Stuff it, boys. Gifts Moms Want.

**The following is an article from our friends at Motherwords Magazine. Make sure you tell your wives about this great magazine.**

Hold it right there! This is your stop. Take out a pen, paper, Blackberry, whatever you need, because THIS is what we want stuffing our stockings. No crotchless panties, no flower bouquets with fern filler. We want stuff we can use! Gift certificates for pampery, feminine stuff, house stuff, personal stuff—just stuff we don’t normally like you to see on the receipt, ok? Maybe a little something special in a pretty package? Don’t tell me you don’t know how to wrap. That’s what the gift-wrap section in the mall is for. Usually manned by cute little college girls on vacation from school. See? Something for everyone.

Spa certificates:
If you know where she gets her hair done, you’re in a good place. Find out if the salon is also a spa. If not, ask her friend, you know the one—with the long, perfect nails and porcelain skin. She’ll know…and then some.

If you want to spoil her with a really nice spa at home kind of thing,
Blissworld.com is worth every dime you’ll part with. Also on the beautification path:
Sephora.com—They also usually send an additional little gift to present with your certificate.
M.A.C Cosmetics (maccosmetics.com)—Free shipping every day on makeup purchased on-line. Score!
Kiels.com—Might be the ticket if she prefers a more down to earth option (less foo foo, but still effective and loved) Hey, you can grab some free samples of their men’s products while you’re there. Good stuff, and not overly scented.

Clothing certificates:
Know your lady’s style.
J.Crew—High-end classic, somewhat trendy.
Gap—Still the place for jeans and everyday clothes.
Ann Taylor—High-end office and evening attire.
Ann Taylor Loft—More laid back than the flagship store with casual office and weekend wear.

Stuff for the house certificates:
There’s just some stuff she knows you’ll nix if she brings it home. So get her the certificate and let her get more candleholders if she wants them. C’mon it’s once a year.

Pottery Barn
Crate & Barrel
Williams-Sonoma

Bling
Be careful here. Nothing says “I don’t know you anymore” like a cheesy broach. If you don’t know her style (chunky silver, delicate gold, nothing but diamonds…) or she hasn’t pasted pictures of a certain piece all over the house, you might want to steer clear of jewelry. However as far as jewelry is concerned, you can never go wrong with a pair of diamond stud earrings.

Bags
Coach—It just can’t miss, but be forewarned, you’ll be emptying out your own moneybag to pay for it.
Kate Spade—Great quality, adorable style, less expensive than Coach.
Tods—In between Coach and Kate Spade
Prada—This is the summit of high end

Naughty stuff certificate:
OK, maybe crotch less panties but let HER pick ‘em out.
Victoria’s Secret- Pretty trustworthy all around.
La Perla—The ultimate in lingerie

For ladies in waiting, check out due maternity.com

And if you insist on braving the lingerie department yourself, check out askmen.com/love for a few pointers before you enter these hallowed halls.

Camaraderie:
A subscription to Motherwords magazine, www.motherwords.org.
A brand new magazine for moms that faces, embraces, tackles and celebrates motherhood with a sense of humor. A total bargain for the mountain of information, conversation, and stimulation she’ll get—all while you’re enjoying the fabulous things she’s planning to get for you.