While the snow shoe is important, the most important thing you can buy are gaiters. If there is actual powder your boot will get full of snow and you'll hate life. Buy them once, anything from OR is good. Mine are 10 years old and still work.
I have owned $50 snow shoes and $350 snow shoes. The only difference is the binding. Look for something that uses a ratchet or snowboard style biding. The straps are a pain because they loosen up and you'll have to take your gloves off to tighten snow covered straps up.
My favorite are Tubbs Altitude 25, but they are no longer made.
Get 25s for the wife and 30s for you.
If I wanted to go mid price, I'd buy Tubbs Xplore for you and the misses:
Tubbs Xlpore 30 Snowshoes - Free Shipping at REI.com
Tubbs Xplore 25 Snowshoes - Women's - Free Shipping at REI.com
Also, find deep snow and jump off things in to it. It's a blast.
-Joe
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