Ask KQ Claus

**Elkhound Odin** · 11-30-2015, 01:15 PM

My wife is a wonderful anomaly for a woman. She rarely uses a cell phone, mostly for "I'll be late" or emergency calls. She has an old flip phone with a $100/yr pay as you go service that she never depletes before it expires. She "really" wants a smart phone to text & stuff, not that she she'll actually use it. (or she will use it too much until the novelty wears off and cost a fortune) Is there a smart phone & service you recommend that won't force me sign a contract and pay $50/month (or more) but gets decent connection service? I can't see paying $600+/yr for something she won't use.

KQ · 11-30-2015, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by riser3

What should i get my soon to be 17 yo daughter for her December Birthday? $20 or less.

Oh snap! That could be anything from beauty to clothes to electronics. Where do you live? Have big retailers close? Is it cold? Warm? Is she into sports? Horses? Help us out here!

**Meadow Skipper** · 11-30-2015, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by KQ

Has she worn either? Perfume can be so funny. I had a GF who wore "Calvin" back in the 80s. I fell in love with the scent and bought some for myself but alas it did not smell as good on me (body chemistry and all). I think those kinds of changes happen more with the deeper musky notes than lighter citrus/floral fragrances.

That said, I'm a fan of No. 5. though I've never worn it myself. Here is some info I found on both fragrances to help you decide:

Coco is often said to be younger, sexier, more beguiling (Mysterious and provocative, a rich Oriental fragrance).

No. 5 is a base of rose and jasmine with a clean daring scent reminiscent of the pristine polar freshness. It is a classic. Chanel describes it as follows:

Created by Gabrielle Chanel to be the ultimate in femininity, N°5 has cast a spell on millions of women — and men — around the world. Inimitably luxurious and infinitely seductive, its legend lives, each year adding to its mystery, its depth, its desirability.

tl;dr

j/k but if you're writing gift-giving advice for men, it should be a lot shorter. Unless it's about tires.

**riser4** · 11-30-2015, 01:21 PM

She hates sports except for snowboarding. I live in VT. It gets pretty damn cold here sometimes. Define "Big" retailers. I can't afford for her to be into horses. I already know what to get, i just wanted to hear your answers.

KQ · 11-30-2015, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Elkhound Odin

My wife is a wonderful anomaly for a woman. She rarely uses a cell phone, mostly for "I'll be late" or emergency calls. She has an old flip phone with a $100/yr pay as you go service that she never depletes before it expires. She "really" wants a smart phone to text & stuff, not that she she'll actually use it. (or she will use it too much until the novelty wears off and cost a fortune) Is there a smart phone & service you recommend that won't force me sign a contract and pay $50/month (or more) but gets decent connection service? I can't see paying $600+/yr for something she won't use.

Whoo boy... this is really reaching for me but I'll try and do some leg work for you. I will say that thought I would never text much until I got a smartphone and now I'd bet I text more than I call because that is what everyone else does so be prepared for her to become addicted to texting.

Check out these reports/reviews:

The Best Cell Phone plans for light users - Money Magazing

Smartphone and cell plan guide for 2015

2016 Best Cell Phone Provider Comparisons and Reviews

Consumer Reports Cell phones & services

KQ · 11-30-2015, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by Meadow Skipper

tl;dr

j/k but if you're writing gift-giving advice for men, it should be a lot shorter. Unless it's about tires.

Ah but this is where men go wrong! To reap the reward you must put in the effort! I'm here to help not tell.

**::: :::** · 11-30-2015, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by KQ

What products does she use in the bath?

No bath, two person shower

Originally Posted by KQ

Does she have a favorite clothing item that is wearing out?

I can't afford her clothing desires currently.

Originally Posted by KQ

Has she mentioned anything in passing that could become a gift?....Maybe you could go into town where you live, have lunch/dinner and window shop along the way - see what she might be interested in then go back and get it. Those are the best presents - to know you were listening/paying attention/taking the time to care.

I thought this is where you come in?

Originally Posted by KQ

Maybe you could go into town where you live, have lunch/dinner and window shop along the way - see what she might be interested in then go back and get it.

That's actually gold for the men out here in meatspace...sounds like a win-win for a date out and all sorts of ideas....heyyyyy, is this an attempt to get me to go shopping with her?

