theUprising

Listen up men!  If you break out into cold sweats at the sound of words like “Valentines Day” “Mother’s Day” “Birthday” “Anniversary” “Arbor Day” because you know that you should do something nice  for your wife but you are paralyzed by fear because the blender you got her last year didn’t go over so well then here is a tool for you.

This is a list of gift ideas given by the wonderful women of Valley Church (your wife may have contributed to this list so PAY ATTENTION!!)

· Prepare a spa like environment out of your bathroom including bubble bath, candles and soft music then read out loud to her, Song of Songs chapter 4.

· Prepare a pedicure area with warm water in a tub, fresh bath towel and her favorite toenail polish. Wash and dry her feet then paint her toenails.

· Come home early or select a time when she is out of the house and prepare her a meal by yourself and set your dining room table remembering the candles and a babysitter if needed.

· Arrange for a sitter or babysitting coop exchange, then call your wife and tell her to dress formal for the evening.  Take her out and don’t tell her where you are going until you get there.

· Surprise her by taking the day off of work and wisk her away for the day.  Nature walking, ice cream, antique shopping, museum or picnic including prayer time and share with her what you are currently reading in the Bible.

· Turn off the T.V. ask her how you can pray for her, what is going on this week and then pray about those things out loud with her right then.

· Encourage her to look at a photo album with you, open to a special page and begin to reminisce on where God has taken you both, what is currently going on and where you will be going together as a part of God’s bigger plan.

· Place a sticker on your home calendar or grease board reminder board for “DATE NIGHT”  Then 3 weeks in advance while you take those few weeks to plan tell her nothing.  You make all the arrangements.

· When the kids are in bed and the dishes done turn off the T.V. and computer, turn out the lights, light a candle, turn on soft music and dance with your wife, have a tissue ready she will cry.

· Something that shows you really know her personally, instead of a generic gift. For example, jewelry with her birthstone rather than diamonds; or a heart shaped pendant instead of the trendy “Journey pendant.”

· Massage

· Manicure / Pedicure

· Flowers are always great. Maybe a flowering plant.

· Plan time away. (A weekend or an evening that YOU have planned all the details, even childcare!)

· A gift card for her favorite hobby place.

· A framed picture of the kids that you took (or you had taken)

· A handmade card that you and the kids made. That shows her that you spent time with the kids and models to them how much you love her.

· Love letter

· Chocolate

· Carnations (they last longer

· Bath lotion (body butter)

· Scrunchie and bath items

· Breakfast out {quieter and cheaper }

· Clean the house (especially the bathroom and laundry)

· Read a book to her

· Foot rub

· A deep conversation about future goals/wants (more than the daily/weekly schedule, kid activities, and the grocery list)

· Forget the crowds – have dinner brought in for a restaurant

· Back rub or foot massage

· Devotional book to read together throughout the year

· A kind, hand-written note or letter

· A trip to her favorite outlet mall and a shopping spree

· A nicely framed photo of the two of you or your family

· A date completely planned by you

· Anything that sparkles and shines

· A love letter placed on my pillow with a single red rose

· A surprise getaway to a bed and breakfast