Women Travelers - Help! I need help from the ladies!

OK... Here is the scoop. Been married for 29 years. ^

I am out of ideas for Christmas. We are at the point in our lives where we have about everything we need or want and if she needs or wants anything she will just go and get it.

Clothes are out. If you get a size too small she will just bring it back. If it is the correct size or larger she will just bring it back and get mad. :(

I know better than to get her kitchen appliances.

And when a woman says it is OK not to get her anything for Christmas don't believe her. You will only make that mistake twice.

She got a car for her birthday so it will be hard to top that. :cool:

So any ideas for gifts or trips would be welcome!

And do you believe holiday decorations are up already?

My very favorite vacation so far was 5 days on Koh Hi (Hae), a resort island off the south east tip of Phuket, Thailand. For $70/day you get the deluxe beach house right on the beach. I booked through www.sawadee.com
THere is pretty extensive coral right off the beach, in a roped off area, so snorkeling was always interesting. Meals are at tables on the beach, there is no internet and I never looked for a telephone. THey can arrange to pick you up from the airport in Phuket and take you to the pier, then the speed boat takes you to the resort. Do any serious shopping elsewhere, as the prices for disposable cameras, sunscreen, etc. are pretty high.
If you'd like more information, just PM me.
Kate

Well, Ms. M8 and I have been through this already. But my first question would be is your wife facing a similar dilemma about what to get you?

M8

I was in a similar situation for Christmas this year. Haven't been together for 29 years (only 3) but still...what I ended up doing is buying a couple of mini-vacations for the coming months. St. Patty's in Chicago, 4th of July at the Greenbrier and such. Called this work and swore them to secrecy and they have blocked him out for that time already. Since the 2 of us together can never make up our minds where to go I did it myself. I do think that he'll like it and there is always something to look forward to.

How about tickets to see her favorite show or performer? The tickets could be either for a show in your hometown, or incorporate it into a trip somewhere. (I love Tom Jones, and would be thrilled to get r/t tix to Las Vegas to see him at the MGM Grand, for example.)

Also, do you have a hobby that you could incorporate into a trip? Wine tasting in California (or Australia!) might be one idea if you like wines. If she has a favorite food, you could fly into a city that is renowned for that cuisine, or has a special restaurant.

Even if she loves to read and has a favorite author, you can check the web and see if that author is having a book signing somewhere, and then fly in and make a trip around that.

You can really make this into something that is as simple or elaborate as you want.

Hope that gives you a little start.

How about tickets to see her favorite show or performer? The tickets could be either for a show in your hometown, or incorporate it into a trip somewhere...

That's the kinda stuff I do [see Orlando post]. Ms M8 loves Spanish crooners and Luis Miguel is a very smooth bolero singer. We've done this on several weekends, either in conjunction with business travel, or as a stand alone date for a weekend jaunt. Good city venues are , L.A., Las Vegas, NOLA, Miami, NYC. Orlando will be a first time for us in this mode, since NOLA is now kinda closed :(

M8

Have you really and truly gone through all jewelry options? Hmm?

Trips are a fun idea, and there are almost limitless options. Have you considered a spa vacation? My sister recently sent my parental units to Hawaii on mileage awards, and I got them spa treatments at the resort they were staying at. They loved it.

Is she interested in art? Go to some openings at some galleries, pay careful attention to what she likes, and pick up some work by an artist she likes. I'm a huge sucker for this one, and some of the pieces I have are nice investments also.

Also, do you have a hobby that you could incorporate into a trip? Thanks! We did that this summer! We took a thousand mile trip to Omaha, NE in a 40 year old car with no air conditioning. The average temp was 104. It was not a smashing success for her!. But I enjoyed it!

Your other ideas are great and worth looking into!

Well, Ms. M8 and I have been through this already. But my first question would be is your wife facing a similar dilemma about what to get you?

M8Well No... They always get me books, DVDs and a new "something I already have which works fine and I didn't really need another one".

How about a male stripper? ;)

Thanks! We did that this summer! We took a thousand mile trip to Omaha, NE in a 40 year old car with no air conditioning. The average temp was 104. It was not a smashing success for her!. But I enjoyed it!

Your other ideas are great and worth looking into!

Well No... They always get me books, DVDs and a new "something I already have which works fine and I didn't really need another one".

