My wife and I have had an agreement for the last several years that we won't exchange presents at Christmas. It's an agreement I always break.
Usually by this time I know exactly what I'm going to get for her. This year, though, I'm torn between a few ideas:
1. Some accessories for her PT Cruiser. She loves the car, and often mentions seeing others with various accessories. I know that she loves the look of "smoothie" wheel covers and wide whitewalls. While not a particularly romantic gift, I'm sure she'd love it. Some of the element of surprise would be lost, though, as she always has her car, so I wouldn't be able to put the accessories on. She'd just have to get them in a box.
2. Tickets to see Doctor John, one of her favorite singers. He'll be in Chicago at Navy Pier on February 9th. We could do dinner before the concert.
3. A new integrated amp for our stereo system. The one we have now is cutting out on one channel, which frustrates her. I'm not as keen on this idea for two reasons: a) this strikes me as more of a household item than a gift and; b) the amp we have right now is a high-quality one, and can be repaired.
4. An item from a specialty store she loves. I'm sure that I'd find something she's already seen and wanted. The only downside is that she's been winnowing her collection of chachka lately, so more may not be desirable.
5. A studio portrait of the love of her life, our dog. This one is almost impossible, though, because I know the dog won't sit for me. He's too high-strung, and also afraid of things like cameras and equipment.
6. Dinner at a new Cajun restaurant she's been wanting to visit. Somehow, though, that doesn't seem like a present. It's more along the lines of what I should do as a matter of routine.
7. The ideal gift would be a few days in New Orleans, but we absolutely cannot afford that now.
So, any input is much appreciated.
