Comments on: Why We Buy Crappy Gifts for Our Spouses.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 05:11:03 +0000

I’m with Steph; my wife & I do a fairly good job of getting each other good gifts, mainly because we talk regularly and communicate well, and remember the subtle little non-hints that come up at random in conversation.

I use a similar approach with my kids, but tend to listen less to what they’re asking for in the time leading up to a gift-giving event, and more to what their true likes & dislikes are. For my three boys, gift giving is easy; I usually look for something I’d liked to have had at their age, combine it with what I’ve gleaned from the above tactics, and get a winner most every time.

But my daughter… That’s a different story. And a true challenge.

By: Miss Cellania

Miss Cellania — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 04:42:48 +0000

Now, how are they going to explain spouses who never buy gifts at all?

By: sandra

sandra — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 03:59:46 +0000

I found this article reassuring! I’ve been married 11 years and feel like I always choose crappy/lame gifts for my husband even though I really want to make them special.

By: Steph

Steph — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 03:43:55 +0000

Though I can see how this might be true, I don’t think it applies to all cases. My husband listens to the things I’m excited about and stores away the knowlege to surprise me later. I do the same for him. As a result, gifts are almost always hits. It probably helps, though, that we’re both nerds.