But it was in a like-new pick-up truck! :D Too funny! Did you have dog in the truck bed or did he get to ride up front? :D

Actually the romantic weekend trips really work as nice gifts even if you have to suffer through a metrosexual performer like Neil Diamond or Tom Jones :D . My opinion on the trinkets is just let her buy them when she wants them. It's been my experience that women seem to look askew at men who can pick out the right type of jewelry or shoes for them. But whatever gift you give her, do not forget the card! :eek: We've been married 23 years and are pretty well past the gift giving soap opera for birthdays and Christmas where it concerns trinkets and tangibles.

M8

Perhaps a series of Spa/Massage visits? Nothing better than going for a massage, then coming home to find the husband has cooked a fabulous dinner with a lovely bottle of wine breathing .... (My body starts relaxing just thinking about it) :D

Of course I also like the idea of tickets to a good show - maybe combined with a night at a 'ritzy' hotel and a 5* dinner (hmm, more food. I'm seeing a pattern developing :eek: )

There have been some good suggestions made. I think I'm going to have my hubby read this thread :D

Good luck!

DD

Have you considered swiping her jewelry that has special memories for her, and getting those stones reset in a new piece?

A trip of some sort is always nice. If she's interested in her ancestry, you can plan a trip to where they're from, and she can research everything more.

How about a trip away with the girls? Rent a houseboat or a motorhome and send them to a music festival somewhere - you can go quite upscale with a motorhome.

I prefer "event-type" gifts, as you have such wonderful memories forever. Also - what about an up to date family portrait? If she is interested in wine - why not adopt a row of grapes for a year? You get 12 bottles and a little sign at the end of the row, as well as a VIP party to attend.

And anything that comes in that little blue box...no one can have enough from Tiffany's can they? ;)

But it was in a like-new pick-up truck! :D Too funny! Did you have dog in the truck bed or did he get to ride up front? :D


Dog!

http://www.chicago-mustang.com/gene/PupinnaPony2.jpg

Some weekend trips could be great! She likes old stuff and hates anything from this century or the last! She likes Amish or Shaker. Hmmmmm.

Some dance lessons together, then take your new tango somewhere you can practice.

Have you considered swiping her jewelry that has special memories for her, and getting those stones reset in a new piece?

A trip of some sort is always nice. If she's interested in her ancestry, you can plan a trip to where they're from, and she can research everything more.

I would completely FREAK (think a red headed tasmanian devil on crack) if my S/O did this. Just my .02, don't mess with her jewelry!

I do like the second idea, though:)

Dog!

http://www.chicago-mustang.com/gene/PupinnaPony2.jpg

Some weekend trips could be great! She likes old stuff and hates anything from this century or the last! She likes Amish or Shaker. Hmmmmm.

Oh we are muy simpatico! :D We had a Golden Retriever for years, and two cats. They are all deceased now. We waited a few years and then got two new cats. We don't have a replacement dog, and are thinking we shouldn't since we both now travel so much. The cats have each other and are easy to board, but a dog would get super lonely. I really miss the Golden :( . She was great and so loyal.

M8

Have you considered swiping her jewelry that has special memories for her, and getting those stones reset in a new piece?


Umm, I'd be heartbroken if someone swiped jewelry that had special meaning for me, and BUSTED IT UP!!

What were you thinking?

Umm, I'd be heartbroken if someone swiped jewelry that had special meaning for me, and BUSTED IT UP!!

What were you thinking?That's OK. I don't know anything about jewlery anyway so I would have a very difficult time of that one.

Umm, I'd be heartbroken if someone swiped jewelry that had special meaning for me, and BUSTED IT UP!!

What were you thinking?

If she still has her original engagement ring, I was thinking take that, if he's purchased a pair of diamond earrings for her, take those, get the stones reset into something different, incorporating all of them. My mother no longer wears her engagement ring, and my father bought an anniversary band for her, and bought her other pieces of jewelry. While the new stuff is great, the old stuff sits and collects dust, and the new stuff doesn't have nearly as much meaning for her as the stuff he bought when they were just starting out, and didn't have much money. If he'd taken the old stuff to a jeweler, and asked them to come up with a design using those stones, and a few new ones, the new jewelry would have more meaning. I guess part of my thinking is that I trust DH and his tastes, and if I he took my jewelry, I'd figure he had a good reason. Legitimately, depending on the jeweler, you can have a new piece commissioned in a very short amount of time, so she wouldn't necessarily know anything was missing.

