We often talk about how important accessories are to your overall look and wardrobe. When done well, they add that extra 10% that pulls everything together and really lets your personality shine. We don’t recommend a ton of accessories but watches are one of the most important ones. It’s true that the watch you wear says a lot about you, whether you like it or not. That’s especially true when it comes to the opposite sex. Since you’re probably going to ask, no, it doesn’t matter AT ALL how expensive your watch is, let’s just get that straight. But that doesn’t mean watches aren’t something women care about.

Here are the reason why a man’s watch matters to women!

SHOWS SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE

Whether you’re wearing a Timex, Apple Watch, or a Rolex, the watch you wear will give a woman a few clues as to what your lifestyle is like, and that’s important when we are getting to know you. Maybe you’re a sporty guy and you’re into a G-Shock. Or, you’re more of a tech guy and an Apple watch is your vibe. Either way, it lets women know a bit about who you are.

SHOWS YOU PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS

Like with all of your wardrobe, the details matter and women notice the details. From the fit of your clothes to your haircut, each small component combines to form an important part of the whole. Watches are no different. The right watch and style choices on your wrist show you care about the right details.

SHOWS HOW CULTURED YOU ARE OR AREN’T

Maybe you think watches are redundant since you have a phone, sure, we get that. But, going that extra step is going to add another layer to your style and show that you’re about more than just the absolute bare minimum, and that’s definitely really sexy. But, it’s important to consider what you’re wearing and when just like your shoe choice. You wouldn’t wear Jordans to a wedding so you should consider what watch choices you’re making too.

INDICATES WHERE YOU MIGHT BE IN LIFE

No matter where you are on your journey, personal or style-wise, your watch choice is a big indicator of where you are and where you are going. Like we said before, women (well, the right women anyway) aren’t concerned with how fancy or expensive your watch is, but knowing where you’re at and where you’re going is important.

It’s that time of year again, just like the last two years (on this very site as well as PrimerMag), so I want to show you the gifts the women in your life will love to receive this time of year. Trust me, I know we’re a strange bunch when it comes to gifts, and shopping for all the women in your life can be tough – especially if that means you’ll be giving gifts to multiple women like your wife/girlfriend, mom, mom-in-law, sister, and female friend/co-worker/boss.

There’s a few things to consider in order to deliver a thoughtful, special present to the women in your life:

Who are you shopping for?
Should you splurge or not on that person?
What will she appreciate the most?

So let’s ensure you knock it out of the park when it comes to giving the women in your life an incredible present this holiday season – regardless of your budget.

FYI: If I can toot my own horn for a minute – I’ve got a 100% perfect track record when it comes to helping my clients pick out gifts for their special ladies. Just saying 😉

Mother / Mother-In-Law

The goal with giving your mother or MIL the right gift is to find something that’s useful and will go with whatever her design/style aesthetic is. With that being said, I truly believe if you can, you should splurge on her. Show her how much you love and appreciate her.

Notebook

With that being said, I love Smythson and Hermes notebooks because not only are they extremely useful, but they’ll come beautifully packaged in their iconic blue and orange boxes, respectively. Your mother (or MIL) will be so excited when she sees the box because she’ll instantly know she’s about to receive a super special gift.

Scarves

Another really great gift is a scarf – I especially love (and own myself) the Louis Vuitton scarf. The fabric is beautiful, silky smooth, and will dress up any outfit. A fun alternative is the Kate Spade scarf that’s easy to wear and stylish.

Home

If she loves anything kitchen-related, then you won’t go wrong with a Vitamix or zoodle maker. More than likely, she doesn’t own these items, but will appreciate how useful and awesome they are. Also, I really like the sleek design of West Elm’s marble and copper serving board and Roar+Rabbit’s Free Form Terrarium which will look great on her desk or next to the sink – these are especially great gifts for your MIL because they’ll be appreciated by her regardless of her design aesthetic.

Food & Wine

Another crowd pleaser, and a gift that I had on last year’s list, is Cakebread’s red and white wine gift set. Any winelover will appreciate these fan-freaking-tastic wines. For something outside of the box, order her a box or 6-month subscription to TryTheWorld.com. Every month, she’ll get a themed box of gourmet foods from all around the world. I actually was given this last year by a client and I have to say the packaging alone was super nice and the items tucked inside were so unique and fun.

west-elm-marble-copper-serving-board-ashley-weston

west-elm-roar-rabbit-freeform-terrariums-ashley-weston

$590 – Louis Vuitton Monogram Shawl (Beige, Charcoal Grey, or Night Blue)
$78 – Kate Spade New York ‘Swan Around’ Silk Scarf
$320 – Hermés Ulysse Notebook
$80 – Hermés Ulysse Page Refill
$230 – Smythson Panama Collection ‘Soho Notebook’ (personalize with initials for $12/letter)
$18 – Moleskine Color Hard Cover Notebook (black, red, or navy)
$330 – Vitamix Blender
$160 – Nutri Ninja| Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ
$200 for 6 months – Try the World ‘Signature Box’
$110 – Cakebread Cellars Treasured Classics
$60 – West Elm Marble + Copper Serving Board
$50-$70 – West Elm Roar + Rabbit Freeform Terrariums
$24 – West Elm Mid-Century Turned Leg Tabletop Planter
$24 – WonderVeg Vegetable Spiralizer

Girlfriend or Wife

The challenge with finding the right gift for your girlfriend or wife is that you want to make sure she’ll think it’s thoughtful, special, and enough. Now when I say “enough”, I mean that we want to feel like we opened up something that feels representative of how much you love us because you better bet we’ll be doing the same when shopping for your gift. Buying us something like a pen or coffee thermos feels, well, cold.

