5 of 66

Write now Article Tools

Whether it's your sixth "month-iversary" or your 600th, the perfect gift will say to your woman, "I love you. You're the most important woman in the world to me."

It doesn't have to be expensive (although you should gauge how much to spend by how important the anniversary is to HER). The point is not how much you spend; it's how much you care. I once had a boyfriend scour the city to find a particular album that contained a song I had mentioned I liked. That he would go to WEEKS of trouble meant more to me than if he'd bought me a stereo!

Many women will begin dropping hints several weeks before the big anniversary arrives. Pay attention. Has a magazine been "casually" left open at a certain page more than once? Has she rhapsodized about her friend's wonderful X? If she begins a sentence with "I wish—," pay close attention.

You can also —

BE OBSERVANT. When you go to the mall together, notice which stores she's interested in. What questions does she ask the sales clerks? What does she linger over but NOT buy for herself?

ASK AROUND. Mothers, female or gay friends, and even daughters may very well know what your woman has been wishing for.

CHECK OUT HER COLLECTIONS. If your woman has a particular collection that features A, B, and D, then C might make a great gift. Whether it's books, albums by her favorite singer, or a collectible like frogs or figurines, an item that she does NOT already have in her collection ought to be welcome.

If it's early in your relationship, don't buy her anything TOO personal. Only buy her lingerie if you know she will instantly put it on and show herself to you so that you can moan with desire, undress her (NOT tear it off her!), and have your way with her. If she thinks she has a problem, especially with her weight, stay away from gifts that would make her feel worse about it.

Remember that your gift need not be "stuff." If she hates dealing with her car, give her a "gift certificate": for one year, you'll take care of gassing it up, getting the oil changed, making sure the tires are inflated, etc.

Your gift should show that you have thought about what kind of person she is (sporty, romantic, fashionable, bookish?) and what SHE likes.

Learn more about this author, Mary W. Matthews.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about For men: How to shop for a great anniversary gift?
We want to hear your view. Write now!