Saturday 12 May 2012

Gift Woes

So, after two long weeks Theresa is finally back from her Pharmacy rotation. From what she told me via Skype calls she was stuck in this dinky town with nothing to do. Also, her roommates were kind of idiots but you didn't hear that from either of us.

So that's great. Except she's leaving for China in a week. And while she's there we're not going to be able to celebrate our 4 year anniversary together. And while I'm disappointed by this, I'm more worried by the fact that my Anniversary gifts may not be ready.

This isn't good.

I figured it's better to get an early gift than a late one. Who's ever been upset at receiving an early present? And I don't mind giving her her gifts early it's just that they mostly haven't arrived yet.

See, I generally like to order things online. I've had a higher rate of success with online gifts for Theresa. And normally I account for late shipping and what not by ordering early. Ordering a month or two in advance means the gifts arrives just in time for Christmas or her birthday.

But the fact that she's leaving before our Anniversary means my ordering schedule has been completely thrown off. And I'm now I'm being forced to think of what I can get her in replacement with the one week I have left before she flies away.

All I need is a towel and I'm set.

I've discussed Theresa's present preferences in the past. See, most girls are easier to buy for. They just point out a designer bag, fancy dress, some jewelry that they want and bam, problem solved.

Theresa hates all of the above items. In fact, I'm certain she despises all of the stereotypical girlfriend gifts including perfume, beautification products, lingerie, etc. etc.. The only thing she doesn't mind receiving is adorable plush toys but I've gotten her way too many Squishables so I might want to stop with those for a while.

Thanks to me, there's barely any room left for her to sleep on.

So, any ideas of what to do? I'm thinking of baking something for her (not cupcakes, she hates cupcakes) if I can't figure out a decent lunch combination to cook. Maybe I'll find something on a date that'll catch her eye? 

That's the other thing that bugs me. She's the kind of person that looks at something that clearly interests her but refuses to let you buy it for her. It's infuriating. And she wonders why I resort to buying things online in the middle of the night.

I'm pretty picky, just like her.

So if anyone has any ideas to share with me that's great. I'm hoping Theresa is too busy packing to read this post. Sweetie, please just make my life easier and give me something decent to get you. I'm not taking "nothing" as an answer.

40 comments:

  1. Best of luck in getting Theresa a decent present before she goes away buddy, I think your idea of baking her something is a great one but I could see why that could be a bit hit or miss so I'm not that sure. My father always told me the perfect way to a woman's heart when it came to presents was jelly babies because it satisfies all of her primal instincts, sweeties and babies. Somehow I don't think getting Theresa jelly babies under that premise is the best of ideas though.

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  2. Love this post, thanks for sharing this with us!

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  3. You sure are taking the surprise away if she reads this post! :0

    I don't know what to suggest. I don't personally know her or anything.
    Bake her an awesome cake, take her out for dinner? It's all about the thought man, that's what counts.

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  4. Book tokens? Amazon vouchers?
    Good luck!!

    Take care
    x

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  5. Can you make her a nice romantic dinner? I love it when my husband makes the effort to cook for me. I also like jewelry (I'm a little stereotypical that way), but it never has to be anything elaborate or super expensive. A bracelet, some earrings - something simple. After 4 years, you probably know her style and should be able to pick out something she'd wear. Or you could get her a gift certificate for a massage, since she's probably going to be worn out from packing! Good luck :)

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  6. Well if she is reading it totally ruins the surprise. I think baking her something would be best, maybe something for her to eat on her trip. That way it doesn't have to be something in a meal. Maybe just a bag of cookies or something. For anniversary style you can cop out and make them heart shaped. That is, if they allow food on the plane. Something tells me they won't.

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  7. I guess go get her one of those things you've seen her want but wouldn't let you get in person with her.

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  8. Wow she sounds hard to buy for, at least your definitely putting thought into it, that should score some points. I shop online too, so hmm throws my ideas off as well.

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  9. I'm picky too, I hope the gifts get to her

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  10. Why not try make something for her? Something from the heart.

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  11. What about something she can use in China, like a pocket English Chinese dictionary unless she already knows how to speak Chinese.

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  12. Well, I mean, you've got gifts for her. Why replace them? Give them to her after her trip, regardless of how long that is. She seems the type that wouldn't mind too much. Maybe I'm wrong.

