Buying the perfect present for the woman in your life can feel impossible – especially when she says she “doesn’t need anything” and you’re told to “buy her something personal” – what are you supposed to buy?!
The perfect gift is something she doesn’t need, and hasn’t even considered herself, but loves and couldn’t be without.
My guide brings together my favourite tips to buy a great gift; the best presents I’ve received from my husband (and how he did it), plus other gifts popular at the moment.
The best gifts I’ve received from my husband
My husband keeps a list of present ideas going throughout the year. This list is made up of his own ideas, plus things he’s heard me talk about.
Clothing
He stays away from clothing unless he’s absolutely sure I’ll like it and it will fit. Sizing is an issue for me. He’s bought me a hoodie when I’ve worn and loved his; it was easy to know the size because I was wearing it.
If he didn’t like to surprise me with a gift, a voucher for one of my favourite brands would go down well.
If you’re sure of size, have a look through her things. Has she had the same pyjamas for a while, and you’ve heard her mention wanting new ones? If so, buy her some by the same brand, but don’t get her a completely random colour. If she mostly wears dark colours, don’t buy her baby pink. If you aren’t sure of what brand to buy, Next & M&S do nice 100% cotton ones for £40-£60.
Small gifts
He always gets me one or two of my favourite things: Galaxy chocolate, soy candles, flowers, and Kopparberg cider. No brainer!
Upgrading my old most-loved things
He listened when I complained of shoulder pain I was getting, especially after being. atwork. After research, he found out a vertical mouse can help, due to your hand position. I’d had my previous mouse for years, so he upgraded me. Best present ever!
He noticed I’d bought myself my favourite band t-shirts. He went on (after looking at the size) and bought me a few more of their most recent releases, as well as a mug of the band.
Upgrade ideas
As mentioned above, my husband bought me an upgraded computer mouse, which is one of my most favourite presents ever. Here are some ideas on things you could upgrade for her:
- Kindle – a new Kindle or at least a new case? What about a Kindle stand and clicker? It attaches to the side of the bed so you don’t have to hold it and can simply use the clicker to turn the page! It saves having your arm out of bed in the cold!
- Books – is she reading a series? Can you buy the next ones?
- Water bottle – A new Stanley mug? If she has the bottle, would she like the mug? (I have the mug and I love it). Or is her current one in need of replacing?
- Tech – new keyboard or mouse? Headphones?
- Does she write – what about a new pen, or notepad? If she’s particular, make sure to buy her the same one.
- Bobble hat, gloves, or scarf – are they looking old and worn?
- Walking boots or running trainers – due for some new ones?
Listen up and ask
He asks me what I’d like, too (with sizes). He doesn’t like me to know 100% what he’s bought me, so I tend to give him a long list of things I’d love, then he buys me things within his budget.
Hair and beauty care ideas
Popular makeup brands include: Charlotte Tilbury, REFY, Merit, Huda Beauty, Fenty, Rate Beauty. You aren’t likely to go wrong with these.
Popular high-end, high-quality beauty brands: OUAI for amazing shower and body moisturisers. Salt & Stone for candles, body wash and perfume.
Does she always buy the same brand? Have a look at where she keeps her lotions and potions. If she has lots of items by the same brand, go to their website and see if they’re selling any new products or gift sets that look good and have positive reviews.
Does she take care with her hair? Silk pillowcases and hair scrunchies are very popular and for good reason. I have both and they’re amazing for reducing hair frizz during the night; the pillowcases are very comfy. Just remember to buy a similar colour to the bedding, and buy two so the bed can still match. I bought mine from Orchid State (2 for £20), who sell other silk items.
Are her makeup brushes/sponges looking old? Buy her a new set – preferably a big set (from her favourite brand), to ensure it covers all the shapes and sizes she loves.
If she loves a certain brand of bag, do they do makeup or beauty cases that she would appreciate? Elizabeth Scarlett sell beautiful velvet ones; SpaceNK and BEIS both sell a large range of high-quality cases.
Perfume. If, like me, she loves perfume, buy her sample sets. It’s hard to buy perfume unless you 100% know she’ll love it. A sample set lets her find a new favourite without a huge cost, so you can buy her the bigger size later. I’ve had amazing samples from: Jo Malone and Salt & Stone.
Tech ideas
My husband bought me a Kindle even though I wasn’t fully keen on the idea – he knew me more than I know myself – it’s my absolute favourite thing, and I use it multiple times daily. I’ve got the Kindle Oasis, £123. They start from £69. The Paperwhite, £124, is probably a safe option. Don’t forget the case with a strap for easy holding!
If your partner loves her Kindle/keyboard/mouse/headphones, but has had them a while, could you buy her an upgrade? I’d suggest buying from the same brand, colour and type (e.g. if she wears white over-ear noise-cancelling ones, replace with similar ones and NOT red ones that go in-ear). I would personally recommend BOSE and Shokz.
How to choose the perfect gift for her – quick tips
Don’t buy something completely random you’ve never heard her talk about, and that isn’t something in her world already.
- If she isn’t nerdy, don’t buy her a new mouse or keyboard; very useful, but she probably wouldn’t love it (unlike us nerds).
- If she prefers dark colours, don’t buy her anything baby pink. Don’t know her favourite colours? She likely wears them.
- Take her shopping so she can pick what she wants, if she’s into and enjoys shopping (don’t just give her the money – there’s no effort from you here!)
- Buy her high-quality items. Cotton, silk, merino wool. Stay away from polyester.
- Listen to her and make notes throughout the year.
- Don’t buy something “useful” for her around the house – like a new iron. It’s a horrid gift because it’s not something for her.
