<p>Only seems appropriate to have this post “Gifts for the Wives” as we have already had one for husbands and sons. AND seeing how I am short a gift or two for my own wife, I am open for any and all ideas. I don’t dare buy my wife clothing or jewelry as she is particular about that. She bought some clothing for herself and handed it to me to wrap, but how fun is that? She is particular about her makeup as well. I wouldn’t dare try to buy any of that. I did buy her a small bottle of perfume that I knew she wanted. I am at a loss here!</p>
<p>Gift card for a massage or pedicure…got a local spa?</p>
<p>Well, my husband thinks I’m picky too, and I will concede the point. Soo, I help him out and give him a list of stuff I want and he can pick from the list. I used to provide hints – you know, walking in the mall, I see a silver peace sign pendant, and do the usual ooohs and ahhhs. Most men don’t pick up these obvious signs, whilst women are generally more in tune to that. </p>
<p>I’m also the one in the house that likes to do handyman kind of work, especially electrical stuff, so power tools go over well with me, and kitchen gadgets as well (a citron press went over really well since we have lots of citrus trees).</p>
<p>This year I asked for French movies on dvd and some Rumpole of the Bailey books. I also like to print our digital photos, so good photo paper is always a winner as far as I’m concerned.</p>
<p>I guess what I’m saying is, if your wife doesn’t give you a list, think about what she does and what she is interested in, and get her something of interest. Just remember, if she’s practical, like me, practical presents are great gifts. If she’s technically minded, a laptop is a great gift if you have the resources, or some cool software or even CDs that she can burn. If she likes to travel, new luggage or a trip would be nice (Paris, anyone?!). </p>
<p>If she likes to garden, then a fruit tree (if you have the room) is a great present, or flowers, or vegetable plants to create a victory garden (or gardening tools) are great gifts. How do you think I got all of my fruit trees?!</p>
<p>Obviously, I’m thinking out loud here. Just think outside the box, and you’ll get it!</p>
<p>She has been seeing a physical therapist for massages, but the pedicure is a good idea. I’ve done that one in the past and it was received well. Good idea.</p>
<p>anything from</p>
<p>[CARTIER</a> - The renowned French jeweller and watchmaker](<a href=“http://www.cartier.com%5DCARTIER”>http://www.cartier.com)
[Diamonds</a>, Engagement Rings and Fine Jewelry at Blue Nile](<a href=“http://www.bluenile.com%5DDiamonds”>http://www.bluenile.com)</p>
<p>Your toys go 0 to 60 in 3 seconds, but these toys will make her heart race faster! :)</p>
<p>No excuses they have overnight until the 22nd! :)</p>
<p>She reads a lot, but doesn’t like to buy books. Gets them all from the library. She will buy a cook book though. What are Rumpole of the Bailey books?</p>
<p>A very sexy sweater in a slightly too small size… I’d love to think my husband still sees me that way.</p>
<p>What’s your budget? That will help…I know at my house the sky’s NOT the limit…!</p>
<p>Rumpole – the greatest fictional barrister of the 20th Century. John Mortimer – a former English barrister and exceptional playwright.</p>
<p>What’s my budget? Hard to say. The sky is NOT the limit at my house either. As I mentioned, she has already bought several items for herself and handed them to me to wrap; some clothing, a digital camera, etc. I am just trying to find one or two simple, but nice gifts to give that she isn’t expecting or already knows what it is. I did get her a small bottle of perfume. I also got her one of those enormous remote controls from Brookstone. It is a running joke in our house about the remotes and anything relating to the t.v., stereo, etc. She absolutely cannot figure out how to use my fancy remotes. Just wants a simple on/off type. She saw that huge one once at a shop at the airport and hasn’t stopped reminding me that is they type of remote she can handle. But I can tell you this, if about the only gift she opens from me is a gigantic remote control, I am in a heap of trouble. I think UCLA77 has the right idea in that I need to focus in on her habits, hobbies, etc to come up with good ideas.</p>
<p>bulletandpima, I did go take a gander at the Cartier site. That is some absolutely beautiful jewelry. Wish I had deep pockets.</p>
<p>You guys get to drool over Porsches and Lamborghinis (check out the Gift for Hubby thread). It’s only fair that we get to dream big too!</p>
<p>Today I went to Linens N Things and bought my mom a heated towel rack. Normally $49, on sale for $29. One of those little luxuries… I’d love one myself but we don’t have room in our bathroom.
