True love is when your husband gives you a toilet seat- A lesson on gift giving.
A few years ago my husband and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary and our 10th Christmas together. So what did my husband buy me for a Christmas/Anniversary project??? A new toilet seat!!
Now, I know most of you probably think that was a horrible gift idea, but to me it was perfect. It showed me that my husband 100% gets ME.
When I think about the PERFECT gift, it is something I WANT but probably would not buy for myself, is practical, and something that fits into our budget. (That year our budget was about $30 each.)
I always have a list on the refrigerator that is titled “What I want”. Whenever I think of something I want (not need) I add it to the list. My list has things like a watering can, brown tablecloth, flour sifter and up until that year a toilet seat. Several people who have seen my list have commented on how boring it is…but I guess I’m just boring 🙂
I will never going to buy myself any of the things on the list because they are wants not “needs”. The items are my list are all truly things I WANT and would all make my life easier and happier.
Why did I want a toilet seat?
Our current one was gross looking because the white finish was rubbing off and no matter how clean it was, it always looked dirty. Money is very tight for us, and I didn’t want him buying me a gift just because he felt like he had to.
Well, he undertands me and bought me a toilet seat, and I loved it.
My gift of a toilet seat was so much more than just a toilet seat. It showed me that my husband gets me. He understands that I don’t want jewelry or things a typical wife probably wants. He can trust me when I tell him the boring things I want, that I really do want them and it’s not some trap to get him in trouble. He understands that staying on budget is much more important to me than any gift. (By the way- Do those car commercials where the husband surprises his wife with a new car upset anyone else?? I’d kill my husband if he did that!).
Disclaimer–
To other husbands reading this- I promise NOT ALL WIVES want toilet seats! Some could get really mad if you buy them one in fact.
Learn what YOUR loved one wants. Don’t listen to what other people or advertisements think you should buy!
Want more tips on shopping this Christmas? Read 3 Tips for Getting the Best Deals this Christmas
One Response
You are so right! Back when I bought gifts for my whole adult family I was always short on funds and overextended my credit card. One year I asked for big bags of birdseed, because I love watching birds at feeders in winter. Another year I asked for payment of my cable bill, because I also love watching TV in winter. Those two gifts from Thom will always stand out as the best. He also liked them because he didn’t have to go to a “women’s store” or department where he felt uncomfortable.