10 Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Your Wife

Okay, guys, listen up. This is important. Ready?

It really is the thought that counts. Don’t be that guy who tries to buy his way out of trouble this Christmas. There is no expensive gift available on this planet that will in any way compare to your gift when it’s thoughtful, loving, and creative.

Did you hear us? You really don’t need to break the bank. We don’t make this stuff up.

However—and it’s critical that we understand this truth—this is not a short cut! Thoughtful gift giving requires care, preparation and a boatload of good listening. But don’t worry, there’s still enough time before the holidays.

 Here are ten suggestions. We think they’ll serve as a catalyst for the rest of the good ideas you’ll think up once you start. The point here is creativity, thoughtfulness, and putting the nuances of your relationship into every gift.

1. Keep a note-pad handy and pay attention:

   The best gifts are the ones she’s been dropping hints about since around March. When you hear something, write it down. It won’t come to you as a sudden memory on Christmas Eve when you’re desperate!

2. Family pictures in designer frames:

   That moment from summer vacation. Or the shot of the two of you enjoying a romantic dinner. You can find cool 4” x 6” frames for less than $10 at places like Tuesday Morning or Home Goods or Ross…

3. Make a custom photo-book for her online:

   If you’ve been taking pictures all year, go to websites like Snapfish, Kodak, or My Publisher to make a family photo book. Capture your vacation, a special event, or the entire year. It takes time to do this carefully and write in some great words, but the investment of time is what makes “thoughtful” work.

4. A big, fat candle and a box of matches.

   Nothing invites the promise of quality time together like a candle. This gift says, “I love my wife.” in many ways.

5. A cookbook with post-it notes marking the meals and dates (two, five, ten…) you promise to prepare (and clean up!):

   Your time and the act of service will cost more than dollars but will be appreciated accordingly.

6. A set of books—or movies—that were formative for you as a child:

   Track these down at used bookstores or online. One man we know gave his wife Sherlock Holmes, Winnie-the-Pooh and the Chronicles of Narnia. The point here is the personal connection. These were books/movies that helped to grow you up. You’re opening a window into your soul.

7. Ditto with her favorites:

   Talk with her parents and/or siblings. Do a little research and present to her some childhood memories you can now share.

8. An “indulgence” care-basket:

   Pay attention to the little things that give her pleasure. Collect five to ten items which are pure indulgence.  Put them in a designer box or nice basket, and then present it as a single gift. For example: some of her favorite candy, a fragrance she likes but sees as extravagant, some gourmet teas/coffees, a five-dollar Starbucks card, a ball-point pen two grades above the ones she typically uses… you get the idea.

9. Designer note-cards with envelopes:

   Again, go back to the discount stores. Find last-years note-cards and match your wife’s taste.

10. A carefully planned date-night:

    Careful, do this one right. Include a gift-card for her favorite restaurant, exact plans for the evening (the card will itemize: “We will leave at 4:00, I’m driving you to the beach for a romantic walk, dinner is scheduled for 7:30, and I have a surprise for you after that…”), and make sure the baby-sitting is pre-arranged—by you.

Connect with All Pro Dad
President, Mark Merrill on