What are your best gifts for a man who wants nothing for his birthday...

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Man in question is in his late 20 and I'm pretty sure I've exhausted all of the gifts I can possibly think of or that I've seen on Mumsnet over the years that he would either enjoy or use.

He isn't into sport and doesn't enjoy trips/experience day type activities. He has plenty of tech, books and clothes. When I ask what he would like his answer is nothing and since I cannot very well buy him nothing I'm left drawing a huge blank.

I'm looking for something which wouldn't get shoved in a draw or on a shelf and forgotten about. Please help me with any ideas you have had which proved to be a hit.

God, if I didn't have kids, I think all my presents to DH would be weekends away...

Overnight stay at a proper fancy restaurant like Sat Bains or L'Enclume?

We've had both and it's such a special experience! (and I benefited too)

Overnight stay at a proper fancy restaurant

Sadly no such posh restaurants even remotely close to where we are. They do look blooming lovely though.

On a sperate note I'm not sure if I should be worried or secretly envious of all those suggesting something sex related as a birthday gift. How do you all have the energy.

Mr B’s reading subscription? You tell them what you enjoy reading and they find new books you’ll like and send them out to you. mrbsemporium.com/gifts/#reading-subscriptions

I was once told (it may even have been on this august site) that what men really want is exactly what they've already got, only a newer one.

Fine if it's a mobile phone, not so much if it's a wife.

HTH.

I have this problem with my dad. I bought a small hamper, I filled it with nice treats like shortbread, some lovely chocolates, some craft beers, crisps, nuts, fudge and a voucher for a movie on amazon play. He loved it x

Oooo I’ve scanned through and not spotted these (apologies if they’re mentioned)

• photo book but very specific written either as a thoughtful memory or a jokey “Steve goes to X and enjoys Blah” with injokes and funny stories you share. My husband has received both types are regularly pulls them off the shelf to show people.

• last minute get away! Holiday even for a short weekend (Rome, Paris, London, Bath) Anywhere you vaguely fancy for a night or two

• Theatre tickets / Musical

Or looks for one of his fav authors and get a first edition or signed copy. If it’s a niche author look on fan sites for specific gifts (Star Wars Lego, Terry Pratchet Board games etc)

Good luck and let us know what you get!

I'd research his fav authors and find out which other authors people like who like those ones. Get a small selection of books by new but similar authors. Might be enjoyable and widen the options in the future a bit.

A photo book?
Theme park tickets?
Tickets to see a band or comedy night ?
A night in box with a dvd, snacks, bottle of wine
A decent shave kit
A male pamper at the barbers - one of those close shaves/brows etc

A toilet?

www.toilettwinning.org/

PS You should also show him this thread so that he knows you put a lot of thought into his pressie-whatever it may be

I got my husband a sock subscription. Really well made British company
marko-johns.com/vip-club/
Sounds boring but they are great socks.

I bought OH a shaving brush and posh shaving soap in a wooden box for Christmas and he absolutely loves it - definitely one of the most popular surprise gifts I've ever got him.

He also loved getting some 'designer' socks and underwear instead of his usual M&S stuff. We might think it's boring but he was genuinely pleased and has commented a lot since so not just acting pleased!

If he's a bit of a home body and likes being cosy, maybe some really nice pyjama trousers or even jogging trousers and a cosy hoodie.

Weekend away at a nice b&b, countryside walks, good food.

Apologies if repeating, have read so many ideas I would have said.

Things I would propose that I don't think I've seen:
A soda stream (replace plastic fizzy water bottles)
His childhood fave films on DVD- once gave my ex ferris bueller, war games, breakfast club and weird science as he loved them growing up
Posh socks (think pps said?)
A coat

I think if you can think of one big thing (clearly easier said than done) normal extra bits are all fine as little add ons.

A first edition of a favourite book

A massage
Some nice stationary with your home address already printed?

NotEnoughTime, toilet twinning is a great idea. We did that and—rather obviously—hung the certificate in the downstairs loo.

It’s a funny gift and might inspire guests.

The Cleo messograf pencil has been popular in my family:

www.cultpens.com/i/q/CL54321/cleo-messograf-mechanical-pencil-07

Lovely inks for fountain pens. Pocket fountain pens. (OHTO tasche is lovely). I also have a vintage shaeffer mechanical pencil which I really love.

I have a fabulous pocket knife that I love which is a leather man juice with pliers in it and a set of screwdrivers etc. Been using it for a decade and it's still in great nick.

Audible subscription? Or do you have a local independent cinema that does good showings?

If you have a man cave or garage how about a foosball table. I bought one for my DH one year and we have endless fun with it.

I'm not a fan of gifts at all and I have actually been given a toilet twin - a latrine in Pakistan. I was chuffed to bits with it - it's not always safe for women to use the fields and they can't really go until it gets dark. Me and DH also got a sponsor gibbon for a wedding present a few months ago. Sadly, the relative who gave us him died last month so Paul the Gibbon is even more special to us now.

Does he like music? About 18 months ago I got my DH a turntable, now I just get him vinyls - always an old classic you can find, and artist are now rereleasing a lot. It's made present buying so much easier

Record player and vinyl a brilliant suggestion.

I’m in a similar boat with my husband. I’m thinking of getting him a subscription to Masterclass. I think he’d love the cooking and space courses.

Does he like cars? I know Morgan do a tour round their factory in the Malvern area (thinking of it for my DP!)

Or maybe a driving experience of some sort? Tanks? If he isn't into cars?

Do you have young children?

Maybe a visit to London? (Unless you live there) - I'm from Cardiff so London is a weekend away for us.

I definitely agree with you cooking a nice meal/fave takeaway (so you don't have to cook) a film and some new sex toys!!