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Many people waste time, money and stress searching for the ideal anniversary or birthday gift for a loved one, only to find that after all their efforts it is received politely with a feeling that they wish you had not bothered. Others make the mistake of thinking that they need to spend a small fortune to impress the recipient. The unexpected gift or the one that shows how much thought went into is sure to be better received.

ANNIVERSARY AND BIRTHDAY GIFTS FOR WOMEN
Choosing the perfect anniversary or birthday gift for that special lady need not be a stress provoking experience. Consideration of the following may score you some "brownie points."

WHAT NOT TO BUY

Domestic Appliances
Steer well clear of domestic household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, irons etc. Domestic items don't work as gifts. They are necessities, not gifts!

Gift Vouchers / Money
Women like thoughtful gifts. A gift of money or vouchers demonstrates a lack of thought and imagination.

Cosmetics
A gift of cosmetics may be misconstrued as a criticism of her looks. Instead, try an aromatherapy gift designed to improve how she feels.

Exercise / Gym Equipment
As with cosmetics, an exercise gift will leave her questioning your motives.

Lingerie
The simple fact is that most men buy lingerie for them to look at, not for the benefit of the woman for whom it is intended. Furthermore, the majority of men are completely clueless with regard to sizes. Ask the average male his wife / fianc�e / girlfriend's bra size and he'll look at you as if you just landed from Mars. Lingerie may be a suitable gift idea for an anniversary, since it is a couple's joint celebration. Selecting a lingerie gift together will ensure that the selected items are tasteful, which she will be comfortable wearing. It also negates problems with sizes. Note: Lingerie is an inappropriate gift for any occasion in any new relationship. It will imply that your interest is purely physical and is sure to cause offence.

THOUGHTFUL GIFTS
In the course of daily chatting, any woman will provide various clues to her likes and dislikes in all sorts of areas. Take the trouble to listen.

Personalised Gifts
A personalised gift will show your lady the time and effort that went into its choosing, scoring you untold "brownie points." However, have her initials engraved on just anything doesn't make it a good gift. Be certain that a gift appeals to her taste, not your own. Women generally love romance and treasure memories of special times. A bouquet of her favourite flowers in a vase inscribed with an appropriate message would make a suitable personalised gift for any occasion.

Relaxation
Whatever her lifestyle, stress is likely to play a large part in life. Gifts that aid in relaxation, providing (at least temporarily) relief from the day-to-day "grind," are sure to be appreciated. A voucher for a day of pampering at a spa might prove ideal. If the budget is limited, a bath / body set, followed by a candlelit bubble bath and a bottle of wine may constitute a perfect relaxing evening.

Jewellery
Jewellery is a classic gift that most women love, but be certain to take some time to select the right piece. Jewellery with her birthstone and personalised pieces also make great gifts. Make her feel extra special by selecting jewellery that is obviously just for her.

ANNIVERSARY AND BIRTHDAY GIFTS FOR MEN

GIFTS TO AVOID
Your bloke may not be "Mr. Perfect," but try to make him feel good about himself.
Steer away from anniversary or birthday gifts like gym memberships etc. Similarly, even if you are fed up to the back teeth with him bumming around in the same old gear, don't consider clothing as a gift. Gifts of this type are likely to offend and make him think you are not content with him.

"Cute" Gifts
Often, people (most men and women) give the type of gifts that they would like to receive. It is unlikely that any man will appreciate "cute" gifts. They are more likely to be a cause of embarrassment. Men want to appear masculine, especially to each other. If one of his mates notices a teddy bear on his bed, he's sure to take a good deal of mickey taking next time he's in the pub. Try to find a gift that he will be proud to show off to his peers. Similarly, don't buy him tickets to ballet if he has no interest in it. Choose a gift that suits his tastes and hobbies.

GIFT IDEAS

Sporting Equipment
Your fellah may be the sporting type, or an armchair fanatic. Sporting equipment, such as personalised sports shirts, make useful gifts. Tickets to see his favourite team will make him feel particularly special that you want to share his interests, especially if you don't usually.

DIY
Men love tools, and instinctively want to fix things (regardless of whether they have the appropriate expertise!) However, be certain to bear in mind that he will want to find a use for any new DIY item straight away. A good idea might be to buy the correct tool(s) for that irritating job he's been putting off for months.

Gadgets
Whatever age a man actually is, he is generally ten years old at heart. The latest gadgets are a male favourite. Appropriate gifts might be accessories for computer or car. In this case, a gift voucher for an electronics chain store might also be appropriate. Whilst you might consider such a gift impersonal, it is practical, which men like.

PARTIES AND CELEBRATIONS

When considering the purchase of items for parties and celebrations, work through every room that guests will be using, deciding where decorations should be placed. As a rule, simpler is better. Large quantities of decorations can use up parts of your budget which could be better used elsewhere. Furthermore, too many decorations can make a crowded room look too "busy." An effective table centrepiece can be constructed using candles, fresh fruit, outdoor items like pine cones, pine branches, leaves, flowering branches, sea shells or grape leaves. Often, along with numerous, strategically placed candles, this is all that is required to make your home look appropriately decorated. For after dark parties, small white Xmas lights strung around doorways and in trees and bushes provide elegant exterior decoration.

For those with a larger budget and more exotic tastes, the Internet offers a vast range of websites providing party supplies for all occasions