| Calling all men. | | | | 4. Wrap your gifts beautifully - irrespective of the |
| This article could not only keep you out of trouble | | | | cost of the gift, wrap and present it beautifully if |
| but also gain you a few brownie points in the | | | | you want to really impress. Some stores offer |
| process. | | | | this service for a minimal fee if your gift usually |
| Okay, hands up - who finds it difficult, make that | | | | ends up looking like it's had a fight with the sticky |
| impossible, to buy gifts for their wife / girlfriend / | | | | tape. Whatever you do, don't forget to take off |
| sister / mother / anyone else of the female | | | | the price tag and remove receipts from bags. |
| species? | | | | 5. Build-up your own "gift directory" - keep a list |
| And who has fallen foul of these little stingers: | | | | of favourite shops, florists, restaurants and hotels |
| 1. She likes perfume, so you buy perfume | | | | in your phone or diary. Bookmark your favourite |
| -apparently she doesn't wear that particular | | | | gifts websites and subscribe to their |
| perfume. | | | | e-newsletters - they might become a great |
| 2. She loves chocolates, so you buy chocolates - | | | | source of gift ideas. |
| she's on a diet. | | | | 6. Keep your eyes and ears open for original gifts |
| 3. She loves handbags, so you buy a handbag - | | | | all year around - if you find something that would |
| but it's the wrong colour / wrong designer / | | | | make a great gift for your partner, Mum or |
| should have a shoulder strap / should be clutch | | | | daughter... follow your instinct: buy it, wrap it, tag |
| (delete as appropriate). | | | | it! If you think to yourself "That would be the |
| 4. She loves shoes... don't even go there. | | | | perfect present for her" chances are that they |
| And finally the real test that every male should be | | | | will think so too. |
| warned about as soon as they start to crawl: | | | | 7. Check her size - if you're thinking of buying |
| 5. She says 'don't bother buying me anything, a | | | | clothes, make sure you know her size first. You |
| card will do'... she doesn't speak to you for a | | | | could be letting yourself in for major problems if |
| month! | | | | you buy her something that is too small ('you |
| We know it's not easy - women are just not | | | | think I need to lose weight!') or too big ('you think |
| logical creatures when it comes to gifts. So, we've | | | | I need to lose weight!'). Or if you're thinking of |
| taken pity on those men who struggle with gift | | | | perfume, music or books, play it safe by checking |
| buying. We've put together the ultimate guide to | | | | out what she likes first. |
| buying gifts for women, with 10 top tips to keep | | | | 8. Don't make excuses - with the internet, phone |
| you in the good books. | | | | and mail order, "I'm sorry, I didn't have time" just |
| 1. Remember important dates - let's start with | | | | won't cut it. If you have forgotten her birthday or |
| the basics, whatever you do don't miss her | | | | another important date make up for it straight |
| birthday / Valentine's Day / anniversary. There | | | | away - a belated gift or sorry gift will be much |
| really is no excuse. Keep a list in your diary, set | | | | better than no gift at all. |
| reminders - mobiles and computers usually have | | | | 9. Give surprise gifts - buy an unexpected gift like |
| an automatic alert system that you can set in | | | | a balloon or some flowers once in a while, you |
| advance. Don't forget to set the reminder at least | | | | could even get it delivered to her work place. Or |
| two weeks before the date so that you'll have | | | | take her out to her favourite restaurant. Women |
| plenty of time to choose a gift (remembering the | | | | just love surprises! |
| night before won't do you much good). Follow this | | | | 10. Be generous with your time and attention - |
| piece of advice and see your popularity with | | | | although time and attention alone won't do for |
| women grow as you start remembering special | | | | birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or Valentine's |
| days. | | | | day - try it once if you dare and you'll soon see |
| 2. Do your gift homework! - pay attention and | | | | what we mean - they will be much appreciated |
| listen for hints (we accept that this may be a | | | | on a day to day basis. Take a walk together, |
| difficult habit to get into but it could pay | | | | listen to her over a cup of tea, wash the dishes, |
| dividends). When women are talking about | | | | share a joke... |
| hobbies, favourite shops or even better, say "Oh | | | | CAUTION |
| yeah, I fancy that but I can't justify buying it for | | | | Word of warning. For some unknown reason, |
| myself". Bingo! You're onto a winner. Don't forget | | | | women may become suspicious when the man in |
| to write the ideas down straight away though - if | | | | their life - who previously didn't know the |
| not, you'll find you can't remember anything when | | | | difference between Dior and a doorbell - suddenly |
| it comes to actually buying the gift. | | | | presents them with thoughtful, desirable gifts, on |
| 3. Ask for help - sales assistants, work colleagues, | | | | time and beautifully presented. |
| friends and family will all be happy to help you | | | | We're not quite sure why this phenomenon |
| choose gifts for women. Just think. If you're single | | | | occurs, but we advise that you keep a copy of |
| and the gift is for a relative, it could be a great | | | | this guide handy to refute any false accusations |
| excuse to talk to that stunning shop assistant! | | | | of improper behaviour. |