How to Buy Lingerie as a Gift

Lingerie is the classic gift of sensuality, but actually purchasing and giving it can be intimidating. Use these tips to get make buying intimate apparel easy and fun.

Choose the occasion wisely. The safest bet is to give lingerie as a "just because" gift. Whether lace, satin, latex or leather, lingerie is a gift for you as much as it is for her. Unless you know that it is the one thing your wife or girlfriend wants, opt for something else on birthdays, anniversaries or holidays--something that you won't get major benefits from. When you give something sexy "just because," you are telling your lover that you couldn't keep your mind off of her.

Buy the best you can afford. Don't go to the nearest big box chain store and grab the pink cotton nightie on the discount rack. Instead, opt for a store a few levels up the expense chain higher than where your girlfriend or wife usually shops. One perfect piece of lingerie is a better than a drawer full of cheapies.

Think about what turns you on. If you are in a relationship, odds are she wants to please you as much as you want to please her! Think of lingerie as a gift to you both, and choose a style and color that you love and think will look delicious on her.

Check the size. If you don't know what size she wears, a knowledgeable salesperson may be able to help you figure it out. Unless you know her exact measurements, choose something with a little give (such as a negligee or lace-up camisole) instead of the more fitted bras and corsets. When in doubt, guess small. If it is too tight, the lingerie won't have to stay on that long, but the ego trip will last all night.

Choose something different. Think about what she already has and buy something different. If she tends to wear a lot of negligees, choose a camisole and tap pants combination. If she always wears lace, grab a leather corset. Whatever you do, don't duplicate a purchase! You'll be sending the signal that her lingerie selection is forgettable.

Wrap appropriately. Lingerie is an indulgence! Don't just stick your carefully chosen selection in a gift bag. Wrap it in delicately scented tissue paper, secure with a beautiful ribbon, slide it in a gift box then wrap with a thick, creamy paper. Finer department stores can do this for you.

Pick your moment. Don't shove your gift toward your mate when she gets home from work and expect her to model it for you. Treat her to dinner (cook it yourself for bonus points) and a bite of a decadent dessert, pour her a bubble bath, light some candles then present your gift for the best results.