My annual "Help me find a present for my wife" Mumsnet thread

[Carleatspeas]

Hi Mumsnet,

For the past five years or so, I've started a similar thread and Mumsnet have helped me finding some great presents for my wife. Highlights have been Cashmere jumpers, Chameau wellies and lots of stuff from Wolf and Badger type stores.

My wife is 44, loves dogs, cheese, travel, make up and all sorts of stuff I don't understand. Who knew that £100 for a tiny pot of something is a good idea?? We live by the coast in Dorset, so are outdoorsy people.

Anyway, I'm looking to you all again for inspiration. She has mentioned two thing this year: Airpods (Done, easy. I learnt the hard way that when a woman says she wants "Apple Airpods" get her Apple Airpods, not the far superior product from another brand).
Also a coat. I'm a bit stumped here as she has said she would really love a Gucci styled long wool one. That's a minefield, but I'm guessing she means something that wouldn't look out of place on the streets of Paris.

I'd really appreciate any ideas. Big or small!

In return for your help, I will answer any questions about male presents you care to give. Some top tips:

1. No one wants branded shitty merchandise from their football team. A shirt maybe, but not an annual.
   
2. Saying that, autobiographies are cool.
   
3. Just because I fleetingly mentioned that I might go fishing/ cycling/ rock climbing, does not mean I want an absolute boatload of stuff from Decathlon to achieve this.
   
4. We actually really like socks, pants and that sort of thing.
   
5. Yes we still like Lego.
   
6. Please don't get me a high fashion shirt/ jumper/ T-shirt that I will feel a right tit wearing. There's a reason we only dress in blue, grey, green and black.
   
   Thanks in advance!

[ginslinger]

I don't know if Jigsaw might be useful for coats or if you have a John Lewis near you ask for a personal shopper to find coats for you
www.marksandspencer.com/wool-rich-longline-boyfriend-coat/p/clp22533484?cq_src=&cq_cmp=&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_net=s&cq_plt=gp&ft_custom=0534d7e020521607bb87b648b6f7b2df&msclkid=0534d7e020521607bb87b648b6f7b2df&gclid=0534d7e020521607bb87b648b6f7b2df&gclsrc=3p.ds

[AuntieStella]

How about this one?

www.karenmillen.com/italian-wool-mix-longline-military-coat/AKK05432-148-16.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI94qh_-rE9AIVCLrtCh2Q_QsnEAQYBSABEgKru_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or this:

www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Jackets-and-Coats/ROSELL-Long-length-wool-wrap-coat-Black/p/257325-BLACK?cmpid=ppc~google~PLA~smart_shopping_uk_en_ww_main_site_high_margin~111178005776~257325-BLACK-1~na~na~UK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI94qh_-rE9AIVCLrtCh2Q_QsnEAQYASABEgKb3vD_BwE

I'm really struggling with what to get for one of my young adult DS. Probably a cheque, but I'd like him to have something to unwrap as well. He doesn't need anything for his main sport or hobby, and has most of the gadgets he wants (Apple watch, headphones, leatherman tool etc)

I'd love inspiration on the sort of gadget you don't kniw you need/want until it turns up!

[ginslinger]

also Hobbs are doing stuff for dogs this year - it's their anniversary and they have dresses with whippets on them and coats for whippets

[CaveMum]

For me experiences are definitely the way to go - if she has a particular interest like, say, baking find out if there are any local courses you could buy her (my DH got me a 1 day macaron making course which I loved).

[CompetitiveMumming]

jeez, just talk to her about what she likes without all this Men Are From Mars Women Like Tiny Expensive Pots bullshit.

[WinterFoxCub]

I could do with some inspiraiton about handy gadgets also.

For me my best ever present would be a nice weekend away- where you do the planning and booking (and the sorting of dogs in kennels if not to a dog friendly place). That would be my ultimate gift. (Weekend in Paris or Iceland would be my ultimate, but depends on the covid situaiton!)

[HikingforScenery]

@CompetitiveMumming

jeez, just talk to her about what she likes without all this Men Are From Mars Women Like Tiny Expensive Pots bullshit.

That’s a bit harsh.
I’ve seen lots of posts from women asking for present ideas for their male OHs.

[Carleatspeas]

@ginslinger

also Hobbs are doing stuff for dogs this year - it's their anniversary and they have dresses with whippets on them and coats for whippets

I guess it depends on what he's into and what you want to spend. A Sonos Roam or similar bluetooth speaker is good. Apple tags or a tile type device for finding lost stuff? he's probably a bit young for coffee, but Aeropresses are cool. Rocketbook is he's studious?

