Men, Women, and Presents--Likes and Dislikes.

When it comes to gift-giving and receiving, men and women differ on many things, from their favorite present to how much money and time to spend shopping, according to research sponsored by Enesco Corp., Itasca, Ill. The Enesco Corporation Study of Americans' Attitudes Toward Gifting surveyed more than 1,100 individuals to explore what people want--and get--from the opposite sex.

What she likes. Forget the lingerie this holiday season. According to survey results, just nine percent of women like to receive sexy gifts. The majority (67%) list their favorite type of holiday gift to receive as something they normally wouldn't buy for themselves. They also like to receive gifts that are useful (62%), meaningful (59%), sentimental (51%), and remind them of the gift-giver (55%).

What he gives. Although women want presents they wouldn't buy for themselves, less than half of men (46%) say they like to buy that type of gift. Even fewer say they like to give sentimental presents (28%) or those that remind the recipient of the gift-giver (21%). Moreover, it's a good thing women don't like to receive sexy gifts because just 14% of men enjoy giving them. The majority of men indicate they enjoy giving useful presents (80%), along with gifts that are meaningful (56%).

What he likes. Most men are not interested in receiving high-priced items, with a mere eight percent listing expensive presents as their favorite type to receive. The majority (72%) say useful items are their favorite gift. Men also like to receive gifts they normally wouldn't buy for themselves (47%), items, that match their personality (44%), and meaningful presents (41%).

What she gives. Women appear to be in synch with giving men what they want. The majority (80%) say they like to give useful gifts. In addition, they enjoy giving presents that much the recipients personality (68%), that are meaningful (67%), and items people wouldn't buy for themselves (58%).

For women, in-laws top their list of least favorite people to buy for during the holiday season. Nearly three times as many women (21%) as men dislike buying gifts for their mother-in-law and father-in-law. Meanwhile, "dear old mom" ranks as one of men's least favorite people to purchase gifts for during the holidays (10%), along with sisters (seven percent). Men and women do agree on one person they don't like to buy gifts for--their boss (six percent).

Both sexes do have their favorite people to buy gifts for--although they...