... to be really struggling to find birthday gift for DH

[xmaspost]

It's so difficult...he's inclined to buy himself anything he wants/needs. He's 52, so has a lot of stuff already. Can't get anything related to his biking hobby since I don't know enough about the gear involved.

Last few years we went on short city break with kids, but we're stuck at home and no travel while DS recovering from sports injury.

I'm thinking this birthday gift thing is silly for people who've been together for a long time!

ME and DH are about your age and are in a similar position. We both have pretty much everything we want/need. If something crops up that one of us would like (and we can afford it) we would buy it on the spot rather than waiting to be bought it. So we have pretty much given up on birthday/Xmas gifts for each other. We still do cards and would have a birthday meal or outing together but have given up on buying for the sake of it.

It's my DH's birthday next week and he is also really hard to buy for.

I ended up getting him some really nice sunglasses yesterday - would your DH like that?

We are of a similar age also.

We don't do big gifts. Only ever small token presents.

None of us are into "stuff".

So I may get OH a bottle of Port or a book, he will buy me some essential oils or a small practical gift, which I like.

Yes, it's more difficult as you've been together longer. Seems the same situation for posters.

But it does not always have to be something you buy.

1. Do something (or get something done) that DH normally does, and doesn't especially like, or something that makes things easier for him, e.g., do all the kids hobbies drop/collect for day, gardening, small things.

2. Do something special for DH you know he likes, but you don't do frequently. That always works for me and it will be appreciated more than chocolate, book vouchers,

Aye, it's hard alright. Since my dh stopped drinking whisky I'm scunnered.

It's his birthday this month. I had ordered him a couple of t-shirts from a cool shop but they were out of stock.

So, I've got him a book about physics and a t-shirt related to the team he supports. Need some inspiration for something else.

I'm thinking this birthday gift thing is silly for people who've been together for a long time

It is. He just buys what he wants when he wants it. No point buying a particular item because either you won't know he wants or he'll say 'buy me X item from Y shop' which is totally pointless.

How about just having a special day at home either a barbecue, or a special takeaway or a meal out and maybe buy him a token present (chocs, booze, cheese) rather than buying stuff for the sake of it. Or can you have a day out with lunch and either leave DS at home with or without a babysitter depending on age, or borrow/hire a wheelchair if he comes?

I'm thinking this birthday gift thing is silly for people who've been together for a long time

I agree.

My DH loves licquorice catherine wheels, so i went on Amazon/ebay and got him an industrial size box of those. What about a black and white photo of the town he was brought up in?

Ok, seems I'm not alone . But I have some ideas now, and a few hours before we get home.

Will pick up a token chocolates on the way, and show him some extra special love and affection later this evening .