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Original poster

40th birthday present help

27 replies

LookAtThatArtwork · 12/06/2023 17:49

I have absolutely no idea what I should get for my brothers 40th birthday. He has no hobbies, doesn't eat chocolate, doesn't collect anything, doesn't like novelty items, don't like experience days or surprise days out. Doesn't read. Is fussy with clothing. Don't like eating out at restaurants.

I don't want to give money either. He's so generous to us all but such a nightmare to buy for.

If you know anyone like this, please help me with gift ideas.

OP posts:
bluebirdsongs · 12/06/2023 19:43

A picture of painting of something meaningful....

Don't envy you - sounds so difficult!

Fivemoreminutes1 · 12/06/2023 20:18

A hamper of some kind? A Japanese food and drink hamper went down well with my brother last Christmas.
Does he like gadgets? My DH loves his Fisher Bullet Space Pen, Ember mug and levitating lamp. Another big hit was a pizza oven.

MsFrog · 12/06/2023 20:45

I bought mine a coffee machine, bean to cup thing, if he's a coffee drinker?

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Original poster
LookAtThatArtwork · 13/06/2023 06:59

He doesn't drink coffee, has no interest in art and sticks to very strict diet.

In the nicest possible way, he's as boring as you get.

OP posts:
treacledan71 · 13/06/2023 07:01

Magazine subscription?

treacledan71 · 13/06/2023 07:02

Sorry just reread he does not read.

treacledan71 · 13/06/2023 07:03

Me again. If he doesn't eat out. Does he like take aways. Could get a just eat voucher or deliveroo .

jellyminelli · 13/06/2023 07:25

What does he do? Does he support any teams? Travel? Work?

DisplayPurposesOnly · 13/06/2023 07:31

So, what does he do when he's not working?

Only thoughts so far are fountain pen or binoculars 😁Something nice for his house?

Also, don't stress about it too much. Just give him the gift receipt for whatever it is, then he can exchange it at his leisure.

doodlejump1980 · 13/06/2023 07:33

lego?

Bamboozle · 13/06/2023 07:42

Some smart PJs/ loungewear/ slippers?

hattie43 · 13/06/2023 07:51

I think you might have to just ask him , it sounds very difficult to get right .

Needmorelego · 13/06/2023 07:55

What does he actually do in his spare time? Unless he sits staring into space he must do something?

Original poster
LookAtThatArtwork · 13/06/2023 08:16

Needmorelego · 13/06/2023 07:55

What does he actually do in his spare time? Unless he sits staring into space he must do something?

From what I gather, he works, comes home, helps with the housework and spend time with his dc, then I guess go to bed? He's never expressed any interest in anything. Not sure what he does at weekends.

I could just give him money but I know he will use it on groceries or bills. That is what he's done in past years. I wanted to get a gift this year to celebrate his 40th to make it a bit special.

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 13/06/2023 08:22

@LookAtThatArtwork oh dear he’s a tough one.
To be honest I would go down the money/gift voucher route. Not very exciting but more likely to get used.

Coronationstation · 13/06/2023 08:28

Does he drink alcohol? Whisky or a crate of beer?

DinosaurOfFire · 13/06/2023 08:35

What about a nice watch depending on your budget? Maybe with an engraving on it.

Coronationstation · 13/06/2023 08:40

A set of good headphones?

SallyWD · 13/06/2023 09:12

Can you ask him for ideas? My brothers just tell me what they want! If I chose something myself it would be a complete waste of money.

BlueRabbitWasNaughty · 13/06/2023 09:12

I second the Lego idea... we're a similar age and my dh loves a grown up Lego set. There's a huge choice from super cars to Star Wars. Expensive (unless you buy and resell on eBay like we do) but might work, especially if they've got kids.

SallyWD · 13/06/2023 09:20

If you don't want to ask him can you ask his partner (assuming he has one)? They might have ideas. How about a personalised mug with a photo of him anf his children saying "happy 40th"? Did this for DH and it's his favourite mug.

canigetitmyself · 13/06/2023 10:08

A big barrel filled with laughs?

AnneButNotHathaway · 13/06/2023 11:01

Oh, that's a tough one. How about planning a party or a dinner out with family and friends instead of a "physical" gift? He doesn't sound like a gift person, and I think you'd hate getting him something he wouldn't use or even like, but handing out and making good memories about the day could be great. You can cooperate with other family members and make a birthday video for him or a 40 shaped collage of his photos, or write him a funny song or a short poem about him, etc. Make it more about him as a person and hanging out as a family, this should work for someone who's not big on gifts.

boobywoobie · 13/06/2023 11:05

What about a day out so he can enjoy it with DC?

Lego land, Alton Towers, that sort of thing. I know you said he doesn't like days out but he might if it was with DC?

junebirthdaygirl · 13/06/2023 11:09

Have you more siblings? Could you all get together and give him a voucher for a nice hotel so he can take his family.
Or a voucher to do stuff with his dc?
Does he do his garden so could give him a tree or some nice pots?

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