Present advice from a mum

[perenoel]

Hi all
Struggling to find my OH a final christmas present this year. I usually try and come up with something more original and past presents have included a commissioned portrait of our 2 dogs, a personalised photo book, city breaks, personalised calendars etc etc.

We have a one year old daugther, and my partner is the most fantastic mum. She doesn't have any hobbies, doesn't read books, doesn't watch films. I have tried in the past to buy clothes but had little success in my attempts - typical bloke..

I was considering a digital camera as she is a great photographer and did make a few comments about being able to take photos of our daughter however I am a very keen photographer and have always tended to take all the photos. Also in the past when I have bought her technological items such as an iPod, an ice cream maker etc, she has not used them so I am a little worried about getting something like this.

I am weighing up the digital camera against a treatment at a local spa. I do not have the budget for a full day at the spa and can therefore only afford a 2 hour treatment (This luxurious treatment commences with a back body brush, exfoliation and back massage to stimulate and brighten the skin, followed by a prescriptive facial and scalp massage, bringing harmony to the mind and body.)

Btw, I have already bought some other presents too such as hunter wellingtons, a bottle of her favourite tipple, and a few other odds and ends - just want to get her one good present.

So I am desparately seeking advice from those wonderful mums out there. I have a budget of around £100.

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas.

I think you are a very thoughtful man and she is lucky to have someone who consider her needs and desires before buying a gift.

I would say given her reluctance for technical stuff, the spa treatment sounds great ( Is it something you know she would enjoy?)

Also with the camera, is it really necessary, you say you have a camera in the house could she not use that if she really wanted to or would she be reluctant because she sees it as yours and is a bit of technophobe. If you know she would love to take the pictures but would worry about "your" camera then it also sounds like a great gift.

I think after all that waffle they both sound great, you know your DP best.

I agree with Norky.

The idea of being able to disappear for a couple of hours for a treatment sounds magical. And, I am sure, will go down well.

Also the camera would be great. We have a very simple digital camera that we use for everyday stuff (and in fact the kids now use it) but my wedding present from my OH was a Nikon SLR digital camera.

Personally, I thought it was great that I now had "my" own camera and love using it. THough, of course, we do both use it.

EIther way, it is lovely to see a blokey putting some thought into a present. Your other half is very lucky.

If you happen to have some single brothers, get them posting on here and I am sure we couuld fix them up with some lovely single mums.

The spa sounds great. However are you sure she wasn't dropping hints rather than just making comments about the camera?

Either way I am sure she will be very pleased. (Esp with the wellies, I have got dh a hunter wellie bag for his new pride and joy pair of hunter wellies)

How about jewellery? Even if, say, it's not one of her "things", I would say that a good piece of jewellery is a perfect present. A ring especially.

If it was me I wouldn't fancy a day at a spa. To be honest. Do you know that she would enjoy it? Especially alone, it's the sort of thing to do with a friend..or I might be wrong, I don't know.

Especially if you get a vintage piece, too, very unique.

what a lovely DH

Thanks for all the wonderful replies.

Jewelerry is un fortunately not really an option as she doesn't wear jewellery apart from the occasional antique necklace (which her mum seems to be an expert supplying).

With regards the camera, I am really not sure. I have about 5 cameras including a very nice Canon 40D however she has never asked to use any of them. She is however a natural photographer - and has that magic eye. She has a good camera on her phone and does use this occasionally. My gut feeling is the camera is not the ideal present and it would be a lot of money to spend for something that rarely gets used.

I think she definitely deserves a break as our little lady is hard work. I think I will go with the spa idea based on the feedback here. Hopefully they can provide me with a nice gift card so it at least looks nice when she opens it. Perhaps I can get some vouchers for her hair dresser too then she can make a day of it.

Cheers all and merry christmas! I feel a lot less stressed now with this final present dilemna. I can now concentrate on the stocking fillers

Oh yes hairdresser vouchers great, really great idea, much better than the spa.

Happy Christmas!