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c economist suntribune saturday dec 7 2002 17 blih 3f l jk fi 11 f t 1 j gml 1 af jbssb4 gift ideas for the guys ssmm markhan t hwvy 7i ot mtfo iihjrutiiliuiiii jb- bydanaspell as more and more guys freeze up when they approach either the jewelry clothing or purseshoesaccessories coun ters during the holidays something must be done a formula needs to be invented to thaw these gentlemens brains to allow them to purchase reasonable thoughtful gifts this december a quick course in buying for the special woman is definite ly in order one of the first steps is listening an area where guys frequently get low marks this doesnt mean just listening an area where guys frequently get low marks this doesnt mean just listening to her response when you ask what shed like to receive this holiday but picking up on her needs and desires in ordinary conversa tion she may talk about things that would make her work at home or the office eas ier or how much she admires a friends new purse or running shoes keep a list tucked away and write down these subtle hints whenever you hear them most people arent terribly honest when you ask them flat out what theyd like to receive theyre more likely to tell you what they think you should buy rather than what they really want they factor in costs time of shopping etc and often just want to make it easy for you of course you can always ask her friends or family if shes mentioned something shed love to own if you are still clueless after asking her and picking up on her material desires from other sources stick with the tried and true but dont just walk into a store unprepared thats where brain freeze sets in know what youre going into each store for and how much youre willing to spend take jewelry for example lets say you want to purchase a pair of earrings for her sounds easy right well try asking a jewelry salesperson to see some earrings youll be lucky to get out of the store in time for more shopping decide first whether the earrings you want to buy are gold silver or two- tone if they contain gemstones and whether she would prefer something close to the ear or a pair that dangles gold hoops are a classic look and shed probably love a pair diamond solitaires look terrific on any woman and prices for a decent pair start around 100 in department stores likewise solitaire earrings of her birthstone are usually a hit particularly if her stone is ruby or sapphire and if you dont know her birthstone jewelry store personnel cer tainly will another wow gift that will have her bragging to friends is a top-of-the- line purse though be prepared to send at least a couple hundred dollars tell that busy woman you love her with a new cellular phone a new phone with hundreds of hours of prepaid min utes says more than i love you it says i love hearing your voice this year gift buying doesnt have to be a chore keep your eyes and ears open and listen