Great Gift Ideas for Your Wife

For the greatest majority of men (I hope), I know just what your wife wants. This will work for her birthday or for any anniversary. For extra points, you can do this "just because".

Arrange for the weekend closest to the important date to be one that is just for the two of you. Pre-arrange to go to a restaurant (or another location) that was a favorite when you first met. For the entire weekend, give her the gift of your attention. Do only activities that the both of you enjoy. Tell her (or write her a letter, if you prefer) that you love her more today than when you married her. Tell her the specific reasons why you would choose to marry her all over again today. If the occasion is an anniversary, suggest looking at the pictures or video of your wedding day. If you have young children, tell her that you know the effort and sacrifice it takes to be a good mom and that you appreciate her for being such a good mother to your children. If you have grown children, thank her for devoting her life to raising them to be responsible adults. Initiate conversation about your treasured shared memories. Talk to her about future mutual goals. Avoid talking about anything stressful. Avoid areas of conflict. These are certainly issues that need to be addressed in a relationship, but this is not the right time.

The item you choose to purchase can be any item that is personal (no small household appliances, please). It should be something that you have thoughtfully chosen based on what you know about her. Never send someone else to choose the gift or "pick it up". Let her know it was important enough for you to do yourself. Spend any amount that is within your budget. If you are financially comfortable, don't be a cheapskate. If money is tight, don't worry about how little you can spend. There may be times when you can't give her any purchased item. Sometimes, the weekend may have to be at home, with "grandma" keeping the kids.

However, if you have taken the above suggestions, you will have already given her the desire of her heart. And you may have created a memory that will help you stay out of the doghouse the next time you mess up!