This week I’d like to examine the notion of giving flowers. With so many wonderful blooms bursting with vibrant colour at this time of year, there couldn’t be a better time than now to think about sending a bouquet to someone special.
Some people manage to make gift giving look effortless no matter what the occasion no matter who the recipient. Hopefully with the help of this blog you’ll be one of those people before you even know it. This week I have been looking at different ways to show you care for the special woman in your life.
Women like to feel appreciated and special to those whom they share their lives with and so here are a few ideas if there’s an important date looming in your calendar, or even if there’s not. A surprise gift is often better received than an expected one, so let’s take a look at how to let her know you care.
For the independent woman in your life who likes to look after herself and her motor, why not take a look at the Love My Car Toolkit? Investing in a gift like this shows you appreciate her practical side and that while she is out gallivanting she knows you care enough to give her the tools and instructions to get her through any kind of minor emergency she might encounter on the way to the next party.
If she is less of a petrol-head and more of a “country lass”, why not consider a day out at a National Trust property? Local properties are easy to find on the internet and as a means of spending a day out in the approaching summer months what could be nicer than a gentle walk round a Stately Home and indulging in a few fantasies about the “Manor” to which you could become accustomed?
Of course, while Valentine’s Day is long past, the woman in your life will always appreciate a romantic gift – flowers are perfect at any time of year, but with new blooms coming into season now, it’s a great time to celebrate the arrival of Spring florally with a beautiful bouquet.
It’s that time of year again, and whether it’s your anniversary or her birthday you want to get the perfect gift. Gifts given on important dates like these ideally will reflect an insight into who she is and what she means to you. Looking at the world of present buying from her perspective may help you to realise why a set of smellies from the local chemist aren’t going to win you brownie points. Sometimes it’s hard however to come up with the perfect present and when you’re pushed for time it’s easy to pick up the wrong thing from the local High St.
No one wants to upset their woman by buying the wrong gift, but it happens more often than you might realise. Do find yourself wondering every year when she opens the wrapping whether that’s a false smile creeping across her face? Worse still have you ever made a true blunder and had the woman of your dreams reduced to tears?
These are the times you wish the earth would swallow you up and that ‘if only’ you’d had more time to choose the right gift she’d be smiling and you wouldn’t be in the dog house. If any of these things have happened to you, here’s our guide at getting back in the good books ASAP.
First up, don’t make excuses for a poor gift - it just makes matters worse! If your woman is already upset, blustering on about how ‘I was going to get you’… does not help and may inflame the situation.
Don’t make rash promises you can’t keep to make her feel better. Mentions of weekends away and pampering sessions are all very well if you know you have a free diary in the upcoming month, but if unsure, play safe and keep these ideas to yourself.
Flowers, although commonly construed as a ‘forgive me’ gesture do not have the same sway they used to. Given as a spontaneous gift flowers are a wonderful sentiment that is appreciated by most women, but as a quick fix… steer clear!
There are sites which you can visit which will deliver you an alternative present ASAP if you really want to put things right. With clearly defined categories to help you choose an appropriate gift for the occasion you can’t really go wrong. Even if you can’t find a gift to suit her tastes within the relevant category sites such as TreatHer.com offer gift experiences which she can enjoy by herself or with you as a couple or with her friends.
You can trust the gift experts to find you a solution no matter how cramped the doghouse may feel!
No matter what the occasion, we believe that any gift should be given with sincerity, love and ideally a pinch of romance. We all know that it’s hard to fit a trip round the shops into busy work and home life schedules, but finding the time is part of the equation that makes any gift romantic.
If, however, finding the time really is impossible you can easily create the illusion that you’ve managed somehow to find the time to search around for that perfect gift by visiting one of the many fabulous gift sites that specialise in gifts for women. Gifts bought from any of these sites come exquisitely wrapped as standard, and cover a wide range of beautiful hand picked presents that are obviously not picked off the shelf at the local supermarket.
Making her feel special is what it’s all about, and with choices of gifts which are relevant to the occasion and suited to her tastes, she’ll feel like a million dollars. Of course at sites such as TreatHer.com the gifts don’t cost the earth but they provide a unique selection, often with exclusive gifts that you won’t find on the High St, so she’ll never know where you picked up that special trinket that she loves so much.
