Wife/Girlfriend Gift Deposity

[TimmyBoston]

It seems as men, a way we often screw up is by getting the wrong presents for our wives or girlfriends. When she wants that special something and you show up with a bowling ball engraved with your initials or that new power drill, it's usually a good bet to grab a pillow and head for the couch.
Also many of us are busy with so many things going on in our lives, that we often don't have the time to spend hours, days, weeks scowering stores and the internet for that perfect gift. So I thought we could put our heads together and try to make our Valentine's Day easier and better for our significant others. As gentlemen we are able to realize when we need a little help.

So I thought we could put our heads together and brainstorm some gifts not only for this Valentine's Day but for the future. Also keep your thinking both general and specific, ie, you could recommend a general idea, concert tickets to one of her favorite performers or a specific idea, a KitchenAid Mixer.

So guys, what do you have? Let's see if we can help each other out. :smile:

[Austin]

Over the years I have found that the easiest way to find out what my wife wants is to ask her. Although not a surprise it is not a disappointment either.

[redbike]

Jewelry is always appreciated in my house, whatever the occasion.
Also gift certificates to day spas, for massages, and expensive toiletries have all been winners. I sometimes take a risk and buy something a little off-beat, vs. going for the sure thing.

jim

[hedliniv]

Great idea. I am patiently waiting for some good ideas.
My wife's birthday, valentines day and our anniversary are all within 30 days! Help! :scared:

[TimmyBoston]

Over the years I have found that the easiest way to find out what my wife wants is to ask her. Although not a surprise it is not a disappointment either.

I always try that, but I never get an answer. Now in her defense when she asks me I can't come up with anything either.

[ada8356]

According to SNL, getting her your D*** in a box works out well!:biggrin:

The VIDEO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dmVU08zVpA) if you have no clue what I'm talking about.

[JBHoren]

If she was my lady, I'd move Heaven and Earth to find her a Schick Injector model "K2" (preferably in pink, with the embedded glitter), together with a Merkur Futur Brush - Satin

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/shaving/K2-schick.jpg http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/product.php?printable=Y&productid=519&cat=116&page=1

and an array of shaving soaps and creams from all of our steadfast vendors, both in the US, Canada, and abroad.

And then, you perverts, I'd patiently show her how to use them...

And there are two of the K1 models for sale on eBay, right now, in blue or pink (no, I'm not the seller):

http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHICK-LADY-EVERSHARP-INJECTOR-SAFETY-RAZOR-VINTAGE_W0QQitemZ290077827247QQihZ019QQcategoryZ35 989QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and

http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHICK-LADY-EVERSHARP-INJECTOR-SAFETY-RAZOR-VINTAGE_W0QQitemZ290077832527QQihZ019QQcategoryZ35 989QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Graham]

Flowers!, never fails in our household, a big bouquet of flowers and a weeks stay at her favourite spa/beauty clinic

[KingSlug]

I buy my wife Tiffany's bobbles and sparklies a few times a year. I find being frugal in other area pays dividends to free up money for the wife (she doesn't spend money on herself). I like Tiffany's. I know many people say they are quite expensive, but many items are quite inexpensive. I actually have a relationship with the store. My Tiffany's store people know the wife and I by name, tracks what my wife looks at, know everything I have ever bought from them, replaced lost stones free of charge, has authorized discounts and freebies, expediated repairs, always serves promptly me even when in sweat stained shirt, flops, shorts and not clean shaven, and has delivered to my home and out of town.

Just so you know, my first purchase from Tiffany's was an engagement ring. At the time I was making very good money and could have bought most any ring. The sales people watched over a week for my wife, when she came in my wife looked at several different styles of rings. The sales person showed me the ring she like stating "She said she was a kindergarten teacher and didnt want playdough or fingerpaint stuck under her diamond" and pulled out a $2K ring with a not so large diamond but suggested a saphire as well. I was stunned. The sales person went on to explain how she like the enclose setting and a smaller stone. These people are paid on commision for the most part so steering me to a cheap ring is a loss. That day they made a sale and a friend.

I suggest flowers for every day gifts. Infact I take Gerber daisies home every Friday to set on the table through the weekend.

