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My annual "Help me find a present for my wife" Mumsnet thread
94
Carleatspeas · 02/12/2021 09:45
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:
- No one wants branded shitty merchandise from their football team. A shirt maybe, but not an annual.
- Saying that, autobiographies are cool.
- 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.
- We actually really like socks, pants and that sort of thing.
- Yes we still like Lego.
- 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 · 02/12/2021 09:50
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 · 02/12/2021 09:51
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 · 02/12/2021 09:51
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 · 02/12/2021 09:53
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 · 02/12/2021 09:54
jeez, just talk to her about what she likes without all this Men Are From Mars Women Like Tiny Expensive Pots bullshit.
WinterFoxCub · 02/12/2021 09:57
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 · 02/12/2021 09:57
@CompetitiveMumming
That’s a bit harsh.
I’ve seen lots of posts from women asking for present ideas for their male OHs.
Carleatspeas · 02/12/2021 09:58
@ginslinger
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 · 02/12/2021 09:59
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¤cy=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 · 02/12/2021 09:59
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 · 02/12/2021 10:00
@CompetitiveMumming
Don't be sad when you get a footspa whirl again this year.
drawacircleroundit · 02/12/2021 10:09
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 · 02/12/2021 10:09
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 · 02/12/2021 10:15
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 · 02/12/2021 10:20
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 · 02/12/2021 10:21
post your request for help in the Style & Beauty threads, you'll get lots of advice
This is a very good idea.
SSOYS · 02/12/2021 10:31
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 · 02/12/2021 10:34
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 · 02/12/2021 10:35
@SSOYS
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 · 02/12/2021 10:41
I have no clue about posh coats.
I would like lego, a kayak and some sealskin socks.
Carleatspeas · 02/12/2021 10:50
@Flowersupnorth
shopfloor.carolinehirons.com/products/the-routine?variant=41743185281187¤cy=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
Stuff like this blows my mind, but I can see that she's like it.
Carleatspeas · 02/12/2021 10:52
@TheMirrorReflects
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
I reckon that's probably about right. I suppose I could go for broke and just buy the actual Gucci one.
Carleatspeas · 02/12/2021 10:56
@OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea
I would like lego, a kayak and some sealskin socks.
This is pretty much every man's dream list.
LowlyTheWorm · 02/12/2021 10:58
£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 · 02/12/2021 11:02
@LowlyTheWorm
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.
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