Girlfriends Birthday is nearing HELP

[The_Mac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gopher hmm... suprisingly little watch support. damn birthdays... After this year I want to propose an agreement not to exchange gifts! What a pain. you guys really don't think something like this would be good? [xIMG]http://www.watchesonnet.com/ebay/images/movado/0605039.JPG[/xIMG]

I'd go for it, but also include a really nice letter or a framed note telling her how much you love spending time with her, and how time goes so slowly without her... something sappy and romantic revolving around time to tie the watch in as a whole.

 

[gpalmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Mac I'd go for it, but also include a really nice letter or a framed note telling her how much you love spending time with her, and how time goes so slowly without her... something sappy and romantic revolving around time to tie the watch in as a whole.

Heh, the watch is gorgeous, but you have to get the emotional involvement in there somehow for it to really work. The_Mac's suggestion ain't bad, but I would only use it if there were something in your past that involved time, don't try to manufacture it...

 

[gpalmer]

Oh yeah, and make durn sure she never sees this thread!

 

[iGig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braillediver Now's when we need the female Head-Fiers to step forward and Help. Knowing your girlfriend and putting thought into the gift is more important than the cost. Maybe? Mitch

braillediver knows what's up, it's all about the thought you put into it

All you guys have great ideas, better than anything I could think of, because I enjoy practical gifts and useless gadgets (more headphones very welcome).
For years, I told my family and friends that I wanted a $10 clapper for my lamp and they all thought I was joking. Months later, my boyfriend bought me one for christmas and I had to marry him, not because it was the best gift he gave me, but because he listened to me, he made a mental note of what I said in passing and that means more to me than any expensive gift. I know he bought me some other stuff that year but I can't remember what.

The watch idea is nice if you know what kind of stuff she would like and actually use. I'd take a Casio over a Movado if it has the functions I need but I think most girls prefer the Movado.
Because all women are very different only you can determine what is perfect, but I'll give you my first reaction on some of the common gifts:
I think jewelry is overated, flowers die and food turns into crap. Perfumes are OK, if you know her fragance you can get a package with body lotion or powder, very femninine if you get the right stuff.
Victoria's Secret/lingerie: only get if you know for sure she likes it and wears it, otherwise it sounds like a gift for you. If you do this right, it should be a gift for both.

Teddy bears are preety cheesy, but if you think she'll like that Vermont one, don't let me discourage you, some girls like that stuff.
Spa packages: try to get a package with some flexibility to it. Not all people want the same things done. A cheap package with flexibility is better than a full package with a drill sargeant.
Jewelry: No rings of any type early in the relationship (rings are tricky and convey levels of commitment) I have a friend who received a beautiful emerald ring and she got mad because it wasn't a diamond, it's my theory that a different gift wouldn't have crated these issues. Bracelets and earrings are a safer solution for all budgets.
What she will like for sure if lots of attention, follow some of the great ideas posted here and take her to a nice dinner and give her lots of attention, a long massage and lots of love, come up with corny lines to make her feel beautiful and special because we all like that.

Best of luck to you.
Just one more thing: Don't spend too much $$ on girlfriends and save it for the wife, you get a better return on your investment.

 

[john_jcb]

Well first off I would forget about the no gift idea. Gifts do not need to be expensive to be remembered. Sometimes those that show that you are listening or have some insight into her wants are far more memorable.

One thing you might try when you are here is to have a nice dinner downtown. I like Joe's Seafood on Rush among many others. Follow this with a nice carriage ride around the city. Maybe some champagne while you ride along. Material gifts come and go, memories last far longer.

 

[episiarch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gopher I was at a whole sale shop today and happened past a watch display where I saw some Movados at really descent prices. I know she loves my watch and I am thinking of scrapping my origional idea and getting her a Movado of her own.

One thing to keep in mind, the low-end Movados apparently scratch somewhat easily. I got my wife one and while she loved it at first, in well under a year it didn't look good any more.

 

[raymondlin]

not trying to brag, but i am really good at buying gifts (for girls), my track record speaks for itself

But i have to know the person, what she's like, what she likes...etc

Then something usually pops into my head or when i am walking around shops, i'll see something that just clicks.

If you are still stuck, MSN me, and we can chat. I am free for the next 2 weeks til i go home from college.

 

[Gopher]

You've all made wonderful suggestions and I'm thrilled I've had so many heads thinking this one through with me.

After much consideration I think I will go with the watch idea. I'm going to give it to her at a nice but fun dinner (I'm thinking Fogo De Chao--you guys in the Chicago land area feel free to chime in with other suggestions) and, durring drinks, present her with a nice card which I'll personalize to something pertaining to time: I'm thinking along the lines of how time seems to stand still and drag on when we aren't together, and this being an instrument to ensure destiny doesn't cheat us (I'll clean it up/develope it, I'm usally pretty good with words). And then after she's read it I'll present her with the watch...

