While so many people like to say that it’s the thought that counts, gift selection is not what it used to be. Men are gradually becoming aware of the fact that, no matter how thoughtful you think your gift might be, there are just some thing you should never buy for her birthday or any other occasion for that matter!
 
Kitchenware
Giving a woman anything that relates to the kitchen is like telling her to quit having too much fun and make you something to eat. No matter how much you think she will love her new pot and pan set, you might just be on the receiving end of a solid bashing if you think this is a great gift. The only time you should give kitchenware is for a house warming or perhaps as a wedding gift.
 
Cheesy gimmicks
Gimmick gifts can be fun from time to time but, if you really want to spoil her, you should avoid things like “cute” signs that she can hang on the wall or a coffee mug with some generic phrase printed on it. These gifts are the equivalent of giving mum a “World’s Greatest Mum” mug for Mother’s Day. It’s overdone and cliché.
 
Lifestyle improvement materials
She already knows her shortcomings so there’s no need to point them out! Self-help books, DVDs, or anything along those lines will leaver her feeling low rather than happy to be celebrating with you.
 
Pets
This one is debatable but, unless she has been bugging you for weeks (or months) about getting a particular type of animal, you should avoid investing in a pet on your own. Pets should be bought together so, instead of bringing one home, you should take her to choose one for herself. Pets are long term responsibilities and you can’t just return them so make sure that you think long and hard about this one!
 
Fitness Programmes
No matter how many times she has indicated an interest in getting back into shape, it’s not up to you to force her along. A gym membership or home exercise routine is like telling her that she’s not quite as “hot” as you would like and she needs to make changes. Again, she is already aware of any potential flaws and it’s not your job to fix them.
 
Household Appliances
Irons, vacuum cleaners, and anything used for cleaning should be an automatic NO in terms of gift selection. Like kitchenware, you do not want her to think that you are trying to put her to work.
 
Better gifts for her include jewellery, high-quality perfume (one you know she wears), gift hampers, and anything that will make her feel pampered (like bath and body products).