Ok, birthday gifts ideas and opions please!

[RickinNYC]

Ack! Joe is turning the big 4-0 this August and I already have a few things in motion. We'll be in WDW so I'm sending him off to do a ride along at Richard Petty's Driving Experience (he doesn't drive stick so a ride along is the only option). Plus, I'm sending him to get a massage on another morning at SSR (thank Aimee!).

We're also going to Victoria and Whatisface for dinner one night as well. That's not just for him, it's for me too. My b-day is a few days later.

I want to give him something tangible, not just an experience. Any ideas? I thought of a Palm Pilot because he's pretty disorganized and said he "might" be into using one to help him with his schedule. I also thought of a super duper suped up new cel phone. He's not a phone geek though so I think that might be a flop. But he does get impressed when someone whips out a fancy schmancy phone for some odd reason. I also thought of an XM tuner for the home. He loves my portable tuner and uses it when I have it hooked up to the stereo.

Another DIS'er suggested giving him 40 of something for fun. I think that might be kinda neat. But that'd be just a gag.

So thoughts? This is driving me nuts!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Love the itinerary---though what's his face is ALBERT.

He sounds like me technologically--there are things I *might* use and never do. And phones--I need to be able to speak to people on it. Hubby always wants to get me something more gadgety--but I like it simple (and I hate to learn all that stuff. My phone was as simple as I can get and I don't use half the stuff on it)...

So I'm leaning towards....something else.

What is his takes on IPODs? That is one gadget that I could use. I don't know if he takes the subway to work, but maybe another way to be entertained on the trip if he does.

If I ever get one--I'd use it for running (and put some slamming tempo songs on there so I can feel like I'm running fast even though I run like a tortoise!).

So my vote is for an Ipod if he doesn't have one already and if he enjoys music enough to make use of it.

I would preload it even with songs you think he might enjoy and songs that are special to the both of you (i'm not techno savvy and hubby would do this for me...at least I hope he would b/c I'm not about to figure it out...I want to use it right away!!!).


ETA: Missed the XM tuner suggestion---that would be pretty cool as well. Also missed the gag. I guess it is over my head b/c I thought the suggestions were reasonable. I guess I'm still a spring chicken.

 

[NMAmy]

Does he have a nice camera? After me complaining and whining that I prefer cameras with real film in them, DH got me a fancy digital camera for Christmas which I adore and now I won't use anything else. He dragged me kicking and screaming into the 21st century by finding one that takes fantastic pictures but isn't so high tech that I can't use it. It's one of the best gifts he's ever gotten me.

I hope you guys have a great time on your birthday trip! It sounds like a lot of fun.

 

[Minnie824]

How about a cool watch? They have some really nice ones out....everytime my DH sees and add for the Tag Heuer watches he mentions how nice they are. Expensive though, which is why he is still admiring them in the magazines.

 

[NewJersey]

I was going to suggest an iPod with preloaded songs that mean something to him, you, or your relationship. I just made a CD for my bf of songs that mean alot to the two of us...he loves it! Just a little something to let him know i love him.

How about a handycam (a DVD handycam valued at over 900 DOLLARS -> anyone see the SNL oprah's favorite things? that's from that. ). They have ones now that act as a digital camera too. That might be too technological though.

The itinerary sounds great though...have a wonderful trip!

 

[Patty3]

I like the idea of an Ipod, or what about a blackberry? DH uses his all the time , he never leaves home without it.

 

[Chilehead Too]

I like the idea of an Ipod, or what about a blackberry? DH uses his all the time , he never leaves home without it.

Ditto

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

A Brand New Car!!!!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I love the idea about a cool watch. Though I don't know how many he may all ready have. My DH has about 20 (no lie, he is a watch nut).

XM receiver is a good idea as well (though I think Sirius is better ). Maybe you could get him one of the new fancy XM portable revceivers that record up to 50 hours of content.

Another idea is maybe something teachery. I am sure he all ready has a great messenger bag or briefcase. Sooo hmmm, but I was thinking something combined with a gift certificate to Staples for some classroom supplies.

Are there any older books that he just loves? Perhaps you can find a special first edition or leatherbound edition of the book.