[Flowersupnorth]

Caroline Hirons has brought out some great skin care sets, they come in a cool bag too. It’s her curated collection of really good skincare. She also has a really good book out about skincare too. This one is a good all rounder

shopfloor.carolinehirons.com/products/the-routine?variant=41743185281187&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2021-08-24&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-qGNBhD3ARIsAO_o7yluYPqE6EHSY4gyLCaFsJPyGAhyCv77GI5hPSMxr5SZ2gQywbdxP5EaAi9_EALw_wcB

[Carleatspeas]

Thanks for the coast suggestions. They look pretty good, although I think I actually bought her a Karen Millen one almost exactly the same a few years back.

[Carleatspeas]

@CompetitiveMumming

jeez, just talk to her about what she likes without all this Men Are From Mars Women Like Tiny Expensive Pots bullshit.

Don't be sad when you get a footspa whirl again this year.

[drawacircleroundit]

A birdbox! Decide what bird you want to invite, go for the right diameter hole (these sound like euphemisms now) and then research which way it needs to face in the garden.
The joy when a pair decide to nest

[languagelover96]

You could take her to a farm shop in order to look at cheeses etc. Boots sell a nice lot of makeup and as for the travel inspiration, try Amazon.
You can find animal themed calendars on sale these days, get one for her.

[TheMirrorReflects]

Hi Op,

Re the coat - post your request for help in the Style & Beauty threads, you'll get lots of advice.

When your DW says Gucci coat this is the style that I think of and the Karen Millen one linked above might be a good fit but I could be way off the mark:

www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/pr/women/ready-to-wear-for-women/coats-for-women/coats-for-women/double-breasted-wool-coat-p-592185ZHW031000

[SSOYS]

These Sezane coats are lovely although possibly shorter than what she has in mind.

www.sezane.com/en/product/johnson-coat/black#size-6

Or this

www.hollandcooper.com/products/double-breasted-coat-camel
(although if you are spending that much it may be better to bite the bullet and get Gucci)

www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/pr/women/ready-to-wear-for-women/coats-for-women/coats-for-women/double-breasted-wool-coat-p-592185ZHW031000

[SSOYS]

post your request for help in the Style & Beauty threads, you'll get lots of advice

This is a very good idea.

[SSOYS]

www.lafromagerie.co.uk/academy-of-cheese

This online course might be fun or might be her idea of hell (I'd love it, my husband would hate it).

Smythson travel notebook.

[violetskiss]

Your rules for men's presents are great - you sound like you'd get on with my DH!

I learned the hard way that him once mentioning he thought white water rafting would be fun did NOT mean he wanted an experience day voucher.... That's a gift I'll never live down!

[violetskiss]

@SSOYS

www.lafromagerie.co.uk/academy-of-cheese

This online course might be fun or might be her idea of hell (I'd love it, my husband would hate it).

Smythson travel notebook.

Something from Smythson is a great idea - so luxe and fancy! And something you'd never buy yourself.

[OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea]

I have no clue about posh coats.

I would like lego, a kayak and some sealskin socks.

[Carleatspeas]

[quote Flowersupnorth]Caroline Hirons has brought out some great skin care sets, they come in a cool bag too. It’s her curated collection of really good skincare. She also has a really good book out about skincare too. This one is a good all rounder

shopfloor.carolinehirons.com/products/the-routine?variant=41743185281187&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2021-08-24&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-qGNBhD3ARIsAO_o7yluYPqE6EHSY4gyLCaFsJPyGAhyCv77GI5hPSMxr5SZ2gQywbdxP5EaAi9_EALw_wcB[/quote]
Stuff like this blows my mind, but I can see that she's like it.

[Carleatspeas]

[quote TheMirrorReflects]Hi Op,

Re the coat - post your request for help in the Style & Beauty threads, you'll get lots of advice.

When your DW says Gucci coat this is the style that I think of and the Karen Millen one linked above might be a good fit but I could be way off the mark:

www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/pr/women/ready-to-wear-for-women/coats-for-women/coats-for-women/double-breasted-wool-coat-p-592185ZHW031000[/quote]
I reckon that's probably about right. I suppose I could go for broke and just buy the actual Gucci one.

[Carleatspeas]

@OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea

I have no clue about posh coats.

I would like lego, a kayak and some sealskin socks.

This is pretty much every man's dream list.

[LowlyTheWorm]

£2200 on a coat?

My husband and I agree we each have £100 to buy ourselves our presents and we set aside half an hour to sit together on Xmas day and open them together. Both delighted by this and neither of us would ever think to buy the other one the stuff we choose. (I think his stuff is boring and he thinks mine is too practical- Wait til he sees I have a bread bin this year! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️)

[Carleatspeas]

@LowlyTheWorm

£2200 on a coat?

My husband and I agree we each have £100 to buy ourselves our presents and we set aside half an hour to sit together on Xmas day and open them together. Both delighted by this and neither of us would ever think to buy the other one the stuff we choose. (I think his stuff is boring and he thinks mine is too practical- Wait til he sees I have a bread bin this year! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️)

I know, it's a bit indulgent. But we don't have kids and I'm tight for the rest of the year so I tend to spoil her at Christmas.