The gesture of giving a gift at Christmas time should
reflect fondness, and care and attention to detail.

Stuck for ideas on what to buy her for Christmas? Don't ask her what she wants, nothing could be more dull.

Here are a few ideas that might help you out. The first thing to consider is what you want your present to say and then figure out what will get that message across. If you've only known her for a couple of weeks, don't go taking liberties by giving her a lace teddy (camisole), especially anything in black or red.

Perfume's good, a year's supply of a favourite perfume, will never be boring. But if you're not sure what she wears, stick with the classics like Chanel No. 5. Don't whatever you do, if you have romantic inclinations, buy one of those so called unisex fragrances. Leave her to buy that for herself. Or you could chicken out and buy her an empty perfume bottle, then whisk her off to France to fill it with their most luxurious perfume.

The best gift reflects a sensitivity to the personality of the recipient and the elegance of the person who gives it.

You can't go wrong if you go classic: a cashmere sweater is always useful, in neutral colours. Certainly the useful is always welcome, but it is the unusual that is treasured.

A silk robe is lovely for the one you plan to wake up with on Christmas morning.

Is she always late? You might think she needs a watch, but unless she's asked for one she might take it as a hint. Unless she's got a sense of humour about it, she might take it the wrong way. Forget that idea, and love her for her lateness.
Leather gloves are an elegant gift. This year they come in glamorous metallic colours.
Are you planning to party over the holidays? Does she have a special dress picked out? How about a necklace in crystal or gold, maybe some matching earrings to go with her outfit.

Handbags are useful gifts, but is she a small-bag girl, or a big-bag girl? Handbags are difficult even for the recipient to choose. One option this year is a patent leather tote. They're ideal for a casual or smart occasion. And stuff it with lots of things girls like to play with. Go round Woollie's and throw some stuff in the shopping cart. It doesn't have to be expensive; magazines she loves but rarely buys, barrettes and hair accessories, comestic brushes, body lotion, soaps. And it doesn't have to be grown-up, just girly stuff.
How about a leopard faux-fur muffler to make her feel glamorous?

Since glamour is the buzzword this season, I think something she would never buy herself, but would love to own might just hit the nail on the head. Do you want to be absolutely barmy and get her something she'll probably only use once, a bag in crystal at a crazy price of nearly $2,000!
Book her in to have a glamour make-over. For about $200-300 she'll get her hair and make-up done. They'll take her to a photographic studio, dangle earrings on her, and dress her up in different styles, then she'll have to sit in every pose imaginable. But after a gruelling time in front of the camera she'll come out of it looking like a cover-girl - with some nice photos to be proud of.

Mohair sweaters can be itchy, but they come in glorious colours, and she may love to look stunning in one paired with some velvet leggings.
As I mentioned before, patent leather bags are all the rage, and if she has the personality to go with it, they are available in jazzy lime green or yellow besides the usual black. Satisfying a fancy is the clue to a personal and well-chosen gift, rather than selecting what one would buy anyway out of pure necessity.

If you know her well enough to buy underwear, go for out-and-out indecency (in price I mean), and buy the best lacy stuff you can find. A little bit shy about strolling into a lingerie department? Your local store might hold a special evening for guys like you. Call them and ask if they hold men's shopping hours. Catalogues are also a good source, Victoria's Secret being a favourite of both sexes, the women love the goods and the men love the models.

Perhaps I should say a thing or two about sizes. It's no good going to a store and holding your hand chest-high saying she's about this tall. (That's not very helpful to the poor assistant). And besides, shopping armed with her credentials will save potentially embarrasing questions. You could ask her Mother, though even this has to be done with diplomacy. I don't think the words "Hey, what's Heather's cup size, is she a B or a D?" will go down too well. You'll have to use your imagination on this one. You could sneak into her closet, and if you're caught, make an excuse like I thought I saw an alien in here, or bang on the walls and make out you were checking them for stability.

Well guys, I hope this has given you a few ideas, Take it with a pinch of salt. Have as much fun as I had writing it. (Pictured silk robe and merry widow available from Victoria's Secret. Check their catalogue for details.)

Women's Suits and Dresses
               S      M      M      L      L     XL
American       8     10     12     14     16     18
British       10     12     14     18     18     20
Continental   38     40     42     44     46     48


Women's Shoes
American       6     6.5    7      7.5    8      8.5
British        4.5   5      5.5    6      6.5    7
Continental    38    38     39     39     40     41


Hosiery size guide
Size            S              M             L
Height     4'11"-5'7"      5'4"-6'0"    4'11"-5'7"   
Weight     95-140lbs      120-165lbs    145-195lbs