How to Find a Christmas Gift for My Girlfriend

Sometimes, the best gifts don't come in boxes at all.

The pressure of choosing a Christmas gift for your girlfriend is intense, no matter how long you have been together. You may be plagued by nightmares of the 364 days of agony and shame that could follow when she opens up her present to find foot cream, a tooth-whitening kit or control-top pantyhose. Have hope, though, as you can easily avoid this terrible fate. With just a little thought, consideration and sleuthing, you can give your girlfriend a Christmas morning she will never forget -- in a good way.

Things You'll Need

• Pen and paper (for creating a list)
• DIY supplies, such as a scrapbooking kit

Instructions

Material Gifts

1. Start planning early. Waiting until the third week of December robs you of the time you need to put together a thoughtful, memorable gift.

2. Fish for hints. For example, if you casually say something like, "How nice would it be to get a massage," or "How cool are those new netbooks that just came out," you give her the chance to voice her opinion on a potential gift without revealing your intention.

3. Listen when she speaks. For example, if she complains about her coffee getting cold, consider an electric coffee cup warmer. If she always needs a pillow to stuff between her legs and a hot laptop, she might like an ergonomic laptop stand.

4. Ask friends for advice. Any friends of hers -- especially mutual friends -- will happily tell you of anything they know she wants.

5. Keep a list of possible gifts, and hide it well.

Unconventional Gifts

1. Forget material possessions and give her an experience. Planning a romantic night out like a private boat ride, a trip to the theater or something even more personal may be more meaningful than scented candles or a gift card.

2. Show her your sentimental side with a photo album or scrapbook. Homemade gifts take time and creativity, and she'll appreciate the effort you put into celebrating your relationship together.

3. Go outside your comfort zone to show some effort. For example, if you cook for your girlfriend three times a week, then cooking an extravagant meal might not seem special -- if you've never touched a ladle in your life, though, it demonstrates effort and care.

Tips & Warnings

• Never give a pet for Christmas without discussing it with your girlfriend in detail beforehand. While you may cherish the thought of giving her a cute and cuddly puppy, she may not want or be prepared for the commitment it takes to raise an animal.

References

• Marie Claire Magazine: Cute (& Budget Friendly!) Christmas Gifts
• Cosmopolitan Magazine: Cool Gifts Under $20
• Marie Claire Magazine: 17 Gifts That Don't Cost a Thing
• Get Rich Slowly: A Do-It-Yourself Christmas: 34 Great Homemade Gifts You Can Make
• CNN: Why NOT to Give a Pet for Christmas