We all know guys are clueless when it comes to getting gifts for the ladies. So this Christmas season, in the spirit of giving, I decided to help y’all out a tad. Last I checked, I am female, and I know what I want. It’s a safe bet to say that within the list of what I want, there may be something that your woman will want as well. If you stay within these five general categories, you’ll be fine.

Unless you really, really suck at this.

1. Jewelry.

This includes shoes, bags, and accessories, such as shades. The problem with buying these for a woman is that women have particularly particular taste...but if you try and be a bit of a sharp one, then you should be able to be observant enough to figure out what she likes, yes?

Sunglasses at the optician in Yaya are 3k a pop. A nice bag from Asile, the Chinese (p)leather shop in town is on discount (last I checked) so should be about 3,000. If it’s not, then, I mean, 12,000 is not too high a price for love…right?

2. A trip.

Because who doesn’t get brownie points for taking someone to an exotic locale? Nothing speaks romance like a well-planned trip with someone you cherish. Pick somewhere you know she likes. If she likes the Coast, go to Lamu and not just plain old Mombasa (I went to Lamu on a 20,000 shilling budget for just me, and half of that was transport, and we slept in an…interesting place). Spelunking? Check out caves in Chyulu Hills (actually…don’t…or that’s just me? Lodges at KWS game parks average at 5,000 a night and you bring your own food. And lions walk on your porch).

*boat

3. A good wine.

 For a wine connoisseur, a good wine is never a miss. And if you’ve gone out with her on more than one date, as I am hoping you have before spending money on her (lol jk), then wine may be just the thing. Hopefully the bottle will be empty when her heart is full of gratitude…and other such warm, fuzzy feelings.

4. A night out.

Don’t be a tightwad, please. Take her somewhere nice, splurge a little. If this is all you’re getting her this Christmas (lol jk) you may as well go all out. In fact, here’s an idea: you could spend the night in a hotel for the home away from home feel. Coast is so last year…right? No? Ok. My favourite restaurant at the moment is Furusato Restaurant, a Japanese place I just discovered which will charge you about 2,500 per person.

5. A coupon/I-O-U.

If you’re really desperate, have no idea what to get her or do not know your woman at all, then I guess you could get her this. It can be a coupon where she can fill in something she wants from you and you will give it to her…get your mind out of the gutter. Or, you could offer her something like a personal massage, a foot rub, a car wash, a lap dance…whatever good fun you think she might enjoy. I wouldn’t mind a ‘I will wash the dishes for two weeks’ coupon myself…just sayin’. And…it’s free. :)

Also, if she wants a baby…lol jk

Abi

*photos courtesy of Photosynthesis Photos