Watches make perfect gifts because they're fashionable as well as utilitarian. And you don't need to worry about whether someone really needs a watch, since it's stylish today to have a whole collection of different watches to accessorize different outfits and activities.

The one drawback to gift shopping for watches may be the overwhelming variety of styles and themes available. It can be difficult to narrow down your choices and find exactly the time piece you're looking for.

To simplify your search, first consider the context in which you envision your gift to be worn. For example, if your recipient is into outdoor activities, you might focus on a water- and impact-resistant piece made of rugged high-tech materials. On the other hand, your active friend may have lots of sports watches already and no formal fashion watches at all. They just must appreciate something a little different for times when they do need to dress up or stay indoors.

Once you've decided on the general style of watch you're looking for, limit yourself to store display cases, print catalogs, or websites that showcase that style. Ask a lot of questions about any pieces you're interested in, or take note of their brands and models and research them on the Internet. Look for reviews and information about the watch's specifications. Here are some factors to consider:

• Does the timepiece operate on a battery? If so, what is the estimated life of the battery, and can replacement batteries be easily obtained (such as at the local drug store)?

• How long has the current battery been in the watch? Sometimes watches have been sitting in storage or display cases for many months before purchase. It can be very disappointing to have a watch stop near the time it is gifted. As a precaution, consider having a new set of batteries installed before wrapping your gift, or just include some a la carte.

• Is the band resizable, and how difficult will it be to have resized if necessary? If it's not resizable, don't purchase it as a gift unless you know your recipient's wrist size. out - or is it an odd size or shape, making replacement more troublesome.

• Does the watch come with a warrantee, and if so, what does it cover and for how long? Be sure to keep copies of your receipt and any other documentation that might be required for repairs under the warranty. (Tell your gift recipient to let you know if they have trouble with the watch in the future.)

• Is the watch water resistant? If so, what is the specification? The typical measure is expressed in number of feet or meters below the water surface. A watch that is water resistant to 100 meters is significantly more resistant than one to 30 meters.

• Look for neat and useful extras like rotating bezels and stop watch features. These make a watch more useful and likely to be worn more often.

One nice thing about buying watch gifts is their compact size and nice packaging. Many watches come in nicely styled containers perfect for wrapping, or even sneaking into a stocking. So if you're struggling to decide on the right gift for your special someone, don't be afraid to consider a watch - and have fun shopping!