Gotta keep [Christmas Gifts] on the down low

Peen

I could use some help from fellow forumers, especially the ladies (you know who you are.) I'm about halfway done with my wife's christmas gift and I'm going to get the second half on Monday; problem is, I'm not sure what to get. I'm using a relaxation/stress-busting theme this year and I've already gotten her nice bath products and a neck wrap/eye pillow combo.

I've got $50 and I need to buy things that are in stores (in the US, in PA), to avoid having to enter what I get in the checkbook and to avoid trouble with shipping (cut it close last year, not going down that road again.)

Halp?

badpoet

Go to a Bath and Body works, they usually have gift basket things with aromatherapy, candles, bath stuff in it. Otherwise, see who much an hour massage is and get her a gift card for one.

illirica

Have you considered going to a local salon and scheduling an appointment for her to get a manicure or something like that? They would probably let you pay cash in advance (so you don't have to spoil the surprise) and give you a receipt for having paid and a card with an appointment date/time on it. You could also ask the people at the salon if they had any other ideas that your wife might enjoy.

Backstop

I find a good way to circumvent spousal checkbook snoopification is to go to the grocery store and get gift cards. You write the check out to like Giant Eagle and say you had to get some donuts for a party at work.

However, I am sure the pre-paid manicure or massage is a great idea. Last time I got my wife a massage they also let me pre-pay the tip so she didn't have to dick around with that either. They didn't require that I actually set up an appointment, I just got a card that said it was good for an hour massage redeemable at the convenience of her majesty.

Blake T

Can you pay with paypal and have your own password for that.

Usagi

Pre-paid mani/pedi is a great idea, massage can go either way because some people aren't comfortable with strangers touching them (but I'm sure you know your wife). Other fun things might be a month pass to a local yoga studio, good smelling candles, or everyone's favorite body store: Lush. I don't know where you are in PA but there should be one hopefully close, because they're fantastic, almost all their stuff is vegan so very low on the skin-irritation scale (and their massage melty bars are just great for couples relaxation :winky:)

Dulcius_ex_asperis

You could probably get her a spa treatment -- massage or facial or mani/pedi. Personally I love mani-pedis and facials, but if she's really stressed a massage would probably be awesome. $50 is a bit low on the massage scale, but you could maybe get her 1/2 an hour?

Seconding the rec for Lush. They have amazing stuff, and the massage bars are especially great. You could also get her a bath bomb, which will soften up her skin.

You know her, so you know what scents she tends to wear/likes. Lush has some great stuff, none of it is crazy expensive. Personally I prefer Lush to Bath and Body Works or other chains.

VisionOfClarity

I love the socks you can get that keep your feet all nice and soft. Thinking of things I would love, a really nice, soft, fluffy robe comes to mind. Or some comfy slippers. I just got a nice foot soaker from Brookstone, it was about $98 or so but I know you can get less expensive ones. You could always go with a chocolate and desert wine combo as well. One of my favourites is Rosa Regale (good but cheap) and some truffles or chocolate covered strawberries. If you want to spend a little more Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose or Moet & Chandon Imperial Rose, you can't go wrong with either of those.

onceling

If your wife likes being pampered by strangers, alone, then the spa is fine. I prefer going with friends though because it feels weird to sit there talking to strangers who are massaging me.

I second Bath and Body Works, they have soft slippers, robes and blankets this year for christmas, and they have aromatherapy scents (as mentioned before) in burners, lotions, massage oils and candles. Whichever she prefers. They also have Twisted Peppermint (and Gingerbread!) back in stock for Christmas which is the best lotion ever.

VisionOfClarity

Personally, I say stay far away from Bath & Body Works. I haven't shopped there since I was a kid because the scents are really heavy and now they actually upset my sinuses because the scents are just awful. I'm going to third Lush because the scents are much lighter and while they have warm and fruity scent they're a bit more grown-up. Or if you're near KOP you can hit Sephora, they carry quite a few lines there including Philosophy. I don't like Philosophy as much as Lush but it's still a step up from B&BW.

Peen

Thanks guys I appreciate the thoughts. I've got the bath side covered; she's crazygonuts about Lush, but has a ton of their stuff already, so I got some handmade stuff from Etsy that's similar but different enough from what she has to be ok.

I like the massage idea and I'm going to check it out but like people have said $50 is a little low to get a decent package (although she gets mine for free :winky:) so I'm probably going to keep that in reserve for Valentine's day.