Christmas Gift Giving Made Easy

Selecting and buying a gift that will be welcomed and appreciated by the recipient, whether male or female is essentially about one thing: knowing and understanding what it is the recipient enjoys or has an interest in. Since we are talking about the female of the species in this article, we will concentrate on what the woman or women in your life may be passionate about.

Here's a hint: While the woman in question may like gadgets and nice articles for the home, those are not likely the kind of gifts she wants to receive. Or, if you plan to get her something for the home, also include a gift that is of a more personal nature.

When a woman receives a gift for her birthday, anniversary or Christmas such as the newest and best steam iron, a crock pot, or even a fancy new washing machine-even if she has been begging for any of these items-these gifts still say to her that you see her as an extension of the house and house work. I know, go figure.

When guys get gifts such as the latest and greatest power tool, a new deer stand for safer and better hunting, or a lawn machine of any sort, they generally don't react negatively. In fact, most guys would be like a kid with a new toy if they received any of these types of gifts. Men don't think, "Well, I guess she only sees me as her handyman," or "Look, all she sees me as is a hunter-someone to bring home the bacon."

But recalling what author John Gray told us, women and men are from two different planets-Venus and Mars, to be exact. The point of this is that men and women think differently; of the two sexes, women are more emotional. But I don't have to tell that to any man who's experienced a woman going through a box of tissues while watching Steel Magnolias.

Now, to determine if you've understood what you've read so far, consider this scenario and decide if the actions of the male in the situation took into account the female's emotional side:

On their fifth wedding anniversary, the wife asked for a rocking chair. She had asked for a rocking chair for each anniversary prior to this fifth one, but now the couple's finances were on more stable ground. The wife didn't expect the husband to read her mind; she outright told him she'd really like a rocking chair for their anniversary and even pointed out a few she had in mind in a sale paper.

The husband, who considered himself a loving and considerate man, went out to purchase his wife's anniversary present before their anniversary date (which she began reminding him of at least a month ahead of time). He didn't know if he'd be able to get the gift wrapped, but he could surely buy a big bow to put on in for her.

On the day of their anniversary, the husband came into the house with a big grin on his face, asking his wife to sit down and close her eyes. With happy anticipation she did so. With happy anticipation the husband went outside to bring in his wife's gift.

When he had it in place before her, he excitedly told her she could open her eyes. When she did, her jaw nearly hit the floor. Sitting in front on her on the living room floor was a....crossbow.

Fellas, I can hear the thoughts ticking through your mind. "What a romantic husband he was-he wanted his wife to join him in hunting!" If those are YOUR thoughts, re-read the first portion of this article. When it was all said and done, the crossbow was not a weapon that the wife could even use, considering the strength required to cock the bow.

Perhaps it was in the husband's best interest that the wife could not use the gift, because her own thoughts may have been to use it on the gift-giver. When it was all said and done, the husband used the crossbow on his next hunting trip and brought home deer meat for the family.

The following Christmas, the husband provided his wife with a number of ideas for his gift. Imagine his surprise when he opened his Christmas gift and found a dress in his wife's size!

Many women will directly tell the man in their life what they would like to receive as a gift; other women provide hints and still others-mainly the young and uninitiated-will just hope the fella will "know" what to get her. And the truth is, you CAN know, if you just think about this woman who means so much to you.

What sort of music does she like? A CD or two of her favorite artists is an inexpensive gift that says you've been paying attention. Does she like to read? Have a favorite author? Still another inexpensive gift that says she is important enough to you that you've noticed.

Does the woman have any collections, such as dolls or plates or teaspoons or even shot glasses? Anything that is in the neighborhood of those collections would be a welcome gift. Is she an avid gardener or interested in photography? If you're unsure what she'd like in an area of her interest, a gift certificate or gift card to a store that sells related items would be welcome.

A side note here: gift cards and gift certificates are nice-they always fit, for one thing. But if you go this route, take the time to write a personal note in the card or letter in which you place the gift card/certificate. It won't take much of your time, but it will mean a world of happiness to her.

Have no money for gifts at all this Christmas? You can easily fashion a coupon book with items such as "breakfast in bed," or "hot bubble bath with candles and wine," or "foot massage." You get the idea here; little things that you could do for her that would make her life more pleasant.

Now that you're armed with the knowledge you need to make the female in your life happy, go forth and shop. And Merry Christmas.