How to Buy a Thank-You Gift for a Spouse

One of the best ways to make a spouse feel appreciated is to buy a thank-you gift. You might be saying thanks for something big, like sticking together through a tough time, or you might be saying thanks for something small, like helping with housework while you recovered from a cold. No matter what the situation is, a thank-you gift is a good idea.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Think about the reason for saying thank you. If your spouse has done something truly momentous, like moving cross-country with you so that you could take that dream job, you may want to buy a very special thank-you gift. If your spouse has done something nice on a lesser scale, like making a great dinner, you may want to buy something a bit smaller.
2. Consider your spouse's interests. If she loves golf, buy her snazzy new club covers. If he adores being in the kitchen, buy him a colorful cookbook.
3. Understand your spouse's state of mind. Maybe she did something nice for you because you're both undergoing a lot of stress. Repay the favor by giving her a set of aromatherapy candles or a gift certificate to a day spa.
4. Write a note to accompany the thank-you gift for your spouse. Let him know how much he means to you and how much you appreciate what he did. Often, the note is just as meaningful as the gift.
5. Choose a special time to give your spouse her gift. Present it to her over a glass of champagne or during a quiet moment before the hectic day begins.

Tips & Warnings

• Thank-you gifts are welcome any time and for any reason. Surprise your spouse by giving a gift on an ordinary day--in other words, not just on Christmas or Valentine's Day.