[rtaylor61]

Well, based on the above posts, maybe thinking outside the "box" is what is needed. Gifts need to be about her, not you. Try picking up a few bath soaps in her favorite scents, with each one wrapped in a quality wash cloth. Think personal. You don't have to spend a fortune. Flowers and chocolates are a bit cliche. A day at a local spa. A manicure certificate. Don't buy lingerie, etc, stuff that she thinks is really for you. The most important gifts are gifts that are not for a specific occasion. Flowers for Valentine's day are one thing. Flowers in September for no occasion are another. Hide "love" notes. With all of the computer programs that are available, create a coupon book for her. A coupon for a night of YOU doing the dishes, a back rub with no expectations, etc. One problem we guys have is we try to think too much about a gift. Spontaneous gifts are the best. Surprises are the best. Simple things like folding the clothes while she is in the shower. Reality have proven that it's not about the money. It's about the thought behind the gift. Cook dinner. Babysit the kids. Skip the video and take her to a drive in movie. And the one thing that is missing in today's world. Write her a letter. Put pen to paper. And mail it. Email is taking over. Create traditions between the two of you. Mail a card when there is no reason. Life is short. Keep your bride on a pedestal. That is where she belongs. Afterall, she IS putting up with YOU!

Randy

[galopede]

Never buy her something for the kitchen!

Blokes appreciate a new electric drill, women don't. That's my experience and I'm divorced so I know about what not to do...

Gareth

[staggerwing]

Once I learned that if it has a practical application, it makes a bad present, my life got much more pleasant! When shopping for gifts, look for things that are expensive, shiney, and useless. Now, if I could just convince my wife that when she's shopping for me, power tools are a perfectly fine gift.

Staggerwing

[icemncmth]

I have a safe and in it is a generic gift..light blue paper and a nice bow..And next to it a generic card...

This is just in case I forget to get her something when a special day rolls around. That said I am really good at gifts..I listen and when she talks about something she likes I make a note of it.

Sometimes it isn't expensive. The last time she was talking about getting a massage so I called the girl she uses and bought a couple of 1 hour sessions for her..

She was talking about not seeing her friends very much. (busy at work) I called all her friends and they brought over pot luck and I left and went motorcycle riding. I took the day off from work and cleaned the entire house..

[Namdnas]

Bob is right. You can never go wrong with spa visits. Facial, manicures, pedicures, massages, etc... I often go for a massage and facial compo. She never tires of that. - John

[netsurfr]

I know it is a little late for Valentine's day but my wife also likes jewelry. I have found some very nice pieces at this site: www.jegem.com/
This company is actually based out of Bangkok, Thailand. I have dealt with them quite a bit over the last few years and can vouch for their quality and reliability. The article that you see in a picture is the exact piece that you will receive in the mail. There are no generic pictures of items. So, if you are looking at a bracelet with green turquoise, the item you will receive is exactly the one you are looking at in the picture. There are no substitutions for a bracelet with similar stones.

[ouch]

That's why I always keep a few cans of 10W40 motor oil around, for just such an eventuality. I'm a real romantic.
:c18:

A couple of other tricks-

When buying her clothes as a gift, always buy two sizes too small. You don't want to hand over a box from Omar the Tentmaker. Whatever you purchase, she's going to return it anyway, so you may as well give the impression that you think she's still the same size as when she was 18. (I'm lucky- mine gained three pounds in fifteen years.)

Cash may be coldhearted and thoughtless, but it's never offensive.

Precious stones can never be too big.

A homecooked meal is the best gift, but only if you don't know how to cook. Women delight in men's ineptitude. If you can actually cook, they'll expect you to on a regular basis.

Take her to a play or a movie, preferably something you yourself want to see. Make sure she overhears you cancelling a (ficticious) card game, or some similar event that counts as "your" time, to free up your schedule for her special night.




I really should start charging for this advice.

[Doc4]

A good quality photo album half-filled with pictures of your time with her ... the ones you really like. She can fill up the other half with HER favourites in the future.

Showing up with flowers for no particualr occasion (almost said for no particular reason ... but She is the reason!) ... and not roses, Mr Cliche! ... will be good. Do this a month before you forget her birthday, not two days after. :blink:

[NurseMedic]

I got a good response with an iPod shuffle with a personalized engraving (frequently available free if you order online through Apple) and an iTunes card for some song downloads. YMMV. :biggrin:

Mike

[JonnyAngel]

For XMas she asked for pearls which I got but I talked to her friend for additional ideas. Her friend though a stationary set was a really good way to go. She loved it! So being friends with her gfs is never a bad thing. They are normally always willing to help and know these things better than we ever can. Also, play hooky for a day. Plan out the day of things to do but dont tell her. The suspense will really be romantic! Plus, shell always have the memories of quality time together.

