1. Clothes...Dresses, skirts, sweaters.
Unless, you're Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" and he's your Richard Gere, girls go running for the hills!! Homeboy, you have a vision of a woman your definitely not dating. Either you have OCD/control issues or you should really accept this girl for who she is.
2. Figurines or statues.
Precious Moments are cute for little girls and were cute in middle school and high school, as adults not so much.
3. Regifted gifts your mom swears she's going to L-O-V-E!
Uh, no really. At the very least, go to Hallmark pick out a simple card, write "Babe, I'm not good with these kind of things, but I hope you enjoy shopping" and add a $50+ gift card to the store she frequents the most!
4. Fake Jewelry
Let's get one thing straight guys, fake jewelry turns GREeEeEeEN! So, if you're going to get her earrings, a necklace, bracelet or ring...please get the real thing. For the love of G-d silver is inexpensive and sentimental - quit being cheap.
5. Shoes!
Ever seen those DSW commercials, where women are like lionesses stalking their prey...yea, let a woman enjoy the chase of the sale and perfect fit!
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1. Socks OR underwear!
Leave this fun job for his mom & aunts, for now they're the only ones
that should look at him with the eyes of a baby that still wears diapers.
2. Video games.
...Unless, of course, you're prepared to get sucked into the game until he beats each level. C'mon ladies, let's be honest, you'd have no one to blame but yourself for not going out or spending time outside the house.
3. Toys.
No really, if he's into collecting Batman figurines either he should buy it for himself or a sibling can get it for him. We're looking for substance; avoid indulgence.
4. Gag gifts.
They may be funny within the first 5 minutes he opens it, but be real the next thought is going to be "NEXT!"
5. Shoes!
Ladies, we know how picky we are when it comes to "the right shoe" not to mention the thrill of trying on a pair, walking over to the mirror and picturing the perfect ensemble for the shoes. Believe it or not, guys like this also! Don't believe me? Go to Niketown or Sports Authority and witness the magic of men shoe shopping!
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0-3 months : you're in like. life is great. you eat out regularly. you're both trying to impress one another. But it may be too soon to splurge on something too expensive, like jewelry or name brand wallet. Give the relationship a little more time to develop but still leave a lasting impression.
Try gifting a giant stuft animal and an over the top christmas card that holds a game card or movie tickets; it promises another date and shows you're interested in seeing more of each other.
But if plush toys and greeting cards are not your thing, try a framed picture of the two of you on vacation or a fun nite out. Halloween's coming up- take pictures & frame it!! The idea is to plant the seed people...pictures are memories frozen in time, so remember the good times! If the relationship fizzles after month 3 cough it up as another learned experience and move forward. Pa' fuera! Pa' la calle....!
3-6 months : Things can definitely take a turn for the best here. Since you're still in the "look at me cause I wanna look at you" stage. Observe and take notes...IF he likes Lacoste or Ralph Lauren try getting him a nice polo and sweater. He'll definitely use during the winter time and even though it's put away for most of the year he'll always think of you during the cold season!
Guys do the same, take notice of what she's into...maybe a nice scarf from a department store will send her into your arms! Think body warmth, who better than your boyfriend and/or girlfriend!?
6-12 months : you like eachother a lot more by this point (hopefully anyway). you're still dressing to impress and hopefully making his engine vrroooommm and/or her kitty purrrrrrrrr (if you know what I mean)!
Lingerie all the way! Get sexy, be romantic. And show off those exotic moves you've been working on. Also another excellent gift would be a Spa getaway or Couples massage.
12-24 months : you've already passed the one year mark and looking forward to giving AND receiving something with a little more "investment". Something that says, I care about you or (if you're there) I love you and don't want to be without you.
Flowers are a great start, guys. Then, definitely jewelry. Keep it classy, try Tiffany's, Mayors, Tous, Judith Ripka, David Yurman, Movado, etc. Great watches for the men.
Season tickets for the sports enthusiast OR the latest gadget for the techi boyfriends may also work.
Anything more than 2 years - well this can be tricky - if you're not looking to get married- Jewelry (necklaces, charm bracelets, or promise ring, etc), purses, wallets, money clips, car stuff, tickets to his favorite sport, and vacations are always a perfect fit.
Remember to give attention to detail. You should have a sense of one another by now, if s/he's been mentioning how much s/he'd really like (insert your xmas wish here) then surprise s/him by getting it! This is especially important for the guys, little things like this shows us you were listening and not simply tuning us ladies out!
Can't forget the, ahem, rekindled romance couples...I say throw out all the rules and play your own game! Live in the like stage, play with the married stage, enjoy the boyfriend/girlfriend stage.
What the heck? Splurge, don't splurge, at this point you know where both of you stand and should be able to talk about your needs and truly fulfill eachother without trying to "figure it out".
Lastly -
MAJOR, MAJOR, MAJOR this is for both MEN & WOMEN - No matter what, when gifting always include a card and a cute message.
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What's the best and worst christmas gift you've ever gotten??
OMG, this was a fun blog for me...thanx for reading, ily all
xoxo always karla
