Gifts: It's the thought that counts
If it's truly the thought that counts when it comes to giving gifts,
why do guys give their wives candle holders and toaster ovens? Husbands
everywhere agree that giving gifts requires the talent and expertise of
Martha Stewart. (Imagine finding unique gifts for her.) But we're guys;
what do we know? So, while your gift may not get you into the Husband
Gift-Giving Hall of Fame, by following the simple steps, you'll improve
your odds and give your betrothed a gift with meaning.
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Determine Your Budget
Now
add another twenty percent. This is your wife after all and if she were
your girlfriend, like she once was, you'd spare no expense. Show her
she's still your girlfriend.
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Pick Something She Wants
Although
the selection of gifts is a highly individualized affair, there are
some simple guidelines to help ensure you won't appear to have received
gift-giving advice from a misogynous fortune cookie. When choosing
gifts for a romantic occasion -- and, all occasions are potentially
romantic -- small appliances and time saving household cleaning aids
will not keep you out of the doghouse. Anything with lace is a safe
choice, unless it's attached to flannel. Perfume is a favorite, but
avoid bargain-priced scents in gallon-sized containers. Jewelry is an
excellent choice, but make sure your definition of "jewelry" is the
same hers. Semi-precious stones studding a leather wristband or dog
collar might not be what she had in mind. Other gifts to steer clear of
is dinner at a restaurant with a drive-thru, any videotape or movie
that you would like to see, and anything that you would say "just
kidding" after she opens it.
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Know Her Size
If
the gift you finally decide upon comes in a variety of sizes, picking
the right size is just as crucial as picking the right gift -
especially clothing. Don't shop without her measurements. Truth is,
there is no winning here. Unless you absolutely know her size, you
could be heading for disaster. Think about it. If you buy a dress
that's too small, she'll interpret that to mean that you are "asking"
her to lose weight. If it's too big, she'll think that you see her as a
size larger than she really is. If it's just right... it won't be just
right. Better to take her shopping to her favorite clothing store, like
Ann Taylor, Betsy Johnson, DKNY, Macy's and ask her to choose a dress.
When she can't decide between 2 or 3 dresses, buy them all. Or, better
still, come back a day later and get the other 2. You can't lose. She
picked them out. That's how you buy clothing gifts for your wife.
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Allow Time for Shopping
Although
this seems self-evident, you'd be surprised how many men
absent-mindedly delay buying gifts, even when they've known for weeks
that the special day was fast approaching. Never tell the sweet object
of your affections that you could have gotten her the perfect gift if
only you had more time. Instead, react with shock, "You mean, it wasn't
delivered yet?" Then, storm out of the house under the pretext of
resolving the problem, drive as though your sleeping arrangements will
be on that sofa for the next three months to the nearest store and buy
whatever they sell. Oh, and make sure it's delivered by UPS the same
evening even if it's a gift certificate for dry cleaning.
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Choose Your Moment Carefully
The
moment you give your loved one the most sensual gift, in the right size
and elegantly wrapped can still be shattered if you present it to her
while she's on the phone. You might as well have tossed out all those
hours of shopping, hard-earned cash and hopes of a romantic evening
right with that hairball. Instead, be sure to set the mood for the
successful presentation of your gift by sending the kids to bed,
dimming the lights, and uncorking the properly chilled bottle of wine
before a roaring fire. Depending on your lady, standing around the
barbecue grill with a six-pack could work just as well.
And finally, the sixth and most important step:
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Save the Receipt
You might as well tape it to the gift box. She's probably going to return it anyway. But remember, it's the thought that counts.
Recommended Gifts:
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