Gain "Best Boyfriend or Husband Ever" Status this Christmas (Part two)

It's never been a secret that shopping for the opposite gender can be difficult at times, especially for those men who may not be experts in the shopping department. But like we discussed in the first part of this two-part series, as long as you go to the mall with some ideas, fresh perspective, and knowledge of her sizes- it's not as bad as it seems (even if the mall is a zoo!). The hardest part of christmas shopping for your significant other isn't just getting organized and getting to the mall, its getting the creative ideas in the first place. 

And that is where we come in! For someone who struggles with coming up with unique and creative ideas or someone who has been buying for the same person for a long time, coming up with an awesome gift can seem like the ultimate challenge. But we have gathered together a list of ideas that will guarantee you'll be giving yourself a pat on the back this Christmas morning. So hands off the lingerie, step away from Victoria's Secret, and listen up!

1. Ipad Mini Retina

The original Ipad Mini was pretty awesome, but now loaded with a jaw-dropping retina display  and high end A7 and M7 processors, the updated one is even cooler. So if you have a tech-lover for a wife or girlfriend, you might want to head over to your local Apple store for this Christmas.

2. Joseph Joseph Mezzaluna 

For anyone hitched to a chef or someone who loves to cook, look no further! This unique knife is definitely the next trendy item to have in the kitchen. The strong, curved blade slices through herbs and vegetables with speed, accuracy, and efficiency and will have them whipping up delicious dishes in no time (so this is a gift you'll love too!). 

3. Pantone Coffee Maker 

Now this is a present I would love to have under my tree! And if the woman in your life loves coffee as much as I do- this would be the perfect gift for her as well. The small coffee maker isn't just stylish, but also comes with a variety of cup-size options, ranging from a three-cup version to a nine-cup version. 

4. Apple iPhone 5S

Not much has to be said about this suggestion! All of the buzz on the Internet and from your friends speaks for itself. Next to the upcoming updated Samsung Galaxy, this is the most talked about phone of 2013. Equip with metallic casings and other ridiculously cool features, the new version of the iPhone 5 is flying of the shelves this Christmas, so if you want one in your wife's stocking this year you'd better get to the nearest Verizon ASAP. 

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5. Housecleaning services

Wait, a maid for Christmas? This is definitely one of the more unique gift ideas I came across but when I gave it some thought this is actually an excellent idea for a present. If your wife hates cleaning as much as I do, buying her a package for a housecleaning service will allow her to relax and put her feet up on her days off from work instead of catching up on household chores. Who wouldn't want their Christmas present to be to come home to a sparkly clean house every week! 

6. A Bath set

One of many women's favorite ways to unwind is with a nice, hot bath. If the woman in your life likes to have a soak after a stressful day, help her to completely unwind with a fancy bath set- something you can find at countless boutiques, department stores, your mall's Bath and Body Works, and so on. And complete the experience by adding a comfy robe and fuzzy slippers! 

7. Drybar Blowout Box

Treat her hair this Christmas with the ultimate hair-drying experience. The Drybar Blowout in a Box is an ultra-sleek and stylish blow dryer set complete with three different attachments, a brush, and three styling products. 

8. The Misfit Shine

Now this would be something my mom would love! If your wife or girlfriend is crazy about fitness, this gift has to be your next purchase. The Misfit Shine is a small and sleek

fitness tracker, that measures everything from steps taken to calories burned even while you're asleep! The best part? It wirelessly connects to your iPhone or Android, keeping you up to date on your stats at all times! 

While lingerie and jewelry can be nice, give her something different this year that will really surprise her and make it the best Christmas morning possible- for both of you! 

Gain "Best Boyfriend or Husband Ever" Status This Christmas (Part 1 of 2)

This 2-part blog is for the fathers, husbands, and boyfriends out there! It's no secret that shopping for the opposite gender can be a bit on the difficult side sometimes, whether you are new to the game or have been in it for a while. It can feel like the ultimate challenge to try and find a gift that wraps up unique, romantic, functional, thoughtful, and personal all into one without making your wallet cry. 

But through observation, research, and just being- you know- a female, I'm here to rescue all you confused men and tell you how you can be the guy patting himself on the back this Christmas morning.

First off- know her specific sizes/measurements- and if you don't: ask her for them.

If you are planning on purchasing any type of clothes, shoes, intimates, ect then this is crucial! 

A few years ago, I accompanied my father while he went Christmas shopping for my mom. We were in White House Black Market looking at dresses and the sales lady presented my dad with a question most women would find obvious- well, what size is she? My dad hesitated for a moment before looking at the woman and answering with a response most men would deem reasonable; "Umm, probably about your size. You know, similar height and build." 

And my dad is not alone. During my time as a retail sales associate, I had countless interactions with lost husbands wandering the store blindly looking for something that seemed like the right fit for their significant other. And I  would help them as best as I could, but it's tough when they don't have any knowledge or numbers at all. And the guy who would walk in knowing all of his wife's sizes and measurements never failed to impress us sales associates- so be that guy. How can you be that guy? By just asking her! If you don't want to give anything away, ask far in advance and ask for all her measurements- even if you only need to know her dress or bra size- so she can't make any guesses (which she will try to!).

Second, don't be afraid to ask for help.

If at any point you are roaming the store and a sales associate asks you if you need any help, unless you are completely 110% sure of what you are going to get, don't hesitate to take her up on her offer- that is what she is there for! She is familiar with the store's products and can contribute some female perspective. 

Again, when I was a sales associate, I loved interacting with the customers and helping them out, especially when it was a boyfriend or husband trying to pick out something special for their girlfriend or wife. And reaching out for help isn't just limited to sales associates- if you need some fresh opinions or creative ideas there are no better people to ask then her girlfriends, sisters, mother, or even your teenage daughter! 

And lastly, newcomers keep in mind that "stereotypical" gifts aren't always a bad thing, and for returning players- don't be afraid to change it up. 

For any men in a brand new relationship, there is nothing wrong with falling back on some of the classics- jewelry, chocolate, flowers, lingerie, and so on. Just because these ideas have been done many times before doesn't mean there aren't still ways to get creative and it doesn't mean she wouldn't still love them. Switch out the diamond studs for a pair or gold hoops, trade the gold bracelet for a trendy new Alex and Ani bangle, ect. 

And for our men in longterm relationships, try switching it up this year and doing something really different! I know you've been getting her favorite Chanel perfume for the last 10 Christmases and she has come to expect it- but this year how about surprising her with something unexpected! And don't worry about her being disappointed when she doesn't get her usual perfume (just make sure the new gift is better, kidding!...Sort of) because trust me, she will most likely love the change! I know I'm not a husband, but when I was little I knew my mom loved candles, so I bought her a different scented Yankee Christmas candle for about ten years, and that Christmas morning finally came where she opened up something from me other than a candle, disappointment probably wasn't the word that came to her mind! 

Pick out the Christmas gift that will win you Husband of the Year based off of these unique and creative suggestions in the upcoming "How to Gain Best Boyfriend or Husband Ever Status This Christmas" Part Two!

To learn more about Modern Moms and The Mom Code, please visit ONCEKids Publishing website, Facebook and Twitter