 | It's only few weeks until Christmas and you still haven't bought your girlfriend a gift? Shame on you for not having thought about this well in advance--like since New Year's Day. It's always a good idea to listen for clues throughout the year about what she might want, like that new Prada perfume , |
|
Note:
If you have only been together for a short while, it may not be appropriate or necessary to buy each other gifts. But, don't think that you're off the hook just yet. Make sure that you know for sure that gifts are off-limits--you might need to drop some subtle hints to get the information you need.
Nonetheless, should you ever be in doubt, it's good to get a little something as a backup gift, just in case she offers you something when you weren't expecting it. The gift could be something simple, which doesn't cost too much (something in your budget and not over $50). However, it should show that you didn't just grab the first thing you saw in the store. For example, if you know that she wouldn't be caught dead wearing a hat
The bottom line is use your noggin so that the present doesn't seem completely thoughtless, especially if you want the relationship to continue to develop. When in doubt about what to give, the best gift is time. Take her out to her favorite restaurant or to a fun activity, this way you're spending time together and there's no chance of her saying "Thanks, you shouldn't have... really."
After you have established that your relationship is in fact a relationship, it's time to consider giving a Christmas gift to your new girlfriend. You don't have to get too fancy, but certainly give it some thought. It could be the first of many gifts to come. Here are some easy ideas that are suitable in the earliest stage of a relationship.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Bath and Body Products Nothing says loving like a relaxing set of bath supplies. Looking for something spicier? Enhance the gift by throwing in a candlelit sensual massage or bubble bath rub-down. For a younger gal try Bliss |
Chocolates Chocolates |
CD, Book, or DVD Perfect for the bookworm, music buff, or movie lover. If you know the girl well enough that you can pick out her favorite artist or author, by all means, get her something that you know she'll like. She'll think that either you put a lot of thought into the present or that you know her really well--both of which score you points. |
Flowers Flowers are quite generic, yes. Nonetheless, they can speak volumes when done the right way. Consider fresh flowers |
Now is when things start to get tricky. Depending on how long you've known her, you could get away with any of the above-mentioned items if you know that they would really strike the right chord with her. On the other hand, pushing six months it's usually time to get something that says, "I know you well enough to pick a gift you'll really enjoy."
 |
 |
 |
 |
Perfume Impress her by picking a perfume |
Jewelry Jewelry can be good if you know the woman's tastes. If you aren't quite sure about her style or what she'd like, just think simple and classic. Also try and aim for something in the same vein as what she normally wears. Finally, don't forget that giving jewelry is a sign of commitment and that rings, especially, have serious meaning. |
Accessories Maybe she has funky style and loves Pumas |
Home and/or Office Decor Think awesome home accessories such as candles |
You've gotten so close over these last months and things are really starting to have meaning in your relationship. There are a number of options to choose from, including any of the previously-mentioned items. However, now you can include a whole new set of possibilities. Here are a few favorites.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Intimate Apparel How intimate the apparel should be depends on how close you are. Sometimes lingerie can be a bit too racy at this point in the relationship, but an innocent camisole set |
Sexy Bedding Nothing says goddess like satin sheets |
Getaway No, it's not time to buy her a house. However, you can whisk her away to a bed and breakfast or a ski lodge. Treat her to a weekend vacation somewhere where the two of you can have a good time, whether it be exotic or still close to home. |
Practical, Yet Fun Give her something that she might have been eying up, but that she hasn't gotten around to buying. It can be a piece of electronics, such as an MP3 player |
You've known her awhile. You know what she likes. You know what she hates--or at least you should. Focus on her hobbies and personal interests. Try and hone in on what she's all about. Here are some examples to get you started. Remember that the sky is the limit, as is the price tag.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
If she's a music buff, get her tickets |
If she's an outdoorsy gal, hook her up with new sporting equipment, such as mountain climbing gear |
If she loves the gym, consider new running shoes |
If she's an artist or frequents museums, an original piece from her favorite painter, or art art supplies |
If she's a gadget freak, keep her up to date with the latest electronics, such as an iPad |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
If she's a video gamer, help her upgrade her PC or get her those new video games that just came out. Maybe she wants a gaming chair |
If she's a writer, get her a nice set of bookends |
If she's a science geek, try to find the newest telescope |
If she's a gardener, fill a tool tote |
If she's a crazy movie fanatic, upgrade her home theater system or find her ultra rare movies from Criterion.com. They carry out-of-print films that often have alternative endings that were never shown. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
