Gift Buying - Tips For Men

Buying a gift for the woman in your life really shouldn't be that difficult.

There are shops full of lovely things. The internet contains more gift ideas than any human being could possibly look through in one lifetime. You may even have been given several helpful hints over the last few months.

And yet, here you are.

Completely stuck.

Don't worry. You're not the first, and you certainly won't be the last.

So, before panic sets in and you find yourself standing in a shop the day before her birthday wondering whether a new kettle could be considered romantic, here are a few simple gift-buying tips.

First, Think About the Woman You're Buying For

This sounds obvious.

It is also the bit people sometimes forget.

Before you start looking for a gift, stop and have a proper think about her.

What does she enjoy? What does she wear? Does she like classic styles or modern ones? Is she practical, sentimental, colourful, understated or impossible to describe without using the words “a bit of everything”?

Think about the things she likes.

Also think about the things she doesn't like.

If she has spent the last twenty years avoiding the colour yellow, her birthday is probably not the time to persuade her to reconsider.

The best gifts normally start with the person, not the product.

Pay Attention to the Clues

Women do occasionally mention things they like.

Sometimes more than once.

If she has stopped in front of the same shop window three times and said, “That's lovely”, there is a small possibility she thinks it's lovely.

Likewise, if she sends you a link accompanied by the words “I really like this”, she may not simply be sharing information for the good of mankind.

Pay attention.

It can make gift buying considerably easier.

Buying Clothes? Check the Size

If you're thinking about buying clothing, please check her size first.

And by “check”, I mean physically look at the label in a recent item of similar clothing.

Do not guess.

Do not rely on a vague memory from fifteen years ago.

And under no circumstances announce, as she opens the present, “I thought you were a 12.”

Different shops and brands can vary in sizing, so checking something she wears now is always the safest option.

If you're still unsure, a scarf or another accessory may be a less hazardous route.

Be Careful With Underwear

Yes, we're going there.

It can also be a present for you disguised as a present for her.

You know which one you're buying!

Be honest.

If it's something she would genuinely choose and enjoy wearing, wonderful.

If it requires complicated straps, instructions and the flexibility of a circus performer, perhaps have another think.

Look at the Colours She Actually Wears

Does she love bright colours, or does she prefer black, navy and neutral shades?

Look at her wardrobe. Look at the clothes she wears most often.

Then believe the evidence in front of you.

Buying a bright purple jumper because you think she “could do with a bit more colour” is not quite the same as choosing something you know she will love.

You are buying for her.

Not conducting a makeover.

Jewellery Can Be a Lovely Gift

Jewellery is a popular gift for a very good reason. It can be personal, thoughtful and something she can enjoy for years.

But once again, a little observation helps.

Does she normally wear gold-coloured or silver-coloured jewellery? Does she prefer small, delicate pieces or something bold and colourful?

Does she wear necklaces? Bracelets? Earrings?

And, before buying earrings, please check whether she has pierced ears.

I know.

But I'm mentioning it anyway.

If you've decided jewellery is the answer but are now staring at hundreds of necklaces in complete despair, our Jewellery Gift Buying Guide offers a few more practical hints.

Think About Her Interests

Personal gifts are often the ones that are remembered.

Does she love cats, dogs, gardening, flowers, butterflies or the seaside? Does she have a hobby or a particular interest?

A gift with a small connection to something she loves can show that you've actually thought about her.

There is one word of warning.

If she once mentioned liking elephants, this does not mean she wishes to receive an elephant-themed item for every birthday and Christmas until the end of time.

There are limits.

Start Looking Before the Day Before

Gift buying is much easier when you give yourself time.

Start looking a few weeks before the birthday, anniversary or special occasion.

This allows you to browse, think and perhaps even change your mind.

It also reduces the chance of presenting her with something slightly disappointing while explaining:

“I did see something you'd have loved, but they'd sold out.”

A wonderful thought.

Shame about the present.

Take the Price Ticket Off

Please remove the price.

If you've chosen the gift with care, she probably doesn't need or want to know exactly how much you paid for it.

Leaving the ticket attached either says “I forgot” or “please notice how much this cost”.

Neither adds much to the moment.

And Please Wrap It

You don't need to produce professional gift wrapping.

Nobody is expecting perfect bows, curled ribbons and handmade paper.

A slightly wonky parcel is absolutely fine.

It shows you made an effort.

What you should not do is plonk the present on her lap in the carrier bag it came home in.

Particularly if you've left the receipt in there as well.

The Best Gift-Buying Tip?

Pay attention.

Think about the person you're buying for rather than simply searching for 'gifts for women' and hoping for the best.

Notice the things she likes. Remember the hints. Give yourself enough time to choose something properly.

It doesn't have to be expensive.

It just needs to feel as though you chose it for her.

And if all else fails?

Well...

There's always chocolate and flowers.