Gifts for Women
Women can be so complicated! Consequently, buying them gifts can be difficult. Before you get discouraged, know that there are myriad ways to choose the perfect gift for your mother, daughter, sister, girlfriend, wife or friend, and remember that it's her interests that count most. Whether you need something last minute, an inexpensive token of appreciation, or a luxurious and unique gift for those special occasions, this guide will help you find the right choice.
To narrow down your search and show her that you have been paying attention, consider her likes and dislikes. Use the table of contents on the right hand side and choose which category best suits the woman in your life. |
Fashionista
Whether she is a discriminating lover of haute couture or a shopaholic with an affinity for the latest fashion trends, there are a number of ways to satisfy the girl who can't get enough fashion. From fashion books 
to fashion mags, designer duds and diva-inspired dresses, there is no end to the gifts that will please the girl who loves to play dress up. You might even consider giving her a shopping gift certificate if you are overcome with doubt as to what she would like -- especially if you yourself aren't the most savvy dresser.
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Jewelry and Watches |
Fashion Accessories
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Spunky High-End Electronics
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Makeup and Cosmetics
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Posh Home Décor |
Animal Lover
She loves animals and her pets are number one on her priority list. Check out some of these fun pet-oriented gifts that will make her happy and treat Fido or Fluffy as well.
The Artiste
For creative and artistic tastes, there are many a beautiful gift that can quench someones love for aesthetics. Whether she thirsts for finding the perfect work of art or she is intent on creating a contemporary masterpiece with her own hands, there are a wide variety of gift options that fall within the artistic domain.
- For Art Lovers
- An art collector will inevitably have favorites, so it's best to know something about her to start.
- Consider her favorite style, genre, artist, and even a specific piece that she is dying to have.
- Original works of arts tend to be pricey.
- Framed posters are relatively inexpensive.
- Full-size artwork and statues are best for women who are established and who have a place to put the art, otherwise it will end up in storage until they have room to display it.
- Anyone without a place to put a full-size piece of art might be better off with a smaller, more portable art-oriented gift. Here are a few examples of these small, yet unique tokens of appreciation:
- For the Budding Artist
- For creators, there is nothing like new Arts and Crafts! Also see Arts and Crafts for Kids.
- Young artists can take advantage of just about any art supply, from a new set of pencils to an easel.
- Arts and crafts kits are a great way to get someone into art.
- Supplies for sewing, knitting, and even writing are other creative items that a woman you know might be into.
- Innovative pieces that inspire new ideas are also a good option if you know the recipient's tastes. This can range from a piece of art, to unique jewelry, to funky clothing, and even home decorations such as candles, pillows, throws, or book ends.
- Instructional art books are practical but fun for all ages.
- Sketch books are easy to carry, portable artist's studios.
- Cameras and Photography has everything that an avid photographer could want.
- Non-Traditional Gifts: Sometimes, it just isn't possible to follow the normal route when it comes to gift giving. Here are some solutions to certain sticky situations.
- She has everything.
- Take her to her favorite gallery or museum.
- Give her a season's worth of art classes or dance lessons.
- You are short on cash.
- Create a gift for her with your own two hands.
- Make her a beautiful card with an "I Owe You" in it.
- You still don't know what she would want.
- A gift certificate to an art supply store online or locally.
- Opt for a magazine subscription to an artistic publication.
Beauty and Spa
Ladies love to be pampered. From makeup to body care to spa treatments, there is something to soothe and relax every woman so that she feels more beautiful. Here are a few items that make good gifts. You should also see the guides about Gifts for Makeup Lovers and Bath and Body Gifts. Our guide to Mother's Day Gifts also has some good relaxing ideas that you might consider.
College Student
She's in college or on her way. Arm her with those essentials to help her confront dorm life! Anything that will help make her 10x10 cement box feel more like home is a great idea. These gifts can be very practical, such as colorful sheets, fluffy towels, funky shower curtains, gigantic coffee mugs, bean bags, or even a fish tank (see below). More decorative options are good if you know that she has the basics covered. Candles (if allowed) and candle holders are a very pretty and inexpensive way to dress up a room. Safe, non-flammable options include picture frames, throws, pillows, posters, and vases (preferably those that pack light and that won't break in a suitcase).
While things to dress up her room are important, there are other things that will help make her first year away from home more comfortable. For example, a non-traditional but fun gift is an electric scooter -- so she won't be late going from one class to the next. Just don't forget the alarm clock so that she actually goes to class.
To Curb Home Sickness
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To Help Her Study
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Traditional Gifts
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Not enough ideas? Here are some more fashion-inspired gifts to satisfy the fashionista.
Fine Food and Wine
If the woman you know is a gourmet aficionado (or wishes she were one), there are plenty of gourmet items to buy her, including fine wine. However, instead of giving her a gift basket or gift certificate (to wine.com for example) which is slightly impersonal, give her something that allows her to enhance her collection. You might even consider a dinner cruise for two, if she enjoys that sort of thing.
You might also want to see the articles related to food and wine for more ideas.
Fit and Healthy
If the woman you know cares about her body, goes to the gym, or simply likes to keep fit, then sporty gifts that help keep her motivated are great inspiration. If you know that there is a very particular sport that she enjoys, it would be best to get her something to complement what equipment she already has. Of course, don't forget to see these related guides as well.
Gadget Lover
You thought that Mr. Gadget was bad? Well, here comes Ms. or Mrs. Gadget. She lusts for all the new toys and trinkets that beep, flash, and perform other important functions, such as slicing, dicing, and vacuuming. Yes there are gadgets and gizmos for just about everything these days, but there are certainly a few that stand out amongst them. Here are some of the cool toys designed with the gadget lover in mind. You should also see the Gifts for Mr. Gadget guide and even the Gifts for Nerds guide for more gift ideas.
You might also consider some of these more standard gift ideas:
History Buffs and Word Lovers
Do you know a woman who always has her head in a book? Do you find yourself impressed when she starts citing interesting historical facts in the middle of a conversation? Does she recite Shakespeare or speak another language? If so, then you have officially come in contact with a genuine word lover or history buff. Either way, these intellectual ladies have an affinity for fine literary works and culture. Whether she loves reading or learning, there are lots of possibilities -- thousands if you count all the books you could buy her. But for simplicity's sake, here a just some of the most basic options.
Fun Stuff
Non-Traditional
- If she has the time, classes in foreign language, screenwriting, or poetry are nice experiential gifts.
- A magazine subscription to her favorite publication.
Nature Lover and Gardener
Also see
Teen Girls
Related Guides
