by Shane Graham

Created on: August 06, 2008   Last Updated: August 13, 2008

The simplest advice for getting the right present for your wife is to pay attention. Women generally hint at what they want, if not just come right out and tell us. We just have to be smart enough and quick enough on the old uptake, to hear them.

My cell phone has a camera and whenever my wife and I are shopping and she mentions liking something, I surreptitiously take a picture of it. Then later, usually several days later, I'll mention something about it. If she responds in a positive way, it goes on my list of potential presents. This suggests it was more than just something she randomly thought was "cute". If she brings it up again herself, it goes to the top of "The List".

My wife and I not only share our lives, but we also share our bank accounts. So, any expensive gift is going to be noticed as soon as she checks the balance. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but unless your finances are such that hundreds or thousands of dollars aren't something she's going to miss, you might consider a lesser route.

Some presents are always good for basics in a crunch. My wife is always happy with a stuffed bear. Some women, on the other hand, like flowers and chocolates. If you have a reasonably safe hiding spot (like at a friends house), when you see something you know she likes, even if it's nowhere near a "present day", go ahead and get it (although, I wouldn't suggest treating chocolates this way - old chocolate is a bad thing and if your friends are like mine, they'd eat it anyway). This way, you don't have to go out and try to find something at the last minute. Because, trust me, she'll know.

I keep "The List" on my computers desktop. Whenever a "present day" is coming, I check my list, check my available funds, and head to the stores.

Learn more about this author, Shane Graham.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.