Dh says even MN can't help with this one. (A difficult present buying thread).

[wendylovesbob]

Budget - about £50

Must be able to order online.

We have to buy a present for an extremely wealthy man in his 60s. He has very particular taste in everything. He buys himself whatever he wants whenever he wants it. We can't afford most of what he likes. He is rather snobby and scornful about anything that isn't precisely to his taste. He likes expensive, exclusive things.

Try not to question the fact that we have to get him a birthday present .

We usually get him dreary dull books which we are convinced that he never opens (but which don't actually offend him).

I said to dh that we would ask MNers for ideas, and dh laughed and said even MNers can't help with this one.

Prove him wrong, please!

A years subscription to something like PRospect or the Spectator. Maybe 'the Oldie! Or if he is a culture vulture and London based at times 'TIme Out'. Possible a ticket to the theatre or an exhibition? An experience rather than possession.

What about having a star named after him? Up in the constellation there would be a star called Rich Old Bloke (or whatever his name is). Only £49.99

starlistings

I had one named after my boyfriend and he was thrilled.

Something to remind him of his hometown? (assuming he's the one who's moved thousands of miles away).

Don't forget you could use a courier or just post something rather than having it delivered directly.

A hamper from a local farm?

I'm not giving up on this

Personalized crystal whiskey tumbler and bottle of Whiskey?

Make him a lord?

Personalised bottle of whiskey?

sounds like a twat, i wouldn't bother

Commission something from a local potter/glass blower/craftsman, so it's unique.

Socks from whoever makes royal socks.

Dh says, if he has an I-Phone, as they have pants battery life get him a gadget that charges it on the move, costs £25 ish. Can get link if you like.

DH has bought these for techy friends who love it.

A big bag of lion poo to keep cats of his croquet lawn.

Does he have a pet, can you buy something for the pet?

Rose bush... I am reading this thread to dh as it updates and this is the first suggestion we have both gone "hmmmmmm!"

He has extensive land and has his own truffles / game / olive groves etc etc, and tends to have the best of the best on order. Food is tricky.

Champagne he buys by the case. A bottle would not be a present worth getting him.

Collar stiffeners - again, he is retired now and has had many years of stiff work clothes.

If he's got really particular tastes then avoid anything designed to be kept or treasured, as he probably won't.

What about something useful but v expensive? Caithness Crystal do some good paperweights. Or a really good pen - Caran D'Ache are fantastic and around £50.

I am struggling to keep up with this thread now on my crappy connection.

I am really appreciating all the suggestions though.

Dh just said in surprise "they're coming up with some good ones!"

And pcha @ him for doubting Mumsnet.

DH got one of these for his best men at out wedding!

Tbh, if he is such a PITA then you will probably get