When it comes to a gift for my wife... I receive an EPIC FAIL!

[Zymurgrafi]

Happens every time I need to buy her a gift. It is depressing. I REALLY want something thoughtful but I can never come up with something good. So usually I just buy a bunch of stuff that I hope is thoughtful and hope she actually likes something. Even when she gives me ideas I don't feel like I do a good job.

I suck.

This year is even tougher. We agreed to be frugal (isn't everyone?) and only get a small inexpensive gift for each other. Then one gift we will get together. I asked her for ideas but she said, "Surely you can come up with one small thing".

Nope. Wrong.

FAIL!

Thankfully she is getting gifts for the kids and relatives or else I would probably be done for.

I guess when it comes down to it I don't even know my wife anymore. I have no idea what her interests/hobbies are or if she even has any. I racked my brain trying to think about what they could be. I try and pay attention. All I can think of is her work as far as what she "does".

No wonder this time of year is depressing.

 

[ShortSnoutBrewing]

My trick is to start paying attention when we're out starting back in October or so. Make a quick note in the phone or something. Something she's commented on, or said was nice, etc. And then get it within the week so you don't forget. Isn't fool proof, but it often gets the job done.

I'm double cursed though. SWMBO's birthday is the 22nd!

 

[McKBrew]

I hate shopping for the SWMBO. Tell me what you want or just let me buy you a gift card so you can get something you want.

Have you considered jewelry? Don't all women like jewelry? Honestly I wish you the best of luck and hope she isn't too hard on you.

 

[StunnedMonkey]

Dude. I could have written that. Maybe I did and just don't remember.

We're getting all new hardwood flooring after the first of the year and have decided to just get inexpensive little trinkets for each other for Christmas. Number of trinkets I've purchased so far: 0. Number of ideas I have: 0. Number of days left: 5.

She'll have 10 or 15 cool little things for me. I guarantee it. I haven't a clue what to get for her. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

Here's where you and I are headed:

Beware of the Doghouse

 

[Zymurgrafi]

I hate shopping for the SWMBO. Tell me what you want or just let me buy you a gift card so you can get something you want.

Have you considered jewelry? Don't all women like jewelry? Honestly I wish you the best of luck and hope she isn't too hard on you.

My wife likes jewelry, but isn't super into it. I have bought her much of it. She does not wear that much jewelry.

That is the trouble she is not hard on me about it. I am probably harder on myself. I want to get something she will enjoy.

 

[Zymurgrafi]

My trick is to start paying attention when we're out starting back in October or so. Make a quick note in the phone or something. Something she's commented on, or said was nice, etc. And then get it within the week so you don't forget. Isn't fool proof, but it often gets the job done.

I'm double cursed though. SWMBO's birthday is the 22nd!

I have been paying attention almost all year. Just thick I guess.

 

[ShortSnoutBrewing]

I have been paying attention almost all year. Just thick I guess.

Maybe that's the problem. Too much info to compute in the old hard drive. What she commented on in January ain't gonna mean squat in December!

 

[Zymurgrafi]

My days left are 1 by the way.

We exchange gifts on the solstice.


Think I'm gonna go find some rope...

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

I have opted to give the wife a gift card for $160.00 worth of rubbins at Eden Salon and Spa.

This girl loves massages almost as much as I hate giving them. Well, that or the guy at Eden is smokin'.

$160.00 equates to (4) Half hour rubbins (no happy ending) or (2) One hours and a $20 vanity purchase.

How can I go wrong here?



I can't, when I ask what she wants she says "MASSAGE".

 

[adx]

SWMBOs are easy to shop for. You get them things that have to do with pictures. Either do one of those calendars or photo books online that you can upload photos to or you go get one of those pictures frames that have 3 or 4 openings. Toss in some pictures of you, the kids and the rest of the family.

 

[Aubie Stout]

My wife needs a hobby. Impossible to shop for w/o a hobby!

 

[Zymurgrafi]

SWMBOs are easy to shop for. You get them things that have to do with pictures. Either do one of those calendars or photo books online that you can upload photos to or you go get one of those pictures frames that have 3 or 4 openings. Toss in some pictures of you, the kids and the rest of the family.

See, I guess I do know a "hobby" of hers but I cannot think of anything to get.

She is the one who makes the photo albums and calendars and such. She and I both are artists. She is a graphic designer/professor by trade.

 

[Sean]

Every woman on the planet loves flannel pajamas from Victoria Secret.

 

[r2eng]

I was embarrassed once... never again!

I do what KiltedBrewer does and make notes starting in the fall.

 

[adx]

See, I guess I do know a "hobby" of hers but I cannot think of anything to get.

She is the one who makes the photo albums and calendars and such. She and I both are artists. She is a graphic designer/professor by trade.

You're screwed then. What ever you do, do not buy her a vacuum cleaner.

 

[jgln]

I know mine's hobbies all too well but that is what I have been buying her for years now and this year wanted to do something different but I am stumped too. Have you been out to the stores and just walk around? That is what I plan to do after work one night and usually something comes up as a good idea. One thing she buys me just about every year (among other things) is a nice high quality pillow for my stiff necks. Good luck.

 

[jgln]

I love those gourmet cook shops in the malls, lots of neat stuff in there.

