XMas & Ladies - What's up with that ?

my ex started telling me what he wanted for Christmas in January LOL.  I gave him a list - plenty to choose from so I would never know exactly what he got me.  One year I asked for a watch - I had broken mine and didnt' replace it knowing that he'd need some nice ideas for Christmas.  Know what I got - marinades from the local cooking store - and candy.  He said he didn't want to go to Walmart or any big stores so he just did his thing whereever.  I was rip pissed.  He went grocery shopping for me for Christmas - even with a list.  

I agree - don't give her a list until she gives you one.  But I also really like the idea of not exchanging a bunch of gifts.  Don't know if you have kids or what you do for the holiday but maybe instead of spending a bunch of $$ on gifts - take a weekend away somewhere as your gift to each other...a little romance, a little fun...ideal - and no shopping - (sorry I'm a strange female  - I HATE SHOPPING)

GOOD LUCK!

Why do women make it so darn hard for men ????

Because it's fun?  ok ok just kidding LOL

I don't want anything for Christmas, so that should be easy enough. But, he already got some things and even as much as gave me some already (brat)....he on the other hand is impossible to buy for! So hints or a list can be helpful LOL...

My advice would be to stay away from anything for the home, kitchen, exercise, lingerie and clothing.  Anything for the home or kitchen isn't really romantic - unless she specifically has asked for something like the new 14-cup Cuisinart, etc.  Anything utilitarian usually doesn't go over too well.  Exercise equipment will just get you in trouble no matter how well-intentioned you are.  Lingerie is really a gift for you & you will probably get the size wrong (check her lingerie drawer for sizes if you really want to go this route).  Clothing is also tricky as everyone's taste varies so much & again, you could go wrong with the sizing which could make her unhappy.

Most women do drop hints or inadvertently mention what they want.  Listen.  Also, pay attention when she shops.  Check out where she shops & what she reads - both can provide hints.  You could also try asking her sister what your wife would like as they seem close.

I think it's important to make the gift thoughtful & cater it to the recipient.  If she likes to read, perhaps she would like a Kindle & an Amazon gift certificate for book purchases.  If she likes music, she might like an iPod.  If she loves to hang out at home, she might like a cashmere throw.  If she likes jewelry, there are a slew of stores that will be happy to help you pick something out.  If she's a spa junkie or would like to be pampered, arrange a spa day for her (massage, facial, mani/pedi).  You can give her the spa gift certificate in a basket with some nice lotions, creams, bath oils, shower scrubs, etc. (check out Sephora, L'Occitane, department stores & Bliss for those goodies - all are online).

Women like to be surprised & we also want our men to magically understand us by picking out the perfect present.  Incredibly annoying but true for most.  The upside is when you do get it right, the payoff is huge & you make the person incredibly happy with your insight & thoughtfulness :)

Do you ask her for a list.... in advance?

Besides, if you were a good husband, you would be creating your own list of hings to get her, because she is a woman and has been dropping hints to you --- but you are a man, so don't get the hints!

When all else fails, some bling and a day trip to the spa.

lump of coal works great for this kind of stuff

that'll teach her!

lol

My ex husband always new exactly what to get me. He could pick out a gift like no ones business. Sadly, that was the only thing he was good at.

THE only thing?   That IS sad!

;-)

Ok, well maybe not the ONLY thing but one of a few.

I'm with the rest - you should withhold your list until she gives you at least something resembling a list of her own.  However after that, i would strive to get her one thing that isn't on her list just to make it seem like you're really paying attention.

Keep in mind that a gift certificate should always be accompanied by a small gift, cheesy or not, so that at least it's not just a boring card to unwrap.

Ie) my husband wants to get his gun lisence so I'm getting him a gift cert to go to the training course, but I'm also buying him a toy gun and target.

Easy go-to gifts are things that she likes but probably doesn't always get for herself because it's hard to justify: jewelry, spa gift certificates (or spa appointments!), salon certificates or appointments, clothing (or a nice sweater and a gift certificate for lingerie or her favourite store), her favourite candies, fruit bouquets, personal electronics (camera, ereader, etc.). The best present my husband ever gave me was a Miche bag - it's a purse that allows you to change the handles or the shell so it looks like a different purse everytime - I love it!  He definitely redeemed himself after buying me a box of smelly soaps for our anniversary...I don't even use soap!

Hope that helps a bit?! Best of luck!

diamond earrings once carat a piece, fur coat, range rover,diamond necklace.  a girl can dream can't they?  Now for the realistic gift....Bubble bath, crystal lite drink, candles, romantic evening with a wls friendly dinner .  I'd settle for the range rover (kidding) I am on a range rover kick this week.