Gifts for dad/mom birthday. Suggestion?

agito1993 on 21/05/2015 - 00:38

Hi all, I would like to get something valuable and meaningful for my parents on their birthdays (same month). Since I started working part-time earlier this year, I managed to save up around 1,500 and thought I should get something for my parents. They are asian and > 50. I originally wanted to get my dad a warm jacket/coat but he just bought one the other day so… Mum has lots of lotions etc and fragance so I dont think she needs more of those. Bag is nice but based on my 20 years observation she only uses them when she travels => not worth buying.
For dad: wallet? Jacket? Watch (he always admire how others wear the super premium brand and I dont think my budget can do)? He is actually over 60 so tool box will not be an option.

Mum: jewelry (no silver, always gold is best :))) Or a nice purse, shoes might do but it's hard to get the size right.

Or something simple like treat them a nice dinner?
What do you guys think?

General Discussion

Comments

  • iridiumstem on 21/05/2015 - 00:55
    +2

    I got my dad a tablet during last year's black friday. He seemed to be very happy with it since he wanted one and he always said that his eyesights are getting worse (Long sighted). Costed around $350~$400, never seen him that happy for a long time. Though, I think fancy dinner would've been a better investment but, my parents don't like going out for dinner.

    • agito1993 on 21/05/2015 - 01:08

      Thanks Anzmitch for the idea. Would be a good buy if they have not already owned one!

  • djones145 on 21/05/2015 - 07:14
    +1

    Wine? Dan murphy has so very good reds on sale

  • the-mal on 21/05/2015 - 08:27
    +1

    Or something simple like treat them a nice dinner?

    I reckon that's a really nice idea, especially if they don't get to go out that often. Gives you family time and all parents like to be taken out by their kids!

  • purplelady on 21/05/2015 - 08:39
    +2

    yeah, agree with the-mal. we gave our parents watches and a day out. They were only Fossils $100 watches, but my parents are always careful with money, so they never had exxy watches before. They were very happy with those. And the day out was really just a trip to Manly, had fish and chips lunch, walked along the beach and shops during the afternoon, and then dinner together. They were happy just with that coz the kids were there.

  • agito1993 on 21/05/2015 - 09:06
    +2

    A nice dinner would be a good option, but I prefer something physical and has memorial values so it can last since I am getting paid from my first job.

  • babylon on 21/05/2015 - 10:24
    +1

    Older mums like scarves. Hermès des Carrés is probably the nicest, the signature square printed silk scarves. Nicer but cheaper ones can be found at Country Road, they had a couple of wool-linen-silk blend ones that felt very light and warm for ~$60.

    I don't know if my dad is boring or not, but he appreciates thick wool or smartwool socks.

  • NancyCat on 21/05/2015 - 10:37

    Since you're in Sydney, how about take them to climb the Harbour Bridge?

    • agito1993 on 21/05/2015 - 12:47
      +1

      Unfortunately, they are not interested in that (have asked them once before and got scolded).

    • agito1993 on 21/05/2015 - 12:46
      +1

      Joke?

        • agito1993 on 21/05/2015 - 14:23

          Been thinking of a trip to Melbourne, sadly know no one there and none of us can drive :(

    • cypher67 on 21/05/2015 - 13:02
      +1

      I'm salivating at that last one, so hungry now

  • what on 21/05/2015 - 13:05
    +1

    What about booking some accommodation for them to take a weekend away somewhere nice.

  • cypher67 on 21/05/2015 - 13:09
    +4

    I think Cheap Charlie took it a step 2 far, however the direction originally wasn't bad. I like to give experiences I can share with someone as opposed to physical gifts. No one ever sat around at dinner one night and said "Remember that time you bought me that jacket!" Sure its practical but its not going to leave a lasting impression. Some of the gifts I have given my parents over the years were things like:
    - Spear fishing trip with my father (3 nights - we still talk about it 10 years later)
    - I went indoor sky diving with my Mother (She is afraid of heights big time, so this was super exciting for her)
    - Sent them to a Holiday weekend away at this little place I found in the blue mountains and organise for both of them to do hot laps around Bathurst as they are both fans
    There is plenty of option available, but you know them best, pick something they wouldnt normally do themselves and share it with them

      • cypher67 on 21/05/2015 - 14:21

        A) I know I wouldn't be and B) I'd be more concerned about what else has been on his/her back, its not that easy to keep clean…

    • agito1993 on 21/05/2015 - 14:35
      +1

      Yeah I agree giving them a nice experience is definitely worth considering. However, reasons for choosing a physical goods are: Mum always brags about stuffs other ppl gave her and stuffs she bought in her 20s. Even though she rarely uses them, she does take things out and goes on and on about how she got this and how important/meaningful it is for her.
      I guess I want to give her something that she can proudly tell others about.

    • Cheap Steve on 22/05/2015 - 12:35

      You're a good son. I just buy Dad new golf balls every birthday, Xmas and Father's Day.

      • cypher67 on 22/05/2015 - 14:01
        +5

        Thank you, they are good parents. Growing up my Dad did it rough, 2 jobs working none stop but he never let his kids get left behind. Im now well educated and in a good job so Im making sure they didnt miss out on the good things in life for nothing. I wish more people would appreciate what some parents give up to get them where they are.

        • what on 22/05/2015 - 17:05
          +1 
            I wish more people would appreciate what some parents give up to get them where they are.

          Well said.

  • teardrops21 on 22/05/2015 - 00:19

    You could try this: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/195031

  • tabz on 23/05/2015 - 19:51

    It really depends on what your parents like.

    E.g. My dad loves taking photos at family gatherings etc… so I got him a good lens for his camera. He loved it. He also loves his music, so getting him tickets to see The Eagles was worthwhile too.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join