MERRY CHRISTMASS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

an electraphone tx6000 is a top handheld but is at the top of the range as far as price goes.

Uniden make 3 hand helds which are great for that. I chose the one at $97 - great for car to car and range up to 3km more of course through repeaters - I've spoken to son over 20km using repeater. It has open and group scan with priority channel. Takes 3AA batteries and goes for more than 72hours on 1800milliamp Nmh rechargables (about triple the length of Nicads and double the life of Alkalines. From memory the model is UH40. Nowhere near the range of the hand held in the previous reply but I have a TX4400 which I use for main communication and the little one for family/friends and car to car in convoy. Their cheaper one is about $20 less but doesn't have scan I think and also uses 3AAA - main reason I didn't choose it because I have several other things using AA. The dearer one hasCTSS (??)
Cheers

Peter, Electrophone TX6000 has all the bells and whistles, and is top value & performer, plus Aust.made. It might be a bit bulky for shopping trips.

Icom IC-40S are almost as good as TX6000, bit smaller, doesn't "hear" as well as E'phone. Probably a little more practical too.

We have 3 of the aforementioned Unidens, and they give good service, for the price. Very good on batteries. but as E'phone has brought out a smaller unit, it would be a better choice because of better audio, & aust made.

Probably depends on the amount of spare room in your wife's handbag? Or the size of your wallet! Happy Christmas...