How to Choose a Christmas Gift for Your Wife

‘Twas four days before Christmas when all through the house, no one was stirring, not even your spouse. Stockings were hung by the chimney with care. What should you get her? Buyer beware!

Your wife all nestled snug in your bed while visions of diamonds danced in her head. The dog had his bone in front of the fire while you shopped online before you retired. So many choices. What do you see? “A blender, a vacuum or something for me!”

On Christmas morn, you’ll awake to a clatter and spring from your bed to see what’s the matter. When what to your wondering eyes will appear, your wife with a look that is very clear…

We’ve all heard horror stories of gift-giving gone bad. One newlywed, recalling the look on her mother’s face when she received an appliance for Christmas, told her husband if she could use it in the kitchen or for cleaning the house, it did not qualify as a Christmas present.

Believe it or not, she’s not alone. Most women say if it’s practical, it isn’t something you should give as a gift.

December 25 will be here before you know it, but it’s not too late for you to find a great Christmas gift for your wife.

Remember, men and women think differently.

When choosing a gift for your mate, consider how she will interpret the meaning behind your gift.

When in doubt, ask one of her friends or don’t run the risk. What men often don’t understand about gift buying is this: Women see the creativity, effort and gift itself as a direct reflection of how much her husband loves her. Men see a gift as a gift.

Whether you think it makes sense or not, there is a lot riding on gifts in general. So if you aren’t planning on taking up residence on the family room couch, you might want to take your gift buying seriously.

Be a good understudy to your wife.

Listen carefully to what she says. Pay attention to the things she enjoys and the way she spends her time. Does she like to cook, garden, sew, read, run, knit, go to the movies or ride bikes? You might even ask your wife for a list of things she would like as a Christmas gift. With a little investigative work, you can uncover some helpful hints to guide you in your gift-buying.

When some women were asked what they would like for Christmas from their husbands, here’s what they said:

• Buy a gift certificate for a massage, manicure or pedicure.
• Make plans to take the children out for the evening, allowing your wife to stay at home in peace and quiet.
• Purchase a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant for a date night.
• Plan a romantic getaway and take care of all the details. Give her hints about where she will be going and what she needs to bring for your getaway.

In case you are still struggling a bit, here are some more helpful hints to help you find a Christmas gift for your wife:

• Purchase some of her favorite “go-to” items like special lotion, fragrance, candles, books, tea, and/or coffee.
• Plan a surprise date night to see a play or concert. (Don’t forget to line up the babysitter. It’s not a real date if the person receiving the gift has to do the work to make it happen.)
• Do you have a crafty skill like woodworking or making stained glass? She might enjoy something you made specifically with her in mind.
• If finances are an issue, believe it or not, a handwritten letter expressing your love for her and how she makes your life rich is a priceless gift.
• Throw practical out the window. This is the time you give something that you know your wife would never purchase for herself.
• Take her on a window shopping date and pay attention to what catches her eye.

If all else fails and you’re still at a loss, ask her to go with you on a shopping spree to find the perfect gift.

If you already have her gift, you could start having a little fun now and leave clues in unusual places where you know she will find them. Creating anticipation can make the gift seem even more special.

So…with a gleam in your eye and a plan in your head, you know that you have nothing to dread. Your wife will proclaim with a smile shining bright, “Merry Christmas, honey. You got it just right!”