SOMETIMES THE BEST presents you can give a woman are the sleeper hits—the ones that at first glance might seem a bit dull, but which over time turn out to be indispensable, revealing the giver's genius.

To get this right, first and most importantly you need first to understand what not to buy her. Cardinal no-nos are:

—Anything that reeks of domestic drudgery. No breadmakers, no cookbooks, no kettles.

—Anything that is really for you. Most women aren't desirous of scanty nurse's outfits or fluffy pink mules.

—Perfume you see heavily advertised on TV. The exception to this rule is Chanel No5.

—A diamond. Instantly raises the carat question.

—Socks. Really, you can do better.

—Anything that could possibly have been bought from airport duty free.

So, here's my list of nonobvious gifts that will impress her more, the more she uses them.

Bruce Weber's 'A House Is Not a Home'

It's not an obvious gift because it isn't in print, but this is the best book on homes. Full stop. Try for good used copies.

Freshwater cultured pearl studs

Yes, they smack of dull parents' evenings and "must attend" weddings but these earrings will work when nothing else does—from the beach to a bar mitzvah. Try Tiffany's Ziegfeld Collection. £150,

Jil Sander's oversize gray cashmere sweater

It might look like the world's most boring jumper but once she wears it for five minutes, she'll know that you are the cleverest individual on the planet. £435 (reduced from £870),

Testostérone perfume

A bit off the wall, admittedly. It's a man's fragrance from Sentifique billed as "The Essence of Man" but it smells warm and rather fabulous on female skin. £124/50 mL,

Marks & Spencer Autograph Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves

Extensive tests carried out by an inveterate glove-loser and thus mass purchaser (me) conclude that these are the warmest, smartest gloves to be found on either side of the Atlantic, at any price. £35,

Glamourpuss Fur Funnel

This knitted rex rabbit fur neck-warmer is my most-worn item of winter clothing and it will be hers too. £114,

Hermès leather tape measure

It might seem a tad pedestrian, but she's bound to need to measure something in the course of the next year. And, if she doesn't, then it's the chicest paperweight in town. £270, available in-store only,

Chantecaille's Retinol Intense and By Terry's Cellularose Brightening Serum

These are the nearest thing to the holy grail of effective, delicious, over-the-counter skin care right now—and you want her to have the best. Chantecaille Retinol Intense, £85/50 mL; By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum, £75/30 mL;

Tumi's Mixology Backpack

I'm making an exception here by allowing you to buy something from which you will both benefit. Tumi's Mixology range offers a cocktail shaker kit, housed in a great-looking gray backpack (which she will use for ever—it has a laptop pocket too). $695,