Whether it's Christmas, Valentine's Day, a birthday or another special occasion, it can be a challenge to find a gift for your girlfriend, wife or mother. If you're ever drawing a blank on the best gift for the woman in your life, fragrance, fine jewelry and designer items are some fool-proof shopping categories.

Fragrance

While this may seem to be an easy road, truth is, purchasing a fragrance can be very tricky territory. So approach the purchase of any gift in this category with caution. But here are some basics to keep in mind.

Does the woman you're buying for prefer more flower-oriented scents, or does she tend to go for something more sweet and fruity? Also, some women may prefer the more natural, herbal fragrances that are mixed with essential oils such as a sage-based or a peppermint-based fragrance.

In addition, you have quite a range of products, from "bath and beauty" to perfume. There are many options, so it mostly depends on her taste and preferences and how much money you want to spend. You can buy gift baskets with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and moisturizer at any major retailer or department store. The next step up would be the Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret level, which have appealing fragrances for personal care and for the home.

Most department stores also have product lines - such as Clinique -that offer an entire spectrum of products - from soap to perfume - in their signature fragrances. You can also purchase gift sets that include 2-3 of these products at a discounted price.

Then there are the top-tier fragrances - we're talking Chanel No. 5 level here - that you can pick up at department stores, or at a specialty fragrance retailer such as Sephora.

Jewelry

You know the saying - "diamonds are a girl's best friend." While most any type of fine jewelry will do, diamonds are really taking the gift-giving gesture to the highest level.

If you're concerned about your lack of knowledge about the "4 C's" or whether her personality matches a princess diamond cut or an oval diamond cut, save your energy. Diamond stud earrings are usually well-received, and I would argue, are practically a fool-proof gift to give the important woman, or women, in your life.

As the owner of a fine jewelry store in Richmond, Virginia, I rarely see a woman return a pair of diamond stud earrings unless she is swapping them for an upgrade to a larger carat size. And at Adolf Jewelers, we allow a trade-up for our diamond stud earrings for up to a year after the earrings were purchased. We also offer a money-back guarantee.

Other popular (and rather traditional) fine jewelry gift items include a diamond heart pendant and a tennis bracelet. Or, if you want to see her grinning from ear to ear through next December, buy her all three items and make it a Christmas she will never forget.

Designer Anything

Whether its shoes, handbags, clothing or accessories, most women love designer products. Why? The expense of many of these items are a testament to their quality, which has led to their popularity. But be prepared to spend a little money.

All things Vera Bradley are a sure bet. From small handbags to larger totes, the Vera Bradley line has taken the handbag world by storm. Whether it's the crafty feminine design, or the durability of the bag, women love these handbags, and owning one is like being the member of an exclusive club.

If you know her style and taste for shoes, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik are the names to remember. Both designers became popular thanks to Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw. The character had a love affair with shoes, and regularly referenced both of these high-end designers.

Shopping for women is not as complex as you might think. Keeping an eye on her interests and finding gifts that complement those interests can work. But when you want something that you know she'll love, a nice perfume, fine jewelry or designer items are definite winners. Happy shopping and good luck.