M.D. asks from Pittsburgh, PA on December 03, 2010
Present for Me?
Hello All,
My DH has been after me for idea's of what I want for Christmas. I have no idea! We are on a tight budget this year so things I would really love are out of the question. My husband is not crafty nor would he even try to "make" anything. I have seen ideas for coupon books but my husband is too sarcastic for things like that. :) I just don't know what ides to give him. I told him we could just skip it this year or wait until later in the year when the budget is better. He insists on getting me something and I just don't know what to tell him. Do you have any idea's for me. I am a stay at home mom, rarely spend on myself (my spending is on the kids) and have the things I need. Please help, need ideas.
Thanks in Advance
So What Happened?™
Thank you all for your suggestions and good ideas. As it turns out, today while we were browsing in the mall, the item that I did want but was too expensive was on an incredible sale 65% off. Needless to say my DH snatched it up before I could say a word. :) I appreciate all the time and thought you all put into your responses.
Featured Answers
M.R. answers from Rochester on December 03, 2010
I usually am happy to get nothing, but my husband loves to give and receive gifts, and his parents usually ask us for a "list." I would be happy with things for the house, but he likes "gifts" and says those are "needs." :)
Last year I treated myself to my FIRST magazine subscription since my high school National Geographic one. If you don't have one, look at some home magazines or women's or health magazines you like. I know a lot of the websites have the same information, but I look forward to soaking in the tub once a month with my new issue of Shape, and it is less than $15 for a year.
You could ask for some books that he could find at a used book store. Some of them are in perfect shape and a lot cheaper, or he could find them on ebay. I've gotten my husband antique copies of something he wanted much cheaper than new, so it was what he wanted, cheap, and unique.
If you have a favorite smell or flavor, ask for a few candles or a flavored coffee. I usually buy coffee anyway but don't always buy a yummy one.
If there is a convenience item, like a permanent coffee filter, nicer cheese grater or veggie peeler, or something like that you would like, ask for it. I have been looking on ebay for a lot of things this year just because you can find good deals on new or gently used things, so nudge him that way if he wants to get you something a little pricier.
2 moms found this helpful
V.F. answers from Santa Fe on December 03, 2010
Night off from the kids, so that you can go out with a friend, or stay in and do something you enjoy, without interruptions? (Read a book, take a bath, take time to do nails... )
(Can you tell I have 2 kids under the age of 5?)
Gifts of time mean more to me than presents - although my request at holidays and birthdays from my DH is a sappy card. :) Something he writes in it. Other than that, he is off the hook for a gift. :)
2 moms found this helpful
More Answers
S.W. answers from Detroit on December 03, 2010
manicure, magazine subscription, crossword or some other type of puzzle magazine,smelly lotions, bubble bath, foot soaking stuff,photo frames, cd's, favorite movie, journal,fuzzy socks pjs,robe,
good luck, let us know what you decide to tell him
2 moms found this helpful
M.P. answers from Pittsburgh on December 03, 2010
Have him give you the 'gift' of time to yourself if he doesn't give you it already. As a SAHM of little kids the best thing for me was to have the house to myself for the whole day. Or if you would rather-let them stay at home and you just go out and do anything that you like that day. Maybe he can give you a certificate for a spa service so he has something physical to give you to make your day nice(they don't have to be expensive-you can get a mani/pedi for $35 at some salons.)
2 moms found this helpful
A.J. answers from Williamsport on December 04, 2010
You sound like me! I never want anything. The budget is always tight. I seriously love watching other people get stuff, but for the last few years the hubs and I have had a no gifts pact. This only works for us because we seriously don't want any gifts and don't secretly resent not getting anything after.
However, sometimes, like this year, I really do pick a specific cheap thing and act super happy about it. One year it was a splurgy cappuccino type coffee from the drive thru since I usually get plain coffee or take it from home (that was my 40th birthday present too :) No, we're not so poor that we can't ever get nice coffees from the drive thru, but we're just not big on gifts. This year, we stopped at Starbucks in Target before he left for a few weeks and I saw this killer ceramic car coffee mug. $11. I declared it was the present I wanted this year. He said he would come back for it, but since he's getting back a few days before Christmas and it may be gone I made him buy it then and there. He said he would hide it until Christmas but I found it in the cupboard and I'm using it. YAY! He's getting some slippers form a local guy who makes them because ever since he bought me mine 2 years ago he's wished he had some.
Pick something specific and cheap and show him your joy and thankfulness!
2 moms found this helpful
C.B. answers from Dallas on December 03, 2010
books! Any new book you are interested in reading? Or maybe a movie that you two would enjoy watching together? My husband bought me some nice jammies last year. Do you like bath stuff? bath salts and stuff? (I'm trying to think of things under $30 that I would like too!) Any hobbies that you have? Knitting? he can get you some yarn, Art? he can get some supplies. Scrap booking? paper is always fun!
hope that helped!
~C.
2 moms found this helpful
D.P. answers from Pittsburgh on December 03, 2010
New pajamas, nightgown, socks, gloves, ear muffs, fleece hoodie, trouser socks, flat iron, underwear, athletic shoes, jeans, sweater, blow dryer, perfume, shower gel, lotion, gift card for a haircut/color, new handbag, tote for your trunk, car air fresheners, travel mug, Starbucks card, mall gift certificate, hat, scarf, new silver hoops, boots, shoe store gift card....as you can tell, I'm the practical sort and I can name about 50 things I could use at any time! lol
2 moms found this helpful
V.F. answers from Santa Fe on December 03, 2010
Night off from the kids, so that you can go out with a friend, or stay in and do something you enjoy, without interruptions? (Read a book, take a bath, take time to do nails... )
(Can you tell I have 2 kids under the age of 5?)
Gifts of time mean more to me than presents - although my request at holidays and birthdays from my DH is a sappy card. :) Something he writes in it. Other than that, he is off the hook for a gift. :)
2 moms found this helpful
M.R. answers from Rochester on December 03, 2010
I usually am happy to get nothing, but my husband loves to give and receive gifts, and his parents usually ask us for a "list." I would be happy with things for the house, but he likes "gifts" and says those are "needs." :)
Last year I treated myself to my FIRST magazine subscription since my high school National Geographic one. If you don't have one, look at some home magazines or women's or health magazines you like. I know a lot of the websites have the same information, but I look forward to soaking in the tub once a month with my new issue of Shape, and it is less than $15 for a year.
You could ask for some books that he could find at a used book store. Some of them are in perfect shape and a lot cheaper, or he could find them on ebay. I've gotten my husband antique copies of something he wanted much cheaper than new, so it was what he wanted, cheap, and unique.
If you have a favorite smell or flavor, ask for a few candles or a flavored coffee. I usually buy coffee anyway but don't always buy a yummy one.
If there is a convenience item, like a permanent coffee filter, nicer cheese grater or veggie peeler, or something like that you would like, ask for it. I have been looking on ebay for a lot of things this year just because you can find good deals on new or gently used things, so nudge him that way if he wants to get you something a little pricier.
2 moms found this helpful
S.H. answers from Honolulu on December 03, 2010
For me... I like things that I need... but don't want to buy... myself. And those are the things I sacrifice and don't get... in lieu of getting my kids what they need.
So... things like Gift certificates.... for hair-salon, pedicure, face cleanser products, nice soaps, nail polish. shoes, for the mall, book store, local hardware store, flowers, clothes.
all the best,
Susan
1 mom found this helpful
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