The best clues for Christmas gifts for a girlfriend come from the lady herself. Pay attention, and you'll soon collect a list of her likes and dislikes simply by noting her comments and reactions when you're together.

If you've only been together only a few weeks or a few months, is a gift expected or even appropriate? Spend too much money too soon, and she may think you're rushing things. Still, a promising short-term relationship can blossom with the right gift.

* Candy has always been a welcome present, at Christmas and any other time of the year. With today's emphasis on health and nutrition, however, look for ways to present a tasty gift without the guilt of over-indulgence. Edible Arrangements offers fresh fruit bouquets in novel reusable containers. They also suggest indulgence in a box in the form of fruit slices dipped in your choice of dark and white chocolate, plus toppings such as chopped nuts or shredded coconut. For very new relationships, pick out a single, dipped fruit which will be packed in an attractive red box.

If, in the long run, your heart is set on candy, gift her with a very small box of the finest quality sweets.

* She prefers movies with lots of romance and touchy-feely moments. Buy her several sentimental movies on DVD, a box of microwavable popcorn and a bottle of wine. By including a promise to watch the movies with her, you're assuring another date or two.

* Does your new girl have a favorite charity? Do you? Make a donation in her name and ask the recipient group for an acknowledgment card. They'll specify that the contribution, without naming the amount, has been given, by you, in her honor.

Longer, more committed relationships call for more reflection, often resulting in a higher price tag. The love of your life will appreciate the thought and effort that goes into your gift purchases just as much, if not more than, the actual cost.
* AeroGarden allows the busy woman to grow fresh flowers, vegetables and herbs in her kitchen and is a gift that lasts for years. These kits come complete with seeds and replaceable grow lights. Most crops last four to six months.

* Every woman appreciates a day of pampering which could include haircut, manicure, pedicure, massage and lunch. Make the day even more special by providing transportation and planning side-by-side massages.

* Digital photo frames allow her to easily display hundreds pictures transferred from her computer or directly from a digital camera. Turn the frame on, and she can view a slideshow of her favorite photos in any room in the house.

* Cooking classes are an ideal gift for the woman who loves to cook and wants to learn more, as well as for the woman who would like to learn the basics. Pinpoint her preference: Cajun, French, or Italian cooking, stews and soups, baked goods, or desserts, or grilling. As an alternative for a girlfriend who takes pride in cooking, a great set of pots and pans or a specialty kitchen appliance such as a Kitchen Aid blender may also be a gift welcomed by your girlfriend.

When you're sure she's the one, name a star after her through the International Star Registry. Their gift package includes a parchment certificate with a beautiful frame. Present her with a silver-plated brass star Christmas ornament, beautifully etched with the name of her star and its location in the solar system.

Learn more about this author, Kathleen Richardson.
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