How about sign up as a foster parent (or something similar where there is a connection to a place - e.g. an environmental cause), plus a trip to that place for later in the year? If she likes to learn, you could add some language lessons a deux.

Also if she really likes to learn, there are some great courses (on DVD etc) through the Learning Company, taught by top-ranked university lecturers. You could give her, e.g. Opera Course + opera tickets out-of-town + trip out of town. Go to http://www.teach12.com/teach12.asp

How about sign up as a foster parent (or something similar where there is a connection to a place - e.g. an environmental cause), plus a trip to that place for later in the year? If she likes to learn, you could add some language lessons a deux.

Also if she really likes to learn, there are some great courses (on DVD etc) through the Learning Company, taught by top-ranked university lecturers. You could give her, e.g. Opera Course + opera tickets out-of-town + trip out of town. Go to http://www.teach12.com/teach12.asp

I have bookmarked that link! Thanks!

The foster parent or environmental cause is too mushy for me, but I echo your idea ^ . We've been calling these "learning blocks" in my household, i.e., study up on something and then go do a visit. In fact opera was one of the blocks we did several years ago, same with blues and jazz.

M8

OK... Here is the scoop. Been married for 29 years. ^

I am out of ideas for Christmas. We are at the point in our lives where we have about everything we need or want and if she needs or wants anything she will just go and get it.

Clothes are out. If you get a size too small she will just bring it back. If it is the correct size or larger she will just bring it back and get mad. :(

I know better than to get her kitchen appliances.

And when a woman says it is OK not to get her anything for Christmas don't believe her. You will only make that mistake twice.

She got a car for her birthday so it will be hard to top that. :cool:

So any ideas for gifts or trips would be welcome!

And do you believe holiday decorations are up already?

Your FT handle suggests that you two might not always spend a lot of time together because of your travels (just guessing!)

Perhaps the greatest gift you can give her is time alone together. Even if it's at home. Make reservations at her favorite restaurants or just plan a wonderful romantic weekend together. What better gift can there be than time together?

At the risk of getting flamed and drummed out of the club, may I suggest: since your wife already has all she needs and wants, spend Christmas Day serving others at a homeless shelter. It's an eye-opener and sure to make one appreciate all the more what one already owns.

At the risk of getting flamed and drummed out of the club, may I suggest: since your wife already has all she needs and wants, spend Christmas Day serving others at a homeless shelter. It's an eye-opener and sure to make one appreciate all the more what one already owns.

You'd NEVER get flamed on the Womens Forum for a wonderful suggestion like that! (Heck, you might not even get flamed on OMNI ;) )

If you don't want to give up your Christmas Day, you might think about giving in other ways. Last year, I went to the NYC Post Office with the intention of adopting one of the families who had sent a "Dear Santa" letter. The letters were so touching, that I ended up adopting two families (four adults and five kids). The families I chose didn't ask for GameBoys or gold earrings. They wanted winter coats, boots, sneakers and clothes for their kids.

Last year, I went to the NYC Post Office with the intention of adopting one of the families who had sent a "Dear Santa" letter. The letters were so touching, that I ended up adopting two families (four adults and five kids). The families I chose didn't ask for GameBoys or gold earrings. They wanted winter coats, boots, sneakers and clothes for their kids.

I'm in! (I figure if I can do the FT Secret Santa thing, I can sure be Santa for someone who really needs it)!

Thanks for the inspiration flyerwife! :)

DD

You'd NEVER get flamed on the Womens Forum for a wonderful suggestion like that! (Heck, you might not even get flamed on OMNI ;) )

If you don't want to give up your Christmas Day, you might think about giving in other ways. Last year, I went to the NYC Post Office with the intention of adopting one of the families who had sent a "Dear Santa" letter. The letters were so touching, that I ended up adopting two families (four adults and five kids). The families I chose didn't ask for GameBoys or gold earrings. They wanted winter coats, boots, sneakers and clothes for their kids.


