Okay, I need some help. What should I put in my wife's stocking for Christmas? Her main gift is a video iPod, but I also need some <$20 item for her. In the past I've gotten her a SAK, a photon III light, Swedish firesteel, a nice lighter, etc., but now she has all the basics. She doesn't go into the woods, she's strictly an urban lady, and a very "girly-girl" at that. She doesn't like knicknacks, candy, jewelry, or fishing lures. She likes cooking gadgets, but it judging from our kitchen's buldging drawers and cluttered counters I can't think of anything she doesn't already have. Please help me!

-Blast

A pair of VERY nice deerskin (leather) gloves? Call them driving gloves and then point out that she can wear them for other purposes to protect her "girly-girly" hands?

A nice silk bandanna, er, scarf?

I'm sure you'll get more ideas...

Yes, scarves- Thai silk is usually dirt cheap, and there are some amazing looking scarves. Down side is they are usually shipped straight FROM Tailand, and the ship time is a little longer than you have for stockings.

There was a book I saw last year that was basically requisit skills for an action heroine, from the same crew that writes the worst case senario books.

Ooh, I want "The Action Heroine's Handbook" too. That would be awesome.

Does your wife already have an emergency whistle or pepper spray? How about one of those kabutons (provided she will know how to use it), or other type of concealable defensive weapon?

What I always liked to find in my stocking are favorite toiletries and makeup that I'm running low on. The good stuff can be pricey, but often you can find it in travel sizes. Really good makeup brushes are of similar calibre to artist's paintbrushes (meaning that quality really makes a difference).

That's if you want to go the girly route, of course. Really, sharp pointy things are great, too!

www.mulberrywood.com Tell David Kav sent you. They are in Colorado and have super service and incredible Thai silks

Good gifts for a lady or a "girly" at 20.- are difficult to finde as long as you don?t want to go for some cheep [censored] but I believe you?ll not.

The ideas on silk scarfs and gloves mentioned here are pretty well, I think. Of both a women can?t have enough. For example the materials and colors of gloves have to match to or "communicate" with her shoes and handbag and most women have a lot of both ... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As Christina mentioned, your wifes favorite toiletries/makeup/perfumes and so on might be fine gifts as long as you really know what you?re doing/buying: Wheather you match the right colors (for example) you?re the knight in the bright armor - if not your only one of those hairy unwashed stupid guys ... <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I?ve toke the challange, succeed and now I?m her farvorite counselor in all questions of style <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> (unfortunatly to keep her pace I?ve to read lots of boring women's magazines)... <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Molf

I like the "Action Heroine" book idea, perhaps coupled with a spandex body suit...

She has a whistle, but stopped carrying pepperspray after too many problems at the courthouse. Her main method of self-defense involves biting, scratching, and really pointy elbows. I don't think a kubaton would be any improvement.

I guess when I said she was a "girly-girl" didn't mean she liked frilly stuff, accessories and make-up. More like she thinks the outside of the house is mine, the inside is hers. Her idea of fashion involves comfort above all else.

*sigh* Maybe I'll just give her a coupon offering my services as a complaint-free beast of burden for a day of shopping. She may be hard to shop for, but given free reign at the mall she always manages to find a number of must-haves...

I still have a few days left so any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

-Blast

You mentioned kitchen gadgets -- how about stuff for a camping kitchen? Folding spatula, Lexan utensils, mini salt & pepper shakers, etc. Or maybe: mini sunblock, hand warmers, small good-quality compass.

This isn't really sub-$20 range, but how about an "IOU" coupon for a nice day hike together and a dinner out afterwards wherever she'd like?

Good luck! It isn't easy... <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Kinda in the realm of "cooking gadgets" (Bonus: you've satisfied that need to get her "gear" <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />).



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My wife sounds alot like yours. She loves kitchen gadgets (and like you, I am running out of stocking stuffer ideas for those).

I am getting mine a set of custom scrimshawed ivory grips for her 1911. Jewelry for her gun. What more could a lady ask for?

Greg