Seconding Free!
I personally can't stand Sword Art Online or Clannad, so I'd actually advice avoiding those.
![Razz :P](/static/images/forum_ro/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
I'd recommend:
- Nana (I'm not a huge fan of this one myself, but it is good I just don't like one of the leads)
- Black Rock Shooter (OVA & TV) (Somewhat overly dramatic perhaps, but I enjoyed them both)
- Red Data Girl (Traditional Japanese magical stuff, gods, romance, what's not to love)
- Nishi no Yoki Majo: Astraea Testament (Been a while since I watched this one, but I remember loving it)
- Escaflowne (Currently watching it, more shoujo should include mecha)
- Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou (sounds like a harem, but it's actually a sweet love story with no panty shots or other harem antics!)
- K-On (It's cute and funny)
- Kyousou Giga (because everyone should watch it. Just make sure to watch the tv show, not the OVA)
- Ouran Koukou Host Club (this one is so funny, I highly recommend the manga as well)
- Otome Youkai Zakuro (Meji era Japan, kitsune, magic and bishies)
- Sakamichi no Apollon (Wonderful realistic drama set in 60's Japan. Also that soundtrack <3 <3)
and one I personally loved when I was a teenager Noir. Two female assassins set to a Kajiura Yuki OST. <3