Top Gift Ideas for Girlfriends, Wives and Mothers. Men, find the perfect gift or surprise for that special person by reading our top gift buying tips.
Many men hate shopping and conversely many women like to receive something for birthday's, anniversary's and the occasional "just because" gift. Gift buying often conjures great fear in many men. First off they have to navigate complex shopping centres, ward off pushy sales assistants and endure the extreme pressure to make the right choice. Gift buying can send men into a type of comatose state, i.e they end up leaving it to the very last minute, or just don't get anything, or anything good.
Men the following gift buying guidelines will assist you in being the "perfect" partner!
1. Buy a Card
They say it is the thought that counts and in many cases that is true. Every gift no matter how large or small is always appreciated that little bit more if given with a card. It isn't actually the card the counts, but the kind words that you pen inside. If you have completely unable to express yourself, splash out on a card that has already written the kind words for you. Cards in a newsagent will cost around $4.99 or you can even grab some off a $1.00 stand. Cards really count.
2. Don't leave gift buying to the very last minute
Plan a little in advance. This way, even if you don't have time to browse around a shopping centre you can always buy a something online and have it delivered on time. Last minute gift buying can end in disaster.
3. Buying Flowers
Flowers are a great gift for some occasions but simply won't do on their own for others. Flowers are a great surprise "just because" gift, and an excellent romantic gift, but not a great gift soley for a birthday, especially a big birthday such as a 21st or 30th. Flowers are a great companion gift to go with a a romantic night out or an anniversary dinner. Buying a bunch of flowers off the side of the road as a last minute birthday gift are OK for a "just because" gift. When buying flowers try and remember what flowers your partner likes or doesn't like. Flowers with a card is a really lovely gift. Flowers delivered at work can be especially romantic - unless you have done something wrong!
4. Listen very carefully
Women drop hints generally on a daily basis about what they like, what they want, where they want to go, what restaurants they want to try, what they like and what they don't like. Try and listen and take a few notes, especially if there is a big "occasion" on the horizon.
5. Gift Vouchers
Vouchers are a great way to allow your girlfriend/wife to buy something that they really want. They can be a little impersonal or they can be really fabulous. Buying a Mall or Department Store voucher with a card that say's please go and buy those "sunglasses, handbag, top" that you had your eye one, is a little more personal. Vouchers for a beauty treatment only suit some women, not all women enjoy hanging out at the beauty parlour and often these need to be acted on within a short time span and it is not always achievable. Take time to "think" about a voucher and find the right one.
6. Gift ideas for Big Birthday's or Anniversaries
Big occasions require a little more thought. What ever you do on a normal birthday or anniversary needs to be upped for a big one. Gifts are generally a lot more important and you need to know and understand your partner to know what will make them happy! Jewelery is a big winner, if you get it right. Revisit a jewelery store and ask for advice. Plan a romantic dinner/night or even better weekend away. Organise the entire thing, including babysitter, if needs be. The effort you put in will pay off.
7. Get Help
Big occasions may mean that the shopping required is beyond you current capabilities, don't be afraid to seek the ear of a best friend (secret squirrel) and really get advice from the front-line. It is ok to ask around to get some ideas and suggestions. Women appreciate men who make an effort.
8. Don't be Cheap
Good gift buying doesn't have to cost the earth and if you plan in advance you can even shop around for the best price. We understand if you are on a budget (make sure you get the card) it is really about the effort that goes into it, but don't be really cheap and get anything nasty. The 2 dollar shop is "off limits".
9. Don't buy a gift for you
Avoid giving housework related gifts, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, washing machines etc. No woman wants to be reminded of the domestic chores that take up half their day on their birthday. Try not to buy a gift for yourself, a reminder that "power tools" are generally not gifts that are really appreciated except in very special circumstances.
10. Don't hate it
As uncomfortable as shopping for a gift may make you, it is important to genuinely try and find a way that you can express your love, appreciation, respect to your special lady. But acting or letting your partner feel in "any" way that you find it painful or a burden to buy them a gift can be interpreted as "you just don't care". Fake it till you make and try and enjoy finding ways to put smile on your girls face.
Remember - a happy wife is a happy life!
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