It goes without saying that presentation is important, so regardless of what you purchase, it needs some exterior attention. Just as you spiffed yourself up for your first date to make a good impression, even the best gift can be dulled if it's haphazardly duct-taped with newspaper wrapping. Pay the extra cash and get a professional wrapping job if you doubt you can pull it off on your own. Now, let's turn our attention to what will be inside that package, and exactly what she's going to think about it.

Jewelry

Because jewelry is often expensive and can be easily shown off, it's usually reserved for serious relationships. Giving her something sparkly will have her thinking that your relationship is solid and that your commitment to her is assured. Women are well aware that men don't drop major cash on a casual fling, and will take your gift as a cue that you love her. Be wary of giving jewelry too soon as you could be faced with one of two undesirable reactions: 1) It could scare off a woman not sure about her own feelings for you; or 2) It could annoy a woman thinking that you are trying to buy her affection.

Perfume

Perfume is the ultimate in personal gifts, even more so than jewelry. What a woman chooses to wear as a scent is very unique and is usually very subjective. That being said, you really need to know a woman well to head to the perfume counter and successfully choose a winner on your own. Since it can seem like a last-minute purchase that is bordering on cliche and the chance that you won't impress her is too great, steer clear of this type of purchase unless you are simply replenishing a favorite of hers that you've admired all year.

Gadgets

Living in a high-tech world, it wouldn't be unusual to gift your lady with a gadget. Whether it's an iPod for your commuting honey or an electronic organizer for your executive wife, gadgets are pricey and let her know that you think she deserves something to make her life a little easier. Because of the variety of gadgets out there, you also have a chance to show her exactly how much thought you put into picking the perfect gift by taking her lifestyle and needs into account.

A little gift-giving advice: Don't take over her new toy and insist on setting everything up for her -- let her take control and figure it out on her own. If you need to get your hands on it, do so before you wrap it up; feel free to load up the iPod with her favorite music or input important numbers into a new phone for some bonus points.

Trips

Giving the gift of your time is one of the simplest and most well-received presents around. Add the dedication of your time to anything from an exotic trip to a quick weekend getaway, and you're giving her the gift of an exciting shared experience.

Moreover, most women will take this gift as a sign that spending time together is important to you and that you value your relationship. This gift is also a great idea for the girl in your life who seems to have it all or if you want to avoid buying a material gift just for the sake of it. Be sure not to assume you know her schedule, and have a plan in mind that is flexible enough so that the two of you can work out the dates of the trip together.

Domestic gifts

Outside of specific requests, gifts that are domestic can send the message that you don't have an ounce of romance in your body or that you only see her as a tool for getting chores done around the house. While a new vacuum cleaner might be useful, practicality doesn't always stoke the fires of passion or make a woman feel special.

If you're determined to give a gift that isn't frivolous, leaning more toward luxury versions of everyday products might be the way to go. For example, a beautiful set of Egyptian cotton sheets or the newest fancy coffeemaker are the kinds of things that show her that you want to elevate her everyday activities to a whole new level (and not tie her to another to-do list).

Gift certificate

You may think that a gift certificate is an ideal present for a picky girlfriend who is always returning gifts and who loves to shop, but it's really a cop-out on trying to find something special for someone you care about. While she might appreciate getting to pick out something at your expense, it will probably leave her feeling like you couldn't be bothered to find something she might enjoy.

If your lady is a certified shopaholic and gift certificates are the only way to go, at least buy a little something to go along with it to up your non-financial contribution; such as a gift certificate and a pedicure for an adoring shoe addict.

Food/drink

While pleasant chocolates and wine are the kinds of gifts that you give to your neighbors, your coworkers or your see-once-a-year uncle -- they aren't for girlfriends. If you happen to be dating a genuine foodie with a penchant for gourmet products, by all means spoil her a little with a few special items to enjoy that she wouldn't normally indulge in. Otherwise, food items can seem generic, thoughtless and even cheap.

We aren't by any means saying that a little chocolate doesn't go a long way, but as the sole gift, it's an overall loser. If you want to include some food in your gift, go ahead, but be sure to use it as a side dish rather than the main course.