Present that will last forever?

September 12, 2009 2:08 PM

I'm looking for a present that would last for a long time. I'd like it to be something that's useful and very unlikely to break. Costing about £150.

My Mum recently got married, and I gave her away and acted as bridesmaid. She tells me it's traditional to give the bridesmaid a present, so I benefit from this! I'd like it to get something that would last for a while.

I was inspired to ask this after seeing my flatmate has a good set of cast iron pots and pans. Something like that would be good, but obviously at the moment I don't need that.

The best man at the wedding (now my step-brother) got a new digital camera. Whilst that also seems nice, I'd like to have something that will last a lifetime.

I'm a student for the next year or so, and rent my house furnished, so don't need anything like that (but please still suggest things if it could be useful in the future!)

Sorry for the vagueness of the question, but I'll be around if anyone asks questions!

posted by kg to grab bag (24 comments total)

A watch.
posted by fire&wings at 2:10 PM on September 12

If you wear jewelry: a set of pearls. My mama gave me a set of pearls for my 18th birthday and ten years later, I still wear them for just about every special occasion. I intend on passing them down to a daughter, should I have one.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 2:17 PM on September 12 [1 favorite]

A bonsai tree would be a really cool gift. Assuming you don't kill it, they last a really long time.
posted by kylej at 2:23 PM on September 12

Maybe I'm just a poor consumer, but the digital cameras I've had in the past in that price range have not come anywhere close to lasting a lifetime, so I agree with your view.

A set of really GOOD quality but basic hand tools with case would probably be in that price range and would last a lifetime. I know, you are a young woman, but my daughter bought her own hand tools for framing, creating window valences, and occasional minor car repairs.

Of course there is certainly jewelry that would meet that criteria, if a good bargain were found.

Those are my thoughts.
posted by forthright at 2:23 PM on September 12

Do you bake at all? I got a Kitchenaid stand mixer for a wedding present 4 years ago and it's been one of the most stalwart, heavy-duty and useful things I've ever owned.
posted by starvingartist at 2:23 PM on September 12

A quality chef's knife is really the most essential kitchen element of all and will indeed last a lifetime.
posted by Rhomboid at 2:27 PM on September 12

I should probably point out that I'm a guy. :) Good suggestions so far! Thanks.
posted by kg at 2:28 PM on September 12

A decent knife or two should last a long time.
posted by chairish at 2:31 PM on September 12 [1 favorite]

Well, if you're a guy... I don't think you were a bridesmaid! Though perhaps you did have a great dress.

I personally think that kitchen stuff is rather impersonal. For something that will last a lifetime - perhaps a first edition of your favorite book. Or, along the jewelry route, a nice pair of cufflinks.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 2:43 PM on September 12

I'm seconding the tool set. I helped my sister put in stereo speakers in her car the other day and the socket set makes it so much easier than trying to use a wench.
If you ever own a house or have to do repairs, you'll thank your mom for years when you have a kit that has everything in one place instead of having to sort through a bunch of makeshift pieces.
posted by stray thoughts at 2:55 PM on September 12

I recently received a SwissCard and it's *great*. I don't forsee it breaking. I also love my moleskine notebook - it's great for preserving memories for a lifetime - unless a flood or fire takes it, of course. Also, I know you're a student, but education - maybe a cooking, music, or language course, the skills from which you'll (hopefully) carry with you forever?
posted by xiaolongbao at 4:19 PM on September 12

How about a really nice pen. The lower end Mont Blanc pens are still really nice. They are definately a last more than a lifetime gift.
posted by skewedoracle at 5:02 PM on September 12

Pen, watch (could be a dress watch, rather than everyday), cufflinks, wallet.

Prepend "really nice" to all of those.
posted by djgh at 5:37 PM on September 12

Some decent furniture, maybe a bookcase? A piece of original art that you really love?

In addition to high-quality pots and pans and sturdy appliances like a Kitchen-Aid mixer, I think a good sewing machine is a great thing to have around. You can usually find very good refurbished basic machines in this price range at sewing machine dealers.

N'thing the tools, too.
posted by Quietgal at 5:39 PM on September 12

I personally think that kitchen stuff is rather impersonal.

Unless, of course, if the receiver spends a lot of time and energy in the kitchen. I received a really nice butcher's block and would be really surprised if I ever need another cutting surface in my lifetime.
posted by GPF at 5:56 PM on September 12

The very heavy crystal waterford style vases in the larger sizes fit the bill. With reasonable care they last a lifetime. We had one roll off the table once, drop 3 feet (admittedly onto carpet) and survive without a chip. 15 years so far and still holds lasting beauty every time new flowers are placed in it.
posted by Muirwylde at 6:01 PM on September 12

A combination of knife and tools. I have a Swiss army knife I received almost 30 years ago, and I still use it. So, one of those, or maybe one of those "Leatherman" multi-tools. They seem rugged, too.
posted by birdsquared at 6:05 PM on September 12

Anyone who spends any time in a kitchen needs a respectable knife. Check out Japanese Chef's Knife. I'll put in a plug for the Hiromoto Aogami Super Gyoto or Santoku. Damn I love those knives. Next on the list would be as big of a mortar & pestle as possible. Both of these items will last several lifetimes if taken care of.
posted by Dmenet at 7:32 PM on September 12

I liked Muirwylde's crystal idea. If a vase isn't something you fancy, how about a decanter, or wine/champagne/brandy glasses? Also n'thing good quality knives. We got some for a wedding gift 30 years ago and they're still fabulous.

I was going to suggest a wonderful leather handbag until I saw you are male, but maybe something in the leather deskset, laptop case, notes portfolio line?
posted by angiep at 11:53 PM on September 12

Not sure about prices, but maybe a portrait of your mother. Have someone who paints portraits do a nice painting of her. If the prices are a little high, perhaps an amateur ( but a good one) could do it. If she didn't want to sit for that long you could take a photo ( enlarged ???) and have them paint from that.
posted by Taurid at 1:10 AM on September 13

A bonsai tree would be a really cool gift. Assuming you don't kill it, they last a really long time.

I've heard that they're actually not that easy to maintain.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:30 AM on September 13

I've had really good luck lately with prints. Think of a couple of key words of mutual interest to the bride and groom, go to EBay and search under vintage prints. Prices have come down a lot, and 'best offers' accepted are sometimes embarrassing. Spend a lot for quality framing, and don't forget to have an envelope pocket put in the back. Put a card in that along with information about the print and the artist.
I just got 20/200 signed for 1/2 asking price. The asking price was $3700 less than what this print went for 6 years ago. (I paid under $100!)
posted by Pennyblack at 12:01 PM on September 13

Some sort of skill lesson: Driving, cooking, photography, music. Learning a skill well will last a lifetime.
posted by fings at 12:40 PM on September 13

A favorite book would be appropriate.
posted by ragtimepiano at 10:05 PM on September 13