Presents!

So my friend has a girlfriend and it's their first Christmas together. He had no idea what to get her so he asked me for advice. Until this conversation I never realized how hard it is for guys to pick out presents for girls. He was like how do I get her a present that isn't like WOAH I LOVE YOU SO LETS GET MARRIED. I thought it was funny and suggested making a dinner and concert tickets. I suppose it would be helpful to know that he's in college, not in high school. He didn't like that idea so much but asked if it would be inconsiderate to get her a $50 gift card to Victoria Secrets. I told him yes because it gives the impression that he didn't put much thought into the present and that if he's willing to spend $50 there then he should just buy something. Later on he asked if pearl earrings would be appropriate. I told him that in my opinion it's a present that you would get her if they'd been married a couple years. I told him that a necklace would be fine. So honestly what makes a present a good one? I think that it's mostly the thought, but at the same time it's good to know the person well enough to get them something that they'd like.