Men can’t understand women’s obsession for bags—why we need to have a different bag for the evening party and another for shopping for groceries, why we buy a couple of new handbags every now and then even if the old one is still sitting in perfect condition at home, etc. But for us women, bags aren’t just stylish containers where we can put our documents, makeup, umbrellas, and little everyday knickknacks we bring around. Bags are the pièce de résistance to any outfit we put together; bags complete us, so to say.

Jewelry is always a fine gift, but women love bags, specifically authentic designer leather bags, as gifts because they are both luxurious and functional, not to mention fashionable. For your first anniversary together or her birthday (whatever the occasion is, really!), your woman will be pleased to find out you’ve gone through the trouble just to pick out a handbag for her. But with all those shops and stalls and catalogs and websites you see around, and hundreds of designs and colors, where do you start? Start here.

1. Tote Bags – Leather tote bags are those you see most women carry around to the office, the shopping mall, the grocery store, to the beach—practically everywhere, actually. They are a huge favorite because they are not only very sophisticated, their interiors also provide enough room for whatever your wife or girlfriend might need during the day. Documents are perfect for this squarish type of bag, and so are makeup kits, jackets, an extra pair of shoes, tissue, notebooks, laptops, and all sorts of little trinkets your woman wants to bring along with her. If you want to be practical, go for stylish leather bags that come in neutral blacks, browns, or whites.
2. Satchel Bags – If you wife or girlfriend is a career woman who is always on the go when it comes to office matters, surprise her with a smart leather satchel bag. She’ll love the idea that you have actually chosen a gift for her that she can use everyday of the week (especially if she brings her work home for the weekends) and will be touched that she has a supportive and thoughtful man by her side. Satchel bags are those that usually have long straps that go over one shoulder. Pick out one that is well-structured, meaning it doesn’t slouch, and has a rectangular shape so all those papers don’t get wrinkled inside.  
3. Clutch Bags – Those little strapless bags you see women carrying around (mostly at formal events and dinner parties) are what we call clutch bags. They are bigger than wallets but smaller than the regular handbag. Clutch bags are ideal for containing a woman’s essentials, that is, mirror, lipstick, foundation, a small comb, her phone, and some money. This means, clutch bags are worn only on occasions where women don’t need anything else apart from the essentials—an evening party or a casual walk down the neighborhood.  

Hobo Bags – These bags are the latest craze in the world of women’s bags. Fashion icons and Hollywood celebrities, such as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Joss Stone, have been seen walking around sporting these leather bags in hobo style. Hobo bags are characterized by their distinctive crescent shape. They are lacking when it comes to structure (Papers and laptops won’t find themselves comfortable in these.), but are overly stylish and attractive. They come in all colors and sizes and are perfect for any day out, except for a day when your woman has to carry around a lot of important papers. If your wife or girlfriend prefers spontaneity, creativity, and style over functionality, she will pick the hobo bag over any bag on any day.