In reply to yorkshire_lad2:
I'm a fellow sufferer and have tried 'em all. I'd suggest, as others have already, wear mitts not gloves and use disposable hand-warmers which are just great and last for hours. Downside is they're not eco friendly but the re-usable ones, whilst getting very hot, last only for a few minutes then you're carrying around useless dead weight. Worth mentioning if you haven't used them that in very cold weather they may not "start" so best to open the pack and stick 'em in your mitts before leaving the warmth of the house/hotel/car.
Incidentally I bit the bullet and bought the mega-bucks batt op gloves. Good, but especially for walking and not technical climbing, I'd stick to the disposable hand-warmers. A quid a pair and they work. The above mentioned wrist warmers or a jumper with thumb-loops help too.
Just noticed your gift idea. A pair of these at a quid won't impress much I'm afraid. But a box of a gross might well be appreciated?!
Post edited at 18:27