Christmas Gifts for Women
Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a woman in your life? Buying a gift for lady can be intimidating, but it doesn't need to be painfully difficult. We've compiled a mixture of traditional and unique gift ideas. Whether she's a high-power executive or an artistic beauty queen, we have gift ideas for all the women in your life.
Tips and Pointers
First Steps
- Budget -- This key element to Christmas shopping is so easily overlooked despite its importance. Many assume that spending more will warrant a better reaction from the recipient. However, the fact of the matter is, it's the thought that counts; the thought that you took time to develop to make sure that the gift is actually something that the person wants and will use. If it's the right gift, the price tag won't matter.
- Recipient -- Knowing what's an appropriate gift for the recipient is part of the battle of choosing the right gift. A close friend, relative, spouse, or significant other is fairly easy to choose for since you have a good idea of what she might be into. However, distant relatives and relations, coworkers, or anyone else who you don't see frequently is harder to choose a gift for. Stay safe and pick a small, inexpensive generic gift such as bath and body products, and place a gift certificate for a popular store inside the package (make sure it is age and lifestyle appropriate). This way they have something to unwrap, a chance to get something they really want, and you look generous and thoughtful.
Tips on what to avoid this Christmas season
- Gifts that make her feel bad about herself.
- A treadmill or other exercise equipment should be avoided UNLESS she specifically says that she wants something along these lines or if she is a fitness enthusiast and is already happy with her body. Otherwise, the gift will say, "Honey, I think you need to lay off the cream puffs for a while because you're starting to look like one."
- Likewise, makeup and perfume are to be avoided unless she points out that she wants them. Under no circumstances should you buy her wrinkle cream, no matter how high-tech it is.
- Be careful with clothes and sizing. Too big, she'll think she's fat. Too small -- you can imagine how that will make her feel. Lingerie is even more dangerous.
- Things that make her feel old or matronly.
- A cookbook or other kitchen supplies and appliances are things to steer clear of UNLESS she loves spending time in the kitchen, if an aspiring gourmet. Otherwise, she might think that you either hate her cooking or that you are trying to keep her enslaved in the kitchen because you'd rather she cook than spend time with together with her.
- Be very careful when buying clothes. If you buy something that looks too frumpy, she might assume that you think she looks old and frumpy.
- Buying her what YOU think is best versus what she wants.
- Say she points out a product in a window, hinting that she wants it. This is a HUGE sign that she wants that precise object, or something VERY similar. Sure, you're the man, and you know that the digital camera she wants isn't great, but maybe she likes the design or the colour. Remember that many ladies aren't concerned with the detailed specs on electronics, just the most important features.
- Be careful not to misconstrue her comments. Passing comments about needing something shouldn't be taken as a suggestion for a Christmas gift. Gifts should be focused on what she wants -- something she wouldn't normally spend the money on for herself.
- Don't always assume that you and her have the same interests. While she sits patiently through the entire NBA season with you nodding and learning how the game works doesn't mean that she's ready to join the team complete with a jersey and basketball. Maybe that's what she should be getting you instead!
- Repetition and being generic.
- She says she loves the Sopranos. Okay, fine. That doesn't mean get her every single Sopranos bit of memorabilia that ever existed. It gets old. Keep an element of surprise in what you get her and don't be afraid to go off the beaten path.
- Bath salts? Another scarf? Please. Get a little creative and get out of the common gift rut that you save for the in-laws and others you don't know so well.
- Believing that she really doesn't want anything.
- You've heard it before. Don't believe it.
- Consider that maybe your past gifts you gave to her have been less than stellar, and maybe that's why she's saying not to bother with gifts this year.
For the Professional
For the Beauty Addict
For the Fashionista
For the Artistic Gal
For the Sporty Woman
For the Luxurious Lady
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