...A Husband's Guide To Holiday Shopping
So, men, listen up. Perhaps the best way to start is by asking yourself, "What does my wife do when she's not working or taking care of the kids? What's her favorite way to relax after a hard day? What does she like to wear? Does she have specific hobbies? Is she an avid reader?" If the answer is, "I don't know," the best advice is to start paying attention...NOW. For instance:
* If she loves outdoor activities, opt for Spiegel's Polarfleece vest that can be worn alone or underneath a jacket. If she's a skier, Spiegel offers lots of down-filled parkas, including a bright yellow one from RL Jeans. Complete the gift with cozy mittens or gloves and a colorful scarf.
* If she prefers indoor sports, nothing beats a chenille turtleneck and matching velour leggings for relaxing by the fire with a good book. Be sure to include a book or two with this gift. If she's a music-lover, add a few CD's to make her relaxation package complete.
* If your wife is the romantic type, plan an evening just for the two of you. A fun romantic gift might be a martini-making set, including a pitcher or shaker, martini glasses and a jar of olives. Complete the gift with a sexy charmeuse slip gown and get ready for fireworks. Another romantic gift is a professional 8" x 10" picture of yourself in a beautiful frame. Then arrange for her photo to be taken, too. Jewelry is always romantic, but if you're buying earrings, be sure you know whether or not she has pierced ears.
* If your wife enjoys collectibles, Spiegel offers a range of treasures from Lladro porcelain figurines to Waterford Crystal pieces to miniature villages. For fun, there's also a huge selection of Mickey Mouse products, including Mickey and Minnie tree ornaments, figurines, Christmas stockings, door stoppers-even nutcrackers shaped like your favorite Disney characters.
* For a special evening out, surprise her with tickets to the newest play or musical event. Include a pre-show dinner at her favorite restaurant.
* If she enjoys a hot bath at the end of the day, put together a luxury bath gift, featuring a tub caddy, an assortment of bath gels and body lotions, a big sea sponge, and a fluffy terry cloth robe.
* If home entertaining is a passion of hers, Spiegel offers everything she needs to host unforgettable holiday parties. How about a set of Spode's classic "Christmas Tree" dinnerware with coordinating damask table linens? A cappuccino maker is always a great gift or, how about Sanyo's Bread Factory PlusĒ automatic breadmaker. To set the mood for a festive party, an assortment of scented candles and candle holders make great gifts. An embroidered mantle scarf provides a wonderful holiday keepsake, or why not give her the entire mantel? Spiegel offers several new ventless fireplaces that run on alcohol-based fuel to create a cozy hearthlike glow.
* If your wife loves clothes, go through her closet to determine if her style tends to be casual, cutting edge or classic. Spiegel has something to suit every woman's taste. Maybe her style runs more towards a black leather mini skirt and faux leopard jacket. Or perhaps her look is more gray flannel trousers and an argyle sweater. When in doubt, a Spiegel gift certificate is a great option.
The key to buying your wife the perfect gift can be summed up in two words: look and listen. Take the time to really know the kinds of things that make her happy. If she has to tell you, it really takes the fun out of it.
For more gift ideas, just order the newest Spiegel holiday catalogs by calling 1-800-345-4500. For last-minute shoppers, Spiegel offers Christmas Guaranteed®. Order any in-stock item by Monday, December 23 (10 a.m. Central Time), and you'll have your gift by Christmas Eve at no extra charge.(NAPSI)
