"This is what every lady absolutely loves," Amanda James promised me as I was dragged into the Body Shop Depot.

PRESENTS TENSE: Dan Rutstein puzzles over one of the choices suggested as a gift by his shopping girlfriend, Amanda James

Once I had adjusted to the overpowering smell, she explained that whatever I get for my girlfriend this year, a few "smellies" would definitely go down well.

Not being the most adept of shoppers I was in no position to argue.

I'd already contrived to get my girlfriend a romantic compact disc and a football book (which I had read myself first and now looks second-hand), but Amanda assured me that more was needed.

Vivacious Amanda, a self-confessed shopaholic, is a mock girlfriend, who helps to provide a new service offered by the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet near Naburn to help bewildered male customers get that special gift for their loved ones... the perfect present for "her indoors".

"We've set up the scheme following many enquiries from men having problems choosing the right present," she said.

Once I had booked my appointment, I was guaranteed Amanda's undivided attention as we went round the shops.

After a few simple inquiries aimed at getting a good idea of what the lady in question was like, we were off.

Something for the kitchen was a non-starter, though I was keen on the idea.

"Clothing is always a risky one," she said, "unless they have asked specifically for something then it is best to steer clear.

"Going for an assortment of little gifts is a sensible way of going - she's bound to like one of them."

With this in mind we walked straight past the Ted Baker and Calvin Klein stores, stopping only when we got to the Travel Accessories Outlet.

A bag was Amanda's suggestion, and amazingly that struck a chord.

Yes, my good lady had wanted a bag, but what kind would be best. After ascertaining the level of chic (very high) and dress-sense (mostly black) of my partner, as well as my spending limit (modest), Amanda went for a lovely grey leather Coccinelle bag, handily available £60 cheaper than the recommended retail price.

It was nice, but I wasn't convinced. A look round Fiorelli and we found the perfect gift, a silver, rather classy looking bag.

There is no obligation to buy anything during the personal shopper sessions, but who could resist this bag.

Then Amanda suggested that placing other, smaller gifts in the bag would really impress a lady.

Again, who was I to argue. A little Body Shop gift set and, on Amanda's advice, some chocolates, and the bag was full.

A trip to Birthdays for some wrapping paper and a card, and there we have it, the perfect Christmas gifts and they are all definitely girl-friendly.

Without Amanda's help, who knows how single I'd be on Boxing Day.

And as an added bonus, it was the first shopping trip with a "girlfriend" where we hadn't an argument.

The mock girlfriends are available until Christmas Eve, seven days a week and for late night shopping. There is no charge for the service although customers are welcome to make a small contribution to the NSPCC. A mock boyfriend service is also available for women.

Click here for details on the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.