That's very unlike the ones who soured me on that sort of thing. My old company did an "Adopt a Family" every year for Christmas, and last year's soured me on it. They asked for a Playstation 2 and a specific list of games for it, along with $80 tennis shoes. Asking for winter coats, boots, blankets, etc, makes me want to buy that and throw in a few toys or some such. Asking for a Playstation 2 and specific games, or $80 tennis shoes makes me say, "Are you crazy?" We get by decently, but we don't have a video game system, nor do we spend $80 on tennis shoes. The most I've spent on tennis shoes in ages was $50/pair.

That's very unlike the ones who soured me on that sort of thing. My old company did an "Adopt a Family" every year for Christmas, and last year's soured me on it. They asked for a Playstation 2 and a specific list of games for it, along with $80 tennis shoes. Asking for winter coats, boots, blankets, etc, makes me want to buy that and throw in a few toys or some such. Asking for a Playstation 2 and specific games, or $80 tennis shoes makes me say, "Are you crazy?" We get by decently, but we don't have a video game system, nor do we spend $80 on tennis shoes. The most I've spent on tennis shoes in ages was $50/pair.

Yes. I used to do the Salvation Army Angel Tree at Christmas (you pick a tag ornament off the tree and it gives a childs name, age and wish list), but I found that many of the kids had expensive PlayStation games (ok, I understand, you're a kid) and diamond earrings (hey, I want those too!) on the list.

I kind of felt like maybe their real needs were already being met.

Going into the NYC Post Office, I found thousands of letters, many written by adults that start out "Dear Santa, I'm not asking for myself, but my kids need shoes, a warm coat........". Really broke my heart. There were notes from kids who asked for computers "so I could do my homework like the other kids". And, of course, there were some notes that I just passed over because their needs didn't seem as dire as the rest.

For the 2 families that I did adopt, not only did I buy clothes, boots, jackets, but I also threw in some toys and some small gifts for the parents. I got my whole family involved and it was a heartwarming experience.

To keep on topic.....other nice gifts for those people that are hard to buy for would be golf lessons or gift certficates to the local golf course (of course, only if you are into golf!), trips to any special exhibits or places of interest (I'd love to go to the King Tut exhibit that's in LA now; I'd also love a weekend in Massachusetts where I could spend a day touring the Yankee Candle factory). Even a trip to see a long lost relative or the place where a person grew up might have special meaning.

:)

Yes. I used to do the Salvation Army Angel Tree at Christmas (you pick a tag ornament off the tree and it gives a childs name, age and wish list), but I found that many of the kids had expensive PlayStation games (ok, I understand, you're a kid) and diamond earrings (hey, I want those too!) on the list.

I kind of felt like maybe their real needs were already being met.

Going into the NYC Post Office, I found thousands of letters, many written by adults that start out "Dear Santa, I'm not asking for myself, but my kids need shoes, a warm coat........". Really broke my heart. There were notes from kids who asked for computers "so I could do my homework like the other kids". And, of course, there were some notes that I just passed over because their needs didn't seem as dire as the rest.

For the 2 families that I did adopt, not only did I buy clothes, boots, jackets, but I also threw in some toys and some small gifts for the parents. I got my whole family involved and it was a heartwarming experience.

Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks if you're in that dire need of necessities, you wouldn't be asking for Playstation games. Is the Dear Santa thing specific to NY? Are all of the families in NY?

To keep on topic.....other nice gifts for those people that are hard to buy for would be golf lessons or gift certficates to the local golf course (of course, only if you are into golf!), trips to any special exhibits or places of interest (I'd love to go to the King Tut exhibit that's in LA now; I'd also love a weekend in Massachusetts where I could spend a day touring the Yankee Candle factory). Even a trip to see a long lost relative or the place where a person grew up might have special meaning.

:)

If she's a fan of good cheese, plan a weekend in Vermont, and tour Cabot. Or, go to Wisconsin and do that. If she's a fan of wine, coffees, or beer, you can do a subscription to a (fill in the blank) of the month club, and they send different brands each month. Or, if all else fails, you can do a flowers of the month club, where they send her a monthly flower arrangement.

Going back to the original topic - I like the idea of something you could do together. What about ballroom dance lessons or something along those lines? You could give her the shoes and wrap them up with a "certificate" for the lessons. My husband and I have been taking lessons for a couple of years and we've found that whenever we lapse on taking the classes together, our relationship suffers.

