Christmas gift ideas for cruising wife

[ErBrown]

Howdy folks,

My wife and I will be in Abaco for a little holiday cruising this year. Since we'll be there over Christmas I'm trying to come up with a special little something for Christmas morning to surprise her with.

We don't usually do Christmas gifts for each other, opting to just make it special by doing something special together but since this will be our first Christmas on the boat, and we'll be spending a couple weeks in the Bahamas followed be a little over a week long sail back to Texas I want to surprise her with something small but special.

So ladies, if you where spending your first Holiday season away from your family and friends, on a new to you boat. What would be something that would help make the trip a little more enjoyable for you? Needs to be small enough for me to pack.

Thanks,
EB

[a64pilot]

I'm no lady but,

truth be told, this is probably your boat, right? If so buy her a nice ring or similar, not boat stuff. After all she is going on your boat with you for Christmas, right?
Really, what woman wouldn't like a nice diamond?
Easy to pack too

[ErBrown]

Yeah thought about that, but really not her style. As surprising as it probably is to most folks, the boat really is OURS. She's every bit as interested in getting out of the rat race and doing some cruising, as I am.

That being said, I'm really not looking to get her boat stuff but something she can enjoy while we're in the islands. She's not a girlie girl, and would probably be mad at me if it was anything expensive. Still, I'd like to find a little something special to surprise her with Christmas morning. Just having a hard time coming up with the right option...

[RTB]

This is Mrs. RTB. Here are some suggestions: swimsuit and/or cover up, fun Christmas costume jewelry or Santa hat, a collection of her favorite bath/hair/skin care stuff, a "gift certificate" for an evening or just dinner ashore, books or kindle certificate, a few treats (candy/chips/whatever she likes), sandals/flipflops, tunes (CD, mp3), a favorite movie, a small battery operated fan.

[Liunatic]

Since you're talking Christmas morning, maybe a special breakfast-in-bed type thing? Like your wife, I am all about the boat, and not into the jewelry and such, bit I think we all (men and women) like a little pampering.

Or maybe a massage at an island spa somewhere for those tired winch-grinding/sail hauling muscles?

Although, the way you describe her I suspect just being aboard with a loving husband/partner/shipmate in a tropical location is enough to satisfy her.

Happy holidays!

[Bulawayo]

I've bought my wife a new Kindle with the new 'paper' screen and 3g connection, they have just been released to the market - I've received mine this week. She reads a lots a lot and this new model has a fantastic screen and is easy to read after dark whilst not needing recharging too frequently (claim once per month). Hope to goodness she does not read this!!

[Jeff Bacon]

My new Mantus anchor just arrived, and I wraped it up and put it under the tree with her name on it. Basically a joke, but, I also want to let her know that the boat is ours, together.
Quick and easy boat gift is from BoatUS..... they will custom make floating keychains with whatever color combination and whatever wording you want on the floating part of the chain ( high density foam is the best way I can describe it). It may be too late to order for Christmas, but, FedEx might be able to salvage that problem. I got a set with her name on it and a set with the boats name.

As an aside, as I do not want to hijack the thread, I would be very interested in your timing and itinerary returning to Texas in just a week. Things like, around the south end of Florida, or through Lake Okeechobee, overnight sails, across the Gulf or ICW all the way.
Sailing to Texas is on or bucket list, but we also love the Abacos and Florida.

Good luck with the gift

[oldragbaggers]

I was also going to suggest a Kindle if she doesn't already have one. I love my Kindle (I have the Fire HD) and read more than ever now that I have it. If she does have one then an Amazon gift card so she can load some books, music or whatever on it.

[lesterbutch]

Perhaps its just me but I didnt get an answer to the original question from the responces. I was interested because I face the same dilemma. My wife also is a full participant in all aspects of the boat. She is as competent as anyone I know around boats. So what do I get her for christmas? ( I already got her a new sailing harness w/ teather and personal GPS locator.). So what now a bit more personal?

[anacapaisland42]

What a bunch of reprobates!!

Pedicure
manicure
hair,
Spa day ($$ ?)

and a bottle of champagne back on the boat.

[JPA Cate]

ErBrown,

Not knowing your good lady makes it difficult, but....
1) prescription mask for snorkeling, and new fins
2) her own headlamp so she doesn't have to readjust yours for her night watches
3) image stabilizing, light gathering binoculars (yes, she'll share, if you ask nice!) ;-)
4) good set of fids for splicing, if she likes splicing

I'll also second the ideas of the massage, and the Kindle, if your knowledge of her leads you to believe she'd like either.

You might also ask one of her close women friends for ideas.

Ann

[bobnlesley]

...something that would help make the trip a little more enjoyable...


There's nothing says 'I love you' like...








a new set of oilies.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

ErBrown,

Not knowing your good lady makes it difficult, but....
1) prescription mask for snorkeling, and new fins
2) her own headlamp so she doesn't have to readjust yours for her night watches
3) image stabilizing, light gathering binoculars (yes, she'll share, if you ask nice!) ;-)
4) good set of fids for splicing, if she likes splicing
..........

How about a new vacuum cleaner or electric iron?

The rule that every man should know is don't give your wife or girlfriend anything that plugs in or uses batteries. Nothing to make her "job" easier, nothing practical.

Someone mentioned a bathing suit. How are you going to get the size right? It had better not be too big and it had better not be too small.

A day at a spa, a basket of nice smelling things, jewelry, a nice dinner out, these are the things you should be thinking of.

[a64pilot]

I made the mistake many years ago of buying her a Dishwasher, I really thought I was doing a good thing.




I'll never do that again, I'm stupid, but I learn fast.

[GILow]

Tell me about it. Five years ago I bought her a bunch of stuff, jewellery included, and just for a laugh added an ironing board.

Guess which Christmas gift she remembers?

Matt


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