The Hubby's Favorite Gift

My hubby, who is the self-proclaimed King of Christmas, is incredibly difficult to shop for. The majority of the things he wants are either way too expensive, or they are something that the man needs to pick out himself... like the vintage Fender Telecaster that has been on his list for the past few years. It's a problem.

In the early years of our marriage, the man would go into some kind-of trance and begin buying everything that he ever wanted during the four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I cannot even begin to tell you how many gifts I had to return during those days.

I would end up completely frustrated and the hubby... Well, he would wake up to a near empty stocking on Christmas morning. Ah, memories.

Thankfully, our marriage survived and the hubby gave up his self-shopping ways. I, on the other hand, have started paying careful attention to everything that the hubby mentions wanting during the year.

Apple releases a new Magic Mouse and the hubby comments that it's cool... I order one. He ponders that he would like to watch the new Kings of Leon DVD... I buy it. He wishes he had a pair of black Blundstone boots... I track down an enormous size 13. When my loot arrives, I wrap it and stash it in the attic or under my side of the bed for safe keeping until Christmas Eve.

I am happy to tell you that the hubby was pleasantly surprised by what he found under the tree. That said, I must admit that I was surprised by his favorite gift.

Like myself, the hubby is a lover of good coffee, specifically espresso. After doing a little research, I purchased a Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker and a set of Bormioli Rocco Verdi Espresso and Cappuccino cups.

The hubby wasted no time in taking the espresso maker for a test drive once all of the gifts had been opened and the wrapping paper and boxes were thrown away.

The verdict... It makes the best cup of espresso that the hubby has ever had. EVER. To add some context I must tell you that the man has tasted many amazing cups during his travels to the far corners of the earth.

I guess that officially makes me the Queen of Christmas.