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!

I dont think I will be helpful on here because I hate my airpods and I always ask for coats but they are really hit and miss as I find I really need to try them on first. DP did smash it with a coat from Sessun last year but thats only 1 of quite a few xmas coats which are 'nice enough but not bang on perfect on me'

Just posting to say you sound like a great DP!

@Carleatspeas you’re saving yourselves a small fortune then not having kids- and at least the little snot bags won’t ruin the Gucci coat! Go for the Gucci then IMO.

But maybe suggest she and you have a small budget to treat yourselves so you can get insight by what she chooses to buy herself?

Aw, then get her the Gucci coat and throw in a winter weekend in Paris so she can wear it 😀
Or better still, take her to Paris to buy the coat.
(Obviously, I'm very good at spending other people's money).
You sound great Op.

@AuntieStella my son is 21 and am thinking of a beer tap for his birthday just after Christmas! There are some deals on right now!

If you can afford it, get the Gucci. She will wear it for years

[quote LowlyTheWorm]@Carleatspeas you’re saving yourselves a small fortune then not having kids- and at least the little snot bags won’t ruin the Gucci coat! Go for the Gucci then IMO.

But maybe suggest she and you have a small budget to treat yourselves so you can get insight by what she chooses to buy herself?[/quote]
It's not a bad idea. I might suggest it for NYE when it's usually a bit less mental with the wider families.

[quote Doidontimmm]@AuntieStella my son is 21 and am thinking of a beer tap for his birthday just after Christmas! There are some deals on right now![/quote]
That's a cool idea. Be careful which one you buy. I have a mini keg of Goose Island which fits the Phillips Perfect Draft system. I've had it for about three years now as the tap itself is £350 and the beer works expensively. There are some other really good ones though.

If you want a slightly more affordable option so you can get a few other nice bits (weekend in Paris sounds amazing), this coat is a beautiful option
www.hollandcooper.com/products/double-breasted-coat-soft-black

@TheMirrorReflects

Aw, then get her the Gucci coat and throw in a winter weekend in Paris so she can wear it 😀 Or better still, take her to Paris to buy the coat. (Obviously, I'm very good at spending other people's money). You sound great Op.

Do this!

How much do you want to spend on a coat ?
You can get classics from Max Mara .

My 40th I got an Ebike. Best gift ever.

Books:
English Pastoral - James Rebanks
Wilding - Isabella Tree
The Salt Path - Raynor Winn

Air pods leather case
www.woolnut.com/airpods-leather-case/

Cheese subscription
thecheesecollective.co.uk/products/the-usual

www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/velvetiser-subscription.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-qGNBhD3ARIsAO_o7ynC4_P2O9X-Jb_46G0aY6LIQdCEMUbGN2pr_LOXRe03ycFSWbY95WQaArrzEALw_wcB

www.keepitpersonal.co.uk/personalised-gifts-c-112/personalised-cheeseboards-c-112_176/personalised-engraved-wooden-cheeseboard-set-p-1496.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-qGNBhD3ARIsAO_o7ylIZu3b800ir4-8V3-RAaB-0O74n9pcUQRq6UmYLv3FSg_eIIMfD1MaAjHbEALw_wcB

I suspect know I am not as classy as your missus though!

Practical, not romantic or sexy- but if you’re outdoorsy & into dogs it’s great: www.muddaddy.co.uk

If she is a country girl how about a Schoffel Gilet? Love mine, great for dogs walks.

Lol OP you seem a good laugh, also kudos for awesome gift giving.

I agree with others gucci coat, maybe another gucci accessory to go with it if they have scarves or whatever.

I'm usually rubbish at high end suggestions, my go to is always Charlotte tilbury makeup or creams lol

Appletags are life changing for people of any age who are losers of keys, wallets, kindles and so on

Check with her, that that's still the style she likes. Get the style and beauty posters, to help you pick the perfect designer coat and accessorise. [Only if you can truly afford it of course].

I would normally agree a weekend in Paris to pick a coat would be amazing, but I'm still feeling hesitant about travelling.

@CompetitiveMumming

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

I knew there would be someone who'd post a comment like this, wasn't expecting it to be quite so early on though. I'm all out of ideas OP but your post made me laugh, I hope you have a great Christmas and get the presents you want.

Just came on to recommend Caroline Hirons - I see someone beat me to it! If I was to receive one of the Kits for Christmas, there would be no end to my delight and the giver would be showered with gratitude and affection. Caroline has just released a new edition of her skin care book too, so that might be worth considering

OP sounds like you've already got some good ideas from the crowds. I look forward to your posts each year and previously you've given me some great tips on what to buy DH so thanks!

I'm after some stocking fillers and I just never know what to get him. Early 40s, walks the dog a lot, does some mountain biking infrequently (we have toddlers). Loves films and music, his style is simple-jeans, round neck t shirts, hoodies etc

Any ideas gratefully received!!

No idea about Coats Im afraid .You mention you live by the sea in Dorset. Snap! I would be pleased with anything with a Coastal theme .Small things /Pictures of local sea/beach .(Hengistbury Head have a lovely shop with lots of little gifts) probably similar Studland etc.Also think drop earrings may go down well . Love scented chocolates ,but poss an acquired taste! (Rose and Violet Creams Waitrose).HTH PS thank you for your tip about guys liking Socks and pants .Always feel I should get something exciting ,but DH/DS seem to like them .Love Lego too ! Maybe this could be a joint pressie for me and DH