To feel totally at a loss for a present

[Mamabear04]

DF turns 70 in a couple of weeks and I have no idea what to get him! He doesn't have any hobbies apart from supporting his local football team. He doesn't like lots of things and the things he does like are generally very expensive. I had thought a nice pair of sunglasses but DM intends to buy him some and hospitality for the football etc. My brother suggested going halves on a new phone but that would work out at £300 each which is wayyy out of my budget. I was thinking 100-150 tops and I thought that was pretty extravagant! My family have never been ones for giving big gifts so I'm completely taken aback by all this chat of spending so much money. I absolutely adore my Dad but I do think it's outrageous to spend so much money on a present. I also have no idea what to get him. Any ideas for gifts and AIBU to think my budget is good enough?

Voucher for a lovely restaurant/theatre is what we often do.

Old newspaper with coverage of his footy team? Or of his date of birth?

That's what I would usually get for DP for Christmas. It's a great idea but they eat out so much it just doesn't really feel special...

I wish I could help except for suggesting asking his football team if he could be their mascot for a match. I'm in the same position with my DM who will be 80 early next month only she doesn't support any football team.

If heights aren't an issue? 😎

www.intotheblue.co.uk/flying-experiences/helicopter-rides/

i used to really struggle with a present for my DF too, and though he was kind enough to thank me I always felt it was a bit of a token gift. A few years ago I asked DH what he thought my DF would really like and he said ‘time with you’ and he was right ! In the five years before DF died we did these things together as presents for him.

Trip on a steam train
Trip to a stately home he likes, plus cream tea
Cinema outing with meal afterwards
Trip to a bird of prey sanctuary
Day at the seaside

He really enjoyed these presents and we got time together and photos to talk about when he became very ill at the end of his life and immobile. It’s a cliche, but making memories. I think this is more important than the trips you do with kids to make memories. When your kids are little every minute you spend with them is a memory, there’s no need to go to Disneyland to do it. As your parents reach the end of their lives every minute is precious.

Another vote for an experience rather than something physical , some of the steam trains do day activities for example

Does he drink? Tend to get really nice whiskey/cognac/even expensive wine as a dad/FIL gift now.

If they are quite well off, which you suggest by saying how much they eat out, I’d buck the trend and not spend a fortune. How about a really good photo book of your family over the years? Or a framed print of a favourite film or occasion? If they travel something that they don’t have like a great sun hat.

Or look at some of the more interesting Experience gifts. There are tons and definitely not all hot air balloons etc.

I'd also suggest an experience. If they eat put a lot it means they enjoy it. You can go too?

Does the local football team do a hospitality package he can enjoy pre game?

Ignore me...

How about a day canal barge hire with you and family .
Some steam railways do fish and chip evening specials .
My local hotel does a Poppy Day lunch in November which is a sit down meal and 1940’s music with proceeds to the British Legion . I think experiences are the answer .

We did a flying a tiger moth for my df's 70th as he is in to planes and the war - as a keepsake we got etched whisky glasses and a nice whisky.

Could you do an experience- something once in a lifetime and that he may not be able to do for much longer as he gets older?

What about a hamper? I was stuck for what to get my dad this year (similar age to yours) so put a hamper together with cheeses, beers, pies/stuff from nice deli etc, tickets for cricket....you get the gist.

I was a bit worried as hadn't given one to him before but he loved it!

What about organising a jigsaw made up of random photos of all the things and people he loves. Boots do these.

A hot air balloon ride? Helicopter ride?

Have you got time to put together a 'this is your life' photo book. My dad did one for his mum when she turned 90 and she absolutely loved it. Pictures of her parents, siblings, places they'd lived. Family history, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all together in one book.

Why not ask him? My next 'big' birthday will be my 70th and I would hate to think of my adult DC spending so much money on me ... there is really nothing I want or need and a helicopter ride would be my idea of hell .

@JodyMitchell

Trip on a steam train
Trip to a stately home he likes, plus cream tea
Cinema outing with meal afterwards
Trip to a bird of prey sanctuary
Day at the seaside

^^^^^^
That's lovey @JodyMitchell
My sister once took Dad for a drive in the country.
I understand now why now.