Gift-giving advice from the Toronto Sun...the bottom is especially important- ha!
Sat, December 24, 2005
Better watch out!
Guys, some advice on buying gifts for your special gal
By VALERIE GIBSON, TORONTO SUN
Are you a bad gift giver?
Does your partner or family cringe when they open your present on Christmas morning?
You're not alone.
Although tomorrow morning will find many folks overcome with joy, pleasure and surprise at their gifts, just as many will be horrified at what they unwrap. Maybe even annoyed and even hurt. Especially women.
I don't want to make guys nervous, but the reason for that is because, far from thinking "it's the thought that counts," there's a lot more to it.
So, for men, here's the goods on How a Woman Really Sees Her Gift.
Women see a gift from their partner as an indication not just to the extent of a partner's thoughtfulness, but how much that partner cares about them.
They judge that by how much effort their guy has put into finding out their personal details, needs and preferences. They'll then immediately work out from all this where the relationship is at present and where it's going.
Betcha didn't know all that was wrapped up in that small package, did you? It's enough to send attached males to the drinks cupboard first thing tomorrow.
Men, on the other hand, are far more sanguine and easygoing about the gifts they get.
They don't see gift giving as a pyschology or relationship test but, to be fair, maybe that's because most women are usually pretty good at getting them exactly what they want.
However, for guys who want to know if the gift they bought is okay and will be well received, here's a list of items you've probably bought your beloved and here's why they won't work.
But don't panic! There's still all day today to dash out and set things right! Or face the consequences.
PERFUME
I know men think it's the ideal gift to give their partner, but do you know which one is her favourite? She'll expect you to as women see perfume as an extension of themselves -- very personal. If you don't know, then she'll say you didn't care enough to find out. Also beware getting her cheap stuff from a drugstore. Again the "don't care enough."
UNDIES
Yeah, yeah, I know you'd like to see her in those skimpy thongs and bras with nipple cutouts but unless she's clearly indicated she's into pornstar outfits, she'll hate them. Good quality, pretty lingerie is good but bad if it's the wrong size. Too small or too big? Both will offend.
SLIPPERS AND GLOVES
B-o-r-i-n-g and that's what she'll think you're saying about her with this gift, especially if they're the sensible kind. Ditto slippers with animal faces. It helps a lot if the slippers are sexy with a heel and maybe some sparkles on them and that the gloves are expensive and cashmere-lined.
CLOTHING
They'd better be the right size buddy or you're in deep doo-doo. Too large and she'll think you think she's fat; too small and she'll think you want her thinner. Women prefer to buy their own clothing so better to give a gift card for a sizeable amount at their favourite fashion store.
APPLIANCES
Here's hoping this isn't your choice for her, unless she specifically asked for something. It's a rare woman who thinks a kitchen or work appliance is a loving, thoughtful gift, even if it makes life easier for her. I know -- hard for a guy to understand, but take it from a woman who knows. Also, take my word for it, oven mitts suck.
SEX TOYS, BOOKS, VIDEOS AND GAMES
You have to have a really good sex life together to give these to a woman -- a really good sex life where such stuff is already in play. If not, she'll think you feel your sex life isn't good enough and needs spicing up. In other words, she may feel threatened and demeaned. If she shrieks with joy at the unwrapping, you're in for a truly festive season!
THINGS NEVER EVER TO GIVE TO A WOMAN UNLESS YOU WANT A FIGHT OR A DIVORCE
Sports items, game tickets, diet books, a fitness membership, power tools, beer fridge, car cleaning kit, shaver, ice scraper or padded toilet seat.
GIFTS THAT WOMEN LOVE
Spa certificates, books, DVDs and CDs, the latest cellphone, BlackBerry, laptop, cruise tickets and good jewelry -- especially good jewelry.
Better watch out!
Guys, some advice on buying gifts for your special gal
By VALERIE GIBSON, TORONTO SUN
Are you a bad gift giver?
Does your partner or family cringe when they open your present on Christmas morning?
You're not alone.
Although tomorrow morning will find many folks overcome with joy, pleasure and surprise at their gifts, just as many will be horrified at what they unwrap. Maybe even annoyed and even hurt. Especially women.
I don't want to make guys nervous, but the reason for that is because, far from thinking "it's the thought that counts," there's a lot more to it.
So, for men, here's the goods on How a Woman Really Sees Her Gift.
Women see a gift from their partner as an indication not just to the extent of a partner's thoughtfulness, but how much that partner cares about them.
They judge that by how much effort their guy has put into finding out their personal details, needs and preferences. They'll then immediately work out from all this where the relationship is at present and where it's going.
Betcha didn't know all that was wrapped up in that small package, did you? It's enough to send attached males to the drinks cupboard first thing tomorrow.
Men, on the other hand, are far more sanguine and easygoing about the gifts they get.
They don't see gift giving as a pyschology or relationship test but, to be fair, maybe that's because most women are usually pretty good at getting them exactly what they want.
However, for guys who want to know if the gift they bought is okay and will be well received, here's a list of items you've probably bought your beloved and here's why they won't work.
But don't panic! There's still all day today to dash out and set things right! Or face the consequences.
PERFUME
I know men think it's the ideal gift to give their partner, but do you know which one is her favourite? She'll expect you to as women see perfume as an extension of themselves -- very personal. If you don't know, then she'll say you didn't care enough to find out. Also beware getting her cheap stuff from a drugstore. Again the "don't care enough."
UNDIES
Yeah, yeah, I know you'd like to see her in those skimpy thongs and bras with nipple cutouts but unless she's clearly indicated she's into pornstar outfits, she'll hate them. Good quality, pretty lingerie is good but bad if it's the wrong size. Too small or too big? Both will offend.
SLIPPERS AND GLOVES
B-o-r-i-n-g and that's what she'll think you're saying about her with this gift, especially if they're the sensible kind. Ditto slippers with animal faces. It helps a lot if the slippers are sexy with a heel and maybe some sparkles on them and that the gloves are expensive and cashmere-lined.
CLOTHING
They'd better be the right size buddy or you're in deep doo-doo. Too large and she'll think you think she's fat; too small and she'll think you want her thinner. Women prefer to buy their own clothing so better to give a gift card for a sizeable amount at their favourite fashion store.
APPLIANCES
Here's hoping this isn't your choice for her, unless she specifically asked for something. It's a rare woman who thinks a kitchen or work appliance is a loving, thoughtful gift, even if it makes life easier for her. I know -- hard for a guy to understand, but take it from a woman who knows. Also, take my word for it, oven mitts suck.
SEX TOYS, BOOKS, VIDEOS AND GAMES
You have to have a really good sex life together to give these to a woman -- a really good sex life where such stuff is already in play. If not, she'll think you feel your sex life isn't good enough and needs spicing up. In other words, she may feel threatened and demeaned. If she shrieks with joy at the unwrapping, you're in for a truly festive season!
THINGS NEVER EVER TO GIVE TO A WOMAN UNLESS YOU WANT A FIGHT OR A DIVORCE
Sports items, game tickets, diet books, a fitness membership, power tools, beer fridge, car cleaning kit, shaver, ice scraper or padded toilet seat.
GIFTS THAT WOMEN LOVE
Spa certificates, books, DVDs and CDs, the latest cellphone, BlackBerry, laptop, cruise tickets and good jewelry -- especially good jewelry.