Eddy, here's how I handle my Christmas list to my husband, it might work for you with your wife. First thing, we aren't near to anything (we don't consider a two hour drive near!) so all the really good things have to be ordered in (solves a hubby picking things out in a Victoria's Secret Store problem, if that is a problem!).
I go through catalogs and pick out just what I want, lots of choices, different price ranges, I don't expect everything. I circle size, color, etc. and then, to make it even easier for him (and make sure he doesn't miss anything!), on the front cover I write down what pages to look inside for. I give him the choices so I'm surprised at what I do get. He's happy because he knows he's getting me something I really want (and that if it doesn't fit it isn't his fault!).
This year my big three choices are an in-lap dust collector, a back up MasterCarver (with dial instead of foot control) or a new digital camera. Lots of little choices for him to pick from too....he's going be disappointed though, there's not a Victorias Secret catalog in the lot!

Deborah
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