Best Gifts for Your Wife

It's coming up . . . her birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas, Hanukkah. And there you are, wondering, "What does she want? What should I get her?" Yes, you want to give her, the woman of your dream and mother of your children, something she really wants. 

So you turn to your children: "Kids! We need to get Mom something great this year! What do you think we should get her?"

The two-year-old holds up a rock that he just found in the front yard. "A wock! Mommy likes wocks!" The five-year-old, frowning, corrects, "No, it's a rock. Rrrrr--ock. And Mommy doesn't want one." The two-year-old starts screaming and turning red. The five year old pushes him. Well, that didn't work. Time to ask an expert. 

"Hey, Mom. What should I get her this year? The vacuum cleaner that Dad suggested didn't go over so well last year."

At the other end of the line, there is a sigh. "I could have told you not to do that. But no, you went and asked him. Do you really think that your father--married and divorced four times--would know how to buy a decent gift? That vacuum cleaner--he bought me one for our last Christmas together." Mom drones on for a while. You stop listening, start leafing through catalogs. . . . What to do?

1. Has she dropped hints? Often women will drop some hints, either consciously or subconsciously, about what they want and / or need. "I'm freezing! I need a some warm socks!" "Darn, I just used the last of my perfume!" "Ack! I have a big meeting today and can't find any matching earrings!"

2. Practical but Personal Practical gifts are usually fine for Christmas or Hanukkah. Most mothers don't mind getting the less expensive, practical gifts at the holidays, focusing the budget more on the children. Those warm socks? If she's mentioned them, then go ahead and stuff that stocking with warmth! Maybe add a new wool scarf, some driving gloves and a pretty sweater.

Bath products, including fancy lotions, shower soaps and perfumes, are both practical and personal--usually welcomed by women. If she isn't a flowery person, go for the Anti-Stress formulas or the Relaxing formulas.

However, be warned: Do not get too practical! No irons, vacuum cleaners, washers, dryers or other household appliances.

3. Earrings & Jewelry Some women love jewelry: earrings, necklaces, pins, bracelets, watches. Some women love specific pieces and wear only those each day. You should know which type your wife is. If she loves a variety of jewelry, you are in luck! Mother's Days and Birthdays are perfect jewelry-giving occasions. In fact, a beautiful pin or necklace from the kids for a birthday or Mother's Day is just as special as one from you. There are many options for you and the kids to choose some, including pins that represent each child with a birthstone or precious metal figure. 

Even if your wife is much more of the wedding band, one-necklace type, if she has pierced ears, chances are pair of classic earrings will always be welcome for any occasions. Earrings have a bad habit of losing their partners, much like socks, through the years. A small pair of silver or platinum loops go well with any work or casual outfit. Studs with her birthstone or a diamond are also a nice gift. However, for everyday use, don't spend too much. We all feel terribly guilty when one expensive earring suddenly goes missing!

4. Exercise Equipment & DVDS: Do NOT buy these items unless specifically requested by your wife. Even if she exercises every day, do NOT buy any exercise equipment, DVDs, weights or--god forbid--scales unless she has very specifically asked for these, preferably backing up this desire with an e-mail linking to the items she really wants. 

5. Pajamas: At the end of a long day, nothing beats throwing off the day's attire for a pair of comfy pajamas. If you are buying for the holidays, skip the Christmas-themed pajamas and purchase a nice pair of flannel PJs that she can wear all winter long. Most department stores and Target have affordable selections of comfy seasonal pajamas.

6. Gift Certificates: Does your wife have a favorite catalog or clothing store? Perhaps you see her paging through the same catalog, looking at the same website or see shopping bags from the same store throughout your house. A gift certificate from one of these stores, along with an affordable token gift from there, will always be appreciated.

Whatever you end up buying your wife for the holidays, birthday or Mother's Day, be sure to put a nice finishing touch on it. Don't hand her the shopping bag with the unwrapped gift. At least find a festive gift bag and, except for the holidays, a card. Then present it with a kiss.