Gifts for Girlfriends

If you are clueless as to how to shop for gifts that your female friends won't simply stash away in the closet, your thoughtfulness has led you a step closer to finding answers. Wanting to get your girlfriends' presents that will be treasured or are at least practical will more likely result in gratitude that is genuine and not plainly obligatory. If this is your first time searching for personalized gifts that the women in your life will value, don't worry; the process becomes more effortless over time.

Considerations

The recipient's tastes and preferences are where your primary clues lie when gift-shopping for your female friends. Even when you've already pinned down that she likes wearing dresses, what kinds she favors still remain a major factor requiring your attention. If you want your gift to please a girlfriend, be sensitive to what she finds pleasurable. To not raise her suspicions, learn to be extra observant around her so you don't have to resort to casually bringing up your queries in conversations that might give you away.

Significance

Even if there is no room in your budget for extravagant purchases, the thought behind a present is what matters to a girlfriend who appreciates you. To show that she is important to you as well, do not let significant events or milestones in her life go by without some form of acknowledgment accompanied by a heartfelt token. If you presently cannot afford the pricey designer jeans you've seen her admiring, give of yourself instead. Put your talents to use--for instance, you can make her look stunning for her birthday dinner if you are a skilled makeup artist, or you can be the cook at a surprise party for her where all the attendees chip in for the expenses.

Types

Other than what can be deemed stereotypical gifts for girlfriends--flowers, candy and jewelry, for example--there is also the gift card option. A gift card or gift certificate to a store that your girlfriend frequently patronizes might elicit more excitement than an expensive pair of stilettos, especially if she already has the same pair or just recently made the decision to stop wearing all footwear less sensible than pumps. You can also indulge your girlfriend's less-girlie side for a change if you haven't yet. Look into what she finds so appealing about sweating up a storm in her kickboxing home workout videos so you can gauge if she would be thrilled to receive an all-expenses-paid spot in an actual kickboxing class.

Size

Bigger, flashier and more expensive gifts do not automatically win a woman over, if that is what you are hoping to accomplish. This does not mean she won't be thankful for that brand-new cute imported car or a sparkly diamond bracelet. Just don't expect her to finally say "Yes!" to your marriage proposal or anything else along those lines merely because you spent a great deal of money on her. Surely, films, books and society in general all have contributed to the idea of women getting blinded by millions of dollars and upscale presents. After all, in the olden days a woman was dependent on her mate for survival. Since this does not apply to the entire female population, there should be a shift in any old-fashioned ideas of a woman generally basing her love and friendship choices mostly on status.

Warning

Do not give a girlfriend presents you assume she'll enjoy simply because she's a woman. This tip may apply particularly--but not exclusively--to male gift-givers who have previously not undertaken the task. A girl won't automatically be highly appreciative of makeup just because you've observed that the other women you know seem to like it. Along similar lines, if you are a female yourself and you are eying the latest bottle of perfume or perhaps a new tank top at the mall, you may consciously or unconsciously buy it for a girlfriend only to realize one day that you've borrowed it and apparently have no intention of taking it back. If you want to give a gift that serves the purpose of bringing the recipient joy, by all means focus on what you think the recipient would actually like to have.

Resources

• How to Give Beauty Products as a Gift