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Message |
    
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2901
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 10:58 am: | 
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Hubby has a birthday coming up--one of the "big ones"--and I'm at a complete loss, as usual. He wants a tiller, but I don't know why because he never does any gardening. And I don't find that idea very inspiring or thoughtful or meaningful. He likes watches but already has a good half dozen of those. Tried to think of his "interests" for Father's Day last year, and got him the Matrix Trilogy on DVD--he hasn't opened it yet. Doesn't do sports, but enjoys cars, new and old--although there's no budget to buy--just enjoys looking. Any women out there ever get anything your man really loved? Any men with some insights into the species in general? |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2902
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:01 am: |
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And he doesn't qualify as a "metrosexual" so he wouldn't go for things like facials, messages and the like--no matter how much I think he would benefit from the experience! |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 911
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:01 am: |
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He wants a tiller...
Get him the tiller - it's what he wants.
(I know this doesn't answer the question you asked; just my two cents.) |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2903
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:04 am: |
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Yes, I know that makes perfect sense las, but I refuse on principle. I'll get him the tiller next year, when it's not one of those monumentous birthdays. I got him the damned ladder for Christmas. That's enough for this year.
I have a real hard time with the idea of him looking back 20 years from now and saying "for my 40th birthday my wife got me a tiller!" |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 912
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:09 am: |
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No, no mon ami. It is HIS birthday, get him what HE wants.
In twenty years he will look back and say my wife got me what I wanted. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3947
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:14 am: |
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Can you arrange a weekend away for the two of you? Or maybe a fun weekend with the kids too if that's more his style, or a small party with his closest friends?
Perhaps if you did any of the above, it would give him something special to remember for his birthday as opposed to just getting the tiller.
FWIW, I have a hard time with this since my husband and I are only a few months apart. I don't know how we'll celebrate! |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2904
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:28 am: |
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We are going to dinner at Amanda's in Hoboken this weekend. I'm throwing a little surprise party with family and a few close friends next weekend. Child #1 and #2 are going to my parents for February break and we are making arrangements for my in-laws to take #3. We are going to try to pull off a last-minute trip to someplace warm for a few days. Still remains to be seen whether a trip is in the budget, but he seems determined to make it happen for his birthday.
So lots of stuff is going on, but I'd like some kind of meaningful gift. For my big four-oh I got diamond earrings and a spa weekend!
Vig, my sister and her husband are only days apart. Their big four-oh was this past summer. They threw themselves a big party at the elks lodge (or some such place) near where they live, had it catered, had an open bar and a band. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12335
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:30 am: |
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My birthday was last month. My very creative wife renovated (OK, mostly just rearranged) the basement for my birthday, to make a bicycle workshop for me. This is a big deal for me.
She's not even done. She plans to clean and paint the concrete floor.
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Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2695
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:42 am: |
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I gave my hubby recently an all day "off-roading" lesson at a Land Rover school in Canada. It was cool because he drove up with his 2 best friends who also got to participate in the lesson. Plus they got to golf.
There are also race car driving lessons I know you can do. I'd do an internet search for these.
Neither of these is cheap, but I actually thought the Land Rover thing was reasonable.
PL me for more details if you are interested. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2905
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:48 am: |
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Look for a P/L from me. Can't hurt to check out the details! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3949
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 11:49 am: |
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Sounds like a nice birthday already! |
delin wareham
Citizen
Username: Dwareham
Post Number: 38
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 12:59 pm: |
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I got my husband a track day at Pocono for his little roaster. He loved it -- and we're both planning to run it there this summer.
We arranged it through the M Club car club; they rent out a road track on certain days. You have to drive your own car, though; if your husband doesn't have anything fun and fast, you can find basic race car lessons for about $250. |
AlisonS
Citizen
Username: Alisons
Post Number: 73
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 1:21 pm: |
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For my husband's 40th I threw him a big (not surprise) birthday party. Cooked it all myself. I made a speech, everyone got dressed up and he was thrilled. Then I bought him a work bench from Home Depot, because that's what he asked for. He loved it. I'm all for getting him what he wants. Remember he probably thought that spa stuff was unppealing, but he got it for you because it was what you wanted. It's about him, not you.
But having said that the best 40th birthday gift I ever heard of was givin by a 36 year old man to his wife. In front of the entire party he annonced that he had, in honor of her birthday, officially traded ages with her. And from that point on HE was the 40 year old and she was 36.
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TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 970
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 7:11 pm: |
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Meand,
You say he enjoys cars. Enjoys as in he's a shadetree mechanic; or enjoys, as in he lusts for a particular marque?
If he's a shadetree mechanic, buy a torque wrench. He'll use it rarely, but there's no substitute for someone who likes to do their own wrenching.
If he has a lust for a particular marque, buy a book. "Fifty years of Corvettes" or something similar.
The driving classes are a good idea, if he's more than just mooning over cars he doesnt own.
As for this particular birthday being one of the "big ones"; is it big for him, big for you, or is it big because of some arbitrary number? (BTW, 40 is easy).
For some of us, its all just another number.
We all have to get older, we don't have to get old.
Seriously, consider the torque wrench.
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the youngster.
TomR |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2909
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 7:20 pm: |
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Tom, thanks for the suggestions. Definately NOT a mechanic. Really likes all makes and models, every week he's got a new "you know what kind of car I'd like to get for our next car" idea. We both have an affinity for muscle cars. I like the new ones, he likes them all, but really lusts after the late model ones. The book is an interesting idea.
As far as it being the big four-oh, I think it's freaking him out a little. Makes no never mind to me really. |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 112
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 9:24 pm: |
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Forty?
Get him those little glasses at the pharmacy that he can use to read stuff.
 |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 1473
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 9:40 pm: |
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Does he play guitar? My wife gave me a most impressive guitar for my recent "round number" birthday, and I was mighty pleased.
Just make sure it's a good one.
If he expresses an interest in learning to play an instrument, why not find a teacher and give him five or ten lessons, enough for him to get bitten or to decide he doesn't want to play. |
Analog01
Citizen
Username: Analog01
Post Number: 159
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 11:04 pm: |
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What he REALLY wants, is SEX. No matter what else he *likes*, SEX is what he wants. Even if he *gets it* regularly. He wants MORE.  |
cppkqp
Citizen
Username: Cppkqp
Post Number: 97
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 9:38 am: |
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Meand - Given that he likes cars of all types, a nice addendum to a bigger gift might be a subscription to Road & Track or Car & Driver.
As for the last minute getaway, we just did that for Chris's 40th. We went to Spring Lake and stayed at the Chateau Inn. There are day spas and antiquing nearby. (I think I even saw a shaving place - for an old-fashioned hot shave with a straight razor - more manly than a spa?) also had a lovely dinner at a restaurant that the Inn suggested - but the name escapes me at the moment... Enjoy!
Oh - and one more gift idea - a nice bottle of port. We've given a few of those to some very appreciative 40-year-olds. Now that Chris received some he jokes about needing a smoking jacket... |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2932
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 9:50 am: |
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cpp, yup he already has that subscription, but it was a good thought. Spring Lake is very nice, but I think we were hoping for someplace warm. Turns out we may not be able to find anyone to watch child #3, so we may not be going anywhere.
I think I've decided to get him the damn tiller, since it's what he wants. He's getting a dozen balloons at the office from the kids today. Beef stew for dinner, per his request, since we usually don't do meat. Birthday cake and cards from the kids. Dinner out this weekend. Surprise party next weekend.
I'm thinking I've got the birthday pretty well covered so why kill myself looking for that elusive "perfect" gift?
Happy 40th to Chris. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2933
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 9:51 am: |
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Just saw your post Analog, and that pretty much goes without saying. But I knew someone would!  |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2702
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 10:01 am: |
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My husband has a habit of going to Victoria's Secret for MY birthday. Um, honey, I'm pretty sure anything you get there is for YOU. |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1327
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 10:07 am: |
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How about the tiller and something else, like an overnight in the city? |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2934
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 11:18 am: |
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Wendyn 
My husband always wants me to go to VS to buy something, but at least he's admitting it's for him. I always tell him he should go pick something he likes, because if I go I'm going to want to come home with a pair of flannel pajamas, or something else that's comfy--and I have a feeling "comfy" is not what he has in mind! |
johnny
Citizen
Username: Johnny
Post Number: 1550
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 1:56 pm: |
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My vote is for the racing school/driving experience gift.
Closest track I can think of is in Nazareth, PA.
Hope your husband doesn't read this thread.... |
Hank Zona
Supporter
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 5235
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 2:11 pm: |
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for those women who say the VS presents are meant more for their husbands than for them...my wife bought me a tiller (not for a birthday however)...someone saw it and said, "wow - nice new toy you got"...I pointed out that it was really a gift for her and not me, to maximize the efficiency of my wife's cheap garden laborer -- me (and I have to admit..it has been great to have).
it seems though you have made a really good effort to put together a whole series of things to commemorate his birthday...he will appreciate your efforts (if not, give him hell for it some day  ).
try event gifts...tickets to something good...theatre, music, ballgame, some sort of event. |
mrmaplewood
Citizen
Username: Mrmaplewood
Post Number: 293
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 2:16 pm: |
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A Lazy-Boy. Every man loves to recline and watch TV. |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 331
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 5:53 pm: |
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My wife just got me two AWESOME tickets to a game, specifically to take my brother, who I never see anymore. Not only did she give me incredible seats, but she also gave me 4 hours of quality time with my brother. Great idea.
Also, I know several men (Manly cavemen, not metrosexuals) who enjoy stuff frome www.artofshaving.com.
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Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 456
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 7:19 pm: |
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I have to agree with the 'more sex' idea LOL!
OK...I hope you are broadminded, but here's something I've just booked for my husband and myself to do and it's not even his birthday - it just looks like it could be a good laugh....
A lapdancing class (fully clothed!) where your guy sits in the chair and you are taught how to perform lapdancing moves. The only thing is, I might crack up laughing too much to look the slightest bit sexy...but he's all for it. They also offer classes in how to do the striptease and other similar fun 'Couples Event' things too:
http://metroplanners.com/nycouples.html
I booked online and there is an option to arrange it as a gift for someone. I reckon your husband might just love it LOL!
For other things they offer, such as "Good Boyfriend", bellydancing or bachelorette parties, this is the Home page:
http://metroplanners.com/
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Carrie Avery
Citizen
Username: Carrie33
Post Number: 1333
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 7:24 pm: |
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I took my hubby once to a beautiful Hotel with a hot tub and casino and dressed up for him one night in referenece to his favorite fantasy. I will leave it at that.
ps. 9 months later our youngest was born. |
delin wareham
Citizen
Username: Dwareham
Post Number: 39
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 9:12 pm: |
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How about a hot air balloon ride?
Or a "discovery" flight at a nearby flight school? You can ask them to fly you down the Hudson -- right past NYC, turn around at the statue and head back up. It's a lot of fun and only about $50. I recommend Caldwell airport.
Or if you guys are really daring, go for an acrobatic flying lesson! (You'd have to go to Annapolis for that, though.) |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 268
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 9:19 pm: |
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Carrie: I am assuming you were Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island? |
Carrie Avery
Citizen
Username: Carrie33
Post Number: 1334
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 7:04 am: |
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close, Josh, a french maid. |
Hank Zona
Supporter
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 5237
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 7:22 am: |
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oo la la! |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2330
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 7:36 am: |
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I'm afraid I agree with the "Give him the tiller" contingent. He must have some fantasy/dreams thing going on regarding your yard, and gardening or something, so it's not necessarily just an object. I'd maybe get some appropriate books/how to DVDs and a gift cert to a nursery to go with. And maybe some serious yardwork gloves and six pack of beer! |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12401
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 7:43 am: |
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I think this wins "thread of the week".
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LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1265
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 8:51 am: |
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Get tickets for the two of you to go to the NY Auto show in April at Jacob Javits. You can make a nice day in NY of it for the two of you.
http://www.autoshowny.com/ |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2941
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 9:15 am: |
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Great idea LilLB! |
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