Worst Christmas Gifts for a Wife

Some men seem to have a knack for buying the perfect Christmas gift for their wife time and time again. Note the key word, "some." For seemingly the majority of men, buying the worst Christmas gift for their wife appears to come much more naturally. For those of you who fall into the latter category, here is a list of the five worst Christmas gifts for a wife for you to avoid, along with some alternatives that are sure to get you a kiss under the mistletoe.

1. Anything exercise related is one of the worst gifts.

Step away from the exer-lounger! You do not want your wife to cry on Christmas do you? If you are saying to yourself, "But my wife is always saying she needs more exercise," and you are trying to prove you listen, I do give you credit. It is likely that when she says it she is looking for validation from you that she is fine as is. If you really think she wants something exercise related, you cannot go wrong with a Nintendo Wii and a Wii Fit package. Tell her you thought it was something fun you could do together (and mean it)! Do not get me wrong. There are many women, myself included, who have requested a treadmill, ab-ciser or some other contraption to work off some extra pounds. If your wife falls into this category, then what she asks for is not the worst gift by any means. A little hint: buy something romantic to go along with it, such as some perfume you pick out all by yourself. Tell her the scent made you think of her.

2. An iron or ironing board is in the worst Christmas gift category.

I do not care if it is the fanciest ironing board, the coolest iron ever, or she is always complaining about having wrinkled clothes. Instead, pick up a gift certificate or two to her favorite dry cleaning establishment to add to her stocking. If your wife says she really needs an iron or board, stop at Wal-mart one night on your way home from work and get one just because, but not as a gift!

3. Clothing makes it into my worst gift list as well.

Your wife probably loves clothing, so you think it would be a great Christmas gift, right? Possibly. However, consider what will happen if you buy her the wrong size. If the item is too big, she might think you see her as a cow. If it is too small, she may be depressed because she cannot wear it (especially when you ask to see it on her). Instead, purchase a gift card to a store she loves but does not shop because it is too expensive (wives are infamous for spending money on everyone but themselves!). Write a little note to go with it, telling her you would love to accompany her on a shopping day.

4. Anything that pertains to cooking or cleaning is on the worst Christmas gift list.

Much like the exercise category, your wife may well request a special gadget for Christmas. If so, you have my blessing. Just make sure to give her another gift that does not require her to work. If you are thinking your wife could use something to make her load a little lighter, get her a subscription to a house cleaning service. Or, better yet: make homemade gift certificates for X amount of hours cleaning, cooking, etc. performed by none other than YOU! Trust me; you will be the talk of your wife's office or coffee klatch. And in a good way this time!

5. Finally, the crème de la crème of worst Christmas gifts ever for your wife...

Can I have a drum roll, please? It is a big, fat NOTHING. I do not care if she says your family budget is too tight, she has everything she needs, she is just happy to be home with the family, throw all of that out the window, my friend! It does not matter if it is an inexpensive pair of earrings or something you made yourself. In fact, the homemade stuff ranks up in the top five best Christmas gifts to give your wife. When she opens it with surprise because she was not expecting anything, look into her eyes and tell her she is simply too precious to you and you just could not resist. The mistletoe will have its work cut out!