Buying Her Holiday Gift

Did you groan when you read the headline? It’s holiday time and buying that special lady a gift is often a chore. And if she’s new in your life, how do you know what to buy? If you’ve been together for a while, does she already have everything? Let’s do some brainstorming.

Face it, if you really can’t come up with anything, a gift card always works. Get a generic one from the nearest mall that can be used in any store or Amazon where she can buy anything. The downfall of this gift is that she knows how much you paid, and you don’t take advantage of any holiday deals. You may think deals are for wusses, but imagine spending $50 on that $100 sweater she wanted – and she’ll never know you paid half. You come out looking like a big spender.

For a new girlfriend, stay away from jewelry. It’s a new relationship and she might get the wrong idea. Besides, you can build up to that later if things work out. Flowers are nice, but don’t last. Presumably, you know her well enough to know her interests. If she is into yoga, get her a nice yoga mat or accessory. Not into sports? How about DVDs of the latest television series she’s into? If she appreciates a funny pun or two and is clever, she might like something from mental floss magazine’s shop. They have a great variety of funny gifts and clothing. A cute accessory or case for her cell phone or tablet – especially a designer one – always works. There are tons of these on sale in department stores and big designers like kate spade are selling adorable iPhone and iPad cases.

The woman who has been in your life for quite a while qualifies for jewelry. There are varying levels of jewelry and you can determine them by what level your relationship is in. A year or so? Go to a nice department store – NOT Target or JC Penney – and choose something from their trendy, fashion lines. 2028, Nine West, Lucky Brand, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger all have gorgeous sets of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that will fit her style. Whether she likes lots of bling or boho chic, you’ll find something nice. Splurge on all three pieces if you can. With the coupons and sales, it shouldn’t be too difficult to afford.

The woman who has taken up permanent residence in your heart should get the good stuff. “Fine Jewelry” as they call it. These pieces have real gemstones and are truly gold or silver. That doesn’t mean you have to abandon her style. There are amazing vintage looking pieces, super blingy shiny things, and simply elegant designs. Consider what she will look like wearing it. Think about what she wears now. What does she look at in the stores? Now I’ll give you a great secret idea that will help you with all future gifts: one of those charm bracelets from Pandora. You buy the bracelet itself with a special charm or two and some spacers for the first gift and the next gift-giving occasion means more charms! Poof! You’ve just covered a few years of gifts. The charms have tons of themes – family, symbols, causes, hobbies – so you can even get her more than one bracelet and stick to a theme for each one if you like. I know, I know. You’re welcome.

Whatever you choose to give to the lady in your life this Christmas, give it with love and kisses and tell her all about the thought you put into it. She’ll love it even more.