Gentlemen – Buying for girls isn’t easy but I can help if you’ll let me. Sometimes even her Mom or Dad doesn’t know what to get for her. (take a gander at the ugly yellow pillow or the personalized pink striped cosmetic bag that’s languishing in her closet…How do you think they got in there?) Here’s some advice for giving to gals that may simplify your life. In this little guide I’ll outline a few DO’s and a few Don’ts which should make my points clear and simple. If you follow them you’ll, almost always, get your lady the perfect gift. (I’d tell you that my system is “foolproof” but, fellas, we’re talking about the most enigmatic creatures on this planet…Women.)
DONT’s
•DON’T Buy her something that you’d like to see her wear. Lingerie is usually a “you” gift – not a “her” gift. I’m sure she’d look great in it but that’s for your eyes only and it’s really the gift you’d like her to buy for you. (I’m assuming that you like her to wear it, although I don’t judge, and to each his own.)
•DON’T Purchase the same item that you got your Mom or your Aunt. If I need to explain why you’ve probably got bigger issues.
• DON’T Get her bath oil, body cream, or scented soap. Look in her bathroom closet. She doesn’t need more “product’. If she does; she’s already ordered it.
•DON’T Buy her a gift card (especially one of those generic Visa, Amex, or MasterCard ones). NOTHING – says “I’ve no imagination and have put zero time and/or effort into finding a gift for you” than one of these cards. She knows that you can, and probably did, pick them up in a drug store or supermarket. If you must go the gift card route you should accompany it with her favorite guilty pleasure, a pair of warm pajamas, a gorgeous piece of jewelry, some hot cocoa, a scented candle and a great “chick flick” video.
DO’S
• DO Look at her Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram accounts. If you know where she shops…ask them if she’s got a wish list there? Technology is a great tool and your best friend – USE IT!
• DO Ask her. I know asking her sounds too simple but she’ll love you for asking (even if she doesn’t tell you exactly what her heart desires).
• DO Listen to her. Women are big at dropping hints. They drop hints you’ll practically trip over. I know that’s counter intuitive, for us guys, but “man up” and pay some attention to what your lady says. Did she say she needed to go shopping for a new jacket or warm gloves? Did she fall in love with something shiny at the jewelry store? (Remember, when she took her precious time and went with you to get your watch serviced?) If you listen she’ll practically do all the work of choosing her gift for you.
• DO Use a little imagination and intuition. With a little love, some shoe leather, and a bit of thought when picking out something. When you do she will be sure to smile from ear to ear. Ask yourself “what colors does she love to wear?”. Where are her favorite restaurants or what are cuisines? What kind of music is she into? What items are on her “bucket list”? What shops are her “faves”? The answers to some or all of these basic questions will, invariably, lead you to a great present.
Now that you have the broad strokes (no pun intended, fellas) you are on your way to coming up with some truly great ideas and –
If all else fails… DIAMONDS ARE A GUYS BEST FRIEND!
Sorry (not sorry) because I am a jeweler and I just couldn’t resist a shameless plug. Alright. Alright! I’m a little bit ashamed of that last line – but not very.
Love,
Bill “your barefoot jeweler”