He said he has given presents that haven't been particularly well received.

After starting his relationship with his girlfriend half a year ago, Zhang spent an entire afternoon shopping with a colleague and finally chose a 2,000 yuan necklace for his girlfriend.

"I guessed that most girls would like this kind of shiny jewelry, and she showed her affection for me after I placed it around her neck," he said. "I thought I had done well, but she hardly wore it. She dislikes a necklace with a crystal pendant, which I only learned later.

"After that, she said she would start telling me what she likes directly. I was really happy to hear that, because it meant I won't have to spend a lot of time trying to guess what her preferences are," he said.

"To avoid misunderstandings and arguments about gifts, communication is very important in a relationship."

After spending more time with his girlfriend, Zhang gradually found she loved to receive gifts adorned with sweet words and elegant decorations.

"Catering for your partner's affections is the main thing, and the cost of a present is not that important," he said.

He also said it's important to be familiar with loved ones' hobbies and favorite pursuits or objects, saying that can be done by paying attention to their micro blogs or the websites they read regularly.

While Zhang worked to prepare some gifts, his girlfriend, Zhao Huijin, thought about the best way to decorate a New Year's present.

She said she plans to send him a scarf, something that doesn't have to be expensive and can be decorated in a way she designs herself.

"Even for a card that just conveys my best wishes, I'll draw up something or paint patterns to make it special," she said.

The 25-year-old woman was greatly impressed by the gift Zhang sent her last Valentine's Day - an album filled with pictures of scenes of the route they take to go to and from their homes.

"It was really wonderful and clever, and I can tell his heart was in it," she said. "He even wrote some sweet words to go with each picture. I was really touched."

Sending gifts like that is a good way for men to save money, she said.

"The time, energy and money that are spent on choosing a gift can make it seem like a burden, but it also leads to sweet memories."

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn