Tips for Holiday Gift Giving to Women Over 50
How to Buy a Great Gift for the Mature Woman
Older women can be difficult to buy gifts for when they seem to have everything they need or could possibly want. Here are some suggestions to find that special gift and avoid making common gift giving mistakes when selecting for the mature woman.
Make Up a Gift Basket for the Over 50 Woman
Creativity is the key when making up a basket for a person. Honing in on some of their major interests, hobbies and activities is a great way to personalize this gift. Whether it includes neat gardening tools and flower seeds or for the ornithology enthusiast, bird books and travel binoculars, she will know someone cares enough to focus on things she loves to do.
Even when the gift giver is unsure about her tastes, beauty products are always a good choice since most women use shampoos, moisturizers and bath products. Visit a store that specializes in these baskets in any large mall. Note that there are some specialty shops that make up personalized gift baskets for the customer. These can be found in the phone book or on the internet.
Tried and True Gift Solutions For Mature Ladies
Try a nice tasteful lapel pin, especially as a holiday related gift. Something handmade or unique is a good choice but please avoid the Rudolph or Santa with a light-up nose gag. Also, anything made of plastic is not tasteful.
Search for 14k bargains. In keeping with the jewelry theme, one need not spend a fortune to buy 14k gold earrings. Many stores have last minute or one day only sales on jewelry that make this an affordable alternative. Keep in mind that many older women do not have pierced ears so the gift giver needs to know this up front. Clip or screw earrings are available but they are harder to find.
Consider a necklace or slide. Slides are jewelry charms that slide onto any size chain and need not be diamonds or rubies to be tasteful. Note that many older women do not like tight chains so buy a chain that is 20 inches or more in length to be safe.
Avoid costume jewelry. It is always better to buy 14k or better jewelry instead of costume pieces. Some women are actually allergic to the nickel in costume jewelry and cannot wear it at all. Stick with gold or white gold.
Clothing Gifts Are Perfect If They Fit the Woman
Consider size when buying clothing. When in doubt, go with the larger size unless she is very petite. Sweaters are a good choice but buy a better fabric like a soft wool, cashmere or all cotton. If she tends to be cold all the time, wool is best. For women who are too warm, try cotton or cashmere. Stick with a safe color like black, cream or blue.
Shop for a nice blazer, as it makes a great gift. Wool, leather, microsuede or a less expensive alternative like corduroy, in black, brown or navy, would be appreciated by most women. You can also buy a blouse in a neutral color to go with it.
Buy a nightgown or pajamas for a close friend or relative. Do not buy anything like this for a coworker or boss as you may send the wrong impression. This is a good gift for a wife. Again, mimic the style and material that she likes to wear.
Women Love Good Quality Leather Goods
Match styles she uses when you choose a nice wallet in top grain leather. Neutral is good but red or alligator grain is a fun alternative. Buy designer labels and go to discount stores, and pay much less than at a retail store. Or try a factory outlet center where stores sell Coach Etienne Aigner and other designer bags for much less than retail prices.
Limit buying purses unless the giver knows which designer she likes. Purses are harder to buy and many women are very particular about style and brands. Also avoid intimate garments, shoes and perfumes unless her preferences are known. Note that some leather products, like wallets and notebooks can be personalized with leather embossed gold leaf initials or names. This is a lovely personal touch to a gift.
When All Else Fails, Try these Gifts for the Mature Woman
Consider a nice bottle of wine, champagne or a favorite liqueur like Amaretto or Bailey's Irish Cream if she enjoys a drink now and then. This is a good choice if you are visiting someone for a dinner party or celebration.
Try to personalize the gift for the older woman. Gift baskets, jewelry, clothes and leather goods are always a great choice, sizing issues aside. Consumable products can be a good fall ball plan, particularly if she happens to be a wine aficionado. Whatever is purchased - even a gift certificate - can be given with a beautiful card including a personal note from the gift giver.
Holidays are coming
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