Christmas Gifts for Wife

You fill in prompts like 'I love the way you...' with your own answers, and the result is a small book she'll keep for years. It costs little but takes real thought, which is why it's a favorite for anniversaries and Christmas alike.

Worth knowing: The gift is only as good as what you write, so give yourself an evening to fill it in. Don't leave it to Christmas Eve.

This rich, glossy balm became a best seller for good reason: it's soft, comfortable and comes in lightly flavored tints. It's an easy small luxury to tuck in a stocking.

Worth knowing: It's pricey for lip balm and comes in a squeeze tube. Flavored versions are sweet, so choose the unscented one if she's sensitive to scents.

Ina Garten's memoir tells how she went from a government job to a specialty food store and then a cooking career, with plenty about her long marriage to Jeffrey. It's warm, funny and a fitting read for the holidays.

Worth knowing: It's a memoir with photos and has no recipes. If she wants to cook from it, pick one of Ina's cookbooks.

Rifle Paper Co.'s floral designs make puzzles that are lovely to look at while you work on them, and Galison's pieces fit well. Doing it together over the slow days after Christmas is part of the gift.

Worth knowing: Busy floral designs can be hard. Many puzzlers love that, but someone new to puzzles may prefer fewer pieces.

Each day has a few short prompts for gratitude in the morning and reflection at night, so it takes about five minutes. The linen-bound journal is well made and undated, so she can start any day.

Worth knowing: It only helps if she enjoys journaling. For someone who doesn't, it can feel like homework, so choose with care.

Volcano is Capri Blue's best-known scent, a bright mix of tropical fruit and sugared citrus that many people associate with the brand. The jar is pretty enough to keep once the candle is gone.

Worth knowing: It's a sweet, strong scent, so it may be too much for a small room. Trim the wick to keep it from smoking.

This large bamboo board has a slide-out drawer with cheese knives and serving pieces, so the whole setup lives in one place. It's one of the most popular serving boards on Amazon and makes entertaining easier.

Worth knowing: Bamboo needs hand washing and an occasional oiling. It's big, so check that she has a spot to store it.

Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream is a rich moisturizer with a cult following, packaged in a heavy jar that feels like a real treat. It's the sort of beauty item people admire but rarely buy for themselves.

Worth knowing: It's rich and lightly scented, so it suits dry or normal skin best. If she has sensitive skin or a set routine, ask before you buy.

The Aeroccino heats and froths milk at the touch of a button, for hot foam, cold foam or warm milk. It works with any coffee maker, so she can make café-style drinks at home.

Worth knowing: It's small, enough for about one or two drinks at a time. The nonstick inside needs gentle hand washing.

This small printer turns phone photos into instant prints in seconds, which makes it easy to fill a fridge, scrapbook or holiday cards. Pair it with a few prints of your favorite photos together.

Worth knowing: Instax Mini film is an ongoing cost and isn't included. Prints are small, credit-card size.

Barefoot Dreams robes are known for being very soft and holding up wash after wash. It turns a regular morning into a small luxury, and she'll wear it all winter.

Worth knowing: It's expensive, and it's polyester microfiber, so it can feel warm. Sizes run roomy, so check the size chart.

The Always Pan is designed to do the work of several pans, with a lid, steamer basket and built-in spoon rest. It comes in good-looking colors and makes an attractive gift to unwrap.

Worth knowing: Nonstick coatings wear over time, even with care. Serious cooks may still prefer cast iron or stainless for high-heat searing.