Buying a Gift For a Girlfriend

How not to get it wrong!
 

The thought of buying a gift for a girlfriend seems to send many men into a flat spin. Either that or they don’t give it much thought at all.  If, like me, you’re the kind of guy who does think about it, figuring out what makes a good gift for a girlfriend can be daunting, especially if you have past experience of getting it wrong. Many women are fussy about what they like or don’t like, and if you’re dating a girl like that you may feel a sense of doom as her birthday approaches. What can you possibly get her that she’ll be sure to like, won’t offend her and will gain you brownie points?  

These are just some of the questions that race through my mind whenever there is an upcoming buying-a-gift-for-a-girlfriend event. Maybe I should have put that phrase in capital letters. It’s that serious. No other gift-giving has the same power to bother me, not even if it’s for my mom. You’re saying a lot when you get a gift for a girlfriend, no matter what you get her. And to her mind, every gift has major significance. A bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates may be good gifts at some point in a relationship; at another it could be grounds for getting dumped.

But fear not!  Buying a nice gift for a girlfriend can be a lot easier than you think.  The most important thing is: don’t panic.  So what if you only have a couple days left to do the deed. You can do a lot in two days.  If you panic you will make a fundamental error; you will impulse buy. That is not good, believe me. Inhale deeply and try to employ some rational thought.  You need to think about what your girlfriend means to you and what kind of message you want to convey in a gift. If you want to show her how much you love her, don’t hold back. An expensive gift will always impress a girlfriend. If you can’t afford it, then a gift which shows you’ve put some thought into making it personal will do just as well. An important note: if your girlfriend tells you it doesn’t matter what you get her, or that she doesn’t really need anything, don’t believe her! That will lead to disaster.

So, what about some practical ideas for a gift for a girlfriend? It’s hard to go wrong with jewelry, especially if it comes in a nice box and is from a quality jewelry store. Be aware of the type of jewelry she likes and try to get something that fits her style. Another good gift for a girlfriend is clothing, although this is only recommended if you know her size and taste. Something silky like a chemise or a robe is nice, or maybe a soft wool sweater. Lingerie can be something she’ll either love or hate, so think carefully before buying, no matter how much you want to see her in a basque and stockings. If she has interests and hobbies then buy her something she needs or wants in connection with them. It will show her you pay attention to the things that bring her pleasure. Similarly, if you can help with something she’s struggling with, for instance a new bike instead of her old rickety one, then go ahead. Speak to her best friend; she’s probably going to have a better idea than you about what to give your girlfriend as a gift.

If you have to resort to the old standbys of perfume or cosmetics, then at least try to get something a little out of the ordinary. Maybe that expensive perfume she’s been saying she would love, or a luxury box of cosmetics.

Buying a gift for a girlfriend doesn’t have to be a reason for despair. Give yourself time, think about it, pay attention so you know her tastes, and employ the help of others who know her, if need be. It may seem like a lot of trouble, but, believe me, it will be worth it in the end! And if you don’t make an effort – well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.