The Ultimate Gift Guide for Women
Nov 24th, 2009 | Category: GeneralChoosing for a savvy chick can feel like searching for that elusive needle in the haystack. She is bound to have all the coolest things, and can spot something naff a mile off. Searching for gifts became a whole lot easier when virtually every reputable store went online. Nevertheless, it’s a HUGE haystack filled with desirable items. The important thing is to go to a little trouble in pinning down just the right item to appeal to the young woman in your life; it’s the effort you made that will shine through.
What follows are just a few ideas:
Under £30 Gifts
Go Rodent – £3.99
Go Rodent. More of a stocking-filler than a serious gift, at £4.95, this wind-up toy’s lack of sophistication is its charm. A de-stresser, perhaps, for the over-worked chick who can’t commit to a real pet? The rodent trundles round his exercise wheel, provided you wind him up.
Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual – £12.49
This smart hardback book is a mine of tips and tricks which every woman will enjoy dipping into. Veteran New York make-up artist Bobbi launched her own make-up range in 1991. As the sub-heading says, it’s for Everyone from Beginner to Pro. £12.49 from Amazon
‘One Hot Minute’ Bronzing Powder – £23.50
At £23.50, this nicely-packaged slice of reassuring luxury may seem a tad costly, but it won’t break the bank. And to the recipient it will bring a warm glow. Everyone swears by Benefit’s bronzers and this one – One Hot Minute – comes in an irresistible container with brush for dusting it on. Girls who don’t spend hours on their looks will appreciate this, particularly if they long to re-capture summer.
£30 – £60 Gifts
Sequined Purple Vest – £45
Nothing says ‘festive’ like sequins, and they were all over the catwalks this year. Sequins cover the front only of this vest, making it adaptable and not too formal. In a bold colour, it’s ideal choice for dressing up leggings. The daring wearer could even team it with the latest liquid leggings for top-to-toe sheen!
Pink Headphones – £50
Girls who know their sounds are sure to enjoy listening to their personal playlists even more through these rose-tinted Pan RP HTX7E Pink Headphones. Treat her to a touch of melodic girl heaven.
Clinique Happy Fragrance 50ml – £32
What scent? It’s the eternal dilemma. Unexciting to look at, Happy by Clinique pops up time and again on forums as a favourite among under-25s. It’s young, it’s light, and the multi-note citrus/floral combination is a tried and trusted cert.
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£60 – £90 Gifts
iPod shuffle, polished stainless steel £75
There is nothing quite as individual as a person’s taste in music. To complement hers, here is a truly special gift, the gleaming steel version of the well-known dinky iPod shuffle, this one is available exclusively from the Apple Store.
Freshwater Pearl 3-Strand Necklace – £69
Pearls are an essential item in a girl’s jewellery kit, and freshwater pearls provide a more up-to-the-minute twist. No two pearl necklaces are ever identical. Gorgeous with a black going-out dress, this three-strand necklace flatters any neck.
Gangster Suspender Brief – £65
If you are going to risk the cliché of buying lingerie, be guided by the following advice: don’t attempt to buy a bra, even if you know her size. Bra-shopping really is for girls. And do go for a brand that has the right sexy profile, like Agent Provocateur. We think their Gangster Suspender Brief – knickers and suspender belt in one – strikes just the right balance between fun and stylish wearability. In black satin, the hipster shape and the hint of a past era in the pleated trim make this garment saucy but posh.
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Gifts over £90
HD Ultra Slim Pocket Camcorder – £99.99
Forget trying to film using a mobile. Neat and compact, this movie-maker has several hi-tech features: not only is it high definition, there is also 8 x digital zoom and built-in stabilisation. You can use it as an MP3 player, too. The festivities around Christmas and New Year are a good enough excuse to give a camcorder. Hopefully, you won’t regret it!
Beatrix Ong Trainers – £190
Nike has teamed up with Beatrix Ong to come up with these high-top trainers offering sneaker-chic! An inspired blend of sports style with oriental whimsicality, the outfit hardly matters, as it’s the feet that will grab the limelight. These trainers have real rarity value and come with the reassurance that you get from a reliable sports brand.
Pocket scarf – £139
Banish the brrrr factor! The pizzazz which its big splash of carnation pink gives this scarf is craftily combined with the snuggliness of the pocket design. Few girls could resist it. No more hunting for gloves on a winter’s day; just wrap this hot number round the neck and head out. Made by Aubin and Wills – a brand with a youthful, slightly preppy profile – it’s called the Carveth and is made from 50% alpaca and 50% wool. Colour: dark grey/carnation.
Very expensive gifts
Zazou sunglasses – £220
Vogue recommend these classy sunglasses – not just as eye protection, but also as attention-deflectors, in case you are being pursued by the paparazzi. At home and abroad, they spell a summer to look forward to.
Hot Pink Peep Toes – £522.49
What girl wouldn’t lust after these patent leather peep toe heels by top designer Christian Louboutin? They have the in shape – just a hint of a covered platform. The uppers are leather and they have Louboutin’s signature red soles. These head-turners require confidence to carry them off.
Gucci bag – £440
Just newly available, part of the Gucci range in conjunction with Unicef, the Joy Bag cannot fail to delight. It’s made from coated canvas with leather trim and is covered all over with madly frolicking elephants. It’s a fun piece of baggage she’ll grab with both hands.
Buying for women takes practice. Some blokes never quite get the hang of it, so here are some tips for novice gift-pickers:
1. Sneak a look at the things she surrounds herself with; this should give you a good idea of whether the woman in your life is the fluffy type or more of a practical princess.
2. When going out for an evening, does she emerge looking sculpted and slick, or a riot of colour? Does she have goth leanings, or is she more of a fresh-air fiend? Is she drawn to historic dramas on TV? If so, look for items with a vintage twist. Use the observations as keywords when internet browsing.
3. Forget the principles you might apply to shopping for yourself. It isn’t all about value for money and getting an extra pair of socks in the pack. Small and stylishly presented wins every time with girls.
4. Boxed sets (eg those produced by perfume or cosmetic brands) aren’t likely to score a hit. They suggest you are trying to cover all the bases. Plump for one thing, and don’t make it one of life’s essentials, but an unnecessary extravagance.
5. The wrapping is everything. Splash out on all the trimmings when it comes to embellishing your gift, or pay someone you know who is talented at the art of colour-co-ordinated gift wrapping.
Above all, enjoy the moment of giving.
