Every year the same scenario is played out in my marriage: I spend the entire year dropping hints about what I'd like for Christmas, only to have DJ turn to me on December 23 and say, "What do you want for Christmas?" Admittedly, my hints are pretty subtle... I send e-mails with links to things with titles like "THIS WOULD MAKE A WONDERFUL GIFT FOR YOUR WIFE" and expect him to read between the lines.
I'm guessing that my house is not the only one that has these issues, so I'm going to do a post of gift ideas for the female in your life. Each item can be found online and MUST be available in red, as that is one of my two favorite colors.
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The Bag: I've spent years trying to avoid the ever-dreaded tote bag. I even splurged on a couple of Vera Bradley bags, hoping to avoid the canvas bag that gives me the hives. I've found, though, that having an expensive bag can be a real problem: I don't want to set them down on dingy classroom floors. So what I really need is a relatively inexpensive bag that can hold heavy books AND my laptop. Solution? Land's End Open Top Totes. These bags were actually voted 'Best Value' by the Wall Street Journal and can be personalized with initials or a first name. I say 'first' because I have yet to find the bag big enough to personalize my legal last name, being a hyphenate. I personally can't say enough about Land's End products. I live in their All-Weather Mocs during the winter and we used their nylon diaper bag as a carry-on long after Sweet Pea stopped wearing diapers. Tote bag prices range from $15.50 to $29.50. Does it come in red? Why yes -- and it solves the 'canvas bags make me want to throw up in my mouth a little bit' problem! Look at the red/walnut bag -- and there's an olive/walnut one, too!
The Coat: Living in Georgia, I rarely find that I need a heavy winter coat. I also dislike the bulk of wool -- even leather bothers me sometimes. So what I really need is something I just purchased off ebay for Sweet Pea: a fleece vest. Warm enough to keep your torso toasty, lightweight enough to wear all over the mall. The brand I bought her was LL Bean, so I headed to their website to see what they had. I found the Trail Model Fleece Vest for $29.50. Naturally there is a Fat People's Surcharge bringing my cost to $34.50. Does it come in red? Well, there's a color called Raspberry -- which looks red on the website but could end up hot pink. It does come in basic black, however, and that's probaby more useful for a vest.
The Bling: Let's head over to Ice.com, shall we? If your woman likes a bold jewelry statement, I think this is a knockout. If she prefers something more delicate, try this bracelet. I think it's absolutely beautiful and it has matching earrings. If you want some traditional ice, consider hoop earrings that can go from grocery store to cocktail party. Does it come in red? Yes, yes and yes.
The Scent: I hesitate to recommend scent for anyone -- it's such a highly personal thing. It also changes over time. The perfumes I loved 15 years ago I now find heavy. However, I have found one scent that is delightful: Nina by Nina Ricci. Fruity without smelling like food and serious enough to wear at night, it's just delightful. Does it come in red? Just check out this gorgeous bottle!
The Teacher's Gift: Get a gift card. Trust me. Unless you know her REALLY well, just get a gift card. The tote bag I mentioned above, personalized, would make a nice gift. Yeah, on second thought, just go with the gift card. Unless you're broke, like me -- then go for heartfelt. I knit scarves for Sweet Pea's teachers every year. Does it come in red? It doesn't matter -- she can buy her own red.
The Gift Certificate: Zappos.com!!!!! Women love shoes. All women love shoes. Quite possibly THE perfect gift, Zappos.com has a gift certificate option. Zappos also sells accessories and apparel, so you really can't go wrong. Does it come in red? Oh yes. And yes.
The Little Luxuries: Heading back over to Lands End, we find the Baby Cable Cashmere Gloves, Hat and Scarf. At $140 for all three, it's a great deal on something I can promise you she will LOVE to wear but would never consider spending the money for herself. Does it come in red? Yes, it does! AND it comes in a color called 'Blackberry', which is a delicious dark purple -- my other favorite color! Actually, there are a ton of colors in these, so you can get a set for your mother and your mother-in-law, too.
The Cause: What better way to say 'Honey, I love your rack!' than to make a big fat donation to breast cancer research? Make a donation in your wife's name and then pick up a little something for her to open with a note about what you've done. An iPod case or t-shirt would make a nice reminder of your thoughtfulness and altruism. Does it come in red? Nope. But in this case, pink is even better.