Buying gifts for women is not easy. Especially for women you don't know well. If you're buying a gift for a woman you don't know intimately, it's best to stick to items that can't be misinterpreted-the less you know her, the fewer your options. But you should still try to consider what you do know about the recipient's interests and personality, instead of buying something that may come across as hasty and impersonal. And the gift does not be extravagant -and in most cases, should not. If you know she likes a certain kind of coffee, buy her a pound of it and a good quality coffee mug.

If you really have no clue, candles are usually well received. Gift certificates can seem impersonal but in special circumstances they may be the best option. Gift certificates to the movies, to spas, the theater, or to retail stores are popular choices.

Now, if you know your recipient well or even if you just started dating, she will expect you to put some thought into her gift, so you'd better brush up on-or learn-some investigative skills. Under no circumstances should you buy her exercise equipment-even if she asks for it. When she inquires as to why you ignored her request, you can respond with, "Because you're perfect the way you are Baby!" Test passed and crisis avoided. You should also avoid buying self-help books and tapes for a woman (I actually received an entire audio series of (un-returnable) self-help books last year-and no, we are not still together, hint, hint).

Now, against my own advice, I am recommending the following product. Keep in mind that you must know your recipient very well to give this gift-and make your choice based on her personality type. Two things are in your favor should you choose to buy this item. One, at-home micro-dermabrasion kits are all the rage. Two, it comes with a trendy barrel handbag. You could always feign ignorance and say that you thought you were just getting her the bag and knew nothing about the skin products. But if she likes it, and once she tries it we know she will, you'll have scored huge. Give her the gift of never having to wait for an appointment with the dermatologist. Anew Clinical Line and Wrinkle Corrector plumps out facial lines and wrinkles in just one week. The barrel handbag comes in festive ruby red polyester satin, with side slit pockets, silvertone buckles, and zip closure.

ANEW CLINICAL Derm-At-Home Gift Set ($32)

Every woman has her own philosophy. Smelling amazing happens to one of them. It makes perfect sense that our next gift recommendation is called Amazing Grace by Philosophy. The shower gel, conditioner and body scrub in this gift set are sweetly scented with soft-floral blossoms and a hint of musk, and the firming body emulsion is packed with luscious moisturizing properties like shea butter, macadamia nut, and olive oil.

Amazing Grace Gift Set ($35)

Continuing on the same theme, most women like to have a signature scent. This free-spirited, feminine scent by Dior is a great choice. A surprising blend of many natural elements, including bergamot, grapefruit, orange, freesia, Lily of the Valley, lotus flower, pineapple, watermelon, grenadine, sandalwood, white musk, this scent is just enough flower and citrus with the right combination of musk to not be too girly. This gift set also comes with Dior Addict Plastic Gloss in Capricious Pink 2.

Dior Addict 2 Holiday Set ($55)

If you're wondering what you should get that special woman in your life but are afraid of getting her something she already has, well, you don't need to worry when it comes to handbags. We simply can't have enough of them! Hobo bags are a hot item right now and we like the Whip Tide leather hobo from Kenneth Cole.

Whip Tide ($188)

And just as we love handbags, we also don't mind it if our jewelry box overflows. These delicate goldtone earrings with white metal and marcasite are the perfect compliment to an evening gown or even casual ensemble of cashmere and her favorite jeans.

Barely a Whisper ($88)

If your lady friend doesn't already own a cashmere sweater to wear with her new earrings (or even if she does, that's okay too-for an explanation as to why she'd need another one, please see above). Luckily, cashmere is one of those staples that when given as a gift it is always warmly received-unlike toasters and microwave ovens.

Vince Cashmere Cable Sweater ($210)

Another fool-proof gift is a pashmina shawl. Multi-functional and oh-so-sleek, every woman needs a pashmina in her closet. Boutiquejewels.com has them in nearly 50 colors and at very reasonable prices.

Pure Pashmina Shawls ($95)

As if you didn't already know that women liked to be reminded of our clever and resourceful we are. We like the Smart Women Desk Set from UncommonGoods.com. Combining retro designs and encouraging messages, this set features a "smart women put it in writing" magnetic notepad, two "smart women get to the point" pencils, a "smart women make changes" eraser, a "smart women rule with compassion" ruler and three sets of "smart women keep each other posted" sticky notes. You're sure to get a smile when you give this gift . but if you know what's good for you, it won't be the only gift under the tree for the woman on your list.

Smart Women Desk Set ($25)

About the Author: Amy's passion is writing about the good things in life: food, wine, fashion, and travel. Her writing credits include Downtown San Francisco Magazine, Dining Out San Diego Magazine, among many others, as well as numerous consumer and luxury websites such as http://www.justluxe.com and http://www.livingluxe.com

Source: www.isnare.com