Gifts from abroad
Oct 25th 2011, 2:16 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,139
Gifts from abroad
I need help with regards to gift ideas. I have a father whose birthday is in November, inconsiderately close to Xmas. I desperately need to think of something that can be bought online, avoiding the need to post it from Canada.
He has no hobbies or interests.
He has clothes.
Previously, the family clubbed together and got him a lap top. He now has all possible computer accessories.
Then we got him a camera. I have exhausted all camera accessory options.
He used to read, but now uses the internet for that.
Last year I got him a movie subscription thing. Now he downloads.
He has been bought a bottle of whiskey as a fall back gift idea, over and over again.
I bought him a crate of various craft beers once, but it's too soon to repeat that idea.
All ideas welcome. What do you all send to your family? Or, if you are a 60 something man, what would you like? (Leaving aside comedy answers like a speed boat or a hooker).
He has no hobbies or interests.
He has clothes.
Previously, the family clubbed together and got him a lap top. He now has all possible computer accessories.
Then we got him a camera. I have exhausted all camera accessory options.
He used to read, but now uses the internet for that.
Last year I got him a movie subscription thing. Now he downloads.
He has been bought a bottle of whiskey as a fall back gift idea, over and over again.
I bought him a crate of various craft beers once, but it's too soon to repeat that idea.
All ideas welcome. What do you all send to your family? Or, if you are a 60 something man, what would you like? (Leaving aside comedy answers like a speed boat or a hooker).
Oct 25th 2011, 2:17 pm
#2
ModerĪ±tor Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Upstate South Carolina
Posts: 30,768
Re: Gifts from abroad
Ebook reader?
Oct 25th 2011, 2:19 pm
#3
Seasoned Maritimer
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick CA
Posts: 8,309
Oct 25th 2011, 2:43 pm
#4
Slightly Canadian
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 10,129
Re: Gifts from abroad
I'm a 40something year old man and I wouldn't say no to a speedboat.....
I'd second suggestions for an ebook reader.
Failing that some kind of food/wine hamper?
I'd second suggestions for an ebook reader.
Failing that some kind of food/wine hamper?
Oct 25th 2011, 2:48 pm
#5
Dive Bar Drunk
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Toronto
Posts: 8,649
Re: Gifts from abroad
I need help with regards to gift ideas. I have a father whose birthday is in November, inconsiderately close to Xmas. I desperately need to think of something that can be bought online, avoiding the need to post it from Canada.
He has no hobbies or interests.
He has clothes.
Previously, the family clubbed together and got him a lap top. He now has all possible computer accessories.
Then we got him a camera. I have exhausted all camera accessory options.
He used to read, but now uses the internet for that.
Last year I got him a movie subscription thing. Now he downloads.
He has been bought a bottle of whiskey as a fall back gift idea, over and over again.
I bought him a crate of various craft beers once, but it's too soon to repeat that idea.
All ideas welcome. What do you all send to your family? Or, if you are a 60 something man, what would you like? (Leaving aside comedy answers like a speed boat or a hooker).
He has no hobbies or interests.
He has clothes.
Previously, the family clubbed together and got him a lap top. He now has all possible computer accessories.
Then we got him a camera. I have exhausted all camera accessory options.
He used to read, but now uses the internet for that.
Last year I got him a movie subscription thing. Now he downloads.
He has been bought a bottle of whiskey as a fall back gift idea, over and over again.
I bought him a crate of various craft beers once, but it's too soon to repeat that idea.
All ideas welcome. What do you all send to your family? Or, if you are a 60 something man, what would you like? (Leaving aside comedy answers like a speed boat or a hooker).
I remember my father once buying me a massage seat for my car one year. The following year on the way to Christmas dinner I noticed it still unopened in the box in the back of my car 365 days later.
Booze!
Oct 25th 2011, 2:51 pm
#6
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,023
Re: Gifts from abroad
I hate buying useless gifts just for the sake of giving a person something...so I usually send money. I find guys very hard to buy for...the older they are the worse it is IMO.
What about a M&S gift basket? Or something else from M&S online that he can exchange at the store.
What about a M&S gift basket? Or something else from M&S online that he can exchange at the store.
Oct 25th 2011, 3:30 pm
#7
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,227
Re: Gifts from abroad
Socks.
I'm not joking - I love getting socks as presents.
I'm not joking - I love getting socks as presents.
Oct 25th 2011, 3:36 pm
#8
Purpe80 in another life..
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 665
Re: Gifts from abroad
How about cinema or theatre tickets? Brewery tour?
Oct 25th 2011, 3:37 pm
#9
Slightly Canadian
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 10,129
Oct 25th 2011, 3:52 pm
#10
.
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Posts: 868
Re: Gifts from abroad
Does he have a garden he enjoys? You can get National Garden Centre Vouchers for him to choose something himself. Alternatively, even M&S will deliver ornate shrubs as gifts and planted patio planters etc. I'm sure other sites do similar things too.
Oct 25th 2011, 5:19 pm
#12
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,139
Re: Gifts from abroad
Thanks to all. Keep the ideas coming unless, like me, you have realised this to be a thankless and almost impossible task.
The kindle thing is a great idea and may just do the trick.
I did chuckle at the thought of him gardening, and at the idea of him not being evicted early from the brewery tour. Socks may be safer.
The kindle thing is a great idea and may just do the trick.
I did chuckle at the thought of him gardening, and at the idea of him not being evicted early from the brewery tour. Socks may be safer.
Oct 25th 2011, 5:42 pm
#13
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: London
Posts: 7
Re: Gifts from abroad
What about a year's membership for say, the National Trust which can be used in all of the UK and Eire and overseas also as many countries have reciprocal agreements.
Oct 25th 2011, 6:16 pm
#15
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: London
Posts: 7
Re: Gifts from abroad
Pity you got him that computer..it is far too useful!!!!
One time when I was away from home on his birthday, instead of getting my impossibly hard to buy for husband a hamper from the usual suspects, I logged onto Tesco's site and got him all his favourite food delivered. This is better than a hamper as you can choose food that they really like - I got him steak, mushrooms, onions, his favourite bread, red wine, etc etc. He really liked that!!
One time when I was away from home on his birthday, instead of getting my impossibly hard to buy for husband a hamper from the usual suspects, I logged onto Tesco's site and got him all his favourite food delivered. This is better than a hamper as you can choose food that they really like - I got him steak, mushrooms, onions, his favourite bread, red wine, etc etc. He really liked that!!