Before visiting a gift site think ahead if you already have a type of gift in mind. For example, make an effort to find out what her dress size is if you’re thinking of lingerie. There’s nothing worse than giving her a present that will make her feel self-conscious. Knowing in advance what size she is and getting it exactly right will mean so much to her as it shows you know and care about her. It’s this kind of planning that will help you get the perfect balance between ideal present and romantic gesture every time.
If you are looking to buy her a piece of jewellery, look at others she already owns and see if there’s a theme to her choices. She may only like silver trinkets or she may like pieces set in amber. If you can see an outstanding favourite stone or metal type do not decide that now is the time to go against the grain.
The difference between choosing an unusual present and one that she doesn’t like and won’t wear is crucial. Romantic gifts aren’t about re-imagining a thing she loves but reflecting the things she does. Romance is about reflecting back to her the things you like about her but also taking that to the next step, so if she likes pieces with amber in, why not buy a set which will accessorise her best outfit and show her that you know and care for her?
Aries: March 21 - April 20
Aries women are notorious hot-heads, with fiery tempers and a fiercely guarded independence. They are constantly seeking new thrills to fulfil their passion for life, approaching each hurdle with a real enthusiasm. They love adventure and excitement in which they can unleash her rambunctious side. However, Aries women also possess a uniquely naïve and trusting side to their character as they tend to believe the best of people.
Relationships: Aries women crave their independence so they need a ‘real man’ who is not easily intimidated. Their biggest turn-off is a possessive relationship as it stifles their strong sense of identity. Because they are an impulsive star sign, there are frequent accidents and dramas surrounding their love life.
Perfect Present: The One-On-One Pole-Dancing Lesson. A challenge with a naughty edge to it!
Taurus: April 21 - May 20
Taurus women present a placid, collected exterior. Despite their reputation as socialisers, they are more detached than other star signs and thus can sometimes be misread as stubborn, snobby or boring. They are capable of shutting off from the world around them and keep people at an arm’s length. Taurus women enjoy indulging their extravagant tastes and place great emphasis upon emotional and financial security. They are a sensual star sign closely affiliated with the earth and nature.
Relationships: They invest hugely in emotional relationships, yet tend to allow their partners only as close as they’ll allow. Taurus women are often accused of being ‘closed books’ but their feelings run deep.
Perfect Present: The Chocolate Making Workshop for two as it is a sensual, indulgent pleasure.
Gemini: May 21 - June 20
This is a mischievous, flirtatious, chatterbox of a star sign which lives life at the full- throttle pace of a racehorse. Gemini women are curious characters, constantly seeking to expand their knowledge and increase their intelligence. As a result, they have a tendency to flit from topic to topic in conversation at a dizzying speed. They are multi-faceted and talented on many levels, both intellectually and emotionally.
Relationships: They require a partner who can match their physical and mental activity with an equal passion for life. But be warned- Geminis get thrills out of playing games.
Perfect Present: The Jet Set Day. A truly extravagant day which will leave even the most talkative Gemini speechless.
Cancer: June 21 - July 22
This is a peculiarly contradictory star sign, as Cancer women are compassionate, caring and generous with their loved ones, yet also moody and insecure. They are angst-ridden characters requiring constant reassurance and intimacy but it is this changeable nature which makes them so fascinating and mysterious. They are genuine homebodies and prioritise family and love.
Relationships: This sign places the greatest emphasis upon love and romance. Therefore, they are extremely responsive to romancing, but no other sign takes it so badly when a relationship turns sour.
Perfect Present: The Cupid’s London Eye exclusive as they will appreciate such a romantic, intimate gesture.
Leo: July 23 - August 21
Leo women have a great zest for life, and it is this enthusiasm that makes them social butterflies around which people seem to gravitate. They have an inclination to be self-centred and occasionally pretentious but place great emphasis upon their friends. Just be careful not to trample on their ego! They require frequent compliments and constant attention, but such efforts will be rewarded as they are fun-loving, ambitious and unique.
Relationships: Leo women are vivacious and, as a result, they attract lovers easily. They require frequent massages to their demanding ego and tend to become involved in intense relationships.
Perfect Present: Spoil your Leo with the Deluxe Short Break. Then you can lavish them with your undivided attention!
