<p>An overnight at a nice hotel somewhere away from here would be nice or, even better, a promise to de-clutter and clean right before company comes!</p>
<p>One year I put “cleaning service” on my list, as I was getting frustrated with our continually messy house. I don’t think my husband took me seriously. He just said he would help more around the house… That offer was, of course, quickly forgotten… Oh, well. I still love him, even if he is messy.</p>
<p>In the spirit of sisterly solidarity, I’m bumping this in the hope that someone’s husband may stumble upon it…</p>
<p>Gift card for a day of wonderful pampering at a wonderful day spa.</p>
<p>See…that’s why men are doomed. I would hate a gift card to a spa. Or maybe they need to know their wives.</p>
<p>This year I want a warm and fuzzy bathrobe that zips up the front. Yes I already have a bathrobe. </p>
<p>That makeup mirror idea is a great one if she doesn’t already have one. I don’t know anybody who wouldn’t want one of those. Or, if you live in a cold climate, a heated throw.</p>
<p>LIMOMOF2 - don’t be too impressed. It was for my 50th birthday and believe me, most b-days, xmases, etc., haven’t been at that level. </p>
<p>In fact, sometimes the years when we need to be flattered or pampered the most sometimes seems like the times when they can be most clueless. </p>
<p>And, yes they are doomed. I really don’t think I want a makeup mirror that is so revealing - I think I will be much happier blissfully unaware of what my face looks like in focus!</p>
<p>Gotta love 'em!</p>
<p>worknprogress - still, it was a very nice gift, so I am impressed…lol. Usually, if I want to go to Broadway, I have to either buy the tickets for myself and my daughter or go with a friend. H usually buys me pajamas (which may or may not be ok) and clothes which always have to be returned. I actually like the makeup mirror gift idea - but maybe not from H. From my kids or one of my friends, it would be a great gift. I would like to see if there’s anything going on with my face that I need to be aware of…lol.</p>
<p>get her a beautiful fancy jewlery box…</p>
<p>It’s pricey but I have always wanted the Fruit of the Month Club (light, smaller version). We received this as a gift a few times when I was a kid and the fruit is amazing. If I didn’t have to worry about weight, I’d enjoy the other monthly food gifts: dessert, breakfast, cheese, chocolate, wine, etc.</p>
<p>STEP ONE: Take time off the day after X-mas to go with her shopping for decorations for the home for the next X-mas. Request that she have a plan and you check out what time the store(s) open.</p>
<p>STEP TWO:Then take her to lunch at her favorite place. </p>
<p>NOTES: You pay. I suggest bringing cash since it goes much quicker and there is no worry about adding to the post-holiday credit card issue if you have one. YOU make arrangements for any kids that need supervision.</p>
<p>I think women appreciate husbands who suggest (and follow through on) spending time together. I know they like the idea that the H cares what the house looks like when decorated for the holidays. And, if the H takes care of seeing that the kids are “covered” that is a hat-trick.</p>
<p>Personally—I would love tech gadgets—IPOD, or IPHONE, or GPS system–or books or candles and bath oils, or even a new watch.—dream gift–a vacation to somewhere warm!</p>
<p>I think an IPod will be under the tree for me this year.</p>
<p>I think this for 2 reasons: </p>
<p>S was present when I mentioned wanting one, so he probably reminded H.</p>
<p>There has been a packing list for an IPod floating from surface to surface around the house for the last week. I keep picking it up to dispose/file/act on it, see what it is, and put it right back where I found it. H wouldn’t know what to do with an IPod and S already has 2. Process of elimination: I’m going to be “surprised” by an IPod!</p>
<p>^^Ha ha, mamfool. Guys are not very sneaky, are they? I hope it’s the color you want!</p>
<p>I’m sure it will be fine! (They wouldn’t dare get me a pink one…do they make them in pink?)</p>
<p>"One year I put “cleaning service” on my list, as I was getting frustrated with our continually messy house. I don’t think my husband took me seriously. He just said he would help more around the house… That offer was, of course, quickly forgotten… "</p>
<p>Big HINT to those who hint and ask for gifts they don’t receive: Give yourself a Christmas gift: Exactly what you want! This will make you happy and prevent lots of disappointment.</p>
<p>And about those magnifying make-up mirrors: I AM one who would NOT want one of those: No desire to see lines and enlarged pores magnified.</p>
<p>Back to the idea of hobbies – how about buying your wife a gift certificate for a class in something she is interested in? Personally (not that my DH would ever read this thread!) I would love a class in Indian cooking, or stained-glass making, or jewelry making, or even wood carving. Maybe there is something she would like to learn how to do. :)</p>
<p>Bump to see how this all worked out!</p>
<p>P.S. my ipod is a very pretty green.</p>
<p>DH surprised with 12 days of xmas theme, I asked him for things for our new home (it’s new construction), and I told him he had to keep in a certain budget, he wrapped 12 boxes with each one saying on the 1st day after moving in the house… 1 painted front door (house has std color) he included a paint brush and a paint can, so in each box there was a little present that matched the project. Will probably go down as 1 of my favorite gifts, the fact that he heard me and used imagination was the best. He also bought me a leather portfolio set for my real estate bus.</p>
<p>^^^^Awwwww. That’s so great! (Now there is the issue of follow through! LOL! Or maybe that’s just in my household.)</p>
<p>No that’s not a problem I made a deal with him a long time ago, if he does the project instead of me hiring someone he can get any tool that is required (actually it is cheaper for him to get the tool than hiring) he is more than happy to run to Lowe’s and start the project. This time one of the gifts is to put 12 feet of crown and chair molding, thus he will be getting a nail gun. He already has the wet saw for the tile, but I am sure he’ll say he needs something more. So its a win win situation. Eventually he’ll have a Yankee workshop and that’s when I won’t be able to bribe him anymore LOL</p>