Best present for Best husband

September 27, 2007 10:32 PM

What are great birthday ideas/presents for a hard-working dad and husband?

My husband will be having his 25th birthday in a month and I am asking for some unique and original ideas. I know this can become one of those questions that are bogged down with chat, and for that apologize, but I do want genuine ideas. In the past, I usually get him the latest/greatest video game console or gadget, but this year, I really want something great.

He is a wonderful father and an amazing husband and he works so hard to support us and I really want to show him how much he is appreciated. I have made him presents in the past and while he does love home-made presents because of their intrinsic value, I do want something he can really use and enjoy. He likes anything to do with computers and web development, he likes video games, and outdoor activities. I really wanted to get an atv for him, but that is currently out of my budget. I am willing to spend about $200-$300 on a present for him, just as long as it isn't something he would get bored with easily.

He is not much of a jewelry person, so watches or necklaces are off the list. We have the XBOX 360 and getting games is not an issue. Boxed sets of shows and dvds are also off the list because we can get them, that and neither of us have enough time to watch tv. I was thinking of perhaps a relaxing weekend at a spa, where he could fully relax and get a massage and truly get pampered, but I am not sure how guys would enjoy that. I know women would, but I do not know if guys would appreciate being pampered like that.

Please help, I have one month to plan!

posted by dnthomps to human relations (9 comments total)

a big ol' hard drive, or some kind of computer upgrade?
flying lessons?
flying trapeze lessons?
rent an atv for a camping weekend?
a pair of dance dance revolution pads?
a wii?
a tattoo? matching tattoos?
a professionally bound photobook with pics of you two & your kid?

i threw a surprise party for my guy, he was into that. i picked a nice bar with a comfy, loungey feel, and i spent a couple hundred bucks on food. i found all his old friends (from highschool and college and old jobs and etc), via facebook. his sister gave me baby & kid pics of him and i printed them out & put them up around the bar. that went over pretty well.
posted by twistofrhyme at 10:45 PM on September 27, 2007

Heh - I was going to suggest a massage/trip to a spa, but I'm biased. (I'm a massage therapist). I used to to work at a day spa that was specifically for men (with a mixed day once a week), and believe me, guys love a trip to the day spa for a pampering just as much as women do. Many that were new to the experience were completely amazed at how great they felt. Be careful though, he might get addicted to the experience! Just don't send him somewhere that's overly feminine, find somewhere that he'll feel comfortable with he atmosphere.

For something maybe a bit more lasting & bonding for you both as a couple, many massage schools run weekend classes for couples to learn some basics so they can massage each other. A gift that keeps on giving!
posted by goshling at 12:15 AM on September 28, 2007

i really want a telescope - dropping hints all over the place in the hope that i get it for christmas. its something i want to do with the kids, teach them about the stars - so its more of a family present rather than something just for me. not sure if it'd work in this case, but just thought id put it out there.
posted by dnc at 2:36 AM on September 28, 2007

Seconding the Wii. It's so much fun, especially with the kids. Make sure you get extra controllers and one of the "has a billion mini-games" games!
posted by ostranenie at 5:56 AM on September 28, 2007

I like weekend away presents, or what about both of you go skydiving, or white water rafting, or something adventurous that costs for a guide? Most people don't spring for that stuff every day, but it's a lifetime of memories when you do.
posted by letahl at 6:34 AM on September 28, 2007

I am a 29 year old father of a 1 year old boy so I hope I can offer 2 good suggestions.

Wii – definitely. I love mine. Even though I may only play it once or twice a month it’s well worth it. Also since my son goes down early we can have friends over and they love playing it too…win, win – I get to play my Wii and we get adults to hang out with for the night. Oh yeah, he would probably love downloading old-school NES games ($5 a pop).

Sirius Satellite Radio – I got this for father’s day and use it daily. I recommend getting the radio/boombox set so he can listen on the road or take it outdoors. Sirius also plays just about every sport so I am able to listen to all of my college football games not played on TV.

I personally would pass on the spa day. I would love it because it came from my wife but it certainly would not be a favorite.

Good Luck!
posted by doorsfan at 7:14 AM on September 28, 2007

I'm a father of 2 and I'd say if you can arrange a simple weekend for the two of you away from the kid(s?) , that would probably beat out any gadget short of a new car. It doesn't have to be outrageous, just some kid-free time together.
posted by originalname37 at 11:34 AM on September 28, 2007

Thank you all for your suggestions. I definitely am thinking towards something just for him and not involving the kids. We had the Wii for a while and he wasn't too impressed with it. We are actually thinking of getting it for our five year old daughter, but he definitely prefers his XBOX 360.

My husband is definitely a daredevil and has always wanted to go skydiving, but he won't go without me and I will NEVER go due to my fear of heights. I think perhaps racing lessons on a dirt bike or quad might be something he would enjoy.
posted by dnthomps at 9:06 PM on September 28, 2007

If he loves the outdoors, how about a hand-held GPS receiver and a pro account ($30 for the year) with www.geocaching.com? Geocaching is "high-tech" treasure hunting using a GPS and maps, and involves exploring and hiking. A basic GPS costs about 100 bucks, but for 200 you can get one with mapping and other doodads.

Geocaching is a great family activity, and/or he can do it alone, or with you. It's a great way to see nature and areas in your town you never even knew existed, and it's good exercise as well.

Check out the website, put in your zip code, and see what caches pop up in your area (it's free - the pro account just gets you some extra GPS toys).
posted by coollibrarian at 9:01 PM on September 30, 2007