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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is this a rubbish present to give?

74 replies

Generallyok · 23/05/2018 07:45

Df is Turing 70 and I'm at a complete loss as to what to buy him. He is well off, has everything he wants and doesn't have any hobbies but prefers to work. I thought of paying my mum and dad plus me and my children to see a musical. Shrek is touring near us but just wondered if this would be a naff present ? Thoughts please as I'm worried people will think this is a funny present.

OP posts:
AppleKatie · 23/05/2018 07:46

Great present but I’m not sure Shrek is the best choice- does he like Shrek?

BitOutOfPractice · 23/05/2018 07:47

I think paying to go and see a show is a FABULOUS present. I'm not sure Shrek would be my choice for a 70 yo man though. I know everyone's got to enjoy it but being as it's his present I might chose something different.

Original poster
Generallyok · 23/05/2018 07:49

Thanks for replies. This is my fear that Shrek would be strange but going London to see something else would be out if price range even for 2 tickets.

OP posts:
MissionItsPossible · 23/05/2018 07:50

Does he like Shrek? Sounds more of something for the kids?

Luisa27 · 23/05/2018 07:52

Theatre - yay!
Maybe not Shrek though? 😂

Phosphorus · 23/05/2018 07:53

The Shrek musical gets pretty bad reviews.

Just buy two tickets for something better so your father can take someone with him.

Or theatre vouchers.

bazingabazinga · 23/05/2018 07:55

Shrek for a 70 year old man?

No.

AjasLipstick · 23/05/2018 07:55

Not Shrek.....is there anything else on nearby?

DonkeysDontRideBicycles · 23/05/2018 07:56

It's more a gift for the grandchildren, that's not to say your dad wouldn't enjoy seeing them have fun.

Littlelambpeep · 23/05/2018 07:56

Tickets are a great idea. Shrek isn't a present for him, no

EmmaC78 · 23/05/2018 07:57

I am not a fan of the theatre so wouldn't like this. Is he generally a theatre goer?

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 23/05/2018 07:58

Musical (or other experience) sounds great. Shrek? Not so much!

Shrek is absolutely diabolical. I’ve seen a lot of musicals and I’m partial to a crap, cheesy musical but fuck me, shrek was unbelievably shit!

Tasting experience (whisky, gin, beer)? Special lunch somewhere? A foodie hamper with a voucher in for a local posh deli/cheesemonger?

IamaBluebird · 23/05/2018 07:59

What about tickets to an open air theatre event. Lots of these in lovely national Trust settings.
Ambling off to pack a picnic and find one for myself.

CourtneyLovely · 23/05/2018 07:59

I've no idea if it would be the right thing for your DF, but I just wanted to counter some of the Shrek hate here!

Shrek the musical is magnificent - I've seen it twice now and the 2nd time was with my DFIL who was in his 60s.

If you think he'll enjoy it then do it!

ScrubTheDecks · 23/05/2018 08:01

Tickets : yes
Shree: No

There must be something else coming to near you over the next few months? Does he like any music? Comedy? Sport events?

Unless there is something obvious like a book he would love, CD, cashmere sweater, gadget etc, the older members of my family know they have pretty much all they need and are happy with small treat type gifts. Their favourite drunk, chic etc.

Original poster
Generallyok · 23/05/2018 08:02

I'm stuck on a musical now. Can anyone recommend something that a 70 year old and a 8 year old could watch. Pref touring and I can travel to - dont mind distance as husband has hotel points we can use. Thanks

OP posts:
Shoutylady · 23/05/2018 08:07

I think les mis js about to tour. What about Wicked? It’s a bit classier than Shrek and is on tour. There are tonnes of musicals out on tour so maybe look at your theatres schedule? It could be in a few months, that way he’ll have something nice to look forward to.

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 23/05/2018 08:09

Les Mia won’t suit an 8yo I don’t think, it’s incredible but loong an not particularly jolly!

Wicked would suit both ages (and is excellent!) but does your dad actually like musicals? My dad would probably rather pull his own teeth out!

Shoutylady · 23/05/2018 08:10

I know loads of 8 year olds who’ve seen les mis and loved it, maybe I just know some fairly miserable children..

em9283 · 23/05/2018 08:10

Why not just pay for df and a plus one? It may be difficult to get something a 70 and 8yo will both enjoy

HuckfromScandal · 23/05/2018 08:13

If you are looking for a musical
Don’t do shrek
Jersey boys is great and possibly musically his era
Wicked is AMAZING - but I am 45 and love musical theatre,

Do you have a local rep theatre? Maybe vouchers for there with a meal? Or a season ticket? I love getting this kind of thing as presents, I hate getting stuff.

I am sure your dad will love the thought.

Honeybooboo123 · 23/05/2018 08:13

Maybe just tickets for him and his wife? Simpler to find options?

AlmostAJillSandwich · 23/05/2018 08:14

I honestly would absolutely hate it. Musicals to me are boring and annoying, i could barely watch the DVD of Sweeney Todd, if the storyline hadn't been so dark, i'd have turned it off 5 minutes in, can't do that at a theatre.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 23/05/2018 08:14

What about Birmingham Hippodrome or even The Rep? I'd love musical tickets so I'm biased.

MsSquiz · 23/05/2018 08:14

I don't mean to sound harsh, but do your kids need to go to the theatre with him? It's his birthday present, so instead of buying tickets for everyone, spend a little more on tickets or theatre voucher for him and your mum?