The ideal gift idea....

Posted by Tandarin Nike Sunday, October 17, 2010 7:46 AM
I'm not good at buying gifts.

I start worrying about it in April, and by the time October rolls around I'm in full panic mode. Call me spontaneous, but I prefer when my failures surprise me, not when they are scheduled for October 27th every year. By this time of year I feel as if I'm tied to the railroad tracks, I hear a whistle in the distance, and it probably isn't a bullet train.

When it comes to gifts, they say it's the thought that counts, but I can't even get that part right. Whatever the hell I'm doing is more like the Dalai Lama clearing his mind and meditating, but without the relaxing part.

When I try to think of an appropriate gift for my wife, all I see is nothingness. The problem might have something to do with my own view of material goods. I can walk through a shopping mall for hours without seeing anything I'd want to own more than I'd want to lug it back to the car.

For example, if I see a shirt that looks nice, I can't imagine why I'd want to own it. I already have shirts that keep me warm. It won't make me look more attractive, unless I wrap it around my face, and I buy two more to stuff in my shoes so I'm taller. For some reason my wife prefers it when I have new shirts, which is exactly why I get shirts for my birthday, shirts for Diwali, and shirts for my anniversary. And I have been led to believe there is a holiday called National Shirt Day.

I am guessing that some of you have the same gift-buying problem that I do, minus the crazy parts. I propose that we stick together and come up with some sure-fire gift ideas to make our own lives easier. I will prime the pump with this suggestion, and you can thank me later. It's a company that sells sterling silver necklaces, gold plated and hand-stamped with (wait for it...) the names of a woman's children: Allukas Designs.

Aside from the obvious brilliance that jewelry is always a correct gift for women, when you add the names of her children, it takes it to another level. That's the "thought" part you keep hearing about. I am told that gold works for just about every woman and goes with just about every casual outfit.

Plus, unlike a ring or clothing, there are no sizing issues. I already got this gift for my wife last year, so I can't use it again. (Full disclosure: Shaila told me to buy it for her.)

Okay, now it is your turn. Leave your gift ideas in my mail box or in the comment area, with links if you have them. The ideal gift idea should show some sort of thought, have no sizing issues, and be priced in the spouse-gift range.

Put some thinking into it because in all likelihood you're deciding what my wife will get for her birthdays for the next ten years.

7 Response to "The ideal gift idea...."

  1. Ankush Naik Says:

    Haha, wonderful post. Haha, good luck with the gifting thing though, Dad. I have a long way to go so I will let you handle it for now so that you can help me later. :)

  2. Tandarin Nike Says:

    Thanks Ankush for laughing it off. Have just nine days to go, so if something crops up, please do let me know. May be Alok has something to suggest. Am waiting........

  3. Unknown Says:

    Well written post!! extremely witty and fun to read! Best of luck in the selection of the gift 4 mummy, its not easy... but anyways, let u assure u by suggesting to u what i'd like for my bday. Nothing too fancy, just a FM radio with a car around it..! There! suddenly life has been made much simple!

  4. Shivani Singh Says:

    hahaha...you sound just like my husband.Hope he reads this post.Will tell him to... so that he can hear an echo.Hahaha.
    Let me share the wifey part.If you know what she is very passionate about then it is easy.
    Maybe you can take her out and let her buy for herself what she's been wanting to have for quite sometime.
    Or if she loves jewellery then it is not a bad idea.But do ask her the colour of the metal...white or yellow.
    This i am saying is because my penchant is towards the white.
    Maybe even Pearls.
    i guess for most of us it is what we are very passionate about.
    i would suggest therefore to concentrate on her likes and gift her that.

  5. Tandarin Nike Says:

    Thanks Alok for the suggestion. Have seen a perfect FM/AM radio wrapped around a merc at 'TOYS-R-US'. Thats what you will get when you arrive here next time..... thats a promise.

  6. Tandarin Nike Says:

    Shivani, I like your suggestion. Will take her out and let her buy for herself what she probably has been wanting for quite sometime. Incidently, I have to also think of gifts for my twins who have their birthday next sunday. Planning to give them some kind of a surprise. It's quite a task but will think of something.

  7. Shivani Singh Says:

    mmmm...Tandarin i think gifts for boys is way too simple than buying gifts for girls.
    BOY TOYS...look around and you'll find the answer in electronics,gadgets that should speed up all the processes and last but not the least automotives.
    i see that one of the twins has already made his choice clear.
    Anyways please don't forget to wish your wife and your wonderful twins on our behalf.
    Best of luck and don't push yourself too hard.Follow ur instincts for from what i know You would be the best gift to your wife and your twins.

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