

Between the economy and the commercialization of the holiday season, it can be a challenge to find unique and original gifts. And when it comes to the woman in your life, the challenges are compounded. Twittermoms has a great Holiday Gift Guide (that’s even tweetable over Twitter) and other mainstream sites have special deals, but for those men looking for an original gift this season, perhaps something romantic can be considered:
Write her a love letter
Just because you’re in a committed relationship doesn’t mean romance should die. Write something to make her remember why you two fell in love, and rekindle the love you have for each other. When writing a love letter, be sure to write it in longhand. Believe me; I’m not being picky. Typing it and printing it out is not even slightly similar to actually writing a letter to the woman you love.
Give her a full body massage
Nothing screams seduction and sensuality like a full body massage. TAKE YOUR TIME. Soft music, candlelight, and rose petals are the modus operandi. And be sure to warm the oil in your hand first, paying attention to areas that you might not “normally” pay attention to during romantic times: hands, feet, arms, calves.
Have a carpet picnic
Winter doesn’t lend itself very readily to outdoor dining, but a bottle of wine, great cheese, fruit and a fireplace might beat Jack Frost. Hot chocolate and s’mores can also lend a romantic hand.
Create something unique and crafty
Throughout the 18+ years of being together, my wife and I have shared many holidays, birthdays, and special occasions… many celebrated with gifts: bracelets, necklaces, clothes, trips, negligees, earrings, etc. What does she remember most? What is looked upon as the unrivaled “gift of gifts”? For the holidays, I went to a crafts store, and bought an unusual jar—a bit squatty, with a unique lid—and I hand-painted it. I then spent two-and-a-half weeks writing my thoughts—by hand, on little slips of paper—1,000 reasons why I love her. Each one began with “I love you because…” and was followed by one reason I love her. That jar sits on our mantle, and she regards it as the best gift she has ever received.
The holidays are commercial enough. Make this one something unique.
You also might want to check out:
Some of my girlfriends LOVE when their men give them pedicures. (I hate it, but thought I’d mention it).
I would also consider it the ultimate gift if my husband told me to take the day off from being a mom. He would do all the cooking and parenting and maybe, just perhaps, I would sleep all day!
Let’s see, other great gift ideas for the woman in your life:
* Let her pick the movie, and do not once complain about it
* Give her an "It’s all about you" day. You are her servant. Hey it’s just one day!
Really guys, you don’t have to think big. Think meaningful. The small gifts filled with meaning can really have a more lasting impact on her then a diamond ring (unless of course you are proposing) or a sweater.
Unless of course over the past six months she has been talking about a sweater that she really really wants. That would really show her you listen to her. Even making a slide show presentation w/ your favorite songs to pictures would also be huge. Work, yes, but huge.
A card that you made or actually took the time to write in your feelings and what you think about her, how she impacts your life, what she means to you. Those are huge things.
I know men have such a hard time opening up and expressing yourself but to most women intimacy is linked to sharing, holding hands, talking and expressing yourself. If I could leave you with one thing, open up to her. Talk to her. Really take the time to get to know her and listen.
Anyway that is just me. Things are just that things. They can show your love but more often then not, it is the simple things that really matter more then the grandiose things.
Good luck!