Gift Ideas?

[der_kluge]

I was going to say a nice pair or handcrafted earrings, but if she doesn't wear much jewelry, maybe that's out. My wife loves getting earrings, she has a ton but always likes more. I usually avoid mass produced stuff that you can find in most jewelry stores, and go for crafty type shops that sell individual, artisan jewelry.

There is a nice shop in the Short Pump Town Center called Appalachian Spring, I've found interesting, unique stuff for my wife there on several occasions (pottery, jewelry, and other handmade things). http://www.shortpumpmall.com/go/fb/guide/store.cfm?storeID=2137026705

I'd considered that. She bought some amber jewelry at an art festival in Rhode Island earlier this year when we were up there. So, it seems our wives might have similar tastes in that regard.

Hey, if you want, I can drive to Richmond and meet you one night next week (Monday or Tuesday?) and we can go shopping together, if you'd like.

Got your email. That would be fun.

 

[Tinner]

How about a spa day? Include a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure and lunch. If you really want to spend, get it for two, so she can take her bestest friend (other then you, unless you like that kind of thing).

This was a huge hit with my wife last year.

This year she's getting The Great Dalmuti, Gilmore Girls Season 4, probably some clothes I know she wants, and whatever else fits the budget.

Since you said your wife is at home with the kids, I'd reccomend anything that doesn't involve being at home with the kids.
A fancy dinner date with dancing and/or a show might be the way to go.

One thing that always worked well for me was making her actual gift a real production number.
A hand-made card with a personal note written on it adds a lot of love to even the most generic gift.
When I did the fancy night out on the town, I made sure to add in the extra little touches like a corsage, her favorite wine, etc. Even a small gift can be a big hit if you dress it up.
Don't be afraid to gild the lilly.

Hmmm ... what else?
Oh yeah, this only works if you know she's into it and won't think you're calling her fat - a gym membership. It fits the whole "time away from the children" motif.
I got us both ballroom dancing classes one year, that was fun. Signed her up for bellydancing class one year too.
Let me tell you that belly-dancing class and the gym membership were the gifts that kept on giving - to me! Much better investments than the sexy undies!
Like I said though, be sure she's interested in that sort of thing first, otherwise you might wind up on the couch!

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

For the "practical" gift I got my wife a new winter coat (3-in-1 parka).

For the fun gift I got her a container of deep muscle massage cream and a couple of aromatherapy massage oils along with a coupon book that can be redeemed for massages from me.

 

[Dingleberry]

How about a spa day? Include a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure and lunch. If you really want to spend, get it for two, so she can take her bestest friend (other then you, unless you like that kind of thing).

This is a no-brainer if she's been dealing with a newborn.

 

[shaylon]

How about a romantic evening out?

Here is what you do. Go to Sephora and get a few things. They have nice makeup, perfume, bath products, etc. Figure out what she likes/uses. Package that up with a gift certificate to a nice restaurant or a favorite place and include babysitter "coupons" with someone whom you have pre-arranged to watch the kids.

This might be nice for you too, as I know you have had a lot of stress lately. Put on a tie, let your wife get all dolled up, go out, and have some fun.

How'd I do?

-Shay

 

[der_kluge]

I'm thinking of getting her a new cell phone. The one she has is like $63 a month even if she doesn't use it. I have a Virgin Mobile pay-as-you-go phone, and they have some camera phones at Best Buy for $99. So, I think I'll go with that. Thing is, it'll pay for itself in about 3 months time, since we can cancel the other phone.

I'm gonna meet Cthulhu's Librarian on Monday and I'll get her some other little things, too. Maybe a scarf and gloves, and some other things.

 

[diaglo]

...and some other things.

that's what i said.

diaglo "likes the way Curtis thinks" Ooi

 

[der_kluge]

that's what i said.

diaglo "likes the way Curtis thinks" Ooi

Haha! Maybe I can talk Rich into going to Priscilla's or Victoria's Secrets.

 

[Kanegrundar]

I got my fiancee an $80 gift card to Beauty Brands to use on a couple of half hour massages. A $100 card to her favorite clothing store, since I don't really have a knack for fashion and she loves to shop anyway. Finally, I got her Season 1 of Lost on DVD.

Kane

 

[freebfrost]

While sexy things are a big hit with guys for their wives/girlfriends, I don't think they are always as appreciated by the lady. A lot of that stuff just isn't comfortable.

I went with a Pajamagram this year - get her something she'll find comfortable and actually wear for more than 5 minutes...