Looking for some gift ideas for my wfe

[msg]

Having a hard time deciding about a couple gifts for my wife, could use some perspective or ideas.

A bit of context: kid #2 was born six weeks ago and my wife's currently on leave from work until December. So, gift options are a bit constrained by those circumstances. Clothes don't currently make sense until she's back in fighting form. Being home with a newborn limits her time and, more generally, our ability to do stuff together, e.g., travel.

Obviously, providing my wife with rest and time to herself are important. And, I'm doing that. I'll probably buy her some spa/massage time as well. But, I'd like to find her a few gifts as well. She works at a stuffy law firm and is perfectly capable of treating herself, to both gifts and experiences, but she rarely does so.

I don't have a specific budget in mind, but, for the purpose of discussion, let's say a budget of US$1500.

1) Shopping gift certs: As I noted above, buying clothes doesn't make sense and I've never liked gift certificates as a gift, especially to someone you know - it feels so impersonal. But, she does like clothes/shopping, so maybe a bunch of different gift certs to various stores (Barneys/Anthropology/etc) would be fun. Still, seems like a boring gift.

2) Watch: my wife doesn't wear a watch currently. In addition, she works at a stuffy law firm, so her ability to buy fun/interesting clothes/accessories is a bit limited. I know nothing about watches, unfortunately, so I have no idea what brands are "good." There's a jeweler we've used for years who sells Ebel and Frederique Constant - the latter has some pieces I like, but then I saw the brand for sale on Overstock.com and that seemed lame. Any suggestions on brands would be appreciated!

3) Bag/Purse: my wife has a few bags/purses, but nowadays she's usually carrying a diaper bag. So, I was thinking about this purse from Mulberry, as it could even be used with the diaper bag.

http://www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c6198/7735/moreviews/

I don't know much about the brand, except that it gets a lot of attention. There's some bag named after Alexa Chung or whatever that's impossible to find and the Internet is obsessed with, but I did like the simplicity of the above purse and the color. No idea whether the quality is good or how the prices reflect quality vs brand recognition. I'd be open to any recommendations for other brands as well - women's fashion is not something I'm very familiar with.

Suggestions for the above categories would be appreciated as well as any other ideas!

 

[TheFoo]

Women are really picky about handbags--I'd try to find out what she likes before making a move.

What about jewelry?

 

[Douglas]

yeah, jewelry.

 

[Piobaire]

Start off with hiring a maid/house keeper if you don't already have one.

 

[gomestar]



Start off with hiring a maid/house keeper maria if you don't already have one.

ftfy

 

[HRoi]

I asked my wife for you and she said, are you close enough to the beach or the lake where you can put the kids with someone and take a day trip where you drive her to a spa and then she can sit by the water all day and do nothing?

 

[HansderHund]

Well, she's short on time, so I say why not give her that? Surprise her at a time, say 10:00am, and give her 24 hours of pampering. Get a babysitter or have parents/in-laws take the kids and take her to lunch at her favorite place. Take her shopping and to a movie that she's wanted to see. Maybe a nice hotel in the nearest city and a great dinner. Order room service. Plan breakfast somewhere and then when you get home, tell her that you'll take care of the kids for the rest of the day and give her some alone time.

 

[msg]

Thanks for the ideas.

Jewelry is an option, but I bought her some stuff for kid #1. Pearls might be an option, but they've always seemed so old lady.

The house is already cleaned, although for anyone else in this position that's a great idea.

The day trip and hotel are both nice ideas, but impossible currently until the newborn is a bit older.

 

[acidboy]

if you're going for a clutch, you could definitely do better. I suggest a valextra