Christmas Gifts for Girlfriends
It's only two 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 your gift recipient might want, like that new Prada perfume, a hot MP3 player, or a getaway for two. However, for those of you who missed the memo and haven't the foggiest idea about what to buy, this guide will give you the low down on what works and which gifts will suit your gal best depending on how long you've been dating.
Note: - The suggestions given here are just examples and aren't rules set in stone.
- Always take into account how long you've known the person even if you haven't been dating the whole time. You might find that the more you know someone, the more personal you can get.
- Don't buy the same gift twice if you've given her gifts before.
- Consider how the maturity of your girlfriend might affect the style of gift you choose.
- Work within your budget and do the best you can.
- Be comfortable with the gift you give. If you think it has too much or too little meaning to it, you might need to reconsider.
- In the end, don't forget that it's the thought that counts.
One Month to Three
If you have only been together for a short while, it may not be appropriate or necessary to buy each other gifts. Don't think though 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 sort of "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 and scarf set, just don't do it. It's that simple. The bottom line is use your noggin so that the gift doesn't seem completely thoughtless, which could even count against you, especially if you want the relationship to continue developing. When in doubt, a great way of showing you care for the woman you have just started getting to know, take her out to dinner at a nice restaurant or treat her to a fun activity that you can do together. This way the gift stays casual.
Three to Six Months
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 this gift some thought. It could be the first of many gifts to come. Here are some easy gifts to get that are suitable for giving in the earliest stage of a relationship.
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Bath and Body Products
Nothing says loving like a relaxing set of bath supplies. Enhance the gift by throwing in a candlelit sensual massage or bubble bath rub down. For a younger gal try Bliss, Philosophy, LUSH, or H2O Plus brands. For someone more mature, Crabtree & Evelyn, Bath Petals, Roger & Gallet, or L'Occitane might be better. |
Chocolates
Chocolates -- the gourmet kind -- are fairly generic, but if you know the girl has a sweet tooth or an affection for fancy things, you'll hit the spot with this gift. The only catch is to make sure that it's not a dinky box of four. Then she might take this gift the wrong way. Check out Valentine's Day Gifts for Chocolate Lovers for more tips. |
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 gift 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 and a poem if you know her favorites and skip the roses (save those for Valentine's Day). Or opt for a potted flower, such as an orchid. The gift will keep on giving, showing your interest in making things last with her. |
Six Months
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 note 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."
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Perfume
Impress her by picking a perfume that she doesn't own, but that she'll love. The trick is to mentally note (or jot it down so you don't forget) which she has already. Then do some research to find out what notes those scents all have. The perfect scent will combine any or all of those notes. See the guide to women's perfumes for more help. |
Jewelry
Jewelry can be a good gift 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 or she might go gaga over designer handbags. And didn't she need a new pair of sunglasses or some leather gloves? Accessories are a girl's best friend when chosen correctly. Note her fave designers or brands and try to match the gift to her style as much as you can. |
House Goods
Think awesome home accessories such as candles and candle holders. It's usually easy to find interesting styles for everyone's tastes. Or, try a high quality picture frame. Make sure to put a picture of the two of you in it to make the gift special. |
Six Months to a Year
You've gotten so close over these last months. 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.
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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, like the one shown above, is just sexy enough to heat things up, but still demure enough to not make things uncomfortable. |
Sexy Bedding
Nothing says goddess like satin sheets. Plus, this is a gift that the two of you can enjoy together. If she already has fancy bedding, try something else that is just as sensual such as a silk shirt or delicate lace top. |
Getaway
No, it's not time to buy her a house. However, you can whisk her away to one, or a bed and breakfast, or a ski lodge. Treat her to a weekend vacation to a spot 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, but that she hasn't gotten around to buying. It can be a piece of electronics, such as an MP3 player, speakers for her iPod, or a tiny digital camera. You can also try a boxed set of DVDs from her favorite TV show. |
A Year or More
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. - She's a music buff = Get her tickets to see a concert of her favorite band/orchestra/singer, etc.
- She's an outdoors gal = Hook her up with new sporting equipment, such as mountain climbing gear, hiking boots, a new tent, or a kayak.
- She loves the gym = Consider new running shoes, snazzy aerobics clothes, or a new iPod so she can jive to the music on the treadmill.
- She's an artiste or frequents museums = An original art piece from her favorite artist or art supplies to make her own art are great gifts.
- She loves beauty and fashion = Designer accessories, clothes, or jewelry are perfect options.
- She's jet-set = Keep her up to date with the latest gadgets, such as a PDA or a laptop.
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