**RShea** · 11-30-2015, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Elkhound Odin

My wife is a wonderful anomaly for a woman. She rarely uses a cell phone, mostly for "I'll be late" or emergency calls. She has an old flip phone with a $100/yr pay as you go service that she never depletes before it expires. She "really" wants a smart phone to text & stuff, not that she she'll actually use it. (or she will use it too much until the novelty wears off and cost a fortune) Is there a smart phone & service you recommend that won't force me sign a contract and pay $50/month (or more) but gets decent connection service? I can't see paying $600+/yr for something she won't use.

Not KQ Claus, but have some suggestions and questions that may work for her. Does she care about which carrier (Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile as examples) the service is on? There are a number of prepaid options with a bring your own device (purchase a used phone from Craigslist, Ebay etc.) or purchase one of their smart phone offerings that can stay month to month. Tracfone has a smart phone plan that you put funds on, offers 3 buckets of usage- Talk, texting and data. They give either 90 days of service or there are tricks to be able to supersize a purchase of minutes from them directly and be offered 1 year of service for an extra $50...

There are also monthly plans as low as $12 per month that include a bit of talk, text and data if you do not want to do the 90 day cards mentioned above by one of the Tracfone's other prepaid companies- Page Plus.

**digitaldeath** · 11-30-2015, 01:42 PM

have i been a good boy?

**Buster Highmen** · 11-30-2015, 01:46 PM

How do we really bring peace on Earth and good will to people?

**Marshall Tucker** · 11-30-2015, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by adrenalated

Ribbed or studded?

ah comeon, man.
she's being a sport.
you B 1 too.

**::: :::** · 11-30-2015, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by powdork

pretty sure the unspoken part is don't just get her something and then go skiing.
unless it's something really nice

that's the obvious man-answer...

**Marshall Tucker** · 11-30-2015, 02:04 PM

So she says my Lawnmower is sexy, but how do I know if she really means it?

**liv2ski** · 11-30-2015, 02:17 PM

KQ, what can a maggot, that has spent all his cash on ski trips, get the girl that has everything?

KQ · 11-30-2015, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by riser3

She hates sports except for snowboarding. I live in VT. It gets pretty damn cold here sometimes. Define "Big" retailers. I can't afford for her to be into horses. I already know what to get, i just wanted to hear your answers.

I only asked about big retailers because I was thinking along the lines of a GC - kinda impersonal but good for teens esp. if you pair it with a small token gift.

I did buy for teen girls this year but they are country girls who are Adventists. Not exactly your average teens.

Given it is cold and where you live, unless she already has a pair I think boots would be nice:

'Wexley' Bootie

KQ · 11-30-2015, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by Buster Highmen

How do we really bring peace on Earth and good will to people?

World Vision

KQ · 11-30-2015, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by MARSHALL TUCKER

So she says my Lawnmower is sexy, but how do I know if she really means it?

If you bought a Bad Boy mower you know she means it:

KQ · 11-30-2015, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by liv2ski

KQ, what can a maggot, that has spent all his cash on ski trips, get the girl that has everything?

Make her a gift certificate for a romantic dinner prepared by you complete with candles, music and a well appointed table. Make sure she has nothing to do but sip wine and watch you cook and clean.

Gift Certificate Template

KQ · 11-30-2015, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by digitaldeath

have i been a good boy?

Good as in an angel or good as in "hurts so bad it's good"?

KQ · 11-30-2015, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Tri-Ungulate

Is "All American Whopper" the best brand or are there others that ought to be considered?

The Rabbit Habit Deluxe is a hands down winner

KQ · 11-30-2015, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by DJSapp

What winter pajamas offer both warm fuzzyness along with easy access for husbands? Hoodie/footie one pieces are bullshit.

Honestly, think outside the box man! With a one piece, when you play strip poker it's an easy win!

**riser4** · 11-30-2015, 03:20 PM

Reading the reviews is mandatory.

**liv2ski** · 11-30-2015, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by KQ

Make her a gift certificate for a romantic dinner prepared by you complete with candles, music and a well appointed table. Make sure she has nothing to do but sip wine and watch you cook and clean.

Thanks, but that is what I do pretty much every Friday night (well no candles), if I don't take her out......hmmm, I will continue to watch to see what else you got.