Originally Posted by noveltyjunkie
Interesting reading. Early on in my relationship with my DH it bothered me that he was really bad at choosing gifts for me.
I would still be thrilled if he would one day surprise me with something I would love, but I am no longer expecting that to happen. And I have made peace with it.
But it does bother me when he says that the best gift he could get would be to be excused from buying me anything. I can't help hearing that as him not caring, even though I know he loves me very much and he shows this is very practical ways. He just hates shopping.
We share all our money anyhow so if he is not happy to pick it and I am paying for it in any case, why make him conduct the transaction!
Perhaps you could lovingly tell him that you could give him his gift of his not having to buy you anything, and explain how you love to get a surprise and that gifts don't have to be bought. That it is the surprise that delights you. And if he needs further explanation ---He can make something for you if he has a hobby or interest, or he could arrange to have someone else make it. He could make you a set of coupons for things such as giving you a back rub or foot massage, going to a movie (if you like going to them) of your choice, picnic where he prepares the food or orders it and picks it up, day trip to someplace you'd like to go. Or a set of once a month coupons that you pick a place or activity. If he thinks about what you like he should be able to come up with some assortment of things that would be fun for you. He could write you a letter about things he appreciates about you, then you can go to it to read anytime.
If he isn't too creative he may need some ideas to start with. And sometimes guys just need things like being surprised explained to them. Hope you have some luck with this.