Christmas Gifts for Women

There is no question about it: gift giving is one of the most nerve-wracking moments of the holidays. All you want to do is get something that the person you are buying for will be happy with. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Rest assured though that the spirit of Christmas still rings true, even today. Just keep reminding yourself that it's the thought that counts. Sure, we've all heard it before and still it's hard to believe, especially after making a gift giving blunder.

So, this year, in order to avoid the disastrous occasion of buying the wrong thing, follow some of the tips in this guide. Perhaps you can find a gift that will make the recipient genuinely appreciate your thought and effort and say thank you like she really means it.

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.

Choosing the Gifts

Business Associates -- Unless you and your coworkers are pooling to buy a joint gift for your boss, it's best to avoid it unless you are getting gifts for everyone. Otherwise, the gift can be misconstrued as at attempt to gain favor or attention. For a coworker, opt for non-extravagant, non-personal gift. An item for her desk or cubicle is appropriate when you don't know her that well. Think picture frames, a luxury pen, or a travel kit if she has to work on the go. If you know her a bit better, a small gift that reflects her interests is fine. Gift certificates, gift baskets, and foodstuffs are all acceptable choices. See also, Corporate Gifts and Secret Santa Exchanges for more ideas.

Think pretty stationery : memo pads, boxed cards sets, etc.	A designer or executive pen  is always in style.	Fun paperweights  in glass  or metal  are very office-worthy.	The busy exec can always use a handy letter opener.	A classy desk organizer  is a must-have.

A Close Friend or Family Member -- You know her pretty well, maybe even the best of all her friends. That means you have to hone in on her interests and her hobbies. What does she like to do most often?

• Go to the gym or pilates class? Check out the Fitness page for some ideas.
• Spend time outdoors or enjoy the company of nature and animals?
• Take arts and crafts courses or lead a creative life on her own? Check out the Gifts for Artsy People Guide.
• Indulge in entertaining or shopping?
• Go to movies and concerts? Maybe visit the Gifts for Movie Buffs for a few suggestions.
• Travel to new places? Take a look at the Gifts for Travel Enthusiasts Guide.
• Or is she a sports fanatic? If she needs new equipment you have to check out the Sports Guides.

For older women, typically you'll find that they already have everything. What do you do when that happens? Think of ways to spend time together, make a scrapbook or album to highlight special moments you've had together, or opt for an experiential gift.

Find more gift ideas for women in the following guides: Gifts for Women, Birthday Gifts, and Gifts for Moms.

Poesie Round Teapot	Missoni Cosmetic Bags		Marina Computer Handbag
Items for the home are simple, practical, and make great gifts. Find an area in your friend's home that is looking bare or in need of updating and get her something to inspire her to spruce it up.	Cosmetic travel sets,  a designer cosmetic bag,  or a homemade kit of popular beauty supplies or fragrances in pretty packaging are great for the girl who always likes to look her best.	Albums  full of photos of you and her together, scrapbooks,  or other ways to recognize time spent together are some of the most thoughtful and caring gifts around.	Handbags,  accessories, and jewelry  are always great options. The sky is the limit too. Just think, is she an earring junky or does she always covet the newest bags and belts of the season?	From comfy pjs  to sizzling evening wear, clothes are a must-have for every woman. Since you know her style and size, surely picking something to suit her won't be a problem.

Handbag Hanger	Jumbo Egglings	iPod Accessories	Fondue Set	Spoon Coffee Mug

A Loved One or Spouse -- She's the most important woman in your life (sorry Mom) so you want a gift that shows her just how special she is to you. The traditional fare of flowers, candy and lingerie are best reserved for Valentine's Day (except for jewelry, which most women will acccept year round without hesitation). Good tokens of love and affection for Christmas can be romantic or simply show how well you know her by picking gifts that reflect her interests. See the section above about buying for close friends and family members. Otherwise, check out these sure-fire gifts.

Coach Soho Leather Handbag	Princess Cut Diamond Stud Earrings	Cashmere Sweater	Canon Powershot SD850	Tom Ford Black Orchid
Designer Handbag	Jewelry	Luxurious Clothes	Digital Camera	Luxury Fragrance

Other great gifts that are bound to put a smile on her face:

• A boxed set (pre-packaged or compiled by yourself) of all her favorite music or movies.
• Buy her an iPod  or MP3 player  and load it with tons of audio books.
• Get her a gift certificate for a day at a high-end spa and stick the gift certificate in another smaller present.
• Take her on a vacation to somewhere she has always wanted to go.

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 color. 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 Sopranoss. 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.