Other than that, as you guys have suggested, I'll just make it a really nice day and be attentive to her needs/wants.

Thanks a mill guys. It's nice having a tentative plan of action.

 

[Gopher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by episiarch One thing to keep in mind, the low-end Movados apparently scratch somewhat easily. I got my wife one and while she loved it at first, in well under a year it didn't look good any more.

hmm, it is interesting you say that, I'm a bit worried now.

I have this watch, but with the which face instead of the black and it is scratch proof and easily maintained.

http://www.closeoutwatches.com/catal...131&mt=WATCHES

Perhaps I should ask if that one has the scratch proof face and all that good stuff as well. I just sort of took for granted it did, I've had <$300 watches by popular but less reputable people such as Bulova and they've all had scratch proof faces. I would have guessed this small $500 ladies watch did as well... hmm, guess that'll show me for taking anything for granted, I'll make some calls tomorrow.

 

[Jasper994]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpalmer Heh, the watch is gorgeous, but you have to get the emotional involvement in there somehow for it to really work. The_Mac's suggestion ain't bad, but I would only use it if there were something in your past that involved time, don't try to manufacture it...

PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE ABOVE COMMENT. If it sounds manufactured, you will bomb! BADLY!!! If what you say doesn't sound right it can make her dislike it, even if she would otherwise like the gift.

If you are determined to get her a time piece...

AND

If she's a busy person you can possibly work the angle of how concious people are of time these days and how that led you to think of getting her a time piece since each time she looks at it, it could be a reminder of the love you have for her and the wonderful times the two of have had together.

ALSO...

If you do get her a time piece I do highly recommend you have something engraved on the back. "...a time to love" <--- would be an example but then you would need to work in that song about a time for all things, or its biblical reference.

 

[Jasper994]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gopher hmm, it is interesting you say that, I'm a bit worried now. I have this watch, but with the which face instead of the black and it is scratch proof and easily maintained. http://www.closeoutwatches.com/catal...131&mt=WATCHES Perhaps I should ask if that one has the scratch proof face and all that good stuff as well. I just sort of took for granted it did, I've had <$300 watches by popular but less reputable people such as Bulova and they've all had scratch proof faces. I would have guessed this small $500 ladies watch did as well... hmm, guess that'll show me for taking anything for granted, I'll make some calls tomorrow.

My current Bulova's face is sratched to hell, so you really have to be careful when it comes to this.

 

[windforce]

Write a paper letter with your hands and sealed with a kiss

you see, nowadays, only a few people write PAPER letters!!

 

[Gopher]

UPDATE:

Well, my girlfriend called me at work today and I conned her into givnig me her opinon on the watch matter. I told her I was going to the jewler after work to trade in my watch for a different Movado with a leather band so I'd have a more versatile time piece (casuaul/professional). Her response: "eww... don't do that, I hate leather wrist bands!"

sigh... I think I'm am gonna go with the fall back silver Amarosa and call it a day.

Thank God birthdays only come once a year.

 

[Jasper994]

With the general opinion here of a watch being hit or miss, why are you so bent on getting a watch? The other consideration with getting someone a time piece is that they are extreamly personal things. I'm a good example of this, I love watches, but the chances of someone being able to pick out a watch for me are slim to none. I'm very particular about the time piece I wear. It took me several months of searching to be able to settle on the one I have now. I know a lot of people like this, it's the reason there are so many styles from each manufacturer. The watch you are currently looking at is beautiful, but there are so many variables in selecting a time piece, I really don't think I would go this route.

 

[Xanadu777]

I have used the "tease" method a few times with great results. That's when you pretend you forgot, they get all mad but then when "the surprise" that you didn't forget afterall hits, the joy is multiplied. In other words, they keep waiting patiently till they've given up hope, think you're a jerk, then "find" something special in an obviously pre determined location. Then they think you are the greatest.

Then there's the "diversion" method. This is for when they may know what you have planned to get them. Suddenly at the last moment, the item is unavailable due to circumstances. Course you really have the item, to their great surprise.

For example what I did one time. My girl friend was wanting to buy a hard to find car, '73 Camaro, which I had found while I was out and about. She was going to buy it with her dough on payday after we went and looked at it. Well, before payday came I went and bought the car and asked the sellers to play along with the "diversion". When payday came, my girl friend called only to find out the car had been sold, she was quite dissapointed. Course I told the seller not to tell her the one who bought it was me. So on her birthday, about a week later, there sits the Camaro in our driveway when girlfriend comes home. She was stunned with joy... I wonder what ever happened to her