My husband is an excellent gift-giver. Me? Not so much. I do try. I just feel I always fall short, while he knocks it out of the park.
Our birthdays are next month—two days apart—and I’m already starting to feel the pressure. He has mentioned wanting some fancy-pants shoes, but there are still decisions for me to make about shoe types. I don’t want to blow it. I know he will bring his A-game. Loser.
My gifts do tend to lean toward the practical because there is less chance for failure. I at least know he will use it. They are also boring AF. Can you say khakis and a polo?
I’ve tried to buy other shit too, like a nice pen set for his desk with his name. He did not like it and I think the plaque with his name eventually fell off. Oh, well. Then there was the bug deflector I got him for his new truck. That was five years ago and it is still sitting in the box in the garage. I blame this gift’s failure more on his laziness. He said he wanted the damn thing. I sure as shit don’t know how to install such a device.
The best gift he ever got me was for our anniversary several years ago. It was an Apple HomePod. That thing is fucking brilliant. We use it constantly and that bad boy is a serious sound system. It sounds great. I use it every damn day. All my favorite artists keep me company whilst I prepare dinner. This gift also came with AppleMusic for the family which has changed all of our lives for the better. Any song at my voice command? Yes, please!
At some point in time, my husband has bought me every possible Apple gift—iPad, AirPods, HomePod, a watch—you name it. I love Apple products and have enjoyed all these gifts. Since I like all my Apple goodies so much, I decided to spread the Apple love. I bought him AirPods for his birthday last year. Guess what? The damn dog chewed them up. This is my typical luck with gifts. I seriously can’t win. It’s a curse.
I think part of the problem is that I’m just easier to buy for. The hubs is a challenge. He would probably disagree with this statement, but I stand by it. Men are harder to buy for in general, I think. His hobbies are limited and he has everything he needs. Yes. I realize this is a first-world problem and one we are very lucky to have.
I guess it is time for me to take to the interwebs in search of the perfect gift, which I’m certain does not exist. The closest I have come is a nice stand for his turntable. That was just super cool because of the awesome crate it came in. It was epic! He had no idea what I got him and that crate weighed a ton. It sat unwrapped under the Christmas tree for three weeks. He was so perplexed!
The art of giving gifts is hard. I believe either you have the ability or you don’t. I’m pretty good with others, but I fail my husband, and that is my cross to bear. Maybe I’ll do better with my second husband. Dare to dream.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