 

[DylansDad]

My wife needs a hobby. Impossible to shop for w/o a hobby!

I agree!

Instead of a vacuum, I bought her a crock pot. We'll see how that goes.

 

[Zymurgrafi]

Have you been out to the stores and just walk around?

Yup. Just got back when I posted this. I find myself doing that every year and it is an extremely painful depressing experience.

 

[Dr_Deathweed]

I like to do my shopping early, and as such, get it done early. I picked out a handfull of things I knew she wanted- the last season of Sopranos, Wii Fit, Dark Knight... And a couple fun things I know she would enjoy- a couple CD's the Godfather collection, the new rayman game...

What sucks is I put out my stack of presents, she put out hers, then every night for the last couple her stack for me keeps getting bigger... She is still buying crap!!!!

Oh well, I already got her stuff, I guess I will just get more



prepares bed with the dogs....

 

[the_bird]

Think I'm gonna go find some rope...

Gonna tie her up? Nice that she's into the kinky stuff.

 

[Zymurgrafi]

Thats the trouble. I am smart enough to know what would be a crappy gift (vacuum cleaner, etc.)

Not smart enough to come up with a meaningful gift though.

Maybe I will get her a gift from Heifer international. We have given those as gifts before to other family members. That and something tangible though...

Arrgh. I suck.

 

[Zymurgrafi]

I wish she liked music. I mean she likes music, but she is nowhere near as fanatical about it as I am. She does not know or care much who an artist/group is, just listens.

I know she has been into suduko and formerly crosswords. Not fanatical or anything and super basic level. That does not give me any good ideas for a meaningful gift though.

 

[Zymurgrafi]

Every woman on the planet loves flannel pajamas from Victoria Secret.

My wife HATES victoria's secret. That would be like getting a vacuum I am afraid.

 

[BigKahuna]

Man I feel your Pain! My SWMBO once wrote "I love You" on 24 pairs of socks with A Sharpie for Christmas.
(For the record....I'm commiserating not hijacking)
It's not that I don't pay attention to her, and god knows I WANT to get her something that will make her happy.
It's really a ****ty thing when you can't think of one single thing for your wife...the one woman that means more to you than anything else in the world...the one that you would be willing to do ANYTHING for...and you can't even come up with a damn gift for Christmas!

Dude....I'm with you!

 

[TXCrash]

My wife and I have a deal: We BOTH suck at choosing gifts for eachother...

So at some point she orders something for herself - and tells me that's her christmas present.

I do the same for myself.

Of course this year 99% of the christmas fund is going towards the kid.

 

[shecky]

Zym, I think our wives might be twins. Except for the music part. My wife is a musician (piano, flute, organ, guitar). But I'm a musical idiot and wouldn't know what to get her.

Fortunately, I always have an epiphany at the last minute. I expect it to hit on Monday.

 

[TwoHeadsBrewing]

When you don't know what to get, here's a few things that might do the trick. Choose two.

1. A letter (not a card). Something that really explains how you feel about her, and why she should rock your world tonight (ok, maybe not that last part).
2. A personalized coupon book from you, that they can redeem at any time. Personal masage, breakfast in bed, you clean the whole damn house, weekend B&B.
3. Pedicure, manicure, masage from your local day spa.
4. Plane tickets, hotel reservations, vacation plans.
5. If you're musically inclined, a song
6. If you're a word smith, some prose
7. Flowers (that you can put in the ground), bulbs...orchids are a beautiful indoor favorite that will last months.

I know there are some women wrapped up in material wealth, and that's what they want. However, all the women in my life "like" the material stuff but really just want a gift that I put some thought into. Especially for your sig other, don't just "get" something..."do" something. Just try to think about their "love language": physical touch, encouragement, quality time, acts of service, "stuff".

 

[Zymurgrafi]

When you don't know what to get, here's a few things that might do the trick. Choose two.

1. A letter (not a card). Something that really explains how you feel about her, and why she should rock your world tonight (ok, maybe not that last part).
2. A personalized coupon book from you, that they can redeem at any time. Personal masage, breakfast in bed, you clean the whole damn house, weekend B&B.
3. Pedicure, manicure, masage from your local day spa.
4. Plane tickets, hotel reservations, vacation plans.
5. If you're musically inclined, a song
6. If you're a word smith, some prose
7. Flowers (that you can put in the ground), bulbs...orchids are a beautiful indoor favorite that will last months.

I know there are some women wrapped up in material wealth, and that's what they want. However, all the women in my life "like" the material stuff but really just want a gift that I put some thought into. Especially for your sig other, don't just "get" something..."do" something. Just try to think about their "love language": physical touch, encouragement, quality time, acts of service, "stuff".

All great ideas. No go.

I have done all that sort of stuff and more. In fact, I do it for no reason at all, meaning no occasion. I leave her love notes often.

They get no response. When asked if she got them she just says "yes. Thanks."

I have made her artwork as I am a printmaker. Does not really seem all that special as our house is already full of my prints.

 

[JoeMama]

You ALL have it wrong - THIS is the gift that you SHOULD be getting her!

Its definitely along the lines of 'economical' and how could she get mad at you for such a thought out gift?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhwbxEfy7fg]YouTube - Saturday Night Live - Dick In A Box[/ame]
-Me