What can I get for my DHs big birthday?

[userfornow]

DH is turning 40 in a few weeks time. I would have loved to get him a big gesture gift but it is not in the budget this year. We have had an extremely busy and quite frankly, hard few months so it has not been on my radar until now so open to all suggestions.
I will definitely be looking into a meal and so on but would love any unusual ideas or any nice - but not £££s gifts for such an occasion.
Any suggestions I can add to my brainstorming would be very much appreciated!

No advice OP but following as my DH is also 40 next month and I don't know what to buy him

What is he into. We usually ask for ideas, especially for a big birthday.

What sort of things is he interested in? Would he like a watch? I've bought from chrono24 before, they sell second hand watches at various price points. Eg:
Hugo Boss 1512794 Hugo Boss Men's Dress Watch for £40 for sale from a Private Seller on Chrono24
Hugo Boss Prix Mens Quartz Watch 44mm Boss Grand Hugo brand... for £125 for sale from a Private Seller on Chrono24
I took the one I bought to Timpsons and they cleaned it up for me, checked the components worked and repaired the strap.

A photo album full of photos of favourite moments for each year he's been alive.

Bake a cake and decorate it based on a favourite activity.

A "cheque book" of treats or offers to do things that he can redeem throughout the year.

He is quite picky with watches and brands and owns a couple of higher end ones so unfortunately don't think it would do the trick. I did look at vintage/second hand models of the brands he likes but they are outrageously expensive.
He is into music, football but has been to various matches and even once got to go to with a hospitality ticket which I would not be able to afford anyway. I have been trying to keep an eye on concerts for bands he likes but nothing is happening at the moment.

For my DH's 60th I gave him "The Year of 60" with an event a month co-ordinated by me but planned with his friends. Each month there was a thing. Many of them were free or cheap. Things he did:

Curry with friends
Night away with me
Walk along the coastal path to a pub with friends. I did the driving.
Night away walking and camping with friends.
Boat trip with friends.

Etc.

On his actual birthday I gave him the list. Friends got massively onboard and I was keen to emphasise he didn't want stuff, nor did it have to cost money. If it did, he would pay his way but it meant he had a whole year of things to look forward to.

Any use??

Lego? My dh loves it

This is great, I might steal it for DHs next big birthday

Approx what is your budget.
Me & DH just go away somewhere new for a night now. Choosing gifts for adults who are able to buy their own stuff is hard work

Record Player (you can get some at reasonable prices second hand) and some records (again, second hand)?

Everyman Cinema
Comedy gig
Nice jacket
Suss out what's important to him, big birthdays can be a downer and disappointment sometimes, so does he want a fuss or low key. What would he do for yours.

For my DH 40th I bought him a track day.
For his 50th he got a Helicopter flight.

Absolutely loved both and weren't that expensive

Gig or event tickets (music, theatre, comedy, lectures by famous people)

You mentioned he's a football fan. I know this is luck of the draw with teams and what's available, but nearly each year I see ticketed talks with famous Man U ex-players or managers where people can interview them, etc. Could be something that happens with his team too.

Special print of a photo of musician etc. I once bought DP a large Oasis one by Microdot, it's numbered and signed by the photographer and likely his favourite photo in the home 😂 Sonic Editions have lots of options, though some (especially framed) veer into £££.

Vintage version of team's football shirt..?

Oh yes, always this!
In fact it was DHs birthday a few days ago and I got him a big Lego set. Artemis launch.

And actually he got me a fantastic one for Christmas. Notre Dame.

Both in our 60s now.

For DHs 40th he asked for book tokens so I got him £200 worth and arranged a day to our nearby city where there is a huge Waterstones. After a nice lunch I took infant DD so he could have a long, long browse. This is over 25 years ago so that amount of book token would go a long way.

For DH's 50th birthday i got him a tour of his football team's stadium. Has he done something like this? Could this be an idea?

Could you buy an experience rather than an item?

Obviously depends on his interests but along the lines of… spa treatment, theatre show, kayaking/stand up paddle boarding, helicopter ride, segwaying, boat trip, etc. Look on websites like Virgin Experience and Buy A Gift.

Long weekend away as a surprise. Wowcher do some good 3 day trips for not much money.

Op where do you live? I got DH a watch making experience in Edinburgh via Virgin Experience days and paid it off in installments. It was amazing x