When it comes to buying gifts for girlfriends or wives, men often enter into a zone that can best be described as paralysis. You often feel as though you're in a no-win situation. If you don't buy a gift, you'll definitely be in the doghouse. Yet, if you buy the wrong gift, you may end up getting fleas as well.
Women don't make the dilemma any easier, since they are notorious for expecting you to read their minds. After all, if you REALLY loved her, you'd know exactly what she's always longed for. You'd select the perfect gift and experience her glistening eyes and radiant smile as she showered you with thanks and praise. All too often, though, you get one of two reactions: if you're lucky, there's a slight trembling of the lip and a tight smile as she struggles not to show her disappointment. If you're not lucky, you're subject to a withering look and a deep sigh that signals you've once again failed in the gift-giving department. It's no wonder that, at gift giving occasions, men either make themselves scarce or resign themselves to an excruciating experience.
Some men think that the way around a woman's potential disappointment is to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a gift. There are two problems with this approach: first, the amount a gift costs is irrelevant if it's not what she truly wants. Second, you're likely to resent spending more than you can afford on a gift that you know has a good chance of not meeting her expectations.
Lest you consider giving up before you even get started, know that opportunities exist to buy discount gifts that will meet or exceed her expectations. The secret to winning her over is to make your gift personal. Here are some great ideas to help you hit a home run with her the next time you give her a gift:
Perfumes: A woman's scent is her signature. If you don't know what kind of perfumes she wears, sneak a peak in her boudoir. A gift of perfumes, or bath and body products in the scent she loves, will let her know you've been paying attention. For an even more personal touch, include an antique perfumes atomizer in the package.
Jewelry: By its very nature, jewelry is personal. Plus, you can find jewelry at many discount gifts outlets. The trick is to know her tastes. While a ring might signify more than you're willing to communicate, a beautiful choker or pair of earrings - or even a toe ring - will let her know you care.
Gifts for Pets: The way to a woman's heart is through her pets. If you're giving her a holiday gift, be sure to include small gifts for her pets. You can get discount gifts for pets - such as a new water bowl or a cute doggie T-shirt - at many online malls.
Lingerie: Lingerie is an extremely personal gift. Keep two things in mind when selecting lingerie. First, make sure you know her size. Giving her lingerie that doesn't fit can make her self-esteem plummet. Second, make sure the lingerie is a gift for HER, not for you. Select something that will make her feel good about herself.
Electronics: Although you may think gifts of electronics are reserved for men, that's simply not the case. Many online shops offer discount gifts that fall into the category of electronics. The trick is to make it personal. If you give her a cordless phone, charge it and program the speed dial feature with your phone number. If you buy a digital camera, load some pictures of the two of you onto the memory card. If you purchase an iPod, load it with her favorite music.
Whatever you select for her - whether it's a household item, games, painted glass, or lingerie - she's sure to love it if you put some thought into personalizing it. And don't forget, you don't have to break the bank to express your affection. Discount gifts give you a variety of options that will endear her to you.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Gifts and Collectibles Website and Majon's Gifts and Collectibles directory.