Christmas Shopping Basics for Her — News Flash — Your Mom Was Wrong

Far be it for us to tell you your mom was wrong all along, but if you don't want to spend the new year in the dog house, it's time to get the Christmas shopping basics for her wrapped up.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FOR HER 101

• Being creative is the most important detail about her gift. The more creative the more mileage you'll get out of your gift. Think about stories she has told you about her childhood, little wants she has pointed out through the year or consider bundling some of her favorite items for one great present.
• Know what kind of budget you're working with, nothing is worse than getting her a low dollar item only to open a high dollar item from her (or vice versa)
• If she asked for it, forget about what your mother told you all those years ago (or yesterday). Meaning, if she specifically asked for a treadmill and its in the budget, it's okay to get it, if she wants a new vacuum, then get it. It is only when you buy these gift items out of the blue do you send the wrong message. Buying her a stationary bike if she asks for it isn't like saying "Merry Christmas Honey, boy you're getting fat" but if she didn't ask for it (not HINT-ASK for) that is exactly what you are saying.
• Don't buy her lingerie! Just don't!
• Weekend getaways pack a lot of mileage when gift giving, even a 'staycation' at a local Bed and Breakfast is a perfect way to show her what she means to you without breaking the bank or taking her away from work and/or kids for too long (you know how she worries about her job and the kids) throw in a nice dinner and a reservation at the desert restaurant in town and you are golden for at least six months.

The one thing guys always gravitate towards is prepackaged gifts that every other woman will get and that is one of the fastest ways to tell her she isn't important (that is how it comes across in a woman's mind) Follow your gut, but make sure that you are putting your heart in it too, trust us, she'll know if you don't.