What do men want? What do women want? These are just some of the questions this page will answer for you. Whether you're stumped for ideas or simply just overcome with a cat's curiosity, read on because the following checklist will give you a bird's eye view of what the usual gift recipients usually receive and what they really want.

• MEN. Men usually receive handkerchiefs, ties, wallets, belts, pens, mugs, ashtrays, lighters and cigars, and the usual fare of gift packs on display at various malls. Really, they are fine with these gifts, but some high-tech electronic gadgets, hot cars, tickets to the Big Bowl or a yearlong subscription to Playboy will really keep them grinning from ear to ear. What they truly want from you are your respect for them, your undying admiration and your complete trust. They won't want suspicious and doubtful questions from you, and will really appreciate it much if you consult them and treat them as “the” experts and as “real men.”

• WOMEN. Women usually receive chocolates, flowers, stuffed toys, shoes, dresses, jewellery and tons of baubles that, no matter how small and inexpensive, can make their day. Really, women are not that hard to please, but a classy dinner, some romantic “We” time, free tickets to a spa and beauty specialists' shop, unlimited access and use of your credit and debit cards, and a superb house-and-lot unit in an elite community will keep them happy ever after. What they truly want from you are your undivided attention, your constant care and concern and your 100 percent ability to treat them as princesses and queens. Do not forget to compliment them for the looks and getup, because they usually spend weeks just trying to earn and hear that compliment from you.

• KIDS. Kids are cheaper and way much easier to please than their grownup counterparts. Kids usually receive candies, toys and sometimes educational supplies. They are happy with these boons and want nothing more from you than your attention and time. Your attendance at the Little League will mean so much to that little boy as would your attendance at the school play starred by the little girl. Kids need your hugs and constant assurance that you're there to feed them, take care of them and give them a warm and loving home.

• PETS. Pets, like humans, receive presents too: bones, toys, clothes, a couch to sleep on and sometimes a pet party. While humanizing pets appears to be just so “cutesy,” remind yourself that what they truly want is your attention to their biological needs. Feed them on time; give them a bath when they need one; have them checked by the vet when they're sick. Be the nicest surrogate parent you can be and put a smile on your pets' hearts.

Use the contents of this page to guide you on your gift buying spree or to challenge you to take the road less traveled. The bottom line is this: There is nothing wrong with giving ordinary gifts so long as you make the recipient feel special.