A big complaint against the female race is that we are complex creatures when it comes to gifts.

That is such an inaccurate statement.

You just have to understand what a girl wants. Most girls typically want one thing: knowing that someone cares and thinks about them.

Material items are not always necessary nor are they the most important part of a relationship. The gesture of giving the gift is just as important as the actual gift. Also, sometimes it is important to get them a gift outside of gift-giving obligations (birthdays, holidays, anniversaries).

Whether you're in a long-term relationship, you just started dating, or she's a close friend/family member, here are some pretty easy gift ideas that show the girl in your life how much you care without really breaking the bank.

1. Flowers

We'll start with the basics. Almost every girl loves a bouquet of flowers, regardless of how intricate or detailed it might be. Save the larger, more expensive bouquets for special occasions such as Valentine's Day, birthdays, or other major holidays. If you just want to surprise her or want to bring her something on date night, you can find simple bouquets at grocery stores for under $20.

2. Trinkets from any trip you take

If you're anything like me, you love a good gift shop. One of my favorite parts of going on trips includes buying gifts for my loved ones. If you're taking a trip, whether it's a big week long trip or something small like a business trip, pick out something for any girl in your life (even your mom, especially your mom). It could be anything: a t-shirt, keychain, shot glass, anything she might like or with her name on it. Sure it may not be the fanciest gift, but she'll love the fact that you thought about her while you were away.

3. Anything from Bath and Body Works

Bath and Body Works is known as a great place for gift shopping. Whether you want candles, body spray, lotion, hand sanitizer this place has it all. They even have gift sets. Girls like to smell good, so if you know one of her favorite scents and brought her home either a bottle of body spray or lotion (or both) in her favorite scent she'll be so happy. Plus it's something she can get daily use out of.

4. Food

This is probably the most popular option on the list. If you show up with her favorite food/drink/candy/treat or any combination of the above, you will make her day. Examples of this include bringing her coffee before class/work or surprising her with pizza or some other comfort food after a long day. Girls love food, and they love the people who buy them food.

5. Something handmade

Even if you're not super crafty or artsy, a girl will love anything you make for her. There is so much sentiment behind a handmade gift that as long as you give your best efforts it'll be a great thing for her to cherish. A really cute handmade gift that has good reception is a date jar, where you decorate a mason jar and fill it with popsicle sticks filled with different date ideas. It's simple, creative, and something every girl will love. Make sure to tailor any handmade gift around her interests.

6. Alex and Ani bracelets

Jewelry is always a fan favorite, but sometimes it can be really expensive. Alex and Ani is the perfect gift because each bracelet has its own meaning and have different charms. Charms range from initials, birth stones, zodiac signs, and other symbols.

These bracelets have become increasingly popular, and with its variety you'll be able to find something special. Some of their bracelets can be a little pricey, but typically a bracelet will put you back $28. Totally affordable, totally worth it.

There you have it, a quick guide to making that special girl feel, well, special. Obviously, the best way to make your girl feel special is to give her your time, but gifts can serve a nice symbol of how you feel about them.

Again, this gift guide isn't just for your girlfriend. You can use this guide for gift giving for any woman in your life, like your mother (especially your mother).