Last
week (Nov. 20) on Facebook, I posted, “Coming soon...a men's guide and suggestions to
Holiday shopping. Stay tuned.”
Well,
here it is. With over 20 years in the grocery/retail related industry combined
with over 26 years of marriage, maybe, just maybe there are a few things that
might help my brotherhood of men. Enjoy!
1.
If she says, “I don’t want anything for
Christmas,” don’t you dare believe it.
2. Can’t emphasize this enough—LISTEN to your wives
or girlfriends. When they mention something they like, inquire right then. Ask!
Write it down as quickly as you can and file it away. Hey, it’s my blog; I can
tell this….years ago, Santa was in a Wendy’s. As we walked in we spoke to Santa
and Renita said, “Santa, don’t forget my diamond earrings.” Clue…and she loved
it and when she got them she said, “How did you know?”
3. Ask
her girlfriends, co-workers to whom she is close or friends at church has she
given any clues of something she would like. Then, go for it.
4. Never make your shopping last minute. Now, you
might have to “last minute” due to work or commitments, but you already know
what you need. Yet, the earlier you get it the better off you are. Trust me…come
out of the gates running. Because, there just might be a last minute gift or
two that needs to happen—then, you’ve got the time for it.
5. Best time to shop—Tuesday nights. Usually a slow
night and you can work at a pretty good pace. Set the time aside and work your
list.
6. Ask questions for clarification of store
employees that are ladies. No, I am not being sexist or anything of that
nature, but if I am looking for something Renita has mentioned, I will ask a lady
about it because ladies speak the same language. Plus, the ladies are trained
to help pitiful looking men.
7. Gift cards and certificates are good as a
supplemental gift…ONLY. If that’s all you will do, it appears you are not
thinking about it—too last minute. Yes, I know the reason, “Well, she can get
what she wants.” No, no, no, no…buy as close as you can and assure her if she’d
like something else, you’ll gladly go with her and get what she’d like. Yeah, I
said, go with her…we only have them once and it’s not going to kill you.
8. More on the gift cards and certificates…cold,
hard cash works great, too. Keep the cash idea in mind for the next one...
9. Don’t dare purchase anything that has to do with
housework or weight loss. No kitchen appliances. If she asks or hints about any
of these items, find out the price and give her cash. See #5 and #6.
10. If you attempt to buy clothing, know the size.
If you guess, you best guess on the smaller side. You best know the difference between
petite, misses and junior, too.
11. You have the right to say, “Baby, I love you…but
the day after thanksgiving at 3 AM is not for me.” Great time for girlfriend outings.
Now, if there is an item she wants and that’s the best time to get it; get with
it…by yourself…or, wait until the following Tuesday.
To some
guys, they might read this and say, “Man, Jeff, Renita’s got you trained.”
Nope, I’m not a puppy to be whipped with a newspaper…but I love my girl. When
the Lord said it was not good for man to be alone, well, I agree. I’m sure not
going to disagree with the Lord.
And, I might
be a sissy…but I’m a happy spoiled one!
Have a great,
merry Christmas! From the Wildwood (via the hills).