A truly unique gift can help bring a smile to her face.

Choosing a great holiday gift for a woman can be a challenge, especially if the woman in question seems to have everything she could every want. If you’ve spent past years running from store to store looking for that perfect, one-of-a-kind item of clothing or jewelry only to be disappointed when the gift fails to impress, then it might be time to start thinking in a whole new way. There are plenty of alternative gift ideas out there, and one of them might be just the thing to put a smile on the face of that certain woman on your list.

Prior to joining Marie Claire as the Fashion Shopping Editor two years ago, Genevieve Yraola worked at such companies as Missoni, Bliss, and Donna Karan. She currently handles all of Marie Claire's signature fashion stories, including 10 Best Fashion Under $100, Splurge vs. Steal and Runway to Realway. Here she offers her advice for buying gifts for the woman who has everything:

• Your time. If you can’t think of an appropriate material item, or you’re on a budget, why not try offering your time instead of a wrapped present? You could create a day spa at home, by running your friend or loved one a hot bath and offering a massage. You could cook a great meal or just clean up the house while she relaxes.

• Food and wine. Food and wine also make great gifts and are something that the recipient can share with friends and family. Head to a local gourmet shop or search the internet for exotic fruits, caviar baskets or other fine edible treats.

• Classes. Yraola loves to take cooking classes, and these can make very popular gifts for women who love great food. Or you could sign a woman up for stress-relieving yoga class to help her get through the holiday season. The idea is to think of unexpected gifts that will really add something to a woman’s life and brighten up the holidays. So get creative and finally give her something that she’ll love!

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