[QUOTE=kipper] Is the Dear Santa thing specific to NY? Are all of the families in NY?

I know that here in the NYC suburbs the local large post offices do it too....unfortunately, last year they only had one day you could go choose the letters, and I couldn't make it. So I was in NYC anyway and went to the huge main PO on 33rd and 8th. I imagine there might have been some letters there from NJ but the majority that I recall were sectioned off: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens.

I would call your local PO. I think many of then do this with all the letters they receive addressed simply to "Santa Claus, North Pole".

(Sorry to be off-topic.)

[QUOTE=kipper] Is the Dear Santa thing specific to NY? Are all of the families in NY?

I know that here in the NYC suburbs the local large post offices do it too....unfortunately, last year they only had one day you could go choose the letters, and I couldn't make it. So I was in NYC anyway and went to the huge main PO on 33rd and 8th. I imagine there might have been some letters there from NJ but the majority that I recall were sectioned off: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens.

I would call your local PO. I think many of then do this with all the letters they receive addressed simply to "Santa Claus, North Pole".

(Sorry to be off-topic.)

I may do that this year. Thanks!

My wife loves to do home renovations. So I buy her power tools (Radial and Table saws, etc.) and she loves it. It may take her a while to get some projects finished, but she thinks of me whenever using them.

Since she now has pretty much has every power tool she could (ever) need, I am down to Plan B. Plan B is certificates for SPA treatments, her favorite method of relaxation.

This is a great forum with great ideas. Thank you all.

Some weekend trips could be great! She likes old stuff and hates anything from this century or the last! She likes Amish or Shaker. Hmmmmm.

Why not act on something you know she likes? A trip to Amish Country or a beautiful handmade quilt; maybe some furniture? If she collects these types of things, you will know what she likes just by looking around your house.

But remember...diamonds are a girl's best friend... :D

38 years: I've found that it's easier for me if I don't wait for a particular "day" to buy the gift. If she mentions it, I'm buying and giving immediately. From books, to watches, to diamonds... I try to buy it before she does and certainly don't attempt to "save" it for a holiday or special occasion!

She does the same thing for me - and it works for us.

We both have both been known to buy things for ourselves and give the other credit... "The UPS guy just delivered the XXXX I wanted, thank you so much." ;)

In my case, it really is the THOUGHT that counts.

Lucky me. :p

I love you dear... now about that Crossfire convertible I was looking at...
(typical man, right?)

I got my boyfriend a Briggs & Riley rollybag that he never would have gotten for himself. Now he thinks of me every time we fly. I also got him a little kit bag and it's the same thing. We enjoy traveling together and it's nice to be in a hotel room somewhere and say "see honey, here's the bag you got me..."

Along the same lines, how about a language class? Maybe there's a language she would enjoy learning. I'm not sure where you are, but many colleges offer evening learning courses like this.

I thought of an idea for a weekend get-away - selfishly, it's my own dream get-away but maybe your wife would like it too? A trip to the Hotel Hershey, complete with spa package. The chocolate mud bath looks like pure heaven.

Here's one I've gotten in the past and loved (if you don't already have it)...

Maid Service!

on a similar vein, is there a landscaping project or home project you've been wanting to do (not so much a new roof but new decorating or changing up the flower beds or something)... maybe arrange for a weekly gardener to help in the yard

What about regular (weekly. monthly, whatever) in-home chef service, where someone comes in and prepares a nice dinner to enjoy at home?

Does she like to cook? There are several local, organic farms around where I live that offer vegetable subscriptions, where they'll deliver their harvest to you weekly. You can have fresh, beautiful goodies from the garden weekly to turn into scrumptious dishes for the two of you to enjoy.

A weekend afternoon on a sailboat on a nearby lake with a picnic lunch.

A quiet, romantic evening at home or at an easy to get to getaway destination with an elegant dinner, rose petals sprinkled to the boudoir or drawn bath, fireplace lit, maybe a string quartet or violin hired for dinner, etc. leave every detail taken care of: bag packed (maybe with new clothes, or at least a new, silky nighty thrown in), transportation and time off arranged, etc. You know: Fabio stuff.