Massage

For an incredibly thoughtful and unique gift, pamper her with an in-home massage. Trust me, she’ll love this. My fiancé got this for me as an anniversary present one year and it was so awesome that I don’t know what woman wouldn’t want this. I’m going against my “no gift certificates” policy for significant others because there’s almost no other way to give her something like this without it. Zeel or Soothe are amazing apps where she can order up a massage whenever she wants – they’re like Uber but for massages.

Jewelry

As for jewelry, if your woman is stylish and loves fashion, then I highly recommend Jennifer Fisher’s choker or a close second is Eddie Borgo’s pearl choker. The clean yet unique designs of both items will compliment every woman’s style – I’m definitely crossing my fingers and toes that I get one of these this Christmas. If your lady is more classic, then go with a necklace with her initial(s) – I personally love Jennifer Fisher’s mini gothic letter pendant with pave diamonds. A more budget-friendly option is by Kate Spade. Both are dainty and delicate and will be loved the moment she sets eyes on it.

Clothing

Other than jewelry, we’ll always appreciate a soft, warm sweater/cardigan or a silky robe that’ll make us feel sexy every time we wear it.

Fitness Trackers

If she’s health-conscious, I’d recommend a Fitbit or Apple Watch. If you go with an Apple watch, I would buy the one with the cheapest strap and then buy a couple of after-market watch straps on Amazon (listed my favorites and the ones I use all the time below) since they’re way cheaper and just as nice (think $12 versus $100 on Apple).

Flowers or Perfume

If flowers and perfume is the approach you want to take, I’d recommend Maison Margiela’s perfume below – It literally smells like freshly laundered sheets mixed with white flowers. The scent is so magical and light! There’s also Eric Buterbaugh’s perfume kit which is pricey, but totally worth it. His scents are extremely high-end but you understand why because they perfectly capture the scents of various flowers.

I feel like every woman I know is lusting over Venus et Fleur’s roses – and for good reason! The company has somehow found a way to make their roses last a year! Yep, a full year! They’re beautifully packaged in a box and are the perfect item to sit on her desk every single day for the next 365 days. These roses are definitely expensive, and I’ll always maintain that flowers should be a supplementary gift, so if you don’t want to splurge on the below collections, then get the Venus et Fleur Le Mini Round ($39) as it’ll be the perfect size to sit on her desk all year long without taking up too much room.

Jennifer Fisher Abstract Line Choker Silver

Jennifer Fisher Mini Gothic Letter Pendant w. Pave White Diamonds Yellow Gold

Venus et Fleur Eternity Marble Collection

Maison Margiela ' Replica' Lazy Sunday Morning

Apple Watch Silver Aluminum Pearl Case with Pearl Woven Nylon

J. Crew Italian Cashmere Cardigan Charcoal

$1,475 – Jennifer Fisher Abstract Line Choker (Yellow Gold or Silver Plated)
$275 – Eddie Borgo Pearl Hinged Choker (Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, or Silver)
$20 – Topshop Double Bar Choker
$1,300 – Jennifer Fisher Mini Gothic Letter Pendant with Pave White Diamonds (Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, or White Gold)
$60 – Kate Spade ‘One in a Million’ Initial Pendant Necklace
$500 – Venus et Fleur ‘The Eternity Marble Collection’
$140 – Venus et Fleur ‘Lé Petite Eternity Arrangement’
$385 – La Perla Silk Satin Short Robe (Pink)
$385 – La Perla Silk Short Robe (Black or White)
$50 – Victoria’s Secret Satin Kimono (Clover Green, Bright Cherry, or Ink Blot)
$315 – Eric Buterbaugh Discovery Kit
$125 – Maison Margiela “Replica” Lazy Sunday Morning
$270+ – Apple Watch
$27 – Apple Watch 38 mm Leather Band (Brown, Black, Blue Jay)
$23 – Kartice for Apple Watch 38 mm Band (Double Tour Brown, Double Tour Blue, Double Tour Black)
$12 – Apple Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm Bracelet Strap (Champagne, Black, Silver, Rose Gold)
$150 – Fitbit Charge 2
$200 – J. Crew Italian Cashmere Cardigan Sweater (Charcoal, Camel or Midnight)
$80 – J. Crew Tippi Sweater (Deep Copper, Navy, Vintage Cabernet, or Heather Smoke)
$160/60 min – Zeel Massage Gift Certificate (price varies based on your city)
$100/60 min – Soothe Massage Gift Certificate (price varies based on your city)

Sister or Friend

I always think shopping for your sister or friend is the easiest because their gifts are less pressure-filled and you can have more fun with it. There’s really no need to go all out – save that for your mother or girlfriend/wife.

