Christmas is coming. Soon it will be time to go shopping for family and friends.

While shopping for Christmas presents can be a chore, it can also be fun, providing you have some idea what you are looking for.

One way of getting ideas is by listening what the people you will be shopping for want. Some drop hints in conversation, some show interest in something advertised on TV or in a magazine.

By paying attention you can avoid that the recipient of the gift, will return what took you so much trouble to get.

Clothes

Be sure of the style, color and size if you are planning on buying a garment for a lady. Most women, even though they know their size, will take a particular item to the fitting room to make sure it fits and suits them.

Even with something as simple as a shirt or a blouse there are risks. The collar might be too big or too small, or the sleeves too long or too short.

Shoes

Very tricky to buy shoes. Not only is there the question of style, but comfort is of the utmost importance.

Bags

Buying a bag for a woman is not as difficult as buying shoes, providing you know a few facts. Does she like big shoulder bags, or small hand held bags? Does she like an all in one, or a bag with lots of pockets? Many women like to compartmentalize what they take with them. It makes it easier to find her lipstick and mirror, her cell phone, her keys, etc.

Jewelry

Jewelry is reasonably safe providing you know the lady's style. Does she favor silver or gold? Does she like long necklaces versus short ones? Big or discreet pieces? In case you are planning on buying earrings for pierced ears, make sure that the lady in question had her ears pierced.

Much safer to stick to a ring or a bracelet. I have yet to meet the first woman who took such an item back to the store.

Books

A safe choice. With a wide selection of books, there is something for everybody and books are relatively cheap. However, if you are dealing with an avid reader, you might want to familiarise yourself with her book case. The last thing you want is buying a book she already has.

Also stay within her genre. If she likes romantic novels, there is no point of giving her a murder mystery. If she does not like to spend time in the kitchen, a cookbook will be less than welcome.

Toiletries

Bubble baths, shower gels, body lotions and other bathroom items can be tricky. Women usually have a preference for their personal hygiene. Scent and texture are very important, so before venturing to buy such items, you may want to sneak a peak in her bathroom for what they are currently using.

Perfume

Women who wear perfume usually stick to one scent. If you know what scent she is using, the choice is easy, she will welcome another bottle of perfume or au de toilette of that designer. If you are not sure of her preference, accompany her to the perfume isle. While there don't let your concentration wonder, watch what she picks up, listen to her comments. She might just drop a hint.

Some men are equally fussy in their choice of cologne. Ladies, you might like a certain scent on him, but does he? The times that there were only three or five cologne choices are long gone. These days the selection of colognes is are almost as wide as there is perfume for women.

CDs and DVDs

Good choice, but which one? CD and DVD collectors generally already have quite a collection. You can't very well go snooping to that collection. So the best thing to do is listen which CD or DVD is next on the wish list.

Appliances

Appliances are not exactly the most ideal gift. They are bulky, heavy and generally expensive.

Whatever you buy, set your personal taste aside and think of the one you are buying the present for. And for just in case, keep the receipt.

Learn more about this author, Conny Manero.
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