A friend of mine recently received a CD from her father for her birthday that he had made recounting her life through snippets of songs. He started out with the music he and her mother listened to when she was in utero and went from there, all the way up to the present. It brought her to tears. (granted, the dad is a musician and had his own recording studio available to engineer the CD...)
There are several adaptations of that sort of gift that could be done: collect memorabelia lying around the house that represents key moments for the two of you: ticket stubs, an old watch band, a piece of fabric or lace from an old dress, etc. Compile it in a book with sentiments written beside each item expressing how it reminds you of the different ways your love is special and wonderful blah blah blah. Or pick out a handmade box to put them in, maybe tie a ribbon with a pice of paper with each sentiment written on it to each trinket.

Have you thought of the Ventana Inn in Big Sur, CA? www.ventanainn.com. It's very romantic any time of the yr but especially beautiful in the Spring when the wild flowers are blooming. Happy Holidays! Sandy :cool: OK... Here is the scoop. Been married for 29 years. ^

I am out of ideas for Christmas. We are at the point in our lives where we have about everything we need or want and if she needs or wants anything she will just go and get it.

Clothes are out. If you get a size too small she will just bring it back. If it is the correct size or larger she will just bring it back and get mad. :(

I know better than to get her kitchen appliances.

And when a woman says it is OK not to get her anything for Christmas don't believe her. You will only make that mistake twice.

She got a car for her birthday so it will be hard to top that. :cool:

So any ideas for gifts or trips would be welcome!

And do you believe holiday decorations are up already?

bag packed (maybe with new clothes, or at least a new, silky nighty thrown in),

I'd kill DH if he packed a bag for me, or even got me a silky nighty. I'm definitely a sweats and tee person for bed, and hate anything frilly or open, as my legs get tangled, and frilly just isn't comfy for me. As far as the packing a bag, only do that if you're absolutely positive what she'd want to take on the trip. DH typically has no clue what I want to wear, and as such, would probably pack nothing I'd really wear.

Have you thought of the Ventana Inn in Big Sur, CA? www.ventanainn.com. It's very romantic any time of the yr but especially beautiful in the Spring when the wild flowers are blooming. Happy Holidays! Sandy :cool:

I'd love my husband of 36 years to surprise me with a couple of days at the Ventana. Their site is beautiful.

But top it off with an anniversary ring. The center diamond should be at least a carat.

Rita

deleted

Does your wife have a favorite book or author? Perhaps, a book which has sentimental value? I have always loved signed First editions . If this would be of interest, see: http://www.abebooks.com/
Scroll to rare books or do a search for a particular author. Maybe a Signed First Ed of Erica Jong's Fear of Flying if that book resonated with her.Feel free to PM me if you have any questions re: rare books.

Buy the New York Times (or her home town paper, if available) front page on the exact date that she was born and recreate some activities from that period - be it riding on a hot air balloon or horse/donkey drawn carriage to a romantic dinner (or surprise her by inviting her childhood friend(s) to join). Anything that shows her you've put some serious thought to it should be appreciated.

How about a trip here:

Harbin Ice and Snow World (http://www.rtoddking.com/chinawin2005_hb_if.htm)

(don't forget to click on the sculpture page)

Any chance of getting an update from the OP on what you decided to give her? (inquiring minds want to know!)

I'm coming late to this, but here are some things I would like for the holidays, none of which I will likely get....

A mother's ring (the kind with the birthstones of all your children in it)

An elliptical trainer

A garden in the front of my house, professionally planted

A family trip to Italy


Of course, if your wife is getting things like a car for a gift, she probably already has all of the above!!


Good luck....

Any chance of getting an update from the OP on what you decided to give her? (inquiring minds want to know!)
Well first of all thanks for all of the great ideas!

