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'm going to go out on a limb here and say I think your wife is being a tad unreasonable, almost setting you up for a fail, though I'm sure you know better than I, what your relationship dynamic is like. But honestly, WHO says 'darling I'd like a coat for Christmas' and maybe hints at the vague styling, without actually saying THIS ONE. IT'S THIS EXACT ONE ??

I often (always) ask for clothes or footwear for Christmas but I always try them on first to make sure of the fit and whether it's a good idea for me. I might then make a (very) shortlist so I can be 'surprised' by my mum or DH on the day. I don't think this is controlling of me, I think that clothing is very personal and you need to know it's going to fit and flatter! I'm about to ask my mum for a pair of DM boots and I've been to the DM store twice and tried them on to gauge the size and whether they look nice with my jeans. They cost a lot, I don't want her to buy something I'd have to exchange because it didn't fit.

Having said that, DH rarely specifies an actual item of clothing (usually a t-shirt that took his fancy) and I often buy him new trousers and jumpers. So I'm just as bad!

[quote timeforanewlife]@Cattipuss I was thinking about Turin Tumble but is that advanced enough. He loves board games and his profession is programmer (a very good one apparently) but I was worried it would be too easy for him. Is that something that he could play with our 3 year old? [/quote]
The scenarios aren't too complex but can make your own and it's quite fun. A 3 year old probably wouldn't be able to follow the 'rules' but could use it and enjoy watching it but would have to keep an eye as the marbles are quite small. A good one that we enjoy and DS does is this one:

boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/274093/quirky-circuits

DH this year is getting an OD map with our home at the centre so he can plan lots of walks and bike rides. No clue what I’m getting. Last year I got a sports massage voucher, which was awesome. My dream present would be a SUP course and a SUP, but both are well outside of our meagre budget! And a pass for my exam tomorrow would be good, if you’re listening Santa…

OS, not OD. Bloody phone.

@Thermosplat

If you can stretch to the Gucci coat it's absolutely amazing, and it'll last forever.

Ok question: What to get a husband that is a computer geek? He doesn't want anything. I always struggle to find something that he likes

When you say computer geek...does he like gaming or is he into coding etc? I'd avoid anything actually conputery as I'm sure he knows what kit he wants etc.

This

www.kickstarter.com/projects/newyes1/syncpen-newyes-2nd-generation-smart-pen

It's a pen that stores all the notes you take with it. Kinda like the inverse of a smart notepad.

I absolutely would not spend £2k on a coat without knowing it’s the exact one she wants. Madness.

Yes I know she can send it back but that’s a hassle and she may worry about hurt feelings.

Ask her which coat.

@isthismylifenow if your son plays dice games he can never have too many dice! Fab dice from www.beholdersgaze.com I bought my DH the ones with dinosaurs inside!

@CompetitiveMumming

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

I have to agree. Maybe some people would like suggestions for gifts for their husband from someone who is also a man but your “rules” have nothing to do with anyone but you. My husband would never critique or turn his nose up at a gift I got him but if I gave him Lego he would think I had gone insane.

To be honest you sound materialistic. I can’t speak for all women but I’ve heard a lot of people say the past two years have shown them what’s really important and I don’t think they meant expensive makeup and designer-ish clothes. That being said, your wife is your wife and if she likes those things who am I to tell you otherwise.

[quote Amalfa]@isthismylifenow if your son plays dice games he can never have too many dice! Fab dice from www.beholdersgaze.com I bought my DH the ones with dinosaurs inside![/quote]
@Amalfa

Omw what a great selection! Unfortunately I am not in the UK, but after seeing these I am going to have a scout around to see if I can get something similar. He has a birthday right after Christmas so I have to think of Christmas and birthday presents at the same time.

Thank you, am off to Google....

www.finecheese.co.uk/baby-truffle-baron-bigod this is s great place to get cheese, my DH bought me a selection including this delicious one for my 40th!

www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/diptyque-invigorating-body-balm-100ml_342-2000170-BODYBALM/

This is hands down the most luxurious beauty product I have ever used. It’s one of those ‘i never known I needed it until I got it’. It can be used on hands, body, face, even hair. It’s like hard butter but then it melts into your skin. The smell is out of this world beautiful but subtle and follows you like a veil.

[quote Amalfa]@isthismylifenow if your son plays dice games he can never have too many dice! Fab dice from www.beholdersgaze.com I bought my DH the ones with dinosaurs inside![/quote]
I'm so pleased you said that! I've bought my goddaughter some dice (solid metal ones) but was wondering if it was a case that once you had one set you had all you'd ever want. I almost thought about starting a thread to ask.

Hopefully, then, they'll be a hit!

Ooooh, that Gucci coat is stunning! You sound great OP. Go to the big Gucci store together on via de Tuornaboni, have some champagne, a dinner at Cantinetta Antinori and stay at Villa Cora. Florence is magical around Christmas time if you can actually go.

Right it's done. I bought the Gucci one. I seriously considered the Holland and Parker one someone put up, but if I'm spending that much I thought that I may as well just go for it. A trip to Paris to go with it would be nice, but it's not really feasible right now. Maybe in the spring. I've never really done anything for valentines day in the 15 years we've been together so who knows. She tipped me over the edge on the decision when she gave me a Brewdog advent calendar yesterday.

I'm not concerned about her liking it/ not liking it. I'm sure she will and if she doesn't she'll tell me. Albeit a day or two later.

Anyway, thanks for the help. Some other good ideas in here that I may take up as well. Remember not to buy your husbands any comedy beer games or chocolate tools.

[GRIN] I'm glad you went for the coat. She'll love it.

@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.

Best suggestion by far! Do it OP.

Op, just seen you went for it! Brilliant, how lovely.

A fair few skincare enthusiasts would not want anything from Caroline Hirons. She’s very, erm, marmite.

@Carleatspeas will you come back and tell us how much she loved it please?

Hello Mumsnet, I'm back again for Christmas gift advice. Last year's coat went down a storm. This year we have half-heartedly agreed to go easy on the presents and put the money toward a winter holiday. In all likelihood, my wife will ignore this and hand me something on Christmas day, so I'm going to get her something anyway.

I'm open to any ideas this year as I'm clueless. Some vague idea about (another) winter coat, but that's about it. All I can say for sure is that she keeps telling me what a great shop Wolf and Badger is.

So Mumsnet. What would make your Christmas this year? And in turn, I'm here to hand out advice on any male presents (Yes we like underwear, no we don't like football albums. And everyone is going to buy their brother-in-law that Bob Mortimer book so don't bother. He probably already has a copy).

Many thanks in advance for the suggestions.

I'm getting a cheese making kit do you think she would like one?

If she’s a Gucci coat kind of lady then proper jewellery (Wolf & Badger sell both costume and proper jewels). But not earrings as they can’t be returned. Just in case.

or art?

She probably would actually. She's gotten into Mushroom foraging this year.

Did you post a photo of the coat ?

Anyway sounds like she is dropping big hints about Wolf and Badger.