Hats

If you’ve ever noticed your sister or friend wearing a hat, then the two options below are the best and most wearable hats out there. I’m personally a huge fan (and owner!) of the Rag & Bone hat, but I’m tempted to pick up this burgundy J.Crew hat because the color (and price!) is 10 out of 10. BUT, if you’ve never seen your sis/friend wear a hat, then DO NOT get them this because it’s for a very specific woman. Instead, go with the bag or wallet and add a nice, personal touch by getting her initials monogrammed on it.

Skincare/Haircare/Makeup

Every woman loves anything makeup or skincare-related which is why the Foreo Luna facial scrubber, Fresh spa set, and Urban Decay eyeshadow palette are so perfect. The eyeshadow colors will compliment every skin color and the Foreo Luna or the Fresh spa set will work wonders for even the most sensitive skin.

Probably the most exciting news that came out of the hair world this year was the official launch of the Dyson hair dryer. Trust me, your sister or friends will know what this is and they’ll will be so excited when they lay eyes on this beauty. If the Dyson is a little too steep, then the Hot Tools blow dryer is one of the BEST budget-friendly tools on the market.

Headphones

If you want to get her something tech-related, gift her Bragi’s earphones. They’re super minimal looking and it’s one of those items that she probably doesn’t have/won’t think to pick up until she’s forced to but will really appreciate how useful they are while working out or riding the subway or walking around town.

Cookbook

Every girl who is half into cooking has been raving about this one cookbook by Chrissy Teigen, who wrote all about her favorite comfort food dishes.

Shoes

And lastly, I’m actually getting my sister this for Christmas, and that’s the classic Adidas Stan Smiths, but with a twist! I’m going to take the shoes to my local mall where they have those stalls that monogram items with gold foil and I’m going to have the right shoe monogrammed in small letters (see photo for example) with her initials. It’s such a chic, stylish yet minimal touch that I know she’ll appreciate.

Hot Tools Turbo Ceramic Salon Ionic Dryer

J. Crew Wide Brimmed Italian Wool Felt Cabernet Hat

J. Crew Wide Brimmed Italian Wool Felt Camel Hat

$400 – Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
$50 – Hot Tools Turbo Ceramic Salon
$250+ – Bragi The Dash Truly Wireless Smart Earphones (White or Black)
$200 – Rag & Bone Floppy Brim Fedora (Black or Pecan)
$75 – J. Crew Wide-Brimmed Italian Wool-Felt Hat (Cabernet or Camel)
$200 – Foreo Luna 2 for Combination Skin
$95 – Fresh Mini Mask Spa
$130 – J. Crew Signet Bag in Italian Leather (Roasted Chestnut, Festival Red, or Black) – (get initials monogrammed for $10)
$22 – J. Crew Zip Wallet (Bistro Blue or Pink Flamingo) – (get initials monogrammed for $10)
$75 – Adidas Stan Smith Shoes (get initials on one shoe)
$54 – Urban Decay Naked3 Palette
$20 – Chrissy Teigen ‘Cravings’ Cookbook

For Everyone Else Or The Hard To Shop For

For everyone else in your life, whether it’s your aunt, cousin, co-worker, boss, etc, it’s important you select gifts that are useful, yet feel personal. I don’t feel it’s necessary, nor expected, to splurge on pricey gifts for these women in your life unless she’s your boss or a significant person in your life.

The Most AMAZING Food Basket

First up, an easy gift that everyone will love and use right away is a Harry & David gift basket. If you’ve never heard of the company, they’re known for their perfectly ripe, juicy pears wrapped in gold foil. Their food is seriously a work of art and their gift baskets are a true holiday classic that’s not cheesy and stuffed with lackluster food. I’m so excited when clients get me these, you have no idea!

Tea & Coffee Samplers

Other great alternatives are a tea or coffee set. I’m a huge fan of the two companies I featured and personally use their products on a daily basis. Any tea or coffee lover will enjoy these!

Candle Sets

A great gift for you boss, aunt, or cousin is a Diptyque candle set (the BEST luxury candles out there IMO!) or the stylishly designed RBT wine carafe.

Skincare & Water Bottle

For your cousin or co-workers, they’d definitely appreciate goodies from cool-girl brand, Glossier, or a sleekly designed rose gold water bottle. Glossier offers gift sets, but I put together 4 of their must-have items that’ll create the perfect beauty kit for her.

Carbonated Water Maker

Another great gift, and one I’ll be getting some ladies this year, is a SodaStream carbonated water maker. I love carbonated water and how easy it is to use this machine. She can also make her own sodas, too.

Leather Pouches

Every time I travel, I use a smaller dopp kit to store my cords/plugs, but it’s also great at protecting makeup and sunglasses. If I’m going to a coffee shop to get some work done, I store all of my cords and chargers in their cable rollup – it’s an easy and stylish way to stay organized.