    Why not just.. you know, spend time together? Just go somewhere without knowing where and enjoy her presence to the fullest before she goes. Nay?

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  13. not being able to celebrate the anniversary together sucks ;(

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  14. What about, instead of lunch, making her dinner? With the limited time you have and the fact that she hates the stereotypical girlfriend gifts, giving her something you made would seem to me to be the best approach. As long as you don't give her a fake dog turd or ceramic frog-smoking-cigar that you made in elementary school.

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  15. I would just say another stuffed animal, though she apparently has a zillion of them. Get he a big fat stuffed Eric Cartman from South Park. That'll be different.

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  16. Lunch?? How about a quiche (you can buy a ready make pie crust and make the filling)? Or a fancy grilled cheese sandwich? Does she like cookies? Pick her favorite, go to AllRecipes and search for a recipe with good reviews then scale it down...maybe a half batch (leftover cookies usually freeze well). I hope she appreciates your thoughtfulness :)

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  17. Eh I dont know I always ponder on what to get people also I always go for things that last a long time like a few years ago my dad gave me a leatherman and things like that are great think of him every time I pick it up

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  18. i dont know. this is difficult. get her a nice phone ? like a smarter phone ? lol.
    happy anniversary to you both, btw.

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  19. I have no idea too! Happy anniversary to both of you!

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  20. Hmmmm if she likes stuffed animals - how about some awesome furry house shoes? My friend had some Pikachu (however you spell that) house slippers and he loved them lol... I'm trying to think of something she could use on her trip but I don't know what she might need in China.

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  21. Maybe its me but I think its the thought that really counts?

    You already are getting her gifts, its just that they haven't arrived yet since she's leaving early.

    Hope you two can enjoy some time before she leaves for China.

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  22. haha. I like your girlfriend :D I hope you find something good for her. I'm a natural at getting people bad gifts. But since you want us to share ideas...well...if she likes music, get her some of her favorite music records, maybe limited edition ones. :)

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  23. Well, how about a good book? If she's into that kind of thing.
    I think the baking idea is great. It's something personal that you made the effort towards. Bake her a birthday cake or something.

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  24. All my ideas are dirty, so I'll keep my mouth shut :X

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  25. Ugh... I hate picking out gifts for people. Good luck, man!

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  26. In some ways your lucky my friend dooney and bourke bags aren't cheap I tell you what.

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  27. I've always thought it's easier getting gifts for girls compared to men...

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  28. Happy 4th anniversary, that is awesome. My bf had a 5 star chef cater a 4 course meal for me on my bday, I love that. Maybe an idea.

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  29. Four years... That sure is a long time. Happy anniversary!

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  30. arrange a gift which is receive as soon as she reaches to China.
    on Airport , flowers or new mobile

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  31. Traditionally the 4th anniversary is linen or silk, and going to China, what about a silk wrap or scarf? Or you could go down the birth-sign road and buy her something with a birth-stone in it. Such as I am Pisces and amethyst is my stone.
    Back-packs, new cases or books I think would be my choice...but I also collect teddy-bears and have loads of books, so I know how you feel.
    I've never had any problems buying on-line either.
    How about a scrap-book for all of the photo's she'll take or a special book just for her, made by YOU! ;)

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  32. Good luck finding a good gift.

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  33. If she's not into the typical girlie stuff, is she into gadgets and the like? My gal loves getting things like Kindles, iPods, iPads, etc. Pricey but worth it in every way :-)

    Great blog by the way!

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  34. I totally hear her on the looking at something but not letting someone buy it! lol Makes you feel less greedy ;)

    I like the whole baking idea! Ever make red velvet cheesecake brownies? Ohh, they are to die for! They are red which is perfect for an anniversary and you can play it up. Serve it in a cute tin and tape a witty, matching mug on top! Who doesn't like a cute mug to sip at work and/or school?

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  35. This is so sweet. People say it is the thought that counts but they don't know what they are talking about. Women love jewelry and accessories, handbag watch what not, get something thoughtful , that's all matters.

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  36. you can make her a scrapbook with photos of you and her together!

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  37. Since she's going to China, is there anything you can get her for the flight? Happy anniversary!

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  38. Haha, sounds like my girlfriend. She hates all the stereotypical girl stuff too. >< Hmm... I think the only things I've gotten her besides stuffed animals are DVDs and books... So maybe something like that?

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