What should you get your wife for Christmas?

Since my husband keeps asking me what I want for Christmas, I thought I'd give all the guys out there some good ideas for their wives and girlfriends.

Don't:

• First, don't buy jewelry unless you know exactly what she wants and likes. The salesgirl at the mall store telling you that all women love a particular necklace or want x, y or z type of earrings is not a reliable recommendation. An email from your significant other with a photo of what she wants IS a reliable source.
• Don't buy the tacky knickknacks that her mother suggest you buy. She hates her mother's taste and even if she doesn't, her mother may be trying to trick you into buying something she'll hate. Trust me on this.
• Don't buy her kitchen gadgets or clever cleaning supplies. She may want the dirt buster 500X, but she does NOT, I repeat does NOT want it for Christmas. Ditto on baking pans and can openers.
• Don't buy anything related to YOUR hobby. While she may not mind going fishing with you, you are not fooling anyone when you say that new fishing pole is for her. You know, I know and most importantly, SHE knows that it's really for you.
• Do NOT. And I repeat do NOT buy her a membership to weight watchers or the local gym. I don't care what she has said about working out more or wanting to lose weight. Ditto to makeup or makeovers. To you she is beautiful just the way she is and that bears repeating: To you she is beautiful just the way she is.

Dos:

• Do buy things you've seen her looking at or have found bookmarked online. If she's into fashion sweaters, jackets or t-shirts similar to your favorite that she already owns are a safe bet so long as you know her correct size. Do not, however, ask her mother for a recommendation or for her size. See the don'ts above!
• Do buy things that she has specifically asked for.
• Gift cards are safe, albeit boring. Still, they are a good bet if you have been together a short enough time that her feelings won't be hurt that you don't know what to buy. They are also a "safe" purchase if you have been together so long that she knows you have no idea what she likes and she loves you anyway!
• Do buy items that are useful, but not related to household chores. For example, a travel case for her ipod, a booklight for the avid reader or an organizer for her car if she drive alot are all thoughtful gifts.
• Do look for something with a romantic or personal twist. Something reminiscent of your first date or the place you met is always appreciated. It shows you care and you remember exactly when you met.
• A trip to a SPA for a massage or other relaxation (NOT BEAUTY!) treatment is also a great gift. We all like to be pampered!
• Do think about what she actually likes. While the purple and red feathered bird sculpture her mother suggested may not match her black and white loft apartment, the neat black and white painting of a cityscape will not only match, but will show you bought it just for her. (Unless she's told you she hates cityscapes.)

Finally, do remember that everyone has different tastes so if one of these suggestions sounds nothing like your significant other, ignore it!