Help! Christmas Gift for DH

[Sebsaloysius]

I'm sorry, I know this is tedious and likely asked a lot, but I really am desperate.

My lovely DH is a sod to buy for. His major hobby is classic cars which takes up a fair bit of time and money. We own a small business and both work a lot of hours, so the cars and chilling out are our two main activities outside of a long working week.

So, here's the problem - he has just had a 'big' birthday (not far off pension age) and any ideas I had for Christmas gifts were used for his birthday, by me and other family members, and now I haven't got a clue. We don't go OTT on Christmas presents for each other, but I can't even come up with ideas for even the most trivial thing for him.

He had an abundance of wine, gin and smellies for his birthday (we had a party at home and despite asking people not to bring gifts, they very kindly did!), he's not into clothes in a big way and DIY sends him running a mile. I'm pretty sure we've done the gift 'experience' thing to death over the years. I am genuinely at a loss 😩

Has anyone got any eureka ideas they could share? I hate this! He's been a bit of star this year (I'm going through end of life with both parents, who are now with us and it's been a difficult year, to say the least), so I'd love to get him something to show how much I appreciate him putting up with my scary moods this year...

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Well it depends on your budget too

Sorry, a budget would have helped.

Up to around £200-£275 ish, but equally happy with much less.

My DH has asked for a new digital radio - does he already have a radio/Sonos/similar in his workshop? That might be a nice addition whilst he's tinkering with his classics.

I have otherwise largely gone with consumables this year (eg mini panettone, as he's the only one in the house who likes them). He's also got a very boring but practical work fleece that is better than the ones he'd usually buy himself and some novelty socks that he'll love and will make him laugh. That's it this year!

A night or two away somewhere ? Maybe to tie in with a classic car meet ? ( if that’s what they are called )
some geeky classic car ‘ extra ‘ that only he would appreciate ?
meal somewhere posh ?

Honestly just book a meal at a fancy restaurant or night a a lovely hotel.

I'd stick with the 'experience' idea. Couples spa day.

Stuff to open socks and an oodie or high street version.

How about tickets to a show or comedy club? My husband is difficult to buy for too so I’ve got him tickets to see a comedian that he likes

Tickets to a classic car show and night in a hotel
Driving experience
Really good headphones
Watch
Lovely cashmere jumper

It might not work for this year but framed photos of the classic cars somewhere iconic was one of my hits.

I presume he's been to the Goodwood Revival. If not, tickets for that and a night in a local pub or hotel?

It gets mentioned a lot on these threads but is there any potential for either upgrading some of his ordinary things or solving a problem ?

Decent knives for cooking

Otterbox charging cables (very durable) or 2m charging cables, or right angled charging cables

A nice pen

Lots more ideas, along these lines, on these threads

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/4938107-well-designed-practical-things?page=1

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/4885991-better-versions-of-gifts

He probably has some, but heel tread
https://heeltread.com/en-gbp

do classic car print socks.