I may be paranoid, but when I give my wife gifts at Christmas, she seems appreciative, but not that enthused. I feel a bit defeated when this happens. I’m not sure what to do about it.
I knew a husband once who gave his wife the lid of a frying pan! Needless to say she was less than excited … until he shared the story behind his gift. Apparently, she had been complaining all year long that this one frying pan didn’t have a lid to fit it. Well, her husband apparently had gone on a mission with this frying pan. He told her he went to 7 different stores and talked to 7 different store employees to find a lid that fit just right.
It was when he shared the back-story with his wife that her face lit up like a light bulb. Knowing how much he went through to get her that frying pan lid is what made what could have been a mundane gift so special.
To answer your question, tell your wife the story behind the gift. Give as much detail as possible and see if you get a different reaction. My guess is that you will!