Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

My boyfriend and I have been going out for a little over a year now and he's starting to surprise me with gifts. I wouldn't have a problem with this if they were things that I like, but they're not my taste at all. I really appreciate the gesture but I'd rather he not spend his money on things I'd rather return. Can you give me some tips on how to break through to him without hurting his feelings?

Signed,

Gifted Girl

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Dear G.G.,

Its rather hard to believe that after a year of being together that he still doesn’t know you well enough to get you a gift you would like; but then again, as most men can attest, if a woman is faking it its not always easy to tell.

So it sounds like he's a little off the mark with these surprise gifts - where's the harm in that? It's not as if its your birthday or anniversary. Maybe these are things he wants you to have, or things that made him think of you and so he's considerate enough to take the time - and funds - to get them for you. It sounds like you've never asked him why he got you the gifts, but feigned warm feelings for something you would never want. So you can't really blame the guy, especially since his actions are earnest and pure. Yours on the other hand are up for debate.

Even if you wanted to put him back on target and drop subtle - or blatant - hints about the gifts its a lose-lose situation. You will have to come clean about not liking any of the gifts he's given you which will make you seem not only deceitful but ungrateful considering these are unsolicited gifts.

Either way you should let him know so he can stop wasting his money. Just be prepared that after you lift the veil you risk him withdrawing gift giving all together. But that’s the price you pay for not being honest upfront and for having your boyfriend of a year lavishing you with things that you didn't appreciate. He has every right to feel foolish or even a bit deceived because, well, both are valid responses.

On a much more optimistic - yet unrealistic - note, the two of you could laugh it off and he’ll take cues from you from now on whenever he wants to surprise you with something, or maybe just reserve his giving spirit to holidays and special occasions. Either way, let this be a lesson to you: honesty is the best policy. Especially when you could have saved him and yourself from this unnecessary situation if you would have nipped this in the bud early on.

Just prepare yourself for the worst and hope for the best. Not the most comforting advice but its the most realistic.

Scary thought though, isn’t it?

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I may have a new challenge for you. Is there such a thing as key chain fashion? Is it an accessory worthy of gifting?

Signed,

Key Chain Gifter

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Dear K.C.G.,

At first thought, the suggestion of a key chain as a gift seems so...underwhelming. Unless, of course, the key chain in question is attached to keys to a new car, house or safe deposit box. But on second thought, a key chain can be an extension of a person's personality - or style - so maybe there is gift potential in something so commonly overlooked as a gift.

Key chains have always been a little trendy and a great way to express yourself - not to mention its primary function of helping you easily identify your keys amongst others or if dropped. If you take the time to find one that highlights the person's personality or would make them think of you each time they reached for it then you're on the right track of giving one as a gift.

If you can't find one that has sentimentality attached to it, you could always go the designer approach. Just about every label produces a key chain of some sort and truth be told, they can get pricey...for a key chain. However, it could be considered a small touch of luxury and, if nothing else, a way for you to provide said gift receiver with a piece of their dream designer label without breaking the bank to do so.

Fashion and personal style is nothing without attention to detail so really, a key chain could be considered a personal touch to either add style or nostalgia for the bearer. And if nothing else, its quite the play on the idea of putting a ring on it.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him & Her

Valentine's Day is only days away and if you're dating someone then you're probably feeling the pressure to show just how much you care. But caring doesn't always have to cost you. Here are five gift idea's for him and for her for anyone who's heart strings are just as closely tied to their purse strings.

For Him

1. A Starbucks gift basket or personalized travel mug.

2. A fun tie/bow tie. Brittons carries an outstanding assortment for you to choose from.

3. A personalized flask. Things Remembered also offers flasks with the option to engrave.

4. Add to the appeal of the flask by adding a bottle of Woodford Reserve, or something just as potent to put a little hair on your man's chest. One of the perks of choosing Woodford is if you order online you can personalize the label for free!

5. A Coupon Book: this one can be naughty or nice - completely your call. Unless otherwise stated, these coupons don't expire, so choose your services carefully.

For Her

1. Got a broken watch? Take out all of the mechanical parts and put a photo of yourself or the two of you in its place. It creates a new, personalized accessory that is truly one-of-a-kind.

2. Wine Gift Basket

3. A personalized message in a bottle.

4. A Beauty Basket full of sample sized beauty items. On average, sample sizes range from $1 to $3 a piece.

5. Locally, Just the Thing is offering 20% off anything PINK during its "Think Pink" sale in honor of Valentine's Day. Here are just a few gift ideas that are a perfect way to show that special woman you care without accruing credit card debt.

Small face Jelly watch: $15 each

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Large face Jelly watch: $25 each

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Green stone teardrop earrings: $25

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Black stone double teardrop earrings: $35

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Wire bracelets: $25 for a set of 3; currently on SALE at 50% OFF through Saturday

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Ippolita-inspired bracelets: $15 each

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Ippolita-inspired bracelets: $15 each

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Cartier-inspired bracelets - small; $15 / large; $19.50

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In addition to the amazing deals mentioned, if you're in the mood to splurge Just the Thing is also holding a Chanel button trunk show in the Columbia, SC store location. If you're in the area you should stop by the display, even if its just to look. With or without Valentine's Day on the horizon, what girl could deny her love for Chanel?

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

My wedding anniversary is approaching and my wife is impossible to shop for. We're both in great places in our careers so if she wants something she gets it, leaving little room for me to surprise her. She's not much of a girlie girl, so I'm limited to what I can buy, and she yells at me if I spend too much.

Do you have any practical advice or good gift suggestions?

