- Red Roses
Savvy women know they’re overpriced and will only last a few days, a week at most. If you must buy her flowers, try something unusual and exotic. - Applicances
Even if “we need a new dishwasher” has been a constant refrain in your home, never purchase an appliance as a token of love. They’re a token of convenience and we don’t like to be reminded of our tedious household duties on February 14. They should hand out this rule is Husband 101 class: no appliances for birthdays or anniversaries. Reserve this gift for a random Sunday afternoon at Home Depot. - Exercise Equipment or Gym Membership
The baby weight may remain, but she’d like to know you love her just the way she is, not ten pounds lighter. - Homemade Coupons
This screams that you put no thought into her…or her gift. If you want to give her a massage or let her take a long, leisurely bubble bath while you play with the kids, then just suggest it when she least expects it. - Stuffed Animals
Save them for the kiddies, unless your wife is a closet Webkinz addict. - Chocolates
OK, I might get a lot of flack for this one, but if your wife is in the throes of losing baby weight, perhaps she’d prefer not to have this temptation within easy reach. - Gift Certificates
We know shopping for us is baffling, but don’t take the lame route out and buy a generic gift certificate. Like the homemade coupons, this gift says, “I put no effort into this at all.” You see, guys, it’s all about the thought and effort. We want to know that we’ve been on your mind, not that we’ve been a five-minute pit-stop at Macy’s. - A Framed Photo of the Kids
Listen, Daddy-O, photos are our department. Don’t think you can dress the children in their best clothes and take them to a studio without us knowing. You won’t even put them in the correct outfits. And if it’s not a professional photo, why bother? We have umpteen million digital photos of the kids still on the camera, if you would just download them already. - Lingerie
If you haven’t yet gotten the message that we’re self-conscious about our post-partum bodies, then please, give up now. - Valentine’s Day Chachkas
Do not buy a ceramic teddy bear holding a heart or a crystal train engraved with “I Choo-Choose You.” Just what are we supposed to do with these dust-collectors? - Video Games or DVDs
Guys, if you want Halo 2 or Season 1 of Rescue Me, just go and buy it for yourself. - Food
Refer to #9, #6 and #3 above. - Nothing At All
Get her something. Anything. Just not anything listed above. Your best bet: jewelry. I’ll say it again: jewelry. Don’t get something costume and cheap at Claire’s, either. Maybe she likes antiques and period pieces? Find something unique at a thrift shop. Is white gold her favorite? Hoops are really in right now, and I don’t mean the hula kind—I’m talking hoop earrings. Even trendy necklaces can be found at department store jewelry counters. I also suggest Etsy, although it’s too late to get something delivered. If you’re reading this, you must get to the store now! You don’t have to spend a lot to get a piece of jewelry as unique as she is. Just make sure you put some thought into it, that’s all she wants, to know that she’s constantly on your mind as the love of your life (not as the dish washer).
Thursday Thirteen: What NOT to Buy Your Wife for Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2008 at 1:20 pm (Children, Family, Humor, Motherhood, Parenting, SAHM, Thursday Thirteen)
Tags: Husbands, Valentine's Day, Wives
anonymom said,
February 14, 2008 at 2:00 pm
P.S. This wife likes Valentine’s Day to pass without much fanfare. After all, I know my husband loves me every day of the year, I don’t need a holiday to tell me so. I think most wives feel the same. This holiday is for those who aren’t secure in their lover’s affections, seeking some confirmation. I’ve already got the best gift in the world, my husband. (And by the way, I happen to love Rescue Me and can’t wait for the newest DVD release.)
Malissa said,
February 14, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I guess a lot of it is personal though
I wouldn’t really be dying for jewelry.
My dh asked me to marry him on Vday so for us it’s a really special day–not a Hallmark holiday.
The best thing to get someone is what they really want. If they want a silly porcelain choo choo thing that would be special to them;).
You’re right, Malissa. He should get you what you really want. Which means you should be dropping hints for months, LOL. Really, the gift should demonstrate that the husband knows his wife’s interests. I love short stories. A new anthology would be at the top of my personal list. —Anonymom
J said,
February 15, 2008 at 4:23 am
Lol, very true. I got chocolates this year, which yes I do like, but my love of chocolates hasn’t exactly helped me shift my baby weight and as I enter another period of concerted dieting I worked out those chocolates were my entire calorie allowance for the day, that was after I’d eaten them all.
My ideal Valentine’s gift, money and babysitters permitting would be a weekend away or even just a night out.
maria said,
February 15, 2008 at 10:08 am
I guess if every Valentines day I were to get a stuffed animal it would be a problem but I got my first stuffed animal from my husband last valentines day and I loved it. We have been together since 1991 and he never got me one. The candy thing, well since Valentines day is the only time I have candy I was a little disappointed that there was no candy. Thank God for girlfriends who come through with the chocolate.
The 1 thing I would agree with is don’t give nothing! Yesterday I got 2 beautiful cards but a little token would have been nice even somtehing from your above list.
Ummpppfff…wishing for a gift!
Mommy Writes said,
February 18, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I got a beautiful silk blouse from Anne Tyler - an amazing print - truly beautiful. HOWEVER, my darling husband always “guesses” my size which, thankfully for him, is always about 2 sizes too small. I’ll give him an “A” for effort and his creativity in giving me a compliment.
learningwoman said,
February 24, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I think Malissa’s right, it is subjective. Jewelery wouldn’t do it for me, whereas the voucher for a massage from my favourite health centre definitely did.
Mike said,
April 19, 2008 at 11:48 am
My wife likes a night out. Also, a card is a must. I agree on the other items. Exercise equipment would be so much the insult!