This post has been inspired by Jenny Pellett over at Characters from the Kitchen, who wrote about the plethora of “practical” items that keep showing up at this time of the year. Thanks, Jenny. It has also been inspired by a conversation that I had last night with M. Thanks, M.

I was in a long-term relationship with a man who was probably the god of practical buying. He provided me with everything from a remote car starter to a set of gingham kitchen towels. One year, he even bought me an expensive vacuum cleaner.

He wasn’t cheap but there also wasn’t a romantic bone in his body.

But I’m digressing. Here, without further ado, are my top ten Christmas suggestions for that significant lady. You still have time!

But, but, but, you say. “I don’t know her size, her tastes; I’m completely helpless with this sort of thing!” In this case, a gift card may be appropriate – personally, I like gift cards – they sure beat kitchen towels. But if it is not appropriate; for instance, if she sees gift cards as the height of laziness, she will appreciate the effort you have put into finding something non-practical, just for her.

1. Jewellery. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does require effort and some thought to find something that she will like.

2. A large, soft scarf in her favourite colour. And if you don’t know her favourite colour, you’re in more trouble than I thought. Hint: if necessary, ask her best friend what it is.

3. Her favourite perfume or cologne. See # 2 above if you don’t know what it is.

4. A massage session. Who wouldn’t want one of those?

5. A pedicure or manicure. If you’re flush, buy both.

6. A written promise that you will make her a three-course meal, including clean-up. She gets to pick the date.

7. Her favourite bottle of wine or her favourite gourmet food item(s) or both. Again, see # 2 above.

8. If you can afford it, a weekend at a great hotel. You can make this as fancy as your pocketbook will allow and can add dinner at a great restaurant and/or a show and/or a spa.

9. A large bouquet of her favourite flowers.

10. A nicely framed photograph of the two of you. By nice, I mean something that suits her home decor and isn’t an Ikea special.

Under no circumstances – unless she has specifically asked – should you buy the following: anything for her car, anything for her kitchen, or anything that is remotely connected to cleaning and/or yard work.

Okay everyone. Any other suggestions?