How To Buy A Handbag For Your Wife

With my wedding anniversary just a few weeks away I went into my “what to get her this year” mode. With each anniversary it was becoming a bit more of a challenge to find her something different and something she would use.

It came to me; I had never bought her a handbag before. That would be just the ticket for two reasons. First, she would never guess what  her gift would be and second, easy shopping. I mean how hard could it be, buying her a new purse? All I needed to do would be to look at what she has now and find one just a little different.

I really do not want anyone looking in my wallet, and I use that same thinking when it comes to my wife’s purse. This was an emergency; I needed to see what she normally carries in her purse. Boy, did I get my eyes opened. I didn’t know if I should be worried or impressed.

I have never imagined that so much “stuff” could fit into my wife’s purse. Then I thought, “she’s got everything in here; how does she remember where it all goes?” It kind of reminded me of the junk drawer I have in the garage. It’s full of things I need and keep in one place and I don’t  have to be organized about it, but I know where to find what I need…. with a little searching.

Never, Never, and I mean never get into your wife’s purse unless you have a map.

The day started out great, I had planned this for a week or so. I would go to the mall and visit some of the shops that I had seen my wife go into. I could ask one of the clerks to help me, get a little advice, make my choice and be on my way. I couldn’t believe the selection that was there; a full wall, several shelves and racks all showing off the latest fashions. I didn’t know where to start and headed to the first clerk I saw.

The clerk began to ask me several questions. What would my wife be using it for; everyday use, evenings, special occasions, or for work? What color did I have in mind and what type of material was I looking for? Did I want a small handbag, a handbag with straps, or was it a ladies purse that I was interested in?  Was it to accessorize a dress or outfit? The shape and size would need to be determined also.

She asked if I knew what my wife would carry in it. The vision of what I saw in my wife’s purse earlier brought the thought to my mind; “possibly the kitchen sink”. I told the clerk what I had seen in my wife’s purse and she said that the list was fairly common amongst women.
I didn’t realize that there were rules for handbag shopping. What…. you mean that each handbag or purse has a special job? After all a purse is a purse right?

One of the lessons that I tried to learn was- Leather is the best… but there is leather and then there is “leather”. So if you get her a leather handbag get the “leather” one. Huh?

The clerk immediately recognized the state of confusion I was in and offered a great solution. She told me that she helps many husbands with the same gift buying experience. And what she suggested was a nice gift certificate that would allow my wife to come in and make her selection and I would still be a wise and loving husband for the beautiful gift that I purchased.

Walking to my car I began to smile to myself going over the lessons that I had just learned. I thought; “I wonder if I should add that to my resume?”

Copyright © Alvin Reed
 

Alvin Reed