Irishred, Katja, Sonora and Kipper - Jewelery is right out. I don't know anything about it. Way too much chance for me to do something really stupid. :confused:

Jamie - Male stripper? What's he got that I ain't got?? Oh yeah. Looks and a figure! @:-)

Daringdoo - Tickets to a favorite author. Last weekend we went to see Dr. Steven Levitt author of "Freakenomics" lecture. Stupid me forgot to bring the book for him to autograph. :(

CandaceG and Sylvia Hennesy - Dance lessons? That would involve me. That would not be a pretty sight. ;)

Vulcan - Power tools. Nice thought but I am apparently a few years ahead of you! Been there done that! :D

Pat89330 - Amish weekend. It's in the plans! :-:

Bgmvp - Toys and cars. Driveway is way too full now. :D

Ksynyc - Bags. She has her own and some of my retired bags! ;)

CandaceG - weekend. Just did one at Henry Ford/Greenfield Village in Detroit. Thanks! :cool:

SandyWeb33 - Big Sur trip. I may have to put that on the calender! ^

Joporto - Ice and Snow World. Yep. More Calender work! ^

Skepticallie - Pictures. Our daughter does lots of that! ;)

BusyBee - NYTimes. Actually that was one of the things I did when we first met! It kind of set the tone! :D

Obscure2k - Books. Yep she likes books! The house leans to one side from the weight!

VickiBurton and Kate Canuck - Volunteer. We may have to look into that one! Thanks!

Anise - Time at home. is there such a thing as a "Curse of FlyerTalk"? Since I joined I have done only 3 trips for work! Now I am riding the train at least until next May! (Bright side is comfy seats, on time and no TSA!) :D

Swise and Retio - Quality Time at Home....I have spent time remodeling, gardening, cooking etc. I think she is tired of looking at me! ;)

OneTess - Trip to Italy. We will do that! I have always wanted to see Rome and the Colosseum (now those guys really need a new stadium)! She would rather go to obscure places that have food. As if all of Italy doesn't have great food! We will have to work that out! :D

Also a new digital camera for her trips. She wore mine out taking pictures of our sea anemone. :cool:

Happy Holidays and Thanks One and All! :D

This thread is easily one of the most useful and valuable threads I've yet seen on FT!!
Hope nobody minds if I "steal" a few of the excellent ideas.
Thanks all!

This thread is easily one of the most useful and valuable threads I've yet seen on FT!!
Hope nobody minds if I "steal" a few of the excellent ideas.
Thanks all!
Cholula Hopefully, Mrs. Cholula will be the beneficiary of this fine thread. Having met her, I am certain that there are many suggestions which would be appreciated.

As usual, Cholula, you are too CUTE! Lucky Mrs. Cholula - she will love your ideas!

This thread is easily one of the most useful and valuable threads I've yet seen on FT!!
Hope nobody minds if I "steal" a few of the excellent ideas.
Thanks all!

I'm pointing my spouse in the direction of this thread and hopefully he'll take a hint from the ideas I suggested ;-)

We all something we dreamed about "being" when we grew up and didnt get to do. Some of these vacations look really awesome http://www.vocationvacations.com/

I say send her to do something she always dreamed of.

...but as a newbie and also someone who used to work for AA arranging these things for husbands all the time, may I suggest the one that blew me away?

Husband and wife married for many years, and luckily he knew all of her favourite movies, a particular passion of his bride. He decided to do 12 trips (1/mo) with the missus, but did it as a Treasure Hunt. Every week, he would leave her small clues about the upcoming trip in the laundry, in her briefcase, on the dashboard, taped to the mirror after he had went on business out of town, etc. The trips built on one another: NY area for Kodak plant, etc, and Niagara Falls to replay scene from Monroe's "Niagara"; North Carolina for Outer Banks and area from another fave "Cape Fear"; Rome, London and Paris for an Audrey Tour...the end cumulated in early spring the following year for a 6th floor hotel suite (complete with a rented tux and gown!) across from the Oscars. They even got a chance to be a seat-filler at the last minute, thanks to those same rented clothes. :-:

For 52 weeks she put these clues together and eagerly anticipated the next adventure. After completion of the Hunt, little did he know that she was already doing something for *his* likes, too. Hers was the movies, his was famous 'game' sites: Yankee Stadium, Berlin Olympics, Chicago's Wrigley Field, etc. They raved about the experience, even when things went awry a few times with baggage and work...highly recommended and a good travel person/good travel site can help a great deal.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll get this one right, too. :D

Fair Dinkum Flyer.....welcome to FlyerTalk!
And, hey, that is going to trump everything I had planned for this Christmas!! :( :)

If my husband did something like that treasure hunt even once, I think I might faint from shock. What a remarkable couple that they did that for each other. Thanks for sharing the story!