Ben Fogle’s wife, Marina, has opened up about her initial fears regarding their marriage following a significant gift-giving misstep during their first Christmas together. The couple, who met serendipitously while walking their dogs in London’s Hyde Park, tied the knot in the picturesque village of Monsaraz, Portugal, in 2006. Despite their loving relationship, Marina admits she worried whether their union would endure after a disappointing gift exchange.
The festive season did not begin smoothly for the couple. Marina describes how her husband, Ben, hails from a family known for their exceptional gift-giving abilities. In contrast, she considers herself “absolutely hopeless” when it comes to selecting meaningful presents. In her column for The Times, she reflects on the disparity between their families’ gifting styles. Ben’s family, she notes, often surprises each other with unique antiques discovered at flea markets, while her own family adopts a more practical approach.
In an attempt to bridge this gap, Marina decided to visit John Lewis after settling into their first home together. However, the outcome was less than ideal. Marina recalls Ben’s look of disappointment as he unveiled his Christmas gifts, which included a telephone set with an integrated answering machine, a collection of remote-controlled lamp adaptors, a loo roll dispenser, and a doormat. In stark contrast, Ben presented Marina with a ring featuring three emeralds, symbolizing their love and their two dogs.
Reflecting on that moment, Marina muses, “Part of him had to be wondering how long this marriage would last.” Despite her initial concerns, Marina acknowledges that she has experienced “some successes” in gift-giving over the years. One cherished memory is when she commissioned artists Olly and Suzi to create a portrait of Ben’s beloved dog, Inca. Unfortunately, Inca passed away shortly before Ben’s 40th birthday, prompting Marina to present the gift early as a heartfelt memorial.
Marina describes Ben as “not easy to buy for,” noting that he often acquires everything he desires in the lead-up to Christmas. While he appreciates thoughtful gifts, she admits he does not always hit the mark. She recalls a beautifully crafted collapsible bar that she “hated” and reflects on the challenges of finding something he would truly enjoy.
With limited options left for Ben’s gifts, Marina jokingly mentions she has uncovered a “cleverly designed bread knife, an electric barbecue cleaner, and an in-flight neck support” among her potential presents. Despite her reservations, she predicts that Ben will “hate” these items and that they will likely end up “out of sight” within five years.
Marina Fogle’s candid reflections offer insight into the dynamics of gift-giving within their marriage and highlight the importance of understanding and appreciating each other’s backgrounds. As their relationship continues to flourish, it appears that both partners are learning to navigate the intricate balance between practicality and sentimentality in their lives together.
