Holiday gift shopping for your lady-friend can seem to be a difficult task, and many men put it off until Christmas Eve because of this. Knowing a few fundamentals about the art of picking gifts for women can help make your shopping trip more pleasurable, more successful, and more timely. Following are some tips about how to find the perfect holiday gifts for women.

Choose A Present Just For Her

The first pointer is this: never buy her a gift that you would like to own. You probably would not make the mistake of thinking she wants a new John Deere vehicle. But you may think that home electronics items like TVs and stereos are great gifts. If the woman in your life is busy doing something else whenever the big game is on, a new plasma TV is probably not on her gift list. But if a TV or stereo or even a tractor happens to be on her list, be sure to buy the one she desires, not the one you want.

Don't Choose Housekeeping Aids

Another pearl of wisdom: never buy your sweetheart a household appliance, or something that will make housework easier. She almost certainly will not be pleased, and she may even move your housework out to the dog house. This prohibition includes cleaning products, like that extra large container of laundry soap that finally went on sale, or the big bottle of window cleaner you got a great deal on. A new, high-tech vacuum cleaner might be something she wants, but not as a Christmas gift from her sweetie.

Keep Holiday Gifts For Women Personal

Another clue to remember when searching for the fabulous holiday gift for your special someone -- a Chia Pet, or a house plant, is not a romantic gift. Your sister might like to receive a house plant from you, and maybe your mother, but it is probably harmless to say that your sweetheart will be expecting something a little more personal.

Lingerie and nightwear can be a fabulous holiday gift idea for that someone special. But avoid the flannels and the granny panties. That type of gift sends the message that you do not find her sexy. Buy her the sexy stuff if you're leaning towards a gift of lingerie.

Don't Cut Corners

Jewelry can be the perfect gift for the woman you love for Christmas, but there are a couple of pitfalls to avoid. Unfailingly remember that an imitation diamond does not cut it, either figuratively or literally. Imagine the embarrassment your sweetheart will feel when she tests her new ring in front of her friends by trying to cut glass with it. Women have been known to do that, and she will realize it is a fraud in front of an audience. Such a scene could have dire issues for your relationship. Buy the diamonds.

Don't Trust Your Fashion Sense

For many men, clothing often seems the best gift, especially when the women in their lives love clothes. If you are thinking about getting clothing for your special someone, please reconsider. While many men assume they have a good sense of women's fashions, in reality only a few do. Most likely, the clothing you buy will look fantastic on the rack, but end up to be the wrong size, the wrong look, the wrong color, etc. for her. If you give her clothes, she may act thankful, but don't ever expect to see her wear them.

Read Between The Lines

Although it may seem evident, one of the most overlooked gift-giving guides is: listen to your partner. Many women drop detailed hints about what they want for Christmas. If you pay attention, the woman in your life will likely tell you exactly what to buy for her. You can never disappoint her by giving her something she enjoys.

Presentation: An Essential Part Of Holiday Gifts For Women

Never underestimate the power of presentation. Wonderful paper, nice boxes, and bows that sparkle can set the stage, and increase your sweetheart's anticipation of your gift. Duct tape is never acceptable, and plastic grocery bags do not make good gift bags. If you hire someone skilled to wrap that fabulous gift, you give your sweetheart the gift of prettiness in presentation, in addition to the gift within.

Your Love Shows Through

"Perfect" holiday gifts for women may be something undefinable, and always just out of reach. The gift you give her, whether perfect or not, if chosen thoughtfully will give the message that you cared enough to make the effort. Figuring out the perfect holiday gift for your special someone can be rough. But following the above instructions will help you put a smile on her face this holiday season.