I need to think some more.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I bought the personalized lovopoly game for my husband and it was a big hit. Sure it was hokey and cheesy, but so are we. Its more of a gag gift I suppose but it sure was fun personalizing it. You pesonalize with pictures, dates, sayings whatever you want.
click here

 

[bananiem]

teachery.

Sorry, Rick, I don't have any ideas. You could send me a ticket to join you and I could wish him happy birthday in person.

 

[CinderellaIam]

The whole Birthday trip and itinerary sound wonderful.

I agree with those who said the iPod, preloaded with playlists of music he likes and songs that are special to the two of us.

Trying to drag someone into the age of digital organization doesn't always work. For Christmas I bought my SO a high end Palm to get him organized because he kept saying "I need to get more organized" and so that he could transport information files with him and not carry 25 pounds of paper every day in his briefcase. Guess what? It is the most expensive paper weight I have ever bought. He was enthused for about 2 weeks and now it just sits on his desk.

Hope my little take helps you decide.

 

[Christine]

My DH bought me Palm Pilot thingy 2 years ago and it just overwhelmed me so much. I much preferred being disorganized and worrying where my next appointment was versus having to look at that thing.

Sorry I don't have any ideas either. But I'd personally love a Tag Hauer watch!

 

[RickinNYC]

Thanks for the tips guys! I already got him an IPod a while back, plus all the gadget stuff that is associated, i.e. speakers, blah blah blah. So that's out.

And I got him a camera this past Christmas.

I like the idea of a fancy schmancy watch. That's a great possibility.

I'm getting the feeling a Palm Pilot is just dumb, at least for him. I agree. I'm grasping at straws.

I wish he were like other guys (ME) and liked stuff that you plugged in or took batteries. I love gadgets and things with bells, whistles, mechanical voices or did stuff for you.

So, here's what I have in mind to pick from thus far:

Fancy watch
Something "teachery" but WHAT?
A blackberry (personally, THAT is what I want so I might be projecting. I think he'd look at it and get all antsy, but I'll check them out)
ETA: A home satellite radio tuner - but that would mean I'd be subjected to even MORE country/western twangy my-dog-died-gimme-a-beer-on-the-chatahoochie-honkabadonk-celebrity music

 

[Miss Jasmine]

ETA: A home satellite radio tuner - but that would mean I'd be subjected to even MORE country/western twangy my-dog-died-gimme-a-beer-on-the-chatahoochie-honkabadonk-celebrity music

Which is why I said to get the one that can record 50 hours of content and is a portable reciever. He can listen to it like his Ipod, when walking down the street, subway, etc.

http://xmradio.com/pioneerinno/index.jsp

 

[justjulie]

Stay away from the "crackberry" - it may be the end of normal conversation. Those things are addictive and always buzzing around our office. I can't believe that no one can even go to lunch without checking for messages - don't do it!

 

[hiwaygal]

I like the watch idea...something really cool and expensive!

And, this might be kinda corny, but what if you put all the photos from your upcoming trip in a nice photo album for him. I like the ones that are just perfect for holding the 4x6 pictures. It would be a a tangible gift that keeps all the intangible ones alive in his memory forever.

 

[Daisy Duck 5]

Send him a basket to your room. http://www.peggyssweetsandmore.com/

 

[mickeyfan2]

Ack! Joe is turning the big 4-0 this August and I already have a few things in motion. We'll be in WDW so I'm sending him off to do a ride along at Richard Petty's Driving Experience (he doesn't drive stick so a ride along is the only option).

There is another option, you can teach him to drive stick before August!!!

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

I like the satellite radio ideas, although I am not into it I know my DH (gadget-hound) would like it. Also, the watch is a nice idea. How about Tivo. I don't have it but I would like it!

Or a DVD gift set of his favorite movies. Especially if he has certain genres he likes. My DH loves stuff like that.

A "gag" idea is to get 40 of those gold sacagawea dollar coins from the bank and put them in a little sack. My mom does that for 21st & 30th bdays in my family and it's a cute idea...and it doesn't really cost anything 'cause it's just the dollar value.

Good luck. I wanna go to WDW for my 40th!!!!!!!!!