Need suggestions for little surprises for dh!

[shanni]

I have been stalking this board for a year now, and I can't believe it's finally my turn!! We leave in 22 days for our first trip!!

I have a TON of little surprises planned for our 3 dd's for the car and things for tinkerbell to leave in our room for them, but I'm drawing a blank when it comes to little things for dh. He's kind of humoring me with this whole trip, so I would like to do some little extra things to make it special for him too. He doesn't do the matching t-shirt thing. (Wouldn't be caught dead in one!!) We don't drink, so nothing alcohol related. He loves to read, so I was thinking a little gift card to the bookstore at downtown disney. (I think that's where it is?) Do they have all sorts of books there, or just disney ones?

Other than the bookstore, I can't think of anything for him!! Can anyone give me any suggestions??

 

[Hound 109]

I have been stalking this board for a year now, and I can't believe it's finally my turn!! We leave in 22 days for our first trip!!

I have a TON of little surprises planned for our 3 dd's for the car and things for tinkerbell to leave in our room for them, but I'm drawing a blank when it comes to little things for dh. He's kind of humoring me with this whole trip, so I would like to do some little extra things to make it special for him too. He doesn't do the matching t-shirt thing. (Wouldn't be caught dead in one!!) We don't drink, so nothing alcohol related. He loves to read, so I was thinking a little gift card to the bookstore at downtown disney. (I think that's where it is?) Do they have all sorts of books there, or just disney ones?

Other than the bookstore, I can't think of anything for him!! Can anyone give me any suggestions??

I'm a guy. I don't drink....but i love to eat.

Let him choose one meal a day that HE gets to choose the restaurant. (I bet it would be different than 90% of princess & moms of princesses would choose).

 

[shanni]

Oooh- that's a GREAT idea! Thanks! I'm the planner in the family, so I've already got a good idea of where *I* want to eat, but I'll print off some menus and have him look them over each night, and he can choose where we'll eat for a meal the next day.

Anyone else??

 

[wannagoback]

If he's a sports guy, does he know that there is an ESPN Zone at the end of DTD? There is a gift shop right inside the door, maybe he would like to stop in and look for a t-shirt or something?

Or a magazine or two, for some casual reading material for the hotel room? I could never take a novel on vacation, I would ignore my family to read it!

DH was also along for the "humoring me" role, but the joy he had sharing the experience with his daughters was one of the best times of his life (his words, not mine). That just might be his best surprise.

One thing that I would make sure of is, if you are going to do photopass, make sure he understands what it is. That way, if he is off with one of the kids, they can stop and get some pictures taken. Same for fastpass, be sure that he understands how that works.

The bookstore in DTD is probably like any typical small bookstore. Best sellers, etc. I don't remember seeing anything there that was specific to Disney. Most of that stuff would be in the actual Disney stores, if that's what you're looking for.

Would he be interested in searching for hidden Mickeys? You could get that book for him before you go!

 

[shanni]

Thanks, wannagoback! Those are some great tips. I hadn't even thought about the hidden Mickey book- I think he would really like that! Thanks for the idea!

 

[jory29]

Ask when you are there if it is possible for you two to ride the Lilly Belle!! Very cool experience!!

 

[TheColtonsMom]

Is he or was he affiliated with the military in any way or was a family member...Make sure you go to the flag retreat ceremony on Main St very special and moving for anyone but especially if there is a military affiliation as they ask all service members or former service members to be a part of the ceremony.

It was a highlight for my DH.

 

[alix1979]

What about a Disney gift basket? You can order them with a personalised bathrobe/towel, chocolates, ears etc. Im getting one for my hubbie when we go who also isnt an alcohol drinker. But they coffee ones and stuff

 

[RedRosie]

My DH would not be caught dead in matching T-shirts either. So I bought him a Grumpy shirt. Me, DS, and DD were matching and he was odd man out, but with Grumpy. He thought it was funny. Then we met Snow White at the Princess meet n greet thing, and she made a big fuss for him. Kids loved it, and he chuckled.

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

I'd say get him a pair of Mickey ears with his name embroidered on it. How could anyone resist the urge to put them on and enjoy the moment. But they also have baseball hats on the Disney shopping website.

 

[momstable]

Does he have a favorite Disney character? You might get him some of the Disney pins and a lanyard (buy them in advance from the online Disney store). They probably have whatever his favorite character is. We did this before we took a family trip, and my hubby enjoyed the pins and trading more than the kids did. Mine likes Disney villains. I also recently picked him up a cereal bowl with villains on it.

Maybe a coffee mug or hot cocoa packets or other types of treats? My husband doesn't drink alcohol or coffee, but does drink tea and cocoa, so a mug is a good choice. I also get his fav treats like beef jerky. Also having his Cokes in the wine bucket chilling works well for my guy (that's his caffeine of choice)

I tend to try to be my own concierge person for my family, so I get chocolates and do a turn down service with chocolates on the pillows, I get glow sticks for the parades and night shows. I go to the dollars stores for stickers, themed night lights, banners, whatever. Pens, pencils.

Music CDs with Disney toons are another possibility. Or if you have a way to play DVDs, maybe bringing along a Disney one he likes.

A loving thank you note for his cooperation and support might be nice, too. Just to show how much you appreciate him doing something that might not be his end-all, be-all.

 

[shanni]

Great ideas, everyone!! Thanks so much! I'm taking notes! I knew you all would have some fabulous suggestions! Thanks!