Gifts for the ladies in your life

Is jewellery an appropriate gift?

You do need to be a little careful when giving jewellery as a gift. It may not be a good idea if you've only known the person for a short time. Likewise, never give a girl you're only dating a ring in any shape or form - it's so embarrassing for both of you if your gift is miscontrued as an engagement ring.

Necklaces and bracelets are ideal gifts, but you can also go a little different and get an ornament set with gems, like the jewelled globe pictured (from Jewel Basket), which I just can't get enough of.

For something a little different, try titanium jewellery (and add a comment about how strong your love is!) These earrings, pictured right, are from Titanium Concepts.

Jewel Basket is a secure online jewellery store with some lovely pieces for very reasonable prices. The jewelled globe of the world is my favourite.

Is she funky and modern? Perhaps a trendy leather thong necklace with stainless steel initial pendant (pictured right) will suit her style. Or maybe she's the type who would like a pretty Victorian style locket (inset right) - don't forget to add a tiny picture of yourself.

Engravable Gifts have a selection of gifts she'll love and they will do all the engraving for you. What could be easier?

Take a peek at her bookcase. Is there half a series she's collecting? Or a specific genre she's into? Does she have a favourite magazine she devours every month? If you really can't tell, a gift voucher may have to do. Try Amazon - they have much more than just books.

If she has bookcases full of books and you're not sure what to get her, why not choose something failsafe? A Secret Storage Book is a box she can use to store things in, but it looks like a book. In fact, it was a book once. The secret storage book is perfect either for secret things, like money, credit cards, etc, she wants to hide, or she can display it out in the open as a coffee table feature.

Does she have a favourite magazine? Why not get her a subscription? Best Deal Magazines has a great selection of Women's magazines at good discounts.

Did you forget? If it's already her birthday, your anniversary, or another important day, you may need to pick the flowers up yourself from your local florist, or put a rush order through. If you still have a day or two, you can order flowers online. Flowers like these pictured are delivered the next day by FedEx to a number of different countries around the world. Perfect if she's jetting off on an international conference over the special day - you'll earn huge points for both remembering and organising around such an obstacle.


Is she not a flower girl? Why not order something a little more unusual like a Lucky Bamboo plant in an elegant pot (pictured left), or a sophisticated Bonsai tree.

Again, you really need to know your lady friend fairly well before you buy her a soft toy. One girl may love soft toys and adore you for thinking of something so cute.



But another could feel insulted if she's trying to project an image of sophistication and maturity, and you give her the impression that she's coming across as girly and innocent.

If in doubt, ask her. Or check for tell tale signs of cuddly friends. If she's hiding them in a cupboard, she may not want you to know about them just yet. Take the hint and buy her a sophisticated literary novel instead.

>> For dog lovers:
Poodle (pictured)
Golden Retriever Dog

>> For cat lovers:
Gray Tabby
White Domestic Shorthair

Accessories, such as sunglasses, scarves, wraps, handbags, belts, etc, are easier to get right.

Check what styles she likes by taking a peek in her closet - or, better still, pay attention to what she wears when you go out on a date.

These are the items she wants you to know about, and this is the style she's showing you. If anything, you'll score points for noticing the details.

Scarves and wraps are a great choice for an elegant woman, while the latest fashion sunglasses and belts are perfect for trendy fashionistas.

Many women love shoes, but it can be tricky to buy the right size without fitting them. Ensure your purchase is returnable in case they don't fit perfectly. Don't mention size, though, when you offer to give your girl the receipt so that she can change them. Instead, say that she might want them in a different colour, and give her the receipt in an envelope. That way she doesn't feel embarrassed about having to ask you for the receipt, or about the fact that she might need a bigger size.

For a better chance of picking the right pair, notice which shoes or boots your lady wears often. What brand are they, and what is the size? How long is she able to wear them for? Hint: sometimes women will put up with shoes that are uncomfortable or the wrong size because they're gorgeous. If she hobbles at the end of the evening, get her a half size bigger.

Try Chinese Laundry for a nice range of shoes and boots.

Take care when buying products that suggest intimacy, or that may be misconstrued.

A bottle of semi-luxury bubble bath is probably okay for a work colleague, especially if it's been set up as part of a secret santa or pressie swap. If you're buying for a spouse or mother, make sure you buy really good quality products that you can't pick up for a dollar on special at the corner store.

I've included some special offers for anti-aging products like those specifically for firming the skin around the eyes. Be careful if you choose a product like this, that you're not sending a message that you think the recipient looks old.

You could always include a fun message that says: "Not that you need this - but it may last a few decades until you do..."

Don't get a woman "her first ornament" if she doesn't have a single trinket or knick-knack sitting on the shelves in her home. It probably means she hates them or just hates clutter - either way it won't go down well.

Ornaments are a nice choice for a mother or grandmother - less so for a partner or spouse unless you're buying an addition to her collection. (Make sure it's one she doesn't already have.)

Artwork is best bought for someone whose taste you know very well. Professional paintings created from photographs are a thoughtful gift for a parent or grandparent - or you can have one done of your wedding picture.

Some woman love to cook and bake. Others hate it. Cookbooks can be treasured gifts or misinterpreted in any number of ways: you hate her (current) cooking, you think she doesn't do enough cooking, etc.

As with any gift, knowing the recipient's tastes and likes goes a long way, as does knowing that they might overreact and anticipating it. A simple note like "I love your cooking and thought you might like some new ideas" can go a long way to smoothing the way, especially with a new partner.

Beware, too, of buying a beginner's cookbook for an advanced cook, and vice versa. One's insulting, the other is bound to make her feel inadequate.

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