As you may have noticed, we compiled a list for an OzBargain Christmas gift guide yesterday. I'm sure many of you are in the same boat but it's difficult to think of presents for some people.
Other then what we have listed, any other ideas in particular girlfriend/wife presents?
they always love photo montage crap. like a photo album, or photo in a customised frame.
make a photo album of your recent trip/outing/event/anniversary/bday or something
book like a hot air balloon ride, plane ride over some gardens or some adventure from those bargain sites http://www.adrenalin.com.au/
a cheap ghd hair straightener from the UK (only $120) http://www.cheapghd.com.au/
give her a voucher to cook for her (I never cook for her, so this always works a treat haha)
some sort of massage device she doesn't already have
a voucher for a weekend away from these places: http://www.scoopon.com.au/
Hope that helps :)
Wife/girlfriend presents? Here's my list of suggestions - adjust them according to the lady you are purchasing for and how long you have known her.
Women usually buy perfume for themselves, but don't give themselves the luxury of the matching body products so body lotion, talc,shower gel or any other product in her favourite fragrance range is usually appreciated. (Make sure you know her favourite range - don't buy Chanel if she likes YSL).If you are really quick some companies have "purchase with purchase" deals eg Estee Lauder has a buy a large fragrance deal which permits purchase of a makeup case that is worth hundreds of dollars. The case costs around $100 and is called the "blockbuster" (on top of the price of the fragrance). They run this deal every Christmas. If you are the smart buy ahead type, then during the year there will be gifts with purchase so you can aim to be ahead of the game next Christmas. There are some cheap perfume outlets at bigger shopping centres and the Discount Pharmacy also has very cheap high quality products.
Also frequently liked are journals in designer ranges (see Officeworks philosophy range for example). A gift voucher to a favourite boutique or Myer is another idea.
For handbags… Oroton has a sale after Christmas so cash is good for that. If it must be the item itself I suggest DFO outlets. They have great items at Oroton DFO for at least 50% off, sometimes 60%.
Shoes? DFO again - try Ninewest or Sandler. Ninewest has a sale on some stock in their regular retail outlets now.
Clothing items are best left to her to choose so cash is the best - but presented well with an identifying card or voucher cash can still be appreciated. Most women like to choose the store and the item so gift vouchers that constrain them to one store are less useful, unless its a favourite store of hers of course.
Gardening? Try gardenexpress online, or sometimes tesselar. Both deliver.
Books: Big W is the cheapest for best sellers. For older books that are in "remainders" try QBD bookshops.
Jewellery: Its really too late to buy this cheap. Aim for the after Christmas sales. Prouds is good or try Swarovski at the Boxing day sales. In the meantime a jewel box may be suitable as a gift.
Oh and some women like electronic gadgets too, so don't ignore ipods etc.
Most women I know are tired of candles so that's a "no" to that idea. Some might like a new towel and matching bathrobe - try Bed, Bath n Table.
She may like a magazine subscription to her particular area of interest (available online).
If you are planning a trip in future, a matched set of luggage now may be another idea.
If you are sure you know her taste then DVDs or music are an inexpensive choice.
If she is into home decorating try crockery or crystal from some of the factory outlets eg Royal Doulton. Just be sure that you have some leeway to return these if they are not to her taste.
Some women like ornaments - try Peter's of Kensington, other women view these as dust collectors requiring work - be sure you know which category your lady falls into before purchasing.
A tip - don't buy any item such as irons, kitchen equipment or anything generally representing work - unless she has indicated this is something she needs/wants (think sewing machine for someone who loves to sew) and you know which particular brand and model she wants or you might need to buy something for yourself (a doghouse to sleep in) :)
Anyway that's my list of ideas, I hope it helps someone. If you have the slightest doubt about a gift look for something else. Another tip is that most women appreciate a heartfelt card (not one that just says "Merry Christmas"). Beautifully wrapped gifts are noted for the thought and care that went into them.
Merry Christmas and aim to enjoy the after Christmas sales preparing ahead for birthdays, Christmas etc.
If all else fails, a box of chocolates is usually a winner: think Lindt, Cadbury Milk Tray or Roses. If you are near a specialty chocolate shop, that's great too.
Girlfriend sexy underwear, Trouble and strife, Ironing Board.