As the old saying goes "It's the thought that counts", but in reality even the most well intentioned toaster isn't going to get the desired reaction. Why men continue to buy these types of gifts for their wives baffles most women. But men, if you think that you need to enlist the help of a personal shopper to find something nice for your wife, think again.

You may never get a gold medal for gift giving, you can certainly improve the message you send to your wife.

Budget: The budget is perhaps the most important aspect of any gift you are going to give your special lady. Economic times are tough, and people are cutting back everywhere they can, but that doesn't mean that you have to be cheap with the lady you love. So whatever you decide you are willing to spend, add 20%. You spared no expense when courting her, so now that you've married her, you need to show her that she is even more special.

Selection: Many men consider this to be the hardest part, finding something that there wife or fiancee would like. This will really take some thought. But with a little effort, and a few simple guidelines, you can look like a gift-giving rock star, instead of looking like you got gift advice from a box of cracker jacks. Giving gifts for a potentially romantic occasion-and aren't they all, or at least that's the goal-things like a new refrigerator will not elicit the desire response. Instead of snuggling up with her, you'll likely be snuggling with the couch cushions. Things like perfumes are a good choice, just make sure you get a good one.

If it comes in an aerosol can the size of a can of hairspray, move on. Jewelry is another good choice; just make sure it comes from the case, not the spinner rack at the discount store. Other things to avoid would be dining anywhere that a teenage says the words "can I take your order" standing behind a cash register, giving her something that you want, like that box set of football highlights, or anything that would require you to say the words "just kidding" after she sees it.

Sizing: If you plan on buying your wife or girlfriend clothing of some kind, knowing her size is critical. And guys, this is a slippery slope. If you don't absolutely, without a doubt know her size... DON'T GUESS! If you end up getting a size that is too small she will take it to mean that you think she needs to lose weight to fit into it and if it's too big, she will think that you think she is huge and that she needs to lose weight.

A better idea would be to take her shopping with you and let her pick something out and try it on. If she likes more than one item, remember this is America, buy them all!

Time for Shopping: It is a cliche that men always wait until the last minute to shop for anything, or they forget altogether. Well cliches become cliche because they are usually true as a general observation. Don't wait until the last minute to go shopping for the perfect gift, because you may find that the perfect gift is gone, by the time you get your lazy butt around to shopping for it. Instead, if you find that you forgot to go shopping, here's what you do. Act indignant as if you'd ordered it and expected it to arrive on time. Then storm out of the house as if you are going to go remedy the problem immediately and head straight to the nearest shopping mall. Buy her something nice, have it gift wrapped, and then bring it home and explain that you couldn't stand the thought of her not having a gift for whatever special occasion that it is and that you discovered that the store lost your order for the other gift. Be careful not to use this too often or she'll catch on, but in a pinch, it could save you from sleeping on the couch for a month.

Timing: Timing is crucial when giving your lady a special gift. Somehow it just doesn't feel the same if you hand her a new diamond bracelet while she's on the phone coordinating the PTA as it does when it's just the two of you with a nice bottle of wine in front of a fire. It's also less likely to get you "thanked" if you know what I mean. This part will have to be tailored to your lovely's taste. If she thinks the fire and wine would be hokey, go for beer and barbeque... whatever would make her happy and finds the two of you with a few private, quiet moments.

Last But Not Least: Remember to always save the receipt. It's quite possible that despite all your efforts, she won't like the gift anyway, and if that's the case you can always take it back. In fact many stores offer gift receipts that don't show prices so that you can just include it with the gift when you wrap it.

Remember that it really is the thought that counts, so as long as you put the effort in to buy her something nice, she'll always appreciate it.