| Gift Ideas - Know the Basics!
Giving a Gift Card
Simple, right, go to the store, buy a card, sign your name and put it in the envelope. NOPE! A gift card is much more complicated than that. This is the first thing should see, open, and read in the gift sequence. This will set the mood and tone of your ability to communicate what you are trying to say.
Buying a Gift Card
You could just stroll into any store and grab the first card you see and head back to the counter. However, you would end up in our "Don't Do This" section before long. When picking out a card, make sure it says something you would actually say. If you cannot pronounce the adjectives in the sentiment, chances are she is not going to believe you really mean what it says. Also, if she is not a frilly girl, don't get her some ornate card with lots of flowers and glitter. Make the card fit the person.
Signing the Card
Write the date on the card and then think of something to say in the card, (Even something simple will mean a lot) but write something. If you just underline a few words in the sentiment to let her know why you chose that card, it will make the card mean so much more. After making it personal sign your name with an appropriate closing like "Love, John". Next, enclose the card into the envelope and make sure you lick it and seal it. Nothing says I am lazy more than an unsealed envelope. In the decades past, every man had a wax stamp and would seal the envelope with some hot wax that was impressed with his stamp. The least you can do is lick the self adhesive. Then write her name or something else on the outside of the card like "To My Loving Wife". Again, this little bit of effort will pay off. She may not say "thanks" for underlining words in the poem but the object here is to not be identified as having NOT done something you should have.
Making a Card from Scratch
This is a GIGANTIC way to score major points. One of the most impressive things you can do is to make a card from scratch. If you put forth some real effort, regardless of your skills, she will be completely flattered that you took the time to try and make a loving card from scratch. This is not an excuse to avoid buying a card and only making a half hearted attempt at making her a card. She is going to recognize the effort much more than the result, so make sure you are committed to putting forth 100%.
You can use plain white paper and crayons or markers. You can cut out words from magazines and paste them together like clues. This works well with our scavenger hunt gift idea as well. This also does not have to be a traditional card, but it could be a poster board or collage of the things you like about her, or a trip you took or a memorable event you shared together. Again, do not be shy about your talent at drawing or being creative, it is the effort that she will recognize and be so flattered over.
Here is a secret. If you want to impress your spouse, make her a card for no reason at all, give it to her with a home cooked meal in a special place. Besides some paper and food expenses, this is by far the least expensive gift, but the most requested gift idea. We have heard from many, many woman and 99% of them agree that anything that you do is WAY better than anything you can buy.
Wrapping the Gift
Wrapping the gift is the next thing she will notice. If you just throw it in some brown paper or worse, give it to her in the bag you bought it in, she will feel less than special. Taking the time and energy to find wrapping paper, bow, and tape and then actually wrapping the present will surely impress her. Make your folds nice and neat and use tape that will not be noticed. Visit Oprah's step by step instructions on how to wrap a gift if you are not sure of what you are doing.
When to Give the Gift
Picking the right time and place to give a gift is essential to bring all the elements together. Don't drop the ball on the one yard line, if you do all other things right and get this wrong, it could still be a disaster. Find a time that is quiet and can be uninterrupted by children, family, friends, phones and distractions. Be direct, set a date or time and tell her you have something important to show her, give her, do for her or with her. Women love the formal things that we do, so get this part right. Hire a baby sitter, turn the TV off and be there for her for this moment.
Where to Give the Gift
This is a nice touch. If you take her to the beach or her favorite restaurant or to a park, she will know you are serious about it being all about her. She knows how much you hate all these places, so it will be properly rewarded in her thank you .
Places you can take her:
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