oh, you shouldn't have.
September 30, 2014 6:54 PM Subscribe
what would be an appropriate birthday gift for a new fella?
recently started seeing a new guy—we've had several dates so far. we get on fantastically, and like each other a lot. when we're together it's a ton of fun and really easy and not awkward at all. in fact, our first date was probably one of the best ones i've had (and he's told me it's the best one he's had). we text several times a day, nearly every day. we both have birthdays coming up but have mentioned that we don't have anything really planned. my friends have mentioned taking me out to dinner for mine, which would be a day before i see him again; he'll be working on his birthday several days later and i most likely won't see him again until a few days following that.
i'm a gift giver, so i would love to get him something, even if you think just a card should suffice. but what is appropriate, given the amount of time we've actually been dating?
some things about him:
• he'll turn 31
• he co-owns a nearly-year-old notable tavern and restaurant in a small town
• he's very active and outdoorsy
• he's handy (he and his business partner designed and built out most of their restaurant interior)
• he's entrepreneurial and in the beginning stages of a new venture
• he's interested in foraging and distilling
• he works a ton (because, new-ish restaurant)
recently started seeing a new guy—we've had several dates so far. we get on fantastically, and like each other a lot. when we're together it's a ton of fun and really easy and not awkward at all. in fact, our first date was probably one of the best ones i've had (and he's told me it's the best one he's had). we text several times a day, nearly every day. we both have birthdays coming up but have mentioned that we don't have anything really planned. my friends have mentioned taking me out to dinner for mine, which would be a day before i see him again; he'll be working on his birthday several days later and i most likely won't see him again until a few days following that.
i'm a gift giver, so i would love to get him something, even if you think just a card should suffice. but what is appropriate, given the amount of time we've actually been dating?
some things about him:
• he'll turn 31
• he co-owns a nearly-year-old notable tavern and restaurant in a small town
• he's very active and outdoorsy
• he's handy (he and his business partner designed and built out most of their restaurant interior)
• he's entrepreneurial and in the beginning stages of a new venture
• he's interested in foraging and distilling
• he works a ton (because, new-ish restaurant)
If he works a lot, maybe give him a day of pampering (with you along for the ride)? A massage and a movie?
posted by xingcat at 7:18 PM on September 30, 2014
posted by xingcat at 7:18 PM on September 30, 2014
Something that can be consumed is always nice, too. The beer suggestion above is a good one. You could also take him out for dinner and a movie, your treat.
posted by sockermom at 7:22 PM on September 30, 2014
posted by sockermom at 7:22 PM on September 30, 2014
Seconding experience gifts, but Uncommon Goods is great for special little things that you don't seem to find anywhere else:
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/salts-of-the-world-test-tube-set
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mango-wood-bowl-with-bark
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mobile-foodie-survival-kit
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/working-mans-hygiene-kit
posted by marsbar77 at 7:23 PM on September 30, 2014
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/salts-of-the-world-test-tube-set
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mango-wood-bowl-with-bark
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mobile-foodie-survival-kit
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/working-mans-hygiene-kit
posted by marsbar77 at 7:23 PM on September 30, 2014
Does he Home Brew? You could get him the stuff for homebrewing and make a beer, then drink it with him.
posted by gryftir at 7:27 PM on September 30, 2014
posted by gryftir at 7:27 PM on September 30, 2014
I am a fan of experiences. Silly things are good -- mini golf? go karts? laser tag? bowling? (mini golf is the best choice there, but you get my point.) I also like things you can share -- so you cook him a meal (or dessert!) or if you don't want to make anything, buy something nice and have a picnic (even if it's inside). Nice beers/ciders/wines/liquors are always good.
If you do want to give him something that's not consumable, glassware/barware is good (you know his taste more than I do, so no recommendations) -- that would include decanters/etc. But I think a "shared" experience is the way to go here, even if that's just you buy him some beer that you share and you hang out watching a movie together.
posted by darksong at 7:30 PM on September 30, 2014 [1 favorite]
If you do want to give him something that's not consumable, glassware/barware is good (you know his taste more than I do, so no recommendations) -- that would include decanters/etc. But I think a "shared" experience is the way to go here, even if that's just you buy him some beer that you share and you hang out watching a movie together.
posted by darksong at 7:30 PM on September 30, 2014 [1 favorite]
Invite him over for a home cooked dinner. Then make out on the couch like teenagers. It's a good birthday gift, trust me.
posted by Kololo at 8:29 PM on September 30, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Kololo at 8:29 PM on September 30, 2014 [2 favorites]
One of the smaller swiss army pocket knives would be nice. He will think of you every time he uses it. They are wonderful.
posted by jcworth at 9:30 PM on September 30, 2014
posted by jcworth at 9:30 PM on September 30, 2014
How about a small leather-bound journal?
I also like Uncommon goods for gifts!
One of those solar smartphone chargers would be good for someone who loves the outdoors.
Stalking the Wild Asparagus is a foraging classic, though he might already have it.
If he likes homebrewing, maybe a neat pewter tankard?
posted by Ostara at 10:45 PM on September 30, 2014
I also like Uncommon goods for gifts!
One of those solar smartphone chargers would be good for someone who loves the outdoors.
Stalking the Wild Asparagus is a foraging classic, though he might already have it.
If he likes homebrewing, maybe a neat pewter tankard?
posted by Ostara at 10:45 PM on September 30, 2014
Juniper Ridge soaps, fragrances, and grooming products are FANTASTIC and involve foraging and distilling of wild plants. They smell amazing and make my skin feel nice.
posted by dahliachewswell at 11:07 PM on September 30, 2014
posted by dahliachewswell at 11:07 PM on September 30, 2014
Show up at his door wearing nothing but sexy lingerie under a long coat carrying a case of his favorite microbrew.
posted by Jacqueline at 2:54 AM on October 1, 2014
posted by Jacqueline at 2:54 AM on October 1, 2014
He sounds like he might like whiskeys (or other distilled drink), or some hand crafted drink. Depending on where you are, go to a decent spirits/wine/beer establishment, and ask for recommendations based on what you shared. Usually, they will be able to steer you in the right direction.
Or, a Leatherman. Also good for a handy person.
posted by troytroy at 10:25 AM on October 1, 2014
Or, a Leatherman. Also good for a handy person.
posted by troytroy at 10:25 AM on October 1, 2014
I would have a few potential gift items/experiences in mind and on hand (or easily acquired i guess would make more sense) in case he gets you something that you feel is more extravagant than what you had planned for him, since your birthday will come first.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:18 AM on October 1, 2014
posted by poffin boffin at 11:18 AM on October 1, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
Here you can pick up a six pack of boutique beers or ciders from around the world, is that an option?
I think that something that suits his personality but is not overly sentimental would do the trick. Everyone loves gifts on their birthday!
posted by Youremyworld at 7:03 PM on September 30, 2014 [1 favorite]