Virgo: August 22 - September 23
This is an immensely independent zodiac sign that takes great pleasure in thinking logically and approaching life analytically. Virgos make good friends because they are truthful, loyal, rational and always willing to help solve one’s problems. However, they can frequently appear cold and detached as they tend to keep their emotional distance.
Relationships: Virgo women may appear controlling but this is merely because they are trying to be helpful as they seek to organise their partner’s life. Their motives are never malicious and they are straightforward in their actions.
Perfect Present: The Silk Passport Holder and Luggage Tag. Inject the Virgo’s love of practicality with a dash of glamour.
Libra: September 24 - October 23
Libran women are emotionally impulsive and sexually alluring as they place great emphasis upon good food, expensive wine, and extravagant entertaining. Although they have a tendency towards laziness, often being content to just go with the flow rather than seize active leadership, they are continually charming, sophisticated and diplomatic in their relations with others.
Relationships: This star sign loves being in love. They tend to be beautiful, and very aware of the power this beauty grants them. They are inclined to experiment sexually and therefore have a tendency to be adulterous. Even the most faithful of Librans are terrible flirts.
Perfect Present: The New Yorker Pearl Cravatte as it is an elegant piece of jewellery that will indulge a Libran’s highbrow taste.
Scorpio: October 24 - November 22
Scorpios pride themselves on their loyalty, as they are a reliable star sign which plays a powerful role in the lives of those close to them. They are particularly complex, presenting a calm and collected exterior which masks a mass of emotions. Scorpio women have a strong streak of jealousy in their natures and will bear grudges for a very long time.
Relationships: They are loyal and honest companions in their love affairs. It is important for Scorpio women to feel that they are regarded as sexy, even if they do not always channel their passion into the sexual element of a relationship.
Perfect Present: The Marriott Pamper Day, to unleash their sensual side.
Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21
A keen traveller, the Sagittarius woman craves bold adventure in the great outdoors. They are a popular star sign due to their broad-minded approach to life and genuine enjoyment in chatting to a variety of people. They are extremely easy-going and relaxed, enjoying the simple pleasures which life offers. Sagittarians seek a higher purpose in life and thus are fascinated by the teachings of philosophy and religion.
Relationships: This star sign is sincere and open in relationships. They may act playful but are actually searching for a deeper bond. Mutual independence is vital for them, which can present obstacles in their pursuit for true love as they shy away from emotional independence.
Perfect Present: The Big Cat Encounter will provide Sagittarians with that dose of adrenaline which they crave!
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19
Whilst Capricorn women are accused of plodding through life, this practical and hardworking work ethos means that they excel in their ambitions. They are driven to achieve by factors like money, status and power, associating professional success with personal happiness. Capricorns are loyal friends who always first to lend their assistance when the going gets tough. However, their conservative attitude means they are intolerant towards those who do not fulfil their high expectations.
Relationships: Capricorns are cautious towards love but once they’ve allowed their cool exterior to melt, they are totally committed. Accordingly, Capricorn women hate casual sex as they require a certain level of dedication from their partner.
Perfect Present: The Discover Your Family History present will appeal to the Capricorn’s organised nature as it presents a fresh challenge.
Aquarius: January 20 - February 18
Women born under this symbol may appear eccentric and out of touch with daily life, as their highly intelligent and futuristic minds are always focusing on exciting new thoughts and goals. They are committed humanitarians who are very sensitive to the feelings of others and take a tolerant view towards mankind. Aquarian women can be dismissed as cold fish because their unconventional mentality means they come across as aloof.
Relationship: This detached star sign shies away from emotional intimacy so it is difficult to start a romance with an Aquarian. With patience though, they are sensual and imaginative lovers.
Perfect Present: The Fusion Food Platter. A quirky gift to reflect an Aquarian’s alternative tastes.
Pisces: February 19 - March 20
What a dreamer! This star sign is a gentle, sensitive soul who focuses upon the intrinsically romantic elements of life: poetry, sunsets and flowers. They detest discipline and but not because of laziness. Rather they prefer to drift through life, focusing upon their ideals and giving pleasure to their loved ones. Pisces is a highly emotional sign which hates which hates being confronted with the harsh realities of life.
Relationships: With such emotional depth, it is unsurprising that Pisceans are sensual and caring partners. They are uninhibited, generous and magnetic lovers.
Perfect Present: The Poet’s Toolkit allows a Pisces romantic to express their innermost thoughts.