Birthday present ideas for DH while decluttering and no time for anything!

[NeededANameChangeAnyway]

DH has a birthday coming up (not a big one) and I'm at a loss for what to get him.

We're doing a massive declutter of the house plus have various DIY projects on the go so he's basically cancelled all his hobbies except cycling. He's just bought a Zwift thing plus shorts.

He likes cooking and he is creative but has stopped doing anything which isn't DIY or stressing about DIY. We're in the north of Scotland so not a lot of options for in person classes or experiences but online might be good.

We already do the Spicery! Tools and DIY stuff we would just buy as needed. Any ideas?!

Can you get a restaurant ingredients box and make yourselves a posh dinner together?

A weekend away sounds idea. Or a meal out maybe

Would he be upset if you spent £100 on a professional DIY guy to do all of the odd jobs so he has free time again?

Does he commute and listen to books online? Audible book token if so.

What about a short city break? You can get some great 3-4 day breaks that are offered ATM. Look on Travel Zoo and click on city breaks.

Mucoff cleaning kits are always good for cyclists but maybe too practical/not exciting enough.

A day out, just get away from everything. Doesn't have to be an overnight stay, maybe just a visit somewhere which either means something to him/you or is something of interest to you. Then a good dinner out.

Or something like a massage?

OMG we'd both love that 😂

With all the decluttering practical things are they way to go right now. I've not heard of Mucoff, I'll have a look thanks!

We will go for a meal out on his birthday I think. A restaurant type box to cook at home would be less successful as I'm a veggie and he eats meat (we generally eat veggie at home) so easier to just go out to get something suit us both. Nice suggestion though!

Auk herb grower

last birthday I was hell bent of decluttering - told oh I didn't want anything because too much stuff already!. He did give me "from the kids" a belkin all in one iphone / watch / AirPod charger... that has got rid of 2 extra wires and has been super useful and turns my phone into a clock when it's on charge. It's not very glamorous .... meal out sounds more fun....😊

We're deep in the trenches of decluttering so the place is a total midden..... Even the idea of wrapping paper gives me hives ATM......

Maybe it is worth putting his present money towards the DIY getting done then? A meal for 2 would be about £100 with drinks anyway...

Does he have a cycling computer with gps etc? They range from £50 to £££. Just bought one for DH’s birthday. What is his favourite fragrance? These are the two things I have bought.

£100 is a drop in the ocean with all the stuff we need done....!

He is hard to buy for. Works from home so no commute, doesn't wear aftershave, has beard stuff, hobbies are down to bike only and he's got what he needs already. I wouldn't buy something 'for the house' like tools and not much happening round our way to go see.

If you can find a handyman who will do odd jobs for £100 I'll use him too 😂

A new jumper or shirt?
If I am stuck I buy tickets for us to see a gig or play.

I think I'm difficult as well! I think clothes, book and practical things are dull presents, I'd just buy those things if I wanted/needed them.....sorry @greengreyblue !!

Well I have bought a ‘nice’ designer shirt for DH for example. Do you share music taste? Checkout local venues.

Cycling magazine and a consumable?

Where does he like to cycle and how? Does he race- maybe a timer or clip on gadget? Or something for when the arrives if he cycles to a place to enjoy?

If you're deep in decluttering I'd advise something consumable and an allocated rest (so even something as simple as a a coffee voucher to go with the magazine and a commitment to have dinner ready when he gets home). Maybe a hobby-themed cake? A themed or bespoke personalised puzzle or paint kit that can be used and passed on or recycled? So a photo made into a gift?

Basically the gift is nothing new to add to the pile 😆