The qualification issue stems way back to the beginning of our relationship. (I'll explain shortly.) This particular gift might not sound romantic, but it was perfect. I enjoy cooking, and when I'm in the kitchen for extended periods of time I turn on this small little transistor radio that we keep around for earthquake emergencies. It's definitely a throwback to the 1960s, with meager reception and sound. However, I love music, especially when I'm cooking. It puts me into a zone as I work. Now I have this wonderful radio that also plays CDs mounted under one of the kitchen cabinets, and the sound is terrific.

As for the question of whether this was an appropriate gift, the ban began brewing before we were married. When we first met, my husband gave me an electric can opener as a gift. It almost turned into a relationship breaker except that he quickly followed it with two wrapped boxes of jewelry. I figured it was one of those gag things, even though I think he was tired of using the hand-crank can opener I had sitting in my utensil drawer.

Since it didn't happen again for a long time, I thought that was the end of it and no discussion was required. Then one year my gift was a bread maker. The kids told him it was a bad idea. But he insisted that it would be a great present because I enjoyed baking and I could add this to my arsenal of kitchen equipment. Well, the kids were right. I thought it was a new computer. When I took off the wrapping and asked, "Who's going to use this?" it was pretty clear I wasn't making friends with the Pillsbury doughboy. In fact, my response was, "I don't have time to be making bread," as I opened up the smaller gift, thinking it was something romantic, only to discover two boxes of bread mix.

That's when the no appliance gift-giving rule went into effect. And the bread maker went back to the store. From then on it was real clear that any gadget purchased for our home could appear at any time, provided it wasn't a gift item. That meant birthdays and holidays were off-limits.

So juicers, can openers, microwaves, even scanners and new computer monitors became part of our house, only not during the blackout periods.

Then this year's gift-giving season showed up, and my husband debated what to get me. More specifically, he questioned whether replacing my puny radio would cause the long-standing appliance law to be broken. But to his great relief, his choice was an absolute home run. I walked into the library to tell him I loved it. Only then did he confess his concern, saying, "You don't know how long I stared at the radio wondering if it qualified as an appliance and whether I should buy it." To which my 12-year-old son aptly responded, "You were OK, Dad; that qualifies as electronics, not appliances."

Then I walked out of the library, closed the door and returned to the kitchen, leaving my two guys alone, each sitting at a computer. But as I walked away I heard my husband tell my son, "Remember, Philip, don't ever give a girl an appliance as a gift. They don't like that sort of thing."

I didn't hear my son's reply, but knowing he's a quick study, I'm sure he won't forget that lesson learned during the first night of Hanukkah. In fact, I have little doubt that when it comes time to buying something for that special someone, it will definitely be a gift that looks like flowers, chocolates or something shiny. His dad's not the only one who's told him what kind of gifts a girl prefers.

Moryt Milo is the editor of The Willow Glen Resident. She can be contacted at 400.200.1051 or mmilo@svcn.com.