Friend wants to buy present for DH - what to say?

[unsure39]

It’s DH’s birthday next weekend and we’ve booked a meal with five other couples at a local restaurant, all paid for by us. One of the couples that are coming I don’t know too well, as they’re more DH’s friends than mine.

This morning I got a text from the wife asking for suggestions for what to buy DH for his birthday. I’m very unconfident in social situations and am unsure what the correct/socially acceptable response is! Which would you say?

1. Oh no need to get him anything, DH wouldn’t expect it at all - your company is more than enough!

2. No need to get him anything, but if you did want to buy something then a bottle of wine/pair of socks/[insert other present idea I haven’t thought of yet!] would be lovely.

3. That’s very kind of you, DH would love a bottle of wine/pair of socks/[insert other present idea I haven’t thought of yet!]

What do you think? I don’t want to sound odd with the DH wouldn’t expect anything line, but equally don’t want to make out like she needs to buy something either!

Help!

I'd probably suggest buying him a beer before/ after the meal. Otherwise go with #2 and something cheap, if she likes bringing gifts then that'll suit her best. If other friends don't normally get anything then you could mention that too.

I'd go with #2 and suggest a broad category eg ale, gin, chocolates, recipe books, so then they can spend £5 or £50 - up to them

I'd reply along the lines of "no need for a present, he'll just be delighted to see you! If you feel the need I'm sure he'd appreciate a glass of (drink) at the meal, it's his favourite" Lets them know there's no expectation, but gives an inexpensive option if they want to take it, and if they feel strongly they want to buy him something they can buy a bottle of the drink you named

B

“That’s lovely of you thank you! I hadn’t thought of anything because we certainly don’t expect gifts…..he loves ale, if that helps?”

Thanks everyone. I don’t know how I manage to turn these simple questions into such a minefield and become an overthinking mess!

@Thehop great response

I'd go with what thehop suggested. Enjoy your meal!

You're over thinking it ...
Tell her. Shes his friend and asked. Why go faux humble?!

"Hi DHF, How sweet, He'd be chuffed with anything, these are things he might enjoy - so any one of these ..
bar of Cadbury's chocolate or box of Lindt lindor
Bottle of Rioja or merlot or specialist beer
Any Special flavour Coffee beans for his machine
Grow your own herb kit
Car polish kit
Or anything really ! He's just happy to be seeing you all again, ..."