Atlanta Writers Group

Atlanta Writers Group

Feature Article – July/August 2007

Fantasy Gifts for Her - What Women Really Want

The movie, What Women Want, depicts Mel Gibson as Nick Marshall, a Chicago advertising executive, who gets a new perspective on life when an accident gives him the ability to read women's minds. Other than being privy to unwanted information, Nick realizes that he can use his newly acquired ability to outwit his boss, Darcy Maguire--played by Helen Hunt. In addition to falling in love with Darcy, Nick learns a coveted lesson about what women really want.

From the sensual to the practical, the popular vote for what women want is as follows:

Lingerie
Perfume
Spa treatments
Gift baskets
Sweets--especially chocolate
Weekend or vacation getaways anywhere relaxing, different or fun
Jewelry to include diamond studded trinkets from Tiffany's or a favorite jeweler
A luxe or designer bag, coat, outfit, other--LV, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Coach, are examples
Most things warm and fluffy e.g. a full-length mink coat with matching accessories
A favorite or meaningful something such as a CD, art, cookware, and recipe books or the latest gadget: iPod, PDA, trendy cell phone, etc.

Surprisingly, while acceptable, a house or that "Oh my God!" car for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, or any other occasion, does not trump being pampered or romanced often. Staple goods and services such as flowers, notes, shopping, and attention (hint guys really big hint) are must haves that meet four basic needs romance, rest, relaxation, and relevance.

ROMANCE

When it comes to ways to really "wow her," aspiring recording artist, Aloyisus Wordsworth has all the elements of the perfect gift for his fiancé. "After we get married, I'd like to shut down the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for 24 hours just for her," Wordsworth comments. In addition to having chefs on hand to cook themed meals throughout the day, a horse drawn carriage, and penthouse reservations at a prominent Atlanta hotel, Wordsworth's idea of romance includes rose petals on the bed, champagne on chill with accompaniments, a Jacuzzi filled with oils, more petals, soft candles, a skyline view of the city, and a full body massage.

With romance at the top of her list as well, newlywed and Atlanta based ABC news trainee, Leah Robinson muse over three things:"A day of holding each other and playing, a specialevening where my husband pays attention to me and we enjoy one another, and buying something he would like to see me wear."

REST & RELAXATION

Randy Love met his wife, Monday through mutual friends 25 years ago in Birmingham, Alabama. Among the things he knows his wife wants is being treated like a lady, respected, romanced, and loved. Love has also learned to allow his wife to "be independent and do her thing." According to Love, giving his wife space when she needs it often equates to having his time with her as well. "You get better quality time when you allow [women] to relax and be themselves," Love says. As a result, he asserts that the right gift for his wife would be "a vacation--‘me time' somewhere in the Caribbean like the Virgin Islands. I'd give her two weeks--one week to unwind and the next week to enjoy it," Love advises.

Married for two years and the parents of one daughter, Shawn and Sharon Nelson find it easy to agree on an ultimate gift. The Chula Vista, California residents both list vacation time as a top present. "I like to keep things simple," Shawn says of his ideal plan. In addition to tangible gifts along the way such as jewelry, a spa treatment, and sweets, Shawn says that a "surprise vacation via boat cruise to an exotic island would suffice." Regarding the tangible gifts, Sharon elaborates: "I'd like princess cut diamond-studded earrings in white gold, three meals cooked daily, and a bouquet of flowers or roses." In lieu of a spa treatment, Sharon prefers being spoiled by her husband to include "a personal massage and a week off without working around the house."

Bronx, New York native, Ed Ramirez has a similar take on what to give his favorite lady. His mom, who loves to travel and socialize, would board a private jet at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. With close friends and family in tow, they would arrive at a destination of their choice for an all expenses paid three-day vacation. Upon arrival, ladies would be greeted with a room full of fresh flowers. Manicure and pedicure spa treatments, fine dining, lively entertainment, strolls on white sandy beaches, and shopping excursions would highlight each day's venture.

RELEVANCE

The ideal gift for Romeoville, Illinois resident, Lisa Hardaman must be both sentimental and family oriented. One such gift happened five years ago with the birth of the couple's daughter. Since then, Hardaman's husband Tyrone surprised his bride of 13 years by obtaining the couple's wedding video. At the top of Hardman's wish list? "We are over due for a family portrait. I wanted one before we put [the family dog] down. Now that we have a new addition to the family (the couple recentlygained custody oftheir nephew), I would love to have a formal portrait."

What makes a perfect gift? Director of programs for the Economic Empowerment Initiative, Shaneka Douglas, asserts, "It doesn't hurt to receive diamonds, chocolate, etc. [However] the best gift for me is something that is thoughtful..."Although a gift does not have to be expensive, Douglas says a gift should, "let [her] know [her] man has been listening to [her] all year."

Unafraid to learn through trail and error, Chicago native, Richard Coleman admonishes men to invest in their woman's passion without a motive. "I did and my wife can't keep her hands off me," says the 28 year old.

Writer, Matthew Keegan provides additional insight about gifts for women. "Your gift should illustrate that you put some effort into your attempt. Remember, there is no generic ideal gift for every woman. Each lady in your life is different...you don't want to get something too ordinary or too elaborate, depending of course, on which woman you're shopping for." Keegan also advises that a gift should reflect the seriousness of a relationship as well as the woman's taste and needs. "If you feel that one gift is not enough, don't hesitate to give her a full-fledged package of gifts," he admonishes.

While gift options for women are endless, they are more tangible than fantasy. Even though it seems like a mind-reading act, what women really want is quite simple: A man who observes or listens to needs and responds accordingly. If the gifts that follow come in the form of bling or that special something all the better.

Isha Edwardsis a freelance writer who resides in Atlanta, GA. She is also a business owner whose role involves developing brand awareness for clients through strategic alliances, promotional events, print, and other forms of media. To contact Isha, e-mail: epic.measures@gmail.com.