What can I get DP for his 40th?

[whatthen]

I cannot think of anything.

He enjoys football and cricket, though rarely plays, watching most sports really, reading, enjoys drawing now and then though he’s terrible at it, half heartedly does a bit of bird watching. He’s not into food. He plays darts regularly.

I looked for a signed copy of his favourite book but it’s well out of my price range. I don’t think he’d want an activity. He’d appreciate something thoughtful above anything else but I am stumped! If anyone has any recommendations for what gifts you’ve got people which have went down well I’d appreciate them!

What’s your budget?

I got my DH a bird of prey experience for one of his birthdays. He got to have some seriously big birds land on his arm, and said it was one of the best presents he’s ever had.

Or designing his own dart flights? Lots of companies where they’ll print your design.

I don’t mind spending a couple of hundred for the right present.

Thank you for the suggestions! I’m almost certain he wouldn’t make use of an experience though. I’m really struggling.

Rather than buy my partner something for this 40th later this year I’ve organised a party/get together. Afternoon thing because there’s quite a few kids in the family, got a function room and full buffet for £400 (bargain!), maybe a bouncy castle to keep the kids entertained. He’d much rather this than a gift just for buying sake when there is literally nothing he wants or needs.

To be honest.....
Just ask him if there's anything special he would like.
Don't buy something for the sake of buying something.

That’s a lovely idea! I hope it goes well.

My partner doesn’t want any sort of party or celebration, he doesn’t enjoy the attention. We are going away to the Canaries not long after his birthday though so that’ll be lovely.

I’ve already asked him and he hasn’t said anything. There’s no way I’m not buying him something special for his 40th birthday though. I normally don’t struggle to buy him gifts but with it being a big birthday I wanted to make the extra effort.

Did he say "I don't want anything"?
Those actual words?
Maybe he really doesn't want anything.

He said there wasn’t anything he particularly wanted. I think he would be rather hurt and upset if I had no gift for him on his 40th birthday, and quite rightly.

He wouldn’t care about expense though, it’s thought he appreciates. I usually do manage to find thoughtful gifts for him (and he for me) but I want something more special than usual this year.

1:1 art tutorial in person? I just treated myself to this (£120)and it was great.

How far away is the bday? You could write to his fav celebs with a stamped return envelope - you’d be surprised how much you get back. But you need 3-6 months.

Thank you! He really wouldn’t want to do an activity though so I’ve ruled them out. Annoying because there is some great options with them.

Maybe organise something for whilst you’re away, a nice boat trip or some kind of excursion that you think he would enjoy?

Four months away. I like this idea - what would I ask? That they sign something?

I’d really love to get him a signed copy of his favourite book but unfortunately they are very thin on the ground.

Yes, that’s a good idea. I will have a look at that, thank you.

Personalisef darts case

Decanter with engraved silver collar? His initials or birth date

First edition of an author he admires
polo lessons (weirdly quite fun and popular with DH who sort of hates that kind of thing - or maybe the people, but he loved it so much).

framed photo of something (all of you if you have children or dogs or whatever)

original painting of something

The first edition is what I keep coming back to. I’d like to get him a signed copy but I just can’t find one.

I actually know a good local artist and could commission art to include the things he’s passionate about.

Then tell him that you really are stumped for ideas and for him to think of something he would actually like to have.
I never actually believe people that say "I don't want anything" - there must always be something that catches a persons eye.
The problem is if you are thinking of a gift that's a couple of hundred £s that can sometimes be overwhelming for people to think of something.

Would he like a weekend away with you in a nice hotel/spa?

Suggested this on a similar thread recently. A Leatherman multi-tool is an excellent present if he hasn't got one. They now do engraved ones, which are perfect for gifting

Also, if he likes spirits them a Norman glass set

Tickets for "The Hundred" Cricket match? They're played in August, so it would be a bit early, but still something fun for him to watch.

It will be the thought be appreciated. He won’t want to tell me anything.

He has absolutely no idea what my budget is, we wouldn’t normally spend anywhere near that on a birthday. I would spend £200 for the right gift but if it cost £50 or £100 that’s fine too. He will want something thoughtful, that’s the main thing.

He might actually. We do go on hot tub weekends away so he might like that.