Does giving a gift card in lieu of actual shopping make you a Christmas quitter? My answer: Absolutely!
Although you may get points for knowing what store to go to, you receive a "shopping fail" for not picking out a gift. Here are ways to avoid the shopping fail:
- Stay away from clothing. As someone whose job is to understand the style of others, I can tell you that unless you truly understand the style and body of the woman you're shopping for, you are destined to fail.
Just because you think you see one thing when looking at your friend's shape, it doesn't mean that's the real story going on under that fabric. So never assume you know a woman's shape well enough to pick clothing unless you have truly seen "what lies beneath."
Also, buying clothing for others is very personal. Maybe you think she would love the top because you love it. Unless you're 100 percent certain she would love the top, stay out of the clothing department.
- The safest bet in gift giving is accessories such as mittens/gloves, scarves, brooches and earrings. Stay away from bangles, because some women are particular about what is on their wrists and can get irritated by a bangle based on size or weight.
For mittens and gloves, choose colorful options. Think pink leather gloves or your recipient's favorite color. Mittens are cute as well, but not as safe as gloves. Stay in the leather, cashmere or merino wool realm for gloves/mittens.
As for scarves, if you're nervous, pick a solid with great weight and soft texture versus a print. If you're confident, go with a print that is of significant size, and preferably silk, cotton or cotton/silk blend.
As for earrings and brooches, keep an eye on your recipient to see what styles she typically gravitates toward, then shop based on what you see.
- Another area often overlooked in gift giving is makeup. This route is inexpensive and very much a crowd pleaser. I can hear one of two responses as I type: "I have no clue what will work for her complexion" or "I'm just as clueless as she is when it comes to makeup." But there are two easy solutions.
If you're concerned about complexion, stay focused on eye makeup, with eye shadow being the best choice. Stick with safe colors such as purple, brown and metallics. This is a great route to take because there's a good chance you will learn something in the process.
Start by going to a store that specializes in makeup and look for a beauty stylist with flawless makeup or the department manager. Not only can they help you pick a gift, but they also can get your holiday makeup in check.
For all the women hoping their significant other will get a clue this season, my shopping tip is to strategically place this article within their reach.
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