Frugal but thoughtful present for DS40

[simplepimple]

He's a carpenter and earns enough to buy himself what he needs/likes.

I feel like 40 is a special birthday and would like to buy something memorable with a limited budget - possibly up to £100.

I've asked him what he'd like but he says he doesn't need anything.

Any ideas?

Does he have any hobbies?
A lovely wallet, good quality whiskey or other spirit, cashmere sweater, cufflinks, night at the theatre/gig/restaurant, night in a hotel, ticket to sporting event, watch, leather laptop bag, fancy piece of kitchen equipment (a few men I know have loved getting good kitchen knives)
Cashmere scarf, quality shirt. Any of those any good?

A nice penknife with his name or something engraved.

Some great ideas luxury - will explore those. He's not really any hobbies - prefers to work - I'd like him to relax! I know he likes whiskey though.

Hmmm.. a penknife... could be worth looking at.

Am feeling more inspired already!

Second vote for penknife. My dh and brothers are all farmers and for special birthday were given leatherman multi tools. They do penknives as well and are great make. Lots of styles well within budget.

If he's a carpenter it's something he would use.......my friends dh is a joiner and has managed to end up with the mould of his knife on his hand from his constant wittling

£100 is quite generous really. It might be worth finding out from his partner if he has one or DC.
If he likes whyskey then that is a good option or maybe tickets to a whiskey tasting event.
My DH would be happy with the majority of those mentioned by luxury especially sport or concert tickets. There is also some really nice men's grooming stuff out there now. eg. Kiehl's. DH also really likes Paul Smith socks.

Another vote for a leatherman got Dh one of the cheaper ones £70 he loves it

If he doesn't really need/want anything, could you go more for something sentimental? Like putting together a photo book/album of pictures from when he was little, maybe pictures of you when you were younger as well?

Hi, he's a carpenter? Is he any good at art (or tracing pictures at least) Buy him a Pyrography (wood burning) tool so he can design and burn his own creations into his work. Could open up another job related avenue for bespoke pieces, etc, and it's fun speaks from experience

I agree that the best present my mum has given me is a photo/memory book. I wouldn't want her to spend £100 on me when I have everything I need.

I was going to say a little photobook too, or a photo collage if you have limited photographs. You could do either of them for less than £15. Maybe with a box of 'retro' sweets?