8. Candy, food. There are some cute candies that would be nice as stocking stuffers, and cute sets like heart shaped pancake making kits. Don't buy your girlfriend a cookbook unless she specifically asks for a certain type of book. Otherwise, she'll think you're trying to insult her cooking. Also, if you know your girlfriend is trying to stay away from sweets, respect that, since there are plenty of other things you can get her.
9. Appliances, electronics. Again, this is something tricky. Do not buy her any appliance that has to do with cleaning as a gift. Vacuums are not gifts, they are necessities. Cooking appliances can be good gifts if it is something she enjoys doing and something she has said she needs or wants. If she doesn't like to cook, you may be again, insulting her cooking. Electronics are typically what we buy for you guys. Your girlfriend might really enjoy a new camera, computer, or sewing machine, but these are things that she'd tell you she wanted or needed. If you know she likes taking photos but has a older camera, getting her a newer, more updated one can be a great gift. Especially if you add a personal touch like buying her a gift card to have 100 photos printed, or a photo album to put the pictures in.
10. Pets. First thing is to find out what type of animal and be sure she wants a pet. Is she or anyone she lives with allergic? If she lives in an apartment, can she have animals? Does her lifestyle allow her to take care of a pet? Would she want to pick it out herself? You can buy her a gift card for the humane society and then go a day or two before Christmas with her to let her choose.
That is my list for you! I hope the guidelines help you to pick a great gift for your lady!
xoxo
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