Last minute birthday present for almost-estranged parent
May 13, 2018 8:04 AM Subscribe
We're (1 sister, grown son, and I) going today to a milestone birthday party for my father, from whom we are largely estranged. He turned 80. Just the fact that we were invited is unusual, and I feel that I should attend. My extended family will be there, too. It will be OK being with all of them; we aren't close, but friendly. It's a barbeque. I feel I need to bring something for my father, but nothing personal.
My sister brilliantly decided to bring him a bottle of champagne. We don't even know if he drinks champagne, but it's such a standard celebratory gift that it's perfect. Really, my only motivation to bring him something is so I am not seen as showing up empty-handed. By the way, I'm asking about something for him specifically, not a contribution to the party food. The party is this afternoon. I live near lots of stores and will have time to stop somewhere on the way to the party.
He's a kind of grumpy, unpleasant guy, but quite youthful for his years. I think he still runs every day, and works full-time running his business. I'm not really sure of his interests. He used to be into birds and working in his garden. He also loves his beach house on the Cape and spends lots of time there. I think he drinks beer regularly but I assume he's not into the whole craft beer thing. He might be kind of into grilling? Something fairly impersonal is best. My budget is maybe as much as $50.
My sister brilliantly decided to bring him a bottle of champagne. We don't even know if he drinks champagne, but it's such a standard celebratory gift that it's perfect. Really, my only motivation to bring him something is so I am not seen as showing up empty-handed. By the way, I'm asking about something for him specifically, not a contribution to the party food. The party is this afternoon. I live near lots of stores and will have time to stop somewhere on the way to the party.
He's a kind of grumpy, unpleasant guy, but quite youthful for his years. I think he still runs every day, and works full-time running his business. I'm not really sure of his interests. He used to be into birds and working in his garden. He also loves his beach house on the Cape and spends lots of time there. I think he drinks beer regularly but I assume he's not into the whole craft beer thing. He might be kind of into grilling? Something fairly impersonal is best. My budget is maybe as much as $50.
You can't go wrong with flowers. A small flowering plant is easy because you don't even need to deal with a vase. You could put a big festive bow on it and voila.
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:19 AM on May 13, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:19 AM on May 13, 2018 [3 favorites]
Box of chocolate/candy
posted by parakeetdog at 8:45 AM on May 13, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by parakeetdog at 8:45 AM on May 13, 2018 [2 favorites]
A bird feeder.
If you want to be slightly snarky, you could get him a tie.
posted by BlueHorse at 8:50 AM on May 13, 2018
If you want to be slightly snarky, you could get him a tie.
posted by BlueHorse at 8:50 AM on May 13, 2018
Response by poster: All good answers. And I came up with one of my own: a blueberry bush. We used to have them planted all around our deck, growing up, and he loved going out every morning and picking a bunch for his cereal. The gift leans a little towards the sentimental and personal, but I'll get points (not!).
posted by primate moon at 8:52 AM on May 13, 2018 [11 favorites]
posted by primate moon at 8:52 AM on May 13, 2018 [11 favorites]
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posted by neushoorn at 8:19 AM on May 13, 2018 [2 favorites]