Because not all men can read our minds!
What do girls love to receive as gifts? Diamonds and DVDs, silk and satin, chocolate and wine, and books and bubbles and beautiful things.
It's easy to please a lady, but not always cheap. But I know guys find it difficult to work out what's hot and what will get them into trouble quicker than insulting someone in a bar. So here's a lens full of ideas and special offers to help you out.
Ladies - help the boys out a bit and vote in the poll for your favourite gifts! The Gifts for Men lens is up and running, although I still have plenty to add to it.
(Photograph by Griszka Niewiadomski)
Ladies - help the guys out here
Jewellery and sparkly things
Diamonds will always be a girl's best friend
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.
Shower her with sparkles
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.
Save 5% on everything in the store, quote coupon code jewelbasket5star
Give her a personalised gift to remember
Have it engraved
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?
Elegant watches
Movado Women's Amorosa Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Bangle Bracelet Watch #0604758
Amazon Price: $695.00 (as of 11/14/2009) 
Seiko Women's Rivoli Stainless Steel Watch #SUJ789
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
AK Anne Klein Women's Silver-Tone Swarovski Crystal Accented Watch #10-8217MPSV
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
GUCCI Women's Series 1900 Bangle Watch #YA019511
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
Seiko Women's Dress Two-Tone Watch #SWZ054
Amazon Price: $202.50 (as of 11/14/2009)
Sporty watches
Casio Women's Baby-G Atomic Timekeeping Watch #BG1500A-1BV
Amazon Price: $58.35 (as of 11/14/2009)
Timex Women's Ironman Triathlon Sleek 50-Lap Resin Strap Watch #T59211
Amazon Price: $39.65 (as of 11/14/2009)
Bulova Women's Sport Marine Star Diamond Watch #96R000
Amazon Price: $277.00 (as of 11/14/2009)
Books and magazines
For the bookworm...
Something different for book lovers
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. Books
Lean Mean Thirteen (Stephanie Plum, No. 13)
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $10.79 (as of 11/14/2009)
Magazine Subscriptions
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.
Flowers and plants
The quickest gift if you need to rush
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.
Soft and cuddly toys
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.
Siberian Tiger (pictured left) - beautifully detailed tiger, dimensions: 20" x 14" x 67"
Douglas 14" Tall Snuffle Dragon (pictured above right)
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 right)
Golden Retriever Dog
>> For cat lovers:
Gray Tabby
White Domestic Shorthair
Clothing
Many women love fashion, and if you know your partner well and you have good taste, clothing and accessories are a greatly appreciated gift.
If you're a new couple, though, you may want to wait a while before you delve into this area of gift buying.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Pretty and sexy dresses
Ruched Ruffle Halter Salsa Dress
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
American Apparel Racerback Tank Top Style Dress
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
Sexy Halter Mini Dress Black Wet Look Plunging V Neck Club Wear New Fashion Trend
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
Yoga or pilates gear
Roll Down Yoga Pant by Hard Tail
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
American Apparel Women's Stretch Cotton Yoga Pant
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
Women's Yoga Pant
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
Accessories
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.
Designer Shades
Dior Dior Glossy 1/S sunglasses
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
CHRISTIAN DIOR AVENTURA 1/NS 0ANZ S2 COCOA FRAME BROWN GRADIENT LENS PLASTIC SUNGLASSES
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
Tom Ford Whitney FT0009 sunglasses
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
Scarves, belts, coats, and tunics
Simple and sophisticated
Sheer Silver Crystal Organza Evening Wrap Shawl for Prom Wedding Bride
Amazon Price: $27.99 (as of 11/14/2009)
Ethical eco-friendly scarves and wraps
- Uniq Looks
- Scarves and wraps made from ethically sourced fibres, including fabric woven from nettle!
Shoes and Boots
For a better chance of picking the right pair, notice which shoes or boots your lady wears often. What brand are they, and what is the size? How long is she able to wear them for? Hint: sometimes women will put up with shoes that are uncomfortable or the wrong size because they're gorgeous. If she hobbles at the end of the evening, get her a half size bigger.
Try Chinese Laundry for a nice range of shoes and boots.
Ultra Cool Boots
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Ladies' Ultra-Uber-Cool Grunge, Goth, & Glamour Boots
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I love boots. Ever since I saw the movie Underworld I have coveted a pair of serious @#$%kicking chunky-heeled skin-tight thigh-high boots like the pair worn by Kate Beckinsale's Lycan-hunting vampire. (Come to think of it, make that Trinity from The...
Luxurious skincare and bath goodies
Because girls love pampering
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..."
Try Juvenesse - this lovely pampering range is created by Elaine Gayle:
- Pictured above right is the Basics Grande Collection, which includes Aloe Milk Wash, Aloe Toner, Anti-Time Serum, and Crème de la Crème
- Or try Elaine's SugarButter Body Collection or the Sleep Tight Collection.
Body care products that say you care
Avon SKIN SO SOFT Original Bath Oil Spray
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 11/14/2009)
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Oil Free
Amazon Price: $30.00 (as of 11/14/2009)
Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Prime Time
Amazon Price: (as of 11/14/2009)
Relastin Eye Silk, .5-Ounce Bottle
Amazon Price: $69.00 (as of 11/14/2009)
Ornaments and artwork
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.
Food and cooking
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.
Cookbooks
Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 11/14/2009)
Paula Deen Celebrates!: Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life
Amazon Price: $17.16 (as of 11/14/2009)
Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats--A Year of Deliciously Different Dinners (A 30-Minute Meal Cookbook)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/14/2009)
Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 11/14/2009)
DVDs
The Hours
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 11/14/2009)
Fried Green Tomatoes (Widescreen Collector's Edition)
Amazon Price: $9.49 (as of 11/14/2009)
Beaches (Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $11.49 (as of 11/14/2009)
Looking for Mother's Day gift ideas?
This lens contains easy and more complicated gift ideas to make - as well as unique gifts to buy.-
Gift ideas for mothers
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Here you'll find some easy and quick ideas for Mother's Day gifts to make, some more complicated and crafty ideas, and also some great picks for gifts to buy if you've run out of time and energy. The gifts to buy section will be updated often, so book...
Still stuck?
This site has some good tips and examples. You can start with some ideas for the type of person you're buying for (New York city girl / Lazy Sunday girl / Adventure girl, etc), or work your way through ideas for clothing, accessories, and jewellery.
Each gift item includes a key that advises whether the gift is suitable for a Wife, Mother, Daughter, Long Term Girlfriend, etc, as well as the occasion (including gifts ideal for when you're in trouble!)
The gifts are examples only, with information on where they can be purchased. Gift Girl doesn't sell the items and they don't accept advertising to keep themselves completely unbiased - hence the membership fee (US$20 per year).
- Gift Girl.com
- Visit Gift Girl.com
by daoine
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