Totally OT: Assistance Needed

I need some assistance, please... Coming up on my first wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks and I'm at a loss as to what to get Rich. The budget is about $100. Traditional 1st anniversary gifts is a clock, modern is paper or vice versa - I forget. I have tons of ideas for Christmas between iPod accessories, music, x-Box game(s), etc but I wanted something more special. We were originally going to go away for a weekend but budgetary concerns won't allow for that with the holidays rapidly approaching and the fact that we just bought Rich new shirts, turtlenecks, etc to the tune of $200. Ouch! But man he needed it. Plus, we have my office holiday party the first weekend in December and we'll stay overnight at the hotel there so that will be a "mini" getaway. This man has gone through so much with me in the past year. Between my horrible, horrible back...3 surgeries, two endoscopies, etc... How do I put that all into a gift? Thanks, gang! I appreciate any inspiration you could provide. Kathy

My hubby and I went with the 'paper' route for the first anniversary. What we did was chose a play (about 50 buckaroo's) and got to play dress up and have a blast... THEN we got the tickets (stubs) put in special little trinket frame thingy...just to remember our first year : ) I think the FIFTH year is leather...WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!! THAT will be fun!!! love ya...and enjoy!!!! TJ

We actually have "paper" set aside. It is tickets to see Les Miz. My fav which he has never seen. I got front row tickets! (No scalpers were paid - got these the regular order through the box office way.) Hmmm... Leather, you say... Kathy

Kathy - I think that gifts to show appreciation for all of that would be WAY out of my budget. LOL I'd find something that you know he'd love but wouldn't normally spend the money on. What kinds of things push his button?? Books, model cars, magazines.... etc. I just gave my husband tickets to a concert for his birthday. We went last night, and it was great. We took all the kids so obviously we could not afford to pay for all 8 of us to go normally. But as it worked out I won the tickets on the radio. We all went out to dinner after church yesterday and then to the conert. Course there are some things you could give him that wouldn't cost a penny!!! Laurie

Laurie, Oh there are tons of things that push his buttons but those I'm keeping for Christmas. Just looking for something special. Maybe a sterling bracelet... Kathy

Hey Kathy, Is there a Spa near you?.... When I want to get my Hubby a little something special, I get him a "Sport Massage" or a "short" Swedish massage. I go with him (of course) and get a facial or pedicure... My favorite Spa has a "Sonia Henie", which is an hour foot reflexology session followed by a paraffin pedicure... two hours of pure... mmmmmmmmmmmm I'd get my husband one of these but he's soo ticklish you can't go near his feet.... Kate Z

Lots o' spas around here. In fact, I'm going to one on Saturday. One with a Red Door. My friend and I are celebrating our 45th birthdays by getting facials and massages and then dinner afterwards. Her birthday is Thursday and mine is a week from Friday. Ahhhhh. Rich wouldn't want anyone to look at his toes let alone mess with them. LOL! Definite toe nail issues. But someday I will get him a massage. He'd like that. Kathy

I went and got Shawn a pocke****ch from "Things Remembered" and had it engraved on the inside of the case with our special saying for one another...It cost me $75 total with the engraving. He was never a watch person and now he takes it wherever he goes... becky

Hi Kathy, Remembered you two had your pictures taken recently. How about a very special engraved photo frame affirming your love. It would so aptly showcase both of your new & improved "slender good looks". A lovely letter of gratitude for all he has gone thru, at your side this year with so many health issues, surgeries & pain. It is a true honor to you that he so faithfully and patiently was ever at your side thru it all. It could be secretly tucked into the back of the frame under the photo for his eyes only. * My family LOVES it when I take the time out to write down the beautiful things I see growing in them and notice the generous acts of kindness they express, even at great personal cost of time and energy. putting my gratitude in a note and leaving it for them to find. They love taking out the notes and re-reading them over and over again... the bonus is that and I get the blessing of hearing what it meant to them -again and again too ! It's not just us gals who Need to hear just how much we are loved and appreciated ! Good Luck finding your very special gift. Mary

I don't know what the weather is like where you are but how about a special romantic picnic? Maybe a little meat, cheese and grape flavored water in place of wine. Would that be possible? My husband and I generally just go out to a nice restaurant for dinner.