[arya]

Basically as far as i have seen men have the worst imagination when it comes to give gifts. This I am saying taking into account my husband too and all his friends whom I have seen act stupid while giving gifts. Think its time for someone to go and preach the gifting ideas to them, which may help them later.

[Doug]

My wife enjoys spending time in the kitchen, and also enjoys the food network. So good cutlery seemed like a good idea. For anyone similarly blessed Rachel Ray’s 7” santoku knife is on sale at Kohl’s for $59.99 normally $99.99 http://www.kohls.com/products/product_page_vanilla0.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=3347 62453&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=373250233&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=3440897&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=419047971&bmUID=1174131765295

[galpman]

Bob is right. You can never go wrong with spa visits. Facial, manicures, pedicures, massages, etc... I often go for a massage and facial compo. She never tires of that. - John

Works every time with my wife.:badger:

[icemncmth]

When I buy bobbles for my wife I usually buy from

http://www.davidyurman.com/

[newtowetshaving]

Basically as far as i have seen men have the worst imagination when it comes to give gifts. This I am saying taking into account my husband too and all his friends whom I have seen act stupid while giving gifts. Think its time for someone to go and preach the gifting ideas to them, which may help them later.






Really? I thought women were worse in this department.

Oh wait women DON'T give gifts that often (or ever) to know the stress of buying something special or perfect.

[Shane]

In relationships with women, I think it's best to watch, listen and pick up clues. One ex-girlfriend of mine was infatuated with Mardi Gras (as she was not too far from New Orleans originally), the theatre and she absolutely loved sour candy. I know that flowers and teddy bears weren't going to do anything except lump me into the "generic boyfriend gift" category, so knowing what I knew I bought her a green, purple and gold comedy/drama mask set and a holiday themed bag of Sour Patch Kids as her Christmas gift one year. It wasn't jewelry or anything like that, but it rather showed that I listened, and the gifts I gave were met with a very positive reaction. So I think that if you just study your wife/girlfriend a bit and pick up on things, you can know what to get her that will really make her happy.

[Eagle]

Basically as far as i have seen men have the worst imagination when it comes to give gifts. This I am saying taking into account my husband too and all his friends whom I have seen act stupid while giving gifts. Think its time for someone to go and preach the gifting ideas to them, which may help them later.

Anyone else wondering if Arya became some poor B&B'ers ex after a failed gifting back in '07? She took the time to sign up, aired her grievance and away she went. Wow. Wonder if she ever got that diamond?

[pibeandres]

a cat

[LX_Emergency]

Anyone else wondering if Arya became some poor B&B'ers ex after a failed gifting back in '07? She took the time to sign up, aired her grievance and away she went. Wow. Wonder if she ever got that diamond?

Can anyone here say spam?

[RoyalKooparillo]

A couple of other tricks-

When buying her clothes as a gift, always buy two sizes too small. You don't want to hand over a box from Omar the Tentmaker. Whatever you purchase, she's going to return it anyway, so you may as well give the impression that you think she's still the same size as when she was 18. (I'm lucky- mine gained three pounds in fifteen years.)

Cash may be coldhearted and thoughtless, but it's never offensive.

Precious stones can never be too big.

A homecooked meal is the best gift, but only if you don't know how to cook. Women delight in men's ineptitude. If you can actually cook, they'll expect you to on a regular basis.

Take her to a play or a movie, preferably something you yourself want to see. Make sure she overhears you cancelling a (ficticious) card game, or some similar event that counts as "your" time, to free up your schedule for her special night.




I really should start charging for this advice.

Yowzer.

I agree with everyone who advocated listening for clues...What does she like to do in her free time? What's her favorite color? What kind of flowers does she like? Gifts needn't be really expensive, as long as they are thoughtful and come from the heart. I've discovered that it's nice to give a gift that has an experience attached to it...for instance, if she likes running and you buy her a pair of running shoes, go running with her (if you aren't a runner, even better), and she'll attach a fond memory to the gift. If she loves to cook and you buy her some chefs knives, make a fantastic meal with her. The gift will be treasured, as will the memory. Also, never underestimate the value of a nice handwritten card (NOT a cheesy hallmark card with a couple of words scribbled in). No need to be cunning and manipulative.