MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For many people, clothing-shaped gift boxes under the tree trigger anxiety and memories of those flamingo-pink, too-small sweaters Grandma is famous for giving.

But giving clothing as a holiday gift does not have to be a traumatic experience for giver or recipient.

"When giving clothing, fragrance, neckties, footwear or jewelry, keep a few simple rules in mind to make it a painless -- and even satisfying -- event," said Phyllis Miller, associate professor of apparel, textiles, merchandising and interior design in Mississippi State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "The key to selecting a gift that will truly be loved and appreciated is to know the recipient's tastes, preferences and lifestyle."

The easiest way to make sure a gift is enjoyed is to include a sales or gift receipt with the item. Miller said this enables the person to return or exchange the item if it is the wrong size or style.

"Don't be insulted if someone returns or exchanges a gift," she said. "It will still be from you. I'd rather they return my gift and get something that they really love instead of having the item gather dust."

One reliable technique to finding the perfect clothing gift is to go on a shopping trip with the intended recipient. Pay attention to the styles, sizes and colors of clothing the person seems most interested in.

"Try to keep the person from buying the item right then, and get the salesperson to hold it so you can go back and purchase it later," Miller advised. "You also could offer to pay for part or all of the item, or give a gift certificate for that store in the amount of the item so they can go back and buy the item. That way you know for sure they're getting what they want."

Miller offered the following tips for purchasing clothing to give as a gift:

Sizing -- Choose loose garments that could fit the size above or below, such as a cardigan, and V-neck or crew-neck sweaters or T-shirts. Select tops or dresses without a definite waistline. Check for wider seams in case the garment has to be altered. Waistlines that have elastic or are otherwise adjustable can also span two or more size ranges.

Colors -- Choose neutral colors that go with everything and most skin tones. Examples include taupe, tan, black, gray, navy and white.

Ease of use -- For older people and others with limited finger movement or painful joints, avoid small or tricky fasteners or those that require strength to operate. Also avoid giving items that must be dried flat to someone who lives in a tiny house or apartment.

Care -- Before purchasing a gift, check the care label. Be cautious about giving gifts that require special cleaning, and avoid delicate hand-washables or garments that require pressing.

"A good test to see if a garment will wrinkle easily is to squeeze a handful of the fabric in your hand and hold it for about 10 seconds -- if it wrinkles, chances are it will need to be ironed," Miller said. "Look for knits that can be rinsed and hung to dry, garments that can be dried in the dryer, polyester/cotton blends, and garments with a durable press finish."

For recent graduates or the newly employed, Miller suggested business card cases, leather or quality vinyl legal pad holders, pen and pencil sets, or a gift certificate for a planning system.

"It's best to give a gift certificate for the planning system so they can choose the one that best suites their tastes and needs," she said. "There's no telling which one or what size a person will want."

Use caution when giving gifts of fragrance or jewelry, and consider gift certificates as an alternative. Take into consideration what the recipient seems to like and purchase something similar.

"Gifts of fragrance can be very tricky because scents smell different on different people. Although it smells good on you or the salesperson when you sample it, it may make the recipient smell like a skunk," Miller said. "A good strategy is to admire a scent that the recipient is wearing and ask what it is, then buy the fragrance you already know the person likes."

The same idea applies to purchasing jewelry as a gift: get something similar to jewelry the person normally wears.

"Don't give inexpensive costume jewelry to someone who wears only precious metals and real stones. Likewise, avoid giving fragile gems -- like opals, pearls and emeralds -- to children or people who are rough on jewelry or who never remove their jewelry," Miller said. "Opt for sturdier stones like amethyst, iolite, topaz, diamonds, rubies and sapphires."

Another option is to give metal jewelry without stones and with a brushed or other finish that hides scratches and wear.

"Some people are very superstitious about stones and don't like to wear ones that don't coincide with their birthday or astrological sign," Miller said. "Some prefer stones with certain healing or protective powers. For example, pearls are said to bring peace, and amethyst is supposed to protect you from drunkenness."

She said many jewelers are familiar with this kind of information.

Avoid giving briefcases, footwear and neckties because these items are highly personal and almost impossible to select appropriately, Miller said. Gift certificates are a good alternative, or at least provide a sales receipt so the person can return or exchange the item.

Miller said shopping sales for gifts was previously considered a major etiquette faux pas, but today's bargain-conscious world and tight economy make smart shopping a necessity.

"Stores have special sales to stimulate gift purchases. Who cares if a gift was on sale?" Miller asked. "Just make sure the person can return or exchange it, if necessary."