Whether you're buying a Christmas gift, birthday gift or any other gift for a woman, having some great gift ideas, knowing where to buy it and how much to spend on a gift is vital. Here's my expert advice for how to buy a gift for a woman.

There comes a time, several times a year, when a man's got to do what a man's got to do. A friend's birthday? Female? Gifts say it best. No gift required if they're male, it goes without saying. Just buy them a drink when you're out or team up with a woman buying for them instead. Christmas, Easter, your anniversary, a leaving gift for that colleague at work you're not that bothered about? You'd better get them a gift.

Five things to remember when buying a gift

1. It's not about you - men often buy for others what they'd like to receive themselves. That deluxe whisky set, the surround-sound home cinema set-up, if you catch yourself eyeing these up, you've forgotten who you're buying for;
2. Make sure it's appropriate - buying lingerie for your female boss? Probably not appropriate. Buying a 'joke' gift for a female colleague? Best be sure she'll see the funny side or you could be out on your ear and jobless;
3. Money talks - and when it does, it says a lot about you, so make sure it's saying the right things. Indulging a woman is one of the great things about being a man, but going overboard says you're trying too hard, challenges her to spend more than she'd like when she's buying a gift for you and may well deprive you of the money you need to do other things - like going to the game and hanging out with your buddies;
4. Different cultures react to gifts differently - in Chinese culture, gifts are opened privately, away from the giver. That's so there's no 'loss of face' if the receiver involuntarily shows disappointment in front of the giver. So take it all in your stride - they want to open it later? No problem. You're an easy-going man, you can handle it; and
5. It doesn't matter about size, shape or whether there's even a gift - I'm a man who thinks experiences count for at least as much as 'things'. So remember - holidays, a special dinner out and a skydive can all be great gifts, even if they are intangible.

Great gift ideas for a woman

• Lingerie - get it right for a female partner and you're on to a winner. Make sure you know her sizing, check out the sort of lingerie she likes (rarely will this match your lofty hopes) and head into the store a confident man; clearly this isn't suitable for anyone you're not dating. Check out Elle Macpherson Intimates or Pleasure State for lingerie inspiration.
• Jewellery - this doesn't mean a ring of any description - that's not a gift, it's a commitment. The less well you know her, the less intimate - bracelets and inconspicuous earrings for someone you know less well, necklaces for those you do. Try Tiffany and Links of London for gift ideas.
• Clothes - nothing too garish or gaudy, accessories like belts, watches, wallets, handbags and neutral-colour tops work well, department stores like Myer in Australia, Lane Crawford in Hong Kong and Seibu in Japan are great for ideas.
• Cosmetics and fragrances - tricky ones these, they're small so lack the wow factor, but they're expensive so go down well. Brands to seek out include MAC, Benefit, Chanel and Calvin Klein.
• Tech, gadgets, electronics and media - DVDs, CDs, the iPod and iPad along with the Amazon Kindle, e-books and digital music are all relatively inexpensive and easily bought. Best-suited to bulk out other purchases or someone you're struggling to buy for.
• Homewares - don't knock the little things, like coffee cups and key-holders. Well-designed homewares like those from SUCK UK and MoMA can look the business.

Want to know what a woman wants? Get the inside track from Miss H's blog.

And finally, remember - a gift voucher isn't a gift. It's a cop-out. And more often than not, it's like handing in your notice on your relationship or friendship. So just don't!