Hey MacRumors, seems like a silly question but I'm stumped at the moment!
just wondering whats a nice gift I can buy my girlfriend? I will also be in Japan in a few weeks so if anyone can think of anything I can only buy there that would be amazing as well. I have about $400 to spend!
I would go the jewelry route... but I know absolutely nothing about jewelry and would probably get ripped off.
Any and all advice would be awesome!
What does your girlfriend like?
I ask that as a woman with very clear and - emphatic - tastes. There are things I like, and things I loathe; woe betide anyone who was silly enough to buy me something that advertising suggested women would like (milk chocolate, cut flowers, etc.).
This is an area where the defence of 'it is the thought that counts' does not apply.
Do not under any circumstances get her something she does not like, and will not rate.
Discreetly find out what she likes - or would love to have - and buy that.
Decades and decades ago, in their dating days, my father bought my mother an excellent wrist watch (American - in those days American watches had a reputation for affordability, quality and reliability) on the one trip he took to the US in his life; she treasured it.
Another gift was what used to be referred to as 'a record player' - by the 70s the word 'stereo' (on account of having two speakers) replaced it. The record player - a very good one made by Phillips - she also treasured, and was used by us until we wore it out in our early teens.
My point is don't buy 'jewellery' unless you know - and I mean know - her preferences in that area.
Personally, I loathe intricate jewellery, even though I recognise and applaud the craftsmanship that went into it; my tastes are severely plain, and very high quality.
So, find our whether she prefers plain - or ornate - jewellery? Does she want something useful (say, a watch) or something decorative? Is gold her preference - and if so - what type? (White gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or red gold?)
What about precious stones? Again, personally, I am not a fan of emeralds, or pearls; yes, they are beautiful, but I don't like them. Rubies, sapphires, I do like, preferably plain and stylish. Diamonds, if understated but seriously good, yes, of course.
The upshot of all of this is that nobody can advise you until you come back with some sense of what your girlfriend likes; then, within that, suggestions can be offered, and advice tendered.