Five Worst Holiday Gifts and Great Alternative Presents for Women

It's the holiday season and once again you put off shopping too long. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Diwali, Kwanzaa or any other gift giving holiday, if you're a guy, you'll be out shopping on the eve of the holiday. Don't deny it, you know it's true. And since you put off shopping so long, you'll be in a hurry and probably grab the first thing you see. If you are shopping for another guy, it's no biggee. He's probably done the same thing many times. If you are shopping for a woman: your wife, girlfriend, mother, daughter, etc. they will not understand, as they do not shop like you. They've been planning your gift since September. But never fear, I am here to bail you out of your own foolhardy mess. Here are five gifts ideas that you should avoid like H1N1; but I've also appended several alternate gifts that will always be appreciated.

Avoid: Lingerie and most clothing. If you wimp out and get her a teddy or nightie that you think is sexy, two problems will be set in motion. First your idea of sexy lingerie will be tacky, itchy and sleazy. Contrary to popular belief cheesy French maid's costumes are ridiculously uncomfortable. Next, you motive is transparent and pathetic. Third, you'll buy the wrong size, guaranteed. This holds for clothing, too. If you buy it too small, she'll burst into tears because she can't fit it. If you buy it too large, she'll burst into tears because she thinks you think she's fat.

Alternative: Victoria's Secret gift card. You can shop together and have fun. Or she can choose one of Victoria's Secret's comfy bras or great fragrances. Or better still, a gift certificate to www.greatergood.com. or www.fairindigo.com These gifts and clothing are organic and fairly traded.

Avoid: Flowers. Nothing screams last minute like cut flowers. And nothing is less festive than $40 worth of dead flowers on December 26. Besides many people have allergies to cut flowers.

Alternative: A plant; I suggest a small tree or ivy plant. Norfolk Island pines have soft needles, are resiliant and attractive and best of all, an evergreen represents enduring love as does ivy.

Avoid: Candy. Another last minute screamer. Besides, if you give us candy we won't be able to fit into that sexy lingerie you gave us last year. Another immenent burst of tears. Besides, remember diabetics, people with tree nut allergies and the lactose-intolerant.

Alternative: A picnic basket for two, filled with healthy goodies and a bottle of wine. Very romantic.

Avoid: Small appliances and house hold gadgets. These translate to work and this is a holiday. Do we give you motor oil and an oil filter or lawn and leaf bags for Christmas. Besides if we want a new electric frying pan, we know how to shop for it and will get a better price than your last minute one anyway.

Alternative: Soft furry pillows and blanket or comforter. If you must get household items, choose a gift that represents relaxation, not work.

Avoid: Useless small appliances. For the same reason listed for small appliances, things like quesadilla makers, Margarita makers and rice cookers not only represent work, they are totally ridiculous.

Alternative: If you must get us an appliance, get something fun and creative that saves us work, not creates it. An outdoor fireplace or Aerogarden with herb starters is at least fun and useful. Even a breadmaker is better than a rice cooker.

For more on gift giving, visit me at www.giftgivingguides.blogspot.com. All the best this holiday season.