Let’s break it down a bit.

Now, most of the time here at GauchoBlog, we slant things towards savings. Not today. You know why? Listen — when you buy your women a gift, you better make sure you focus on finding the right thing. Focus on making her happy. This doesn’t mean spending a lot of money. Maybe. But if you focus on making her happy, you’re also focusing on creating a happy holiday for yourself and everyone else. Don’t focus on saving money.

Also, very important, here are some things not to buy her:

• A vacuum cleaner, or anything cleaning related.
• A gym membership, or anything exercise related, unless she’s specifically asked for it.
• Something you would want, that she could care less about.

Consider yourself warned. Do any of these things and you’re on your own. Possibly in a literal sense. You will survive the holidays with a well-intentioned mediocre gift. The wrong size, the wrong color, the wrong model … these things can be exchanged and corrected. The wrong meaning can not.

1. Earrings

Women love earrings. But please, Guys, don’t be fools. Don’t just go and buy her any old pair of earrings. Definitely do not assume she would want earrings like your Mom’s.

Take a look at what she likes to wear — studs, hoops, or the long dangle-ey kind. Then get her some that are like that. If you can afford to purchase something slightly nicer than what she usually wears, you’re doing well. Purchase something much nicer and you’re doing great.

2. Stuff That Shines

This basically means all other forms of jewelry. Earrings are tougher to screw up on than necklaces and rings. If you’re on a budget, they’re a good way to go. She gets something both pretty and useful, you spend what you can afford.

But know this: all shiney metal objects can be considered fair game for a gift. The shinier the better, and the smaller the box that hunk of metal will fitter in, the better. Get something real and of decent quality over trying to impress with some cheap, synthetic nonsense.

If it looks expensive, she’s going to have it appraised, eventually. So it better be real, or she better know its fake.

3. Victoria’s Secret Giftcard

Just don’t. Don’t walk into Victoria’s Secret and try to buy something for your woman. Unless she really likes to be surprised by that sort of thing. Otherwise, the odds are not in your favor. There are too many variables, too many things can go wrong.

Just walk right in, walk to the register, buy a gift card, and get out.

Women are passionate about Victoria’s Secret. A gift card in any amount is always welcome.

4. Something from Sephora

Sephora has makeup and fragrances and stuff. You can buy online or at a local store. I’ve heard several women chatting about Sephora and seen them sharing links.

This seems like a good potential option.

What should you get her? You need to know what to get your woman, not me. Think giftcard, again.

5. Romantic Stuff

What does this even mean? Let’s just move on to number 6.

Okay, no seriously. Think of something meaningful to give her. A date, a trip to a broadway play, take her to dinner, make her dinner, build or make her something unique … get creative. As I said earlier, the intent is what matters most. What can you do to show her what she means to you?

6. Manicures, Pedicures, Massages, and Facials

Treat her to any one of these. Or combination. Even foot reflexology. Manicures and pedicures are very important ‘girl time’ especially when enjoyed with girlfriends. Be a hero, sponsor her trip.

7. Purses

I know the last thing you want to do is go purse shopping. But she uses one every day, right? Does she talk about wanting a certain brand? Maybe Gucci orDolce & Gabbana?

Here’s what you can do. Visit NeimanMarcus.com with her and tell her you’re looking for a purse for someone else … like your Mom or an aunt. At some point, I promise you, she won’t be able to hold back a shout of “That purse is so cute!” Usually you just nod and say, “Uh huh.” This time, listen and actually remember what the bag looks like. Then see if you can find the same bag for half the price on Zappos.com.

8. I Mentioned Shiny Stuff, Right?

Listen, I’m amazed I made it this far. But I’m clearing faking this whole thing, okay? No guy really understands what it is that women want. I’d argue that making a list of 9 things women want is being the capabilities of any guy.

They can never have too much jewelry. So I’m calling a do-over on this one again just to re-emphasis the point. Necklaces. Watches. Shiny stuff. But it in a small box.

9. Something to Suit Her Personality

If you waited until December 20th to think about what to buy her, you may be dead meat anyway and beyond my ability to help. Seriously. These hints are dropped all the time and if you haven’t paid attention to them in the past, maybe you will start doing so after the long face and cold shoulder you’re all set to experience.

In the meantime, you might want to check out Gifts.com’s Shop by Personality tool for more help than I can provide in this blog post. Talk to her friends, her sisters, her Mom, a saleslady — anyone! — and try to get a clue.

Good luck, Guys. I wish you a very happy gifting experience, but if you’re still reading this, I fear for the worst.