Don't Hurry Down The Chimney With A Vacuum In Tow

If your lady love is waiting for her Santa Baby to hurry down the chimney, you had best not disappoint! Unfortunately, if you show up with the wrong gift in hand, you might find the temperatures at the bottom are colder than expected. Or worse, she might light the fire to "break your fall!"

Guys being guys are not always blessed with the best gift giving skills in the world. Sure, some of us are real Casanovas. This type of guy can make even Santa look like a clod, wrapping up just the right ring or necklace; bringing flowers at the perfect times and so on. The rest of us sit on the sidelines in wonderment.

Many of us, carrying that unusually strong practical gene that must come from caveman days or something, often think we have found the "perfect gift," because she can use it! Think again, fellas. Practicality and presents do not go together.

I am not a gift giving natural, but I have learned a thing or two along the way. There are some things to watch out for on the present buying front. This advice goes out to all of you guys who are not Casanovas by nature. My personal list of the Top 5 worst gifts to buy a lady (honed with hard hitting, first hand experience) includes:

Vacuums and cleaning appliances.

If it means "work" for her or even you, do NOT buy it. Even if you really, really need it, get it the day after the holidays. Do not hurry down the chimney with a vacuum in tow. You might just find out how flexible those hoses really are!

Kitchen items.

Unless she is a five-star chef who has personally asked you for a $500 hand mixer, do not buy things for the kitchen. Here and again it means "work" and this could mean a very blue Christmas for you!

Flannel anything.

Even if it is really cold and the nightshirt looks really warm and comfy, do not do it! She will think you think she is frumpy, dumpy or old. If clothing is on your list, think sexy, youthful or fun. Better yet, get her a gift certificate and pick out something else to wrap up!

Romantic gifts!

They are a wonderful idea, but if they only serve your purposes, think again. Consider items she would enjoy. Think romantic music CDs, a cord of firewood and a bottle of champagne, sensual massage oils. Do not think a striper costume and wrap it up with her name on it! (Maybe for her birthday, but not the holidays!)

Anything impersonal and/or generic.

If you would give it to a client or a perfect stranger, DO NOT BUY IT for her! While a chocolate and teddy bear gift basket is ideal for her, a fruit basket with a card filled out by a stranger will earn you a night on the couch. The same goes for anything that can be picked up at a convenience store.

Finding the perfect gift for a lady requires a little planning and preparation. If all else fails, ask her friends for advice, but whatever you do, do not buy any of the Top 5 things to avoid as the "big" or "only" gift during the holidays.

Randy Gardner is Romeo-Your Romance Resource and is the exclusive writer for Got To Have It Romantic Gift Creations. Visit Ask Romeo Blog to read more of Romeo’s articles about dating, romance, relationships and romantic and holiday gifts.

To find that perfect unique romantic gift for that special someone, go to Got To Have It Romantic Gift Creations Christmas Gifts