| A teeny minority of men find picking out | | | | Hints are a must. Look at every situation - from |
| Christmas gifts for women a breeze, for most, | | | | watching television to supper with friends - as an |
| shopping at the best of times is not so much a | | | | opportunity to heap lavish praise on potential |
| headache as a migraine. An aquarium filter, | | | | present material. Depending on the thickness of |
| self-supporting torch and washing machine are | | | | your other half's skin, it might be necessary to |
| among the worst 'gaffe' gifts for her I've ever | | | | leave magazines and catalogues open on special |
| heard of. The last didn't simply cause a lather. It | | | | pages. I've even been known to prime friends and |
| started divorce proceedings. | | | | stage conversations with them about what |
| The filter turned up in my stocking after I'd | | | | they've been coveting this season. |
| mentioned that our fish tank needed attention. | | | | In truth, most women don't want to spell things |
| The following year I also got something I'd said | | | | out entirely. We are always delighted, and possibly |
| 'we must get around to doing' but this time it was | | | | a little smug, when they reveal their romantic side. |
| a treasure: a portrait of my beloved spaniel. | | | | A knock-out gift is rendered worthless if it's been |
| Thankfully, this time round my husband had | | | | bought by a secretary or sister. On the other |
| grasped that when it comes to Christmas gifts | | | | hand, if he's taken the trouble to canvas their |
| for women, 'need' doesn't necessarily mean 'want', | | | | opinions that does merit brownie points. Just |
| and that luxury and indulgence always win hands | | | | make sure they're well briefed on what's on top |
| down over practicality and usefulness. | | | | of your list. |
| Unless you're prepared to go to my mother's | | | | If all else fails, it won't hurt to remind him that it |
| lengths of buying her own goodies and handing | | | | will be a glorious day for everyone if you find |
| them over to wrap (dad manages that part at | | | | something gorgeous to unwrap. And if that |
| least), you can't guarantee you'll find what you | | | | doesn't persuade him to get shopping, then you |
| want when it comes to present time. However, | | | | really are doomed to a lifetime of aquarium filters. |
| there is no harm in a well-placed comment about | | | | And the next parcel he gets might well be full of |
| the speed at which a favourite body cream has | | | | something even more costly from your friendly |
| disappeared, or how you must replace that tatty | | | | local solicitor. |
| looking bag. | | | | |