Ask any child and they’ll be quick to tell you that the best part of the holidays is the presents! Funny how that doesn’t seem to change as we become adults. But even this most exciting element of the holidays can be a source of stress, especially if you’re a man shopping for the woman in your life.
After all, you want to give your significant other more than just a chic present in a glitzy package. You want to give her a thoughtful gift that widens her eyes with delight the moment she sees it and lets her know how much you love and cherish her now and for years to come.
But what if your lady seems to have everything? Or what if she’s the modest “Oh, I don’t need anything” type? With these four simple tips, along with a little effort and creativity, you can find that special gift that’s sure to brighten her holiday.
Really Listen
You know the woman in your life better than just about anyone, especially if you’ve spent many wonderful years together. And you also know better than to simply come out and ask her what she wants–at least I hope so!
Take a tip from Santa’s playbook and make a list. Write down everything you know for certain she likes. This visual can be very helpful for organizing your thoughts and brainstorming options. The longer the list the better.
For instance, you know your wife loves to be pampered, and she always has her favorite beauty products on hand to make her feel luxurious. This elegant 19th-century nécessaire de voyage would be an absolutely elegant addition to her dressing table. The beautiful coromandel-veneered exterior opens to reveal numerous silver gilt, mother of pearl and crystal bottles, boxes and dressing tools that she can fill with her prized perfumes, lotions and jewelry that will make getting ready for an evening out even more lush.
Think “Long Term”
Nothing in the gift-giving world is worse than giving something that will be used once and then soon forgotten. The best way to avoid such a calamity is to think about the longevity of your present.
If your love relishes being surrounded by friends and family around the dinner table, but seating always seems to be an issue, then what about this Jupe patent expanding table? Crafted of beautiful mahogany, this table swivels to expand its diameter. Suddenly, your table of 6 can now seat 10 to 12 at a moment’s notice! Not only will you have given her something that she can use and that can be perfectly fit into just about any decor, but it will be a constant reminder of your thoughtfulness at every gathering and for years to come.
It’s Not About You
Women love to feel special, and nothing is more special than something that’s just for her. Often, men will select a gift that they like, thinking their girlfriend or wife will like it just the same (like that lingerie you bought her last year…not really about her, was it?). Remember, keep the gift all about her. If you can add an element of romance to your present, then you’ve just won the gift-giving lottery!
For instance, it may seem small, but this French Louis XV-era étui is a diminutive work of art. These vessels were used for everything from holding small personal items to exchanging secret love notes. Crafted of rose, green, white and yellow gold with a meticulous attention to detail, your significant other will simply love this majestic objet d’art. To really put it over the top, include your own personal love note to her inside. Not only will you have given her a stunning work of 18th-century artistry, but now you’ve made it an endearing symbol of your love for her.
The Element of Surprise
“Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.”– Boris Pasternak, Russian author of Dr. Zhivago
Never underestimate the element of surprise, especially when it comes to a woman’s heart. The thrill of the unexpected, something that’s completely outside of the everyday, adds spice to life, and gift-giving is no exception!
It’s certainly no news flash that women love jewelry. So, why not surprise the love of your life with an amazing piece of jewelry, like an untreated ruby and diamond ring? The beauty of an expertly crafted piece of jewelry is timeless and can be passed from generation to generation (pretty romantic, right?). Long associated with love, passion and romance, the ruby is truly a jewel of the heart, and the spectacular 3.02-carat untreated ruby in this ring will certainly take her breath away. Certified by C. Dunaigre of Switzerland to be entirely natural, this ruby is joined by shimmering white diamonds in its dynamic, hand-crafted platinum and 18K gold band. When she opens the box and sees this beauty, the look on her face will be well worth the effort of selecting it.
Bonus, for You Both!
All the time and heartfelt consideration you’ve put into choosing the perfect gift has obvious advantages for the receiver, but this process also positively affects the giver.
Science calls it “perspective taking.” When you place yourself in your lady-love’s shoes and consider her feelings, it psychologically draws you closer to her, serving to deepen the bond of love that already exists.
So take the stress out of this holiday season. When you do your gift shopping with M.S. Rau Antiques, you can do so with confidence knowing your dedicated Sales Consultant will be with you every step of the way to help you along in this process. They’ll listen to all of your needs and help you select the right gift that your love will cherish forever and always.
