Don't buy her a cliche

Peter and Suzanne Graham of Codrington shop together at the Lismore Jewel Centre helped by manager Ellis Smith.

Jacklyn Wagner

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SANTA is a bloke and he manages to get the gifts right, so why can't other men?

The truth is most men have a tough time buying presents for women, so they end up buying cliched gifts like pots, pans and gift vouchers.

So it's important for men to think about their partner's tastes before buying a gift. Kim Mason of Jeanette's Lingerie, Sleepwear & Hosiery in Lismore said lingerie was a good choice for men who wanted to show they care.

"Women really appreciate a bit of time and effort and lingerie is quite personal and it can be romantic, pretty or fun," she said.

Surprisingly, Ms Mason said many men were expert shoppers when it came to lingerie.

"It's very impressive because these days men know exactly what they want and 90% of them know her size," she said.

"But if they don't know her size, discreetly go through their partner's lingerie drawer and find a size.

"Also just think about colour because some women love black and some don't."

Darren Bridge of Lismore admitted it could be hard to buy presents for his partner.

"It's hard to know what women are thinking, they're hard creatures to work out," he said.

Mr Bridge was looking for a gift that made his partner of 17 years feel special.

"I think a nice nightie, nothing too kinky," he said.

Perfume and jewellery make perfect gifts for some women.

Gary Pinkerton of Lismore Jewel Centre said men cannot go wrong if they take advice from an experienced jeweller.

"It's something personal - a gift of love - and men are especially pleased when they get it right," he said.

Peter Graham of Codrington said it was still hard to find the right gift despite seven years of marriage to his partner Suzanne.

"It's just difficult to come up with something new and different and something that says 'Wow'," he explained.

"I think all women are hard to buy for but I'm only buying for one, so I'm lucky," he said.

What's the best gift you've received from your partner? Leave a comment below.