[Linens</a> 'n Things - Bath: Towel Holders/Stands: Search for](<a href=“http://www.lnt.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=1830165&cp=1331604]Linens”>http://www.lnt.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=1830165&cp=1331604)</p>
<p>Ok…pima (wife) speaking…make reservations for a restaurant you never went to, but always talk about, and just print up a card telling her what to wear and what time to be ready (give on xmas day), show up at the door on that night with flowers as an extra bonus. Every wife wants to still be the girl you want to woo. Hubby (Bullet) did that years ago for me (yes he actually exited the house and rang the doorbell) and it made me feel like we were dating all over again, best present ever</p>
<p>I’m always happy to have more earrings. I want fancy soap in my stocking. Last year I asked for flannel sheets, but dh refused to get them. He’s getting them from me this year. Serves him right. Art supplies. Cookbooks. More watches. (I love having a choice - and my taste is funky not expensive.) I’d love the towel warmer if I had space. A computer upgrade would come in handy. I got myself a new digital camera already. Last year dh got me a nano - I love it. I’d love to have more leather gloves in other colors. I like getting cooking magazines too - Bon Appetit and Cook’s Illustrated are my favorites. My mother got me a gorgeous sweater for my birthday.</p>
<p>I tend to be the practical type. I would be mad at my husband if he splurged on fancy jewelry, as I seldom wear any and would feel it a waste of money. This year my list includes sweatshirts, a bread machine cookbook that I got at the library and really like, some new Christmas decorations as ours are mostly 20+ years old, pretty kitchen towels and hot pads, and a flashlight for when the electricity goes out. Last year I asked for, and received, a little photo printer that I can stick the memory card from my camera in and print pics immediately. One year it was a paper shredder. Gift certificates are nice, so I can buy my own clothes, as our tastes don’t always match in that area. Dinner out is nice, too.</p>
<p>What would really impress me would be if my husband noticed my interests and needs enough to actually get me something appropriate that I didn’t ask for, but I know that would be expecting a lot, so I always give him a list.</p>
<p>Susan and I sound like the “tools not jewels” type. I once saw this woman at this UCLA football game wearing the biggest rock on her finger I’ve ever seen, and all I could think about was how much food that could have been bought for starving kids. </p>
<p>It’s that mentality you’ve got to tap into with your wife. High or low maintenance?</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.garnethill.com/index.jsp?ggkey=ghbrand]Garnet”>http://www.garnethill.com/index.jsp?ggkey=ghbrand]Garnet</a> Hill - Original designs in clothing and home d</p>
<p>Gifts I have been pleasantly surprised and loved:</p>
<p>GPS (I wonder if this was a hint? He never lets me drive when he is in the car.)
A weekend trip to a nearby city (NYC in our case)
Books of my favorite authors (Interestingly, he has to always ask S which ones)
Ring (Had one custom made with our birthstones, including our S’) - This gift shocked me that he could come up with this idea!)
Christmas ornaments (I like a particular line)</p>
<p>Clothes are always exchanged and I have no clue why he still does not get it. :)</p>
<p>Last year a girlfriend’s husband took all of her old lipsticks and replaced them with new (same brand, same colors). She was very touched by that. Some of those colors were hard to find.</p>
<p>As for my husband, I know he ordered something from my favorite perfume store in Paris - I know because I looked at the AmEx bill.</p>