Men as a whole seem to struggle with the concept of a romantic gift, this may be because it has been embedded in their mind that the idea of a romantic gift has to be chocolates, and roses. Today that no longer seems as romantic as it does ordinary. So, what are some romantic gifts for women, and how can you find the best ones? Well, the following are a few of the hottest romantic gift choices for women, and some ideas to get your creative juices flowing so you can surprise your special woman with a gift that will make her heart melt.

First let's look at a few rules of thumb for selecting a romantic gift, and then look at some specifics:

Rule of thumb one:

Do not buy her something she would buy for herself regardless. What this means is that if your DVD player quits working, chances are she is going to replace it, so it makes a poor gift. Gifts should be something she does not need, or would not buy if money was tight. So, think about her wants, not her needs. Do not be too practical, practical and romantic do not mesh very well together.

Rule of thumb two:

Give her something that is just for her. While a movie collection, CD, or game might be a great gift, it does not work for romantic because it is for you too. A romantic gift is something that is just for her, that you either would not want her to share with you, or that can't be shared. This does not mean you can't include a CD of her favorite group in the gift, but make it about her, and specific to her, not a general gift.

Rule of thumb three:

Even the predictable romantic gift can be fun if you get a little creative. With romantic gifts it is often the thought that counts. For example, giving a busy mom a spa package is a great gift idea, but including with it a date she can go because you already lined up a babysitter makes it thoughtful, and thus far more romantic.

Now let's look at some specifics:

Jewelry:

Women love jewelry, and while it seems like a predictable gift, there is so much variety and option with jewelry you can find something so unique to her that it becomes romantic. One of the best parts about giving jewelry is that it is going to last for years to come, especially if you choose a classic, quality piece. Diamonds are a great place to start if you are new to buying jewelry. Next, choose what kind of jewelry she would wear most often:

• a necklace
• bracelet
• earrings
• pendant

The following are some beautiful choices:

At www.diamonds.com you can find high quality diamond stud earrings in either 14k white or 14k yellow gold with a 0.25 tcw for $268.00. These are high quality diamonds and these earrings will not only last her forever, and work with outfits for several occasions, but the fiery diamonds will highlight her strength and beauty.

Diamonds do not have to break the bank, at many jewelers you can find diamond necklaces and earrings starting at $99. For example, at www.Zales.com you can find any number of items that have diamonds, which are both beautiful and budget friendly. You can get the Emerald-cut garnet pendant in 10k white gold with diamond accents for $159.

Don't let a misconception about the cost of jewelry keep you from considering it for her. And, of course diamonds are not the only way to go. There are plenty of options, so choose a store, a shape, a piece, and a price range, and have fun looking for the perfect piece that just screams her name to you.

Flowers:

Once again we are going to look at a predictable romantic gift, and show some ways to make this gift anything but ordinary. Women love flowers, and flowers are romantic because they are not only beautiful, but totally impractical, they die, and most men do not understand their appeal, so buying them anyway makes them a great gift. However, it is important to understand you can deviate from the typical red rose bouquet. Instead try something more exotic, some type of flower she would not expect, or try roses of a unique color, or in a unique arrangement.

At 1-800-Flowers you can purchase an orange and yellow lily bouquet, with a vase for under $40. These are gorgeous, a little different, and budget friendly. She is sure to love them. You can choose a color she loves, and build a unique arrangement around that color to make your next flower purchase both unique to her and romantic.

Lingerie:

Women want to know that you still think of them as sexy, desirable, and attractive, and buying her lingerie as a gift can be a very romantic way of letting her know that you still recognize her as a temptress, and the beautiful woman she is. Be thoughtful in your purchase, select colors and styles that will flatter her figure, and compliment the lingerie with some lotion, perfume, or other pampering item. Visit stores like Victoria's Secret for great one stop shopping. If you are uncomfortable entering a lingerie store, then order online. You may have to pay a little extra for shipping, but it does eliminate the unease. If you are unsure of her size, discreetly check her bra size, or existing lingerie for sizing. Also, be sure the item is returnable in case you do get the wrong size. Also, if you must err on size, err by being too small rather than being too large, if she is at all sensitive about weight. You would not want her to think you see her as bigger than she is. If you are really worried, buy a gift card, and include a note telling her you want to take her shopping for something special. If you do not know what scents of lotion to purchase, simply ask the sales associates what the popular lotion choices are and stay in that vein.

Gift Baskets:

A gift basket can be the perfect romantic gift. Women love to receive something that is not only beautifully packaged, but that holds all kinds of little treasures for them to enjoy. If you give a gift basket, try to stay away from the ordinary or typical, and also try to stay away from the goodies inside, instead let her enjoy them.

GiftBasketsDeluxe.com offers several romantic gifts for women. They are far from unique in that they come in a useful item, rather than a wicker basket, and are filled with little delights, and gourmet treats to make her feel loved.

For example, you can choose the Wood Antiqued Sea Trunk for right around $170, and she will get a beautiful trunk filled with the following delights:

• English toffee
• Honey nuts
• Assorted hard candy
• Raspberry cream sticks
• Imported cookies
• Cheese cake
• Lindor truffles
• Lindt bar
• Coffee
• Imported shell shaped chocolates
• Lindor truffles
• Bar mix
• Pistachios
• Malted milk balls
• Assorted chocolates
• K'Nuckle

Any woman with a sweet tooth is sure to think you are both sweet and romantic for getting her this decadent gift.

If you do not want to give a gift basket full of goodies that are edible, consider a gift basket such as the Garden Watering Can or Pretty in Pink gift baskets from www.GiftBasketsFromYou.com . These are unique and thoughtful, and are filled with little gifts. The watering can gift basket is shaped like a watering can and is filled with gardening tools, gloves, and seeds. These gift baskets can be purchased for right around $50.

Spa gifts:

Let's face it, one of the best ways to tell her you love her is to pamper her, and what better way than to send her (and possibly her and a friend) to the spa? Pay in advance for her to get a facial, massage, pedicure, manicure, hair cut, body wrap, etc. Have one of her friend's significant other do the same so that they can go together. Consider scheduling a day, getting it off work for her, finding a sitter if that is a concern, and making sure that it actually happens. She will come back from the day feeling pampered, relaxed, and loved, and she won't forget what an excellent, romantic gift that was. If you are up to it, get a his and hers spa package and go with her yourself so that she can enjoy your company.

If a day at a spa does not fit your budget, that does not mean you cannot take advantage of the idea of a romantic relaxing gift. Instead of sending her out, create an in-home spa. You can get Aromatherapy from a store like Bed Bath & Beyond or Bath & Body Works (which is typically found in any mall). Then light some candles, get a foot bath, and give her a massage. Choose scents like Jasmine and Lavender, and give her body wash, body lotion, massage oil, and foot scrub. This is a perfect romantic gift for women who need some time to relax and rejuvenate, and is super budget friendly, you can often buy a whole Aromatherapy kit for about $16-$50. So combine that with a little you time and you have romance all sewn up.

There are several other things you can do as romantic gifts, from trips, to art, to just giving a little of yourself. Look at your budget, and the woman you are purchasing for, and choose a hot gift item, or a lesser known gift, but think romance.