I thought it would be a good idea to do a review of basic rules of gift-giving:

— Buy what the recipient wants, not what you wish she wanted.

— The thought really does count. An expensive gift that does not reflect her personality will be less welcome than a well-chosen inexpensive gift.

— Do not get someone a gift to "improve her" unless you know it's someting she really wants. So a gym membership is probably a bad idea if she's never mentioned it, but two sessions with a running coach for someone preparing for herfirst half-marathon is OK.

— Small luxuries are always welcome and generally make a better gift than something practical.

— When in doubt, the gift of an experience (a spa day, a concert, an exhibition, etc.) is always a good choice.