Signed,

Anniversary Gift Dilemma

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Dear A.G.D.,

If a tree grew every time a man said he had to find a gift for an "impossible to shop for" woman we'd all be living like The Swiss Family Robinson. Like most, you're spinning your wheels to produce a thoughtful, heartfelt and anniversary-worthy gift in a matter of days when it takes proper planning, attention to detail and a keen sense of timing to execute an annual gift of any sort.

Without proper planning you have to improvise. The first improvised step to consider would be calling for reinforcements. Contact one or two of her closest friends to ask if there's anything she's talked about wanting recently. You should also call the women closest to you and gain their insight about what would (or wouldn't) work as far as a gift goes. With any luck, brainstorming with the people who know you two best as a couple should plant a gift idea in your head or at least point you in the right direction.

Next, consider the sentimentality of the gift. If you decide to go with any suggestion made, even if its a very good one, think of how you can add a personal touch. A piece of jewelry, for example, is made that much more special with an inscription. And lastly, ask yourself (or your assistant) this: does the woman that has everything really have everything to make her demanding life easier? Take into account her routine and think about how your gift could be thoughtful, useful and a daily reminder of you.

In the future, plan to work smarter and not scramble harder as your anniversary nears. Keep a (hidden) running tab of anything she mentions in passing that may come in handy for future gift-giving situations like anniversaries and birthdays. Keep the list updated, crossing off the things she buys while highlighting what she forgets.

Though to be fair, some of the challenges you face have been made even tougher as most working women live their lives in overdrive. Decades of pressure to perform and produce like men at work have caused them to be independent even if they're not. Who needs a thoughtful parter when you have a thorough PDA? Instant gratification has become the new coping mechanism for most women, leaving little room for the men in their lives to reward them for working so hard. If they want it, its theirs, no questions asked, no time wasted.

This is why, above all else, your anniversary gift should be a reminder to your wife that she may spend her days like a man but she's still a woman. And all women, whether their careers allow them to admit it or not, have a soft side. Look at this as your own opportunity to show your wife that if she can evolve, so can you; don't be afraid to get in touch with your feminine side...of gift giving at least.

If you want to go a little more by the book, check out this site for a list of traditional and non-traditional anniversary gifts.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

My girlfriend and I have been dating for two years now and her birthday is in a few weeks. I was thinking of spicing things up a bit and getting her some really nice lingerie as part of her gift. Do you think this is a bad idea? If so, why? If not, where's a good place for tasteful stuff like that?

Signed,

Birthday Boudoir Boyfriend

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B.B.B.,

I'm so glad you came to me for advice on this touchy subject matter! So many guys think they're doing their girlfriend a favor by picking out some "sexy lingerie" - that she probably wouldn't be caught dead in - let alone a leaked tape of some sort. But fear not, for I am here to help you sift through this sexy sartorial conundrum! Lets start at the top and work our way down, shall we? First, you're going to need to rifle through your girl's intimates drawer - if you haven't already - to determine her bra and pantie sizes. Besides looking at just the pattern in sizing, also pay attention to the colors, brands and even the more common styles. This homework will clue you in to what colors she typically chooses for herself, where she likes to purchase her intimate apparel and what styles she trusts the most to support her best T & A-ssets.

Next, you'll want to seek the assistance of either one of her close girlfriends or even a female close to you - I would ask your sister or a friend before calling mom on this one. Have them go with you to a few shops to get their opinion - and to pawn off the pastel-clad bag once the purchase has been made. You could also take to the web and place the order online - but be sure to pay a little extra for the gift wrapping.

And as you mentioned - I wouldn't make this her only birthday gift. No man should rest the fate of his relationship in the cup and crotch of a gift that could be received in a range of emotions from tickled pink to road-rage red. You could throw a few "adult accessories" in the bag to go with the lingerie to add to the evening's excitement - massage oils, blindfolds and handcuffs, oh my! - but a nice piece of jewelry or even a get-away vacation would be a great addition to your peek-a-boo present.

Below are a few links to help you jump start your search. The prices - and quality - range from borderline trashy to triple-figures so its a financial free-for-all when it comes to what you choose. If you follow my advice I can almost guarantee that your girlfriend won't be the only one getting her candles blown by the end of the night.

Lingerie Links:

Frederick's of Hollywood

Victoria's Secret

La Perla

La Petite Coquette

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Good morning Shopping Savage,

I just had the best first date of my life. I'm going out of town on business for a few days but we planned our next date the evening upon my return. I was thinking while I was out of town that it would be really nice to surprise her with a small gift. Maybe a bottle of perfume? A small piece of jewelry? Thoughts?

Signed,

Second Date Jitters

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Good Late Evening S.D.J.,

Maybe if you had known her for longer than one minute....err, I mean one date - albeit "the best first date of [your] life" - then I would say a gift is a great gesture but too much too soon may make you come across as being too eager. Not to mention with just one date under your belt your bound to have trouble choosing a fragrance she would like, let alone something as intimate, personal and quite frankly, costly, as jewelry. If I were to suggest you take any sort of gift I would stick to the traditional: flowers.

My advice to you, and to all, is when it comes to relationships - as I am no expert, trust me - to look at it like a traffic signal. It sounds like the first date went well so you're out of the red; currently you're in the yellow so proceed with caution until you get the green light from your paramour. A gift is a great gesture but I think you making the effort to get together right after you return from your trip is probably sending all the signals she needs to know that you're interested.

So the bottom line is this: flowers would suffice in this instance, a small gift from your travels - something indigenous and inexpensive - would be really thoughtful and unexpected, but truly your presence will be gift enough.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com