How to Buy a Gift for a Girlfriend

Congrats! For starters you didn't forget its her birthday, your anniversary, or that a major holiday is around the corner. But now you're stuck and have no clue what to get her. Here are some helpful tips so you're sure to avoid bad gift choices.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thoughtfulness

1. 

   Do not buy her clothes. Woman's sizes are not the same as mens, and generally women wear a different size depending on the brand. This gift idea is sure to backfire.

2. 

   Don't buy her a gift card. Although women can be picky and this seems like an easy way out of buying her the wrong color or size; gift certificates are not personal. However, purchasing her a gift certificate for a spa or massage is perfectly acceptable.

3. 

   Only buy her lingerie if it's a couple holiday like your anniversary or Valentine's Day. But buying lingerie if the relationship is new can give her the wrong impression of your intentions no matter what the occasion is. If you wait and shop for lingerie together, you'll know both of you are comfortable and you won't have to worry about picking the correct size.

4. 

   Never buy her cosmetic products. This will only make her think you are unhappy with the way she looks and you're trying to imply something or change her.

5. 

   You should never EVER buy exercise equipment for your girlfriend unless she gives you strict orders to do so. Otherwise, this will only lead her to believe you think she's out of shape and you want her to lose weight.

6. 

   Avoid buying the last minute gift. Every woman wants to believe her man thought long and hard about what to get her. Trust me, she will know if you put time and thought into the gift. Giving from your heart and personalizing it means everything!

Tips & Warnings

• Engraving a gift with something personal is a great touch!
• Spa & massage packages are great gifts!
• Every woman loves jewelry. Its classic and timeless. Look at her jewelry collection and you'll get an idea for her style.
• If you're to the stage in your relationship where a marriage proposal might be expected, don't give her a ring, unless it is an engagement ring. She may misconstrue the gift then be disappointed.

Resources

• How to Pick The Best Vacation

[sneedc]

on 11/17/2008 I was wanting to learn WHAT TO buy her, so I think your article's title ought to read WHAT NOT TO BUY your girlfriend! I bought my son's girlfriend sour patch kids and energy drinks for her 17th.

[hopekee]

on 10/29/2008 I think 1fstc5vette's comment was really for step 3. I had to edit this article because Step 1 was duplicated twice.

[1fstc5vette]

on 10/28/2008 great tips! I'm guilty of step 4 though:) 5 stars for you!

[veryirie]

on 10/28/2008 Looks like somebody knows what he's talking about! :)

[MommyBear]

on 10/27/2008 Love this. I will forward this to my friend who is clueless as to what to give his girlfriend for her birthday. Thanks!