If you want to make all of the ladies in your life happy, you need to follow a few easy rules.

Joint-use gifts

If you’re in a relationship, never buy “joint-use” gifts unless previously discussed. For example, buying your sweetie a 50” plasma TV when you live together may send the message that the gift is really for you. And never buy her a kitchen appliance unless she tells you she really, no really, wants a Cuisinart juicer, do not, I repeat, do not buy your significant other an appliance for Christmas (unless you like sleeping on the couch).

Buy the right size

If you buy the woman on your list an article of clothing (generally inadvisable), make sure you know her size. You don’t want want to buy something too big or too small. And if you buy her lingerie, give it to her in private. You don’t want to explain to her nieces and nephews what a lace negligee is.

Lavish gifts

When buying for colleagues, bosses, and acquaintances who you are not romantically involved with or dating for a significant time, don’t buy too lavish a gift. Buying an expensive gift can send the wrong message.

Avoiding the Dog House

Also consider the type of gift. Is a satin robe really a good choice for a female boss? While she may love it, she probably doesn’t want her subordinates knowing what she wears to bed. Think about how the recipient will interpret the gift. For example, would your sister appreciate the sentiment behind your choice of anti-cellulite cream or a book on how to lose weight? Or, do you want the girl you’ve gone on two dates with to read into your gift of $3,000 diamond earrings? Lookout, she may expect an even bigger diamond in the near future!

In general, try to find out something about the recipient, so that you can purchase a thoughtful gift that she’ll love. And whatever you do, don't name a constellation after her.

In the event that you’re completely clueless, pick something from this list and you’ll avoid the bad gift blacklist for another year. The best part is that you can buy all of these gifts without leaving your living room.

Top Gifts for Her

Makeup

When buying cosmetics, stay away from items like foundation, power, and blush. These things are extremely individual and women like to pick the beauty staples out themselves. Eyeshadow and lipgloss palettes that include a wide variety of colors make wonderful gifts for women. There’s always a color she’ll like


Blockbuster Palette - $48

Detective Chic Eye Palette - $49.50

Pretty Makeup Bags

Most women like products and pretty makeup bags to keep them in, like these handpainted makeup bags.
UncommonGoods.com











Jewelry Storage

If the lady on your list already has a solid collection of jewelry, get her a stylish way to organize it that will fit into any decor with a jewelry wardrobe ($290).
UncommonGoods.com

For the woman on-the-go, give her the gift of tangle-free jewelry. The metallic leather jewelry roll ($135) lets her travel in style. It’s also made out of Moroccan genuine full-grain goatskin, so it’s luxury all the way.
GraciousHome.com














Jewelry

These recycled glass bottle necklaces ($70) are earth friendly and perfect for a niece, daughter or teenager on your list.

Great smelling candles

Women love candles, and it’s an appropriate gift for virtually everyone woman on your list. A classic choice: Diptyque - Limited Edition Parfumée Encens Candle - $72
BeautyHabit.com

Reed Diffusers

The hottest trend in home fragrance is reed diffusers, and the women on your list will appreciate your foresight. The Voluspa Fragrant Oil Reed Diffuser in Santiago Huckleberry is a fail-safe gift. $48
Nordstrom.com

Bath gift sets

You can always pick up a set from Bath & Body Works but if you want to go the extra mile, show her you know a thing or two about luxury.

The Potter & Moore - Sheer Luxury in Spiced Tuberose & Orchid 4 piece set includes a beautiful black leather cosmetic bag embossed with the Potter & Moore print filled with full sizes of the Eau de Toilette, Bathing Milk and Triple Milled Soap duo.

An Almond Cookie Indulgence includes Almond Cookie Sea Salt Scrub, Almond Cookie Shea Body Lotion, Almond Cookie Eau de Toilette, Almond Cookie Body Cleansing Gel, and Bath Sponge - $69.95 

Journals

Show her you care about her feelings with a journal or luxury notebook for jotting notes or even shopping lists. Perfect stocking stuffer for sisters, nieces and acquaintances.

Japanese Screen journal- $13.99
Borders.com

Cashmere Robe

A luxurious and well-received gift for girlfriends, wives, sisters, and moms (as in your mom). Cashmere Robe ($198)

If she’s a little eccentric, the Glasshouse Robe ($118) from Anthropolie is a great gift.
Anthropologie.com

Slip into Comfort

Slippers make great stocking stuffers. Slip these Amy Jo Gladstone Bam Bam slippers ($55) into her stocking.

Comfy Throw

Picture her curled up on the couch with a good book and a soft blanket on a cold winter night. If she’s your girlfriend or wife, maybe she’ll even share. Sferra Celine Throw ($75)
GraciousHome.com

Super soft towels

It’s such a wonderful feeling emerging from the shower and enveloping yourself in a luxurious, oversized bath towel. Surprisingly, many women don’t buy these for themselves. Step up to the plate and dazzle her with these Sup er Pile Towels, they are seriously the thickest, most luxurious towels you will find. Made from 100% Egyptian cotton in a super hefty 700 grams available in 55 colors.
OpulenceofSouthernPines.com

The Classic Cashmere Sweater

CeCe cashmere sweater - $129

Tea time

If the woman on your list loves tea, she’ll love a pretty tea set.

Teaposy Snow Dance Gift Set - $39.95

Say it with Chocolate

Chocolate truffles: the Grand Collection - $59.95

Sure, you can always buy her Godiva, but why not fill her stocking with more exotic chocolates? The Grand Collection from Chocolate Celeste features heavenly flavors like Amaretto, key lime, chili pepper, coconut, dulce de leche, golden cinnamon, red raspberry, champagne, chai, milk chocolate parfait, need I say more?

Sleek Point and Shoot Camera

Women love to take pictures. These cameras fit nicely into a handbag, so she can snap away any time she wants. 

Casio - EXILIM 7.2MP Digital Camera

FUJIFILM - FinePix 7.2MP Digital Camera

Perfume

Perfume is a tricky gift. Unless you know the person really well, I suggest a different gift. However, if she’s asked for perfume or you know she’s open to trying new things, the following scents are, in my opinion, unanimously coveted. 

L.A.M.B. Fragrance By Gwen Stefani Gift Set - $55

This scent is fresh and warm at the same time with a feminine muskiness that’s not overwhelming or masculine.
Sephora.com

Cleopatra EDP Tocca Beauty - $68

Ultra feminine without the “frills”, this scent is warm, sensuous, and romantic.
LusciousCargo.com

Pure Poison by Dior - $62
Sephora.com

This is by far Dior's most unforgettable fragrance. Its vanilla and powdery notes get into your subconscious.

Vera Wa ng The Fragrance - $67

Light and floral with just enough musk for a warm, lingering scent.

BIG CHI 2 Inch Hair Styling Iron

If she doesn’t already have one, she’ll definitely want one. This powerful straightening iron will put an end to bad hair days.
Folica.com 

Bespoke Labs Evolution Dryer by T3 - $300

You’ll win all sorts of points with this gift. You’ll show that you totally care about how her hair looks and want her to look her very best (and if you buy this don’t scoff at the price ... in front of her--it will ruin the effect).
Ulta.com

Pashminas (silk or chasmere shawl)

Pashmina shawls are an easy choice but definitely shows your thoughtfulness. Choose from a variety of colors, fabrics (silk or cashmere), and sizes, so she can wrap up in style and luxury any time she chooses. 

Silk scarf

Silk scarves are appropriate for any woman on your list. It’s easy, yet shows your fashion sense and creativity. 

Veron ica Long Silk Scarf - $36

Monarch Red Long Silk Scarf - $36

Gifts for pets

If the woman on your list has a pooch, chances are the little fur ball is like a child to her. Giving her a gift for the dog will show how sensitive (and thoughtful) you are.

Rani Arabella Mink Collar - $124      

Diamonds

For that really special someone, you can’t go wrong with diamonds. 

Princess diamond solitaire stud earrings .25ctw from JR Dunn Jewelers -  $499

Roberto Coin Cento -18kt white gold diamond solitaire tulip pendant .25ct from JR Dunn Jewelers

For the truly stumped

Gift certificate to a spa

This is one gift certificate that’s far from impersonal. Go to google.com, type in “day spas” + your city name and most of the time you can order a gift certificate online. 

Gift certificates to department stores

When you’re buying for women you don’t know well, like a second cousin or your 14 year old niece who lives in Idaho, a gift certificate to a large department store is great because she can shop for whatever she wants. Women and girls like clothes and since they are so hard to buy for someone else, a gift certificate covers your bases. It also gives her something to look forward to after all of the other presents are opened.

~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions