Anything he wants, he buys but will be offended if I buy nothing!
I’ve looked at going some place nice like Lady Elliot Island but it’s very expensive ($5k for 3 nights), renting a boat in the Whitsundays for a week (don’t know how the kids will cope). He’d love a Kokoda trip but he has no one to go with.
I’m useless with technology ideas.
He has a good watch.
Maybe a divorce?? Hahaha
I’ve got a month - help!!!
Lap dance at the stripclub for 3 nights could be cheaper
8 Ball
Fast broom broom, something that shoots fire out of the exhaust
Great for school pickup!
A Harley. He will make a killing from ozbargain jobs.
I'd take the Sega Dreamcast! Some Powerstone, THPS2, Ikaruga, SFIII, Crazy Taxi, Soul Calibour, HOTD, couple of lightguns, and a 20" Sony BVM or PVM CRT.
I've got light guns modded to work on an LCD tv. Also have a gdemu and run every game over vga, upscaled to 4k. So no need for a crt ;)
shit bro can we get in touch? flick me an email @hotmail.com !!!
IF he likes gardens, and you have lawn, get him the EGO battery lawn mowers. The big sucker - $21" self propelled. About $1100. and they are the shit ! Watch the youtube reviews on EGO lawnmowers. If you want to spend more ad the matching whipper snipper or blower.
Im almost 50. I like taking care of my lawns, and Id love to do away with all the petrol gardening equipment and I have been researching and definitely it seems the EGO brand is by far the best in class
I have actually been thinking one of those roll mowers - like the bowling green look but I wondered whether that was something he should buy himself. I’ll definitely look into this though - thanks!
Actually just saw total tools have the 21" self propelled ego lawn mower with 7.5amp battery, plus the blower as a kit for $1199. Thats great value, then EGO have a redemption offer, spend $1000 and claim a 5amp battery. So you would end up with mower, blower and two batteries for $1199. Thats a pretty sweet deal and a great pressie
is he into tech? How about a PC upgrade, VR system and of course the http://www.ckas.com.au/6dof_low_cost_systems_62.html so he can drive his cars ALL THE TIME!
Personalised number plates for his car?
That could be it! He has 1969 ones and hates them!!
19 year old to 69?
:O
can't go wrong with 20% off iTunes cards :D
Eneloops ?
:-)
Oh, that was Father’s Day 😉
In brief, it’s not the gift but the experience and the memory.
For my husband’s 50th we went to “C” restaurant here in Perth, which is smart and has glorious views, perhaps not the greatest food. However, it is a night we all remember, as we never go to restaurants or eat out. It was so memorable as we all had to dress smartly and the kids had to behave like young adults. They loved it (especially the rotating part of it), and my husband felt very special. As to what we gave him? I can’t remember - the usual little things, I suppose.
Now that we’re in our 60s we recall with great fondness his 40th (hot air balloon ride, parents-in-law babysitting), 50th (family dinner at a smart restaurant) and 60th (family dinner at another smart restaurant with fabulous views, this time with the kids and their partners).
Yes, you’re completely right. I’ve been trying to think of a special place to go where the kids won’t be expected to sit perfectly for a few hours. Somewhere in between a Maccas and fine dining 😆 We absolutely want to go with the kids - it’s just where.
Pick an upmarket Italian restaurant but one that is not in the CBD. Do a lunch with all the family and friends.
What appealed about LEI?
You might be able to get some of the experience for a little of the cost by going to FNQ?
Mr PH and I scuba dive (not an Oz Bargain friendly activity I hasten to add), but we got into it when we took a three night snorkelling trip from Cairns with Reef Encounter. It's pretty fun. 4D and 3N of snorkelling or diving the Great Barrier Reef. Both divers and snorkelers are pretty well represented. Daily departures from Cairns via a transfer boat and with 3N if he wanted to get certified he could.
I'd recommend the Top Deck package for a special experience. Includes dinners under the stars rather than the main dining room and a personal guide among other things. Just be warned the boat is more practical than luxurious. But it does have private ensuites and hot water which some liveaboards do not…
Otherwise heading up to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation could be fun, plenty of cycling and outdoors activities if that is what appealed at LEI.
Hmm… I’m going to look at this. He would like that - I wonder if I can get nana on board for a few nights of babysitting.
Well my hubby would love an Ebike for his birthday. Too bad it costs $5K
As he is a house husband, what about a night free of the kids, get a babysitter, and go to dinner, something romantic! Just the two of you
Yes, that’s a great idea!
Just dinner? Weekend away baby!!
If he just likes to maintain the garden is there anything substantial that needs doing that you could get a professional gardener/landscaper to do?
I sold my mums house recently and I had the gardens redone for around $3k and it looked amazing. Kept telling myself we should have done it years ago.
But it might already be very nice as it is.
LJ hooker would be nice ;)
You take the kids and leave him home for a week by himself. Alone. Nothing but quiet. Make sure he takes annual leave from work. Sounds amazing to me…
do the thing he has been asking you to try in bed but you keep refusing coz you think it will hurt
Hurt him or her?
her i assume unless he swings both ways
How about a nice watch?
Around $500 for an Apple Watch
Around $5,000 - Maybe a Rolex (or other fancy brand) from his year of birth?
How about a nice coffee machine?
He has a fancy watch that he rarely wears, is a non coffee drinker (although I love my coffee machine and said what a good gift it would have been).
It so damn hard, why can't it be so simple :)
I know right!
A puppy dog.
It did cross my mind but our eldest has a dog phobia so we’ve gone from a big dog to a toy poodle 😆
Get him a case of his favourite beer, wine, alcoholic ginger beer, cider etc. Or a top end bottle of his favourite Spirit - Blue label Johnny Walker?
Doesn’t drink 🙄
Doesn't drink booze or coffee, is this man real?
I know right - doesn’t watch sports either!
"Maybe a divorce?? Hahaha"
Gold. You sound chill.
If he likes a beer what about something from Brewart? Simple enough anyone can do it, complex enough with a lot of variety that it should keep interesting for a while and stylish enough you won't mind it on a bench in the house.
BeerDroid: https://brewart.com/au/beerdroid-217
Take the kids somewhere and leave him home alone for the weekend
And throw some cash on the table for him before you go
Are you a true Ozbargainer??? Throw cash on the table goes against the grain - what if he wastes it??
Get him a metal detector. Not only will it pay for itself, the kids will love to go out treasure hunting with him.
a lie detector would be appreciated.
Gold!
Howabout a gas/electric meat smoker? Raw meat in, smoked meat out. Yum!
Make a donation to the Human Fund on his behalf. I can take that donation for you.
Hall pass ;)
I think your husband may probably has every thing he needs by now so I would recommend making the everyday things to be more special. from the beginning of the day like breakfast in bed, cook him a special lunch, then go out for a couple massage, stroll in the city/park/theatre and finish with dinner somewhere nice, doesnt have to be fancy, could be the first restaurant you went on your first date. I think he would appreciate it since you plan the whole day for him and spend all of your time just for him. Thats my 2 cents.
For those type of people to gift for, the ones who buy everything they want…
I find there are sometimes these relatively small stores in shopping centres that sell all variety of quirky little gifts that you just don't really see anywhere else.
Could make him something special , that would be a very sweet thing to do.
Now what could you make …. (rhetorical question, because it should be personal the meaning behind the gift, so not for ozbargain)
Bitcoin !
Submariner
Hulk
Go alone to lady Elliott Islands, give him some relief and freedom
a wheelchair
Get someone to babysit your kids and go away somewhere nice. Let him pick where to.
We did that for my 34th and 9 months later I became a father of 3 :)
If he's a house husband, he might appreciate some cooking equipment to make that part of the day easier. There are some awesome appliances out there that can revolutionise cooking. I've got a sous vide set-up (sous vide appliance of your choice + vacuum sealer + blow torch), and a breville fast-slow pressure cooker thingo. Both are very different appliances, but make delicious foods easier / quicker.
Big family party ( if he is into it )
For gift, get these https://www.perthmint.com/catalogue/gifts-for-him.aspx
OR these https://www.perthmint.com/catalogue/latest-gold-coins.aspx which he can sell it later and go spend on what he rather has.
Yep, having the family party on a cruise
Only one watch? :) It's nice to have a choice (well, an affordable luxury). Two easy recommendations (different colors) https://www.starbuy.com.au/citizen-promaster-eco-drive-steel… and https://www.starbuy.com.au/citizen-promaster-blue-eco-drive-… . Note: both the same watches, but the blue is cheaper
If he really wants to do Kokoda it's probably now or never. If he's social enough he'll definitely make new friends going on a guided experience with others, like this one:
Actually starting to think about the Routeburn track. We’ve done part of it and would love to do the full track. I’d go on that and it’s not too long to leave the kids.
Roadtrip around Australia with his mates
Whisky - 1 bottle of liquid gold, nectar of the gods, jesus's gold swimmers.
Another idea - one of those outside projectors where you hang up a sheet + tents, sleeping bags, etc. and camp somewhere - backyard even with the kids, look up camping games, silly songs, etc. beforehand.
you can never go wrong with a 3way
Have you heard of five love languages?
What is his, what would really make him appreciate and remember that day and appreciate what you did for him? I doubt it will be a material thing.
You mentioned that he is a primary kids carer, that he does not drink and does not watch sport (aka tribal bashing).
May I guess that he may be a creative introvert? A journalist, writer, or software engineer?
You rejected flat out the idea of bringing his family and friends and throwing a big party for him. Think about if he would appreciate that regardless of how you feel about it.
After you figure out what is his love language I guess you will know what is the right gift for him.
He is having a family party on a cruise ship. To be honest, he’s dreading it. It’ll be the first time his family has all been together in years but there are lots of difficult relationships.
I’m looking to do something with our family. Getting away without the kids is not something we’ve ever done not likely to do. We have one living relative who knows the kids well enough to leave them with - my mum who is 83. While she’s willing, she won’t drive with them and I think it’s too much to expect for more than a night.
I’m not really into “stuff”, I’d prefer to gift an experience but I’m struggling with what exactly. I’ve looked into the Routeburn track and we’d be gone for five days (too long for mum) and it’s a bit arduous for the kids. I’ve looked into renting a yacht in the Whitsundays - again, worried about how the kids will cope in such a confined space.
You’re right - we’re both quite introverted and we only really have each other. We’re together all of the time… I work from home.
We did a great trip a couple of years ago. We did the big tourist train trips in Switzerland.
We did
interlaken to montreux
montreux to zermatt
zermat to st moritz
st moritz to lugano
lugano to lucerne
lucerne to interlaken
Staying a couple of days in each locations.
We love train travel and the scenery was amazing but it is a big trip.
If you don't have a lot of time I would do
Fly into Paris - spend a few days here - stay with Air BnB and, if possible, somewhere near Les Halles (get a Carte De Musee and train pass for the days you stay there)
Get a train pass that covers days of travel.
Paris to Lucerne (Do the trip up to Mt Pilatus)
Lucerne to Interlaken (do the day trip to Schilthorn.) train Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, drop by the Trummelbach falls, take the Gondola up the mountain.
Interlaken to Zermatt (buy the two day all travel pass in Zermatt.)
Zermatt back to Paris (or other places you want to go)
These three locations in Switzerland have some great places to travel within them.
I’ve booked flights to Brussels in June and coming home from Rome in July. I’ve been looking at these trains in Switzerland- they look amazing!
@LXE3: They were absolutely amazing. We used the Eurail pass based on days of travel. We had a ten day pass, which made the costs OK. You need to book seats for most of these trains. If you can pony up first class rail is lovely. For the train to Zermatt we were the only ones in two carriages of first class and the rest were sardined in second.
Our last trip was
Belgium
Netherlands
Paris
Portugal
Spain.
Belgium is really easy on the train, there is an intercity pass you can buy to travel between various towns. It is the old write down the town and date so remember a pen.If you’re interested I can expand on the cities we went to. In Brussels you need to remember the station is split for intercity and local rail. We bought a multi-way Brussels pass and couldn’t work out how to validate it.
Netherlands is also easy by local train from Brussels.
We also trained from Netherlands to Paris then flew from to Spain from there. Where possible the trains are a better option, you leave from the middle of the city and don’t have to stuff around with security.
We mainly used Air BnB this time. The changeover can be annoying but it is much nicer having a whole place to yourself.
Look at the man in seat 61 for tips on rail travel.
https://www.seat61.com/
You really should go to Florence and Sienna and you will need to book access for things like the Vatican museums. It is worth going “up” when you can. The view from the top of St Peters is great.
Where possible we buy multi museum passes, like the Carte De Musee, if nothing else it gives you pretty reliable accesses to toilets. Some of them also tie with public transport. The other thing is some of them are based on 24 hours, rather than calendar day so if you start using it in the afternoon the day extends to the next morning.
June/July is going to be a tad busy and a bit hot. Always make sure you are carrying water bottles.
Have a great time and happy to give any advice I can.
@try2bhelpful: We’ve got no choice the timing as we’ve got to go school holidays. I’ve been considering the Eurail pass as the kids are free but the booking fees are a bit of a turn off.
In Brussels, we will probably just go out to Brugge and then head to Paris. We will do Airbnb as we have three young kids. We will head to Switzerland then and probably do a similar itinerary to you and then head down the Italian Coast from Milan to Rome. We love the museums and have climbed to the top of St Peter’s before - I’d love to do it again - this time with the kids. I’ll check out the museum passes - we’ve used them before in NYC and they saved us loads.
@LXE3: If you’ve got kids the access to toilets is even more important :)
The fees are a turn off but, we found, the standard rail tickets in Switzerland were much more expensive. It is a country where the rail passes are worthwhile. If you doing similar to us I would look at the Swiss pass as there are extra benefits. That time of year the trains will fill up fast. Driving inland in Italy is not too bad, but the coast was pretty dire, we only did that on a bus. For Switzerland we would get stuff from the supermarket and cook our own, they have some good premade stuff. Eating out is expensive. Chocolate is good value though.
Do some research to see what you can prebook. That time of year you will be dealing with long queues.
@try2bhelpful: So, do you need a Swisspass and a Eurail pass?
Yes, we do loads of road trips and always make out own breaky and lunch at the very least. I have a breaky pack with bowls, spoons and a jar of vegemite! We’ve driven a lot in the US and Canada but we thought we’d probably be better off on the train in Europe. Yeah, we aren’t looking forward to the crowds but we’ve only ever been in winter and wanted to see the sights in the sun. We will cop crowds in Paris and Rome but otherwise we probably won’t be doing too many traditional touristy things.
@LXE3: look at how many legs on each and do a comparison. If you are only doing the two legs in Switzerland, as suggested above, I would stick with the Eurail pass, if you are doing the six legs I would look at Eurail and Swiss pass. What you want to look at is the extras for Swiss pass. We fell foul of a couple of points where the Swiss pass was included and the Eurail you paid extra. They were the ferry across to Lucerne on the "Lugano to Lucerne" leg (we paid the ticket on the ferry) and one of the transports up to Mount Pilatus which we managed to fudge by explaining we thought they were included in the ticket we were using. They grumbled but let us through. Asking the person on the train to explain the tickets was less than helpful. My suggestion is do a lot of research and work out what works for you. We did a lot of train travel with the six legs so the kids might be bored stiff, we thought it was wonderful because we like to travel on trains. The problem in Switzerland is fog; if it sets in at the top of a mountain you don't see a lot and going up mountains in Switzerland is sort of the point. The other thing to keep in mind is that the train travel is for a full day. I think we did use the same ticket to get up Mt Pilatus in the afternoon we used to travel to Lucerne in the morning; but my memory is getting murky now.
He sounds like how i will be at 50.
I think he would really enjoy a day at a track where you book him a car and a day track session.
He would love a vintage car but is too responsible to splurge it all on himself.
So a trackday with car hire is something relatively inexpensive, lets him let cut loose, but still can come back to the family to enjoy without the guilt of knowing too much money was spent.
The second part would be for you and your family to share a memorable experience.
Sounds like he doesnt care for more 'stuff'. Although i think he would also appreciate a hard to get type of plant or tree. maybe a mature fruit tree since you mentioned he liked gardening.
I suppose a day out at Agincourt Reef from Pt Douglas would be out of the question?
Reading the above I think there's nothing wrong with asking him what he really would enjoy.
Wife and I did a cruise for my 50th, that was something we both enjoyed.
Like him I'm hard to buy for, I'd rather not have a surprise gift if it is something I wouldn't enjoy.
A Fleshlight
Your husband sounds like me. Like scary accurate. How does this sound:
You're basically married to me I'm thinking:).
Whilst I'm not 50 yet, I'm getting very close.
I know you want something BIG, something he'll love. In all honesty… talk to him.
When the kids are down, give him his Coke or Beer or Wine or whatever it is and ask him. Not off the cuff "so… what do you want?". Tell him exactly what you've said here. You want to give him something special, something he really wants… but after a few months you're still struggling.
A family holiday to somewhere special (maybe the US or something where he can see a live sport he's always wanted to see? NBA is my pick) might be a great destination holiday for everyone INCLUDING HIM. If it's a material thing you want to buy for him, it's a lot harder and you'll need his input.
He's techy I'm guessing, likes to do most things himself or give it a go vs paying someone else to do it?
What about something that allows him to build something, and open the opportunity to make a new circle of friends in the process?
Radio control cars, planes, helicopters etc. An open cheque at the hobby store, along with lessons, club membership.
Also opens up the ability for him to share that passion and gained knowledge with the kids as they get a little older.
Don't buy him a lawn mower. I know you said he's mentioned it, but it's like buying you a new washing machine for your birthday.
Yeah the house needs it, but its no present ;). Things for the house should be just that… for the house, not for the person.
Speak to him and ask him to get back to you in 3 days. Ask for some guidance, and explain that he's not allowed to say things like "lawn mower" or "holiday at the beach for the weekend". That's not 50th Birthday material :).
If it's material, you'll need his input. If he's open for a surprise big holiday with the family (I know its tough travelling with young kids, but its doable), then ask if its cold or warm climate that he would prefer. Being in QLD, travelling somewhere like New Zealand is an option. Very scenic, able to do it at your own pace either via train or car. Or what about New York. Get on top of the world with your number one in the world. A White Christmas maybe (if you can stretch it out till then… seeing the rest of the country or up to Canada or something).
If your budget is open (sounds like it is if a car is on the possible list), cruises are great too. Kids clubs, no driving, food galore, and it doesn't have to be local. Fly somewhere and come back via ship?
Does he have interstate family? Or overseas family? The travel thing is something that needs to be looked at as a serious contender. I know others have suggested the two of you get away… is that an option? Parents or inlaws or friends able to sort out a week or two of care of the kids?
That's an option that allows something off the beaten track as no kids. Arctic cruise/northern lights? Canadian Rockies train trip?
Get into a travel agent and pick their brain for out of the usual travel ideas.
I reckon he'd be 50/50 on the whole travelling without the kids. You need to get some honesty out of him. Would he be a stress pot if he was away for that long? Would he prefer the whole Griswold's Family Vacation thing?
Destination holiday for the 50th is a good memories thing. Big screen TV's, tools, and stuff are unreal… but they are no 50th quality.
The new hobby/circle of friends thing is an opportunity that comes from a new leaf going into his 50's.
I know he probably says that he's got no time, or he doesn't mind it… but trust me, even an introvert like me misses that male connection at times.
In 5 years he could have a few good mates he doesn't have now… and that's an awesome 50th birthday present (and something that will really help him in more ways that one, even if doesn't know it yet).
What are some of the things he like to do? Hobbies. Real hobbies. If he can't list 3 off the top of his head, then a new hobby is what he needs. Time and money to accomplish is required.
But speak to him. And don't let him blow you off with "whatever you pick babe is fine, don't fuss too much… I have everything I need".
Everyone needs something special every now and again. A 50th is a big deal and a great opportunity/excuse to get into something fun and new.
Sorry for the long winded response, but I really feel like I've got a lot of similar traits to your husband. I know I can be difficult, but I really do appreciate your efforts :).
sounds like me too, all id want is a bj and id be happy, alas it will never happen lol
Thank you for putting so much effort into your response… is that you S****?
I have asked him repeatedly and he just says to forget it as he has fear of turning 50 phobia!
I agree - 50 is super special and I really do want to gift him something amazing.
We have no one who we can leave the kids with for more than a night ( my mum is the only one and she is 83). Hence, any trips we take are always with the kids. We did the East coast of the US, from Niagara Falls to the Caribbean when they were 1, 3 and 5 (pretty funny in hindsight- two in the twin pram and one in a pack). Since then we’ve done a West Coast US road trip and a loop from Seattle out to Yellowstone and then into the Canadian Rockies. The kids are awesome travellers - they routinely do day hikes in the National Parks of around 16kms. We went to NZ in July and we're going to Europe in The June holidays. I know it sounds like we really live it up but I’m a true Ozbargainer - i buy the flights when they’re on special, hunt for hotel bargains and we pack a breaky pack and picnic a lot - it’s not all 5 star! They are the best times though - we absolutely live for our road trips.
I’ve looked at doing the Routeburn track in NZ - that’s something we’ve done the first day of and said we’d love to complete. However, it’s probably too long to leave the kids with nana and probably a bit too hard for the kids - they’ve done one day of it but not sure how they’d cope with three consecutive days - I’d be worried sick about getting up into the mountains and then having to carry one or two of them out.
Cruises aren’t great for a family of 5 - basically we need two cabins so you pay full adult for the first 2 passengers in a cabin - this means we pay four full fares and one child.
I can’t book a trip for more than day a week for November (when his birthday is because the kids are in school). I have to work this December and January (which really sucks but it can’t be helped this year).
I’ll ask again. While I like the idea of a hobby, and I know we should all make time, we really struggle with it. The kids are so intense - as you’d know - with school, homework, sport etc. Then on the weekends we try to spend time as a family rather than on our own pursuits - mostly going to the beach for picnics, the movies, mini golf, strawberry picking, fishing, Bush walks, lego - just simple stuff.
I am 43 and would love any of the following:
The millennium falcon leggo set (7541) and a custom display box.
A good push bike.
A vintage chess set.
Vinyl record player, and albums.
An old style type writer and/or limited edition books.
An outdoor spa.
Tailor made jewellery, leather bag, shirts, belt with initials or personalised message on it.
Would you like me to email it to your wife? PM me her email address and ill drop the hint… thats 7 years worth of gifts sorted for her
Day spa voucher where both you and him get a massage hop in the spa sauna facial pedicure manicure for 3 hour visit couples voucher then go for lunch or dinner (get babysitters for the kids). Enjoy being pampered, I got this once for my brother a manspa for 3 hours and he loved it.
without any ideas of his interests (other than the pair of 25 yo's ;), a "challenge".
For my 50th, I received a new semi-acoustic guitar, as I play guitar (duh!) and my solid body was starting to get more than a little heavy on these shoulders. I tried a lot of different semi's - Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Ibanez - and "settled" on an Ibanez AF105NT (with a uupgrade to a tremelo arm) - the flame-maple finish just "had me". It is gorgeous!
So, pick something (other than his lovely wife) that he is interested in, and buy something that he would (probably) never buy himself.
Great advice!
yeah, I know - I'm full of it ;)
For my 50th, took a bunch of friends go-karting (then dinner). You could (all?) fly back to your hometown and do something there?? (Gave us all the opportunity to be big kids)
What man wants that? O.o