Final answer:
In the reading, it is not explicitly mentioned what Elder Robert D. Hales wanted to buy his wife. However, based on the context, we can infer that he wanted to buy her a present.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the reading, the story of Elder Robert D. Hales and his new bride was shared. He was in the air force and they'd missed Christmas together.
What he wanted to buy his wife was not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. However, based on the context, we can infer that Elder Robert D. Hales wanted to buy his wife a present as they each opened a single present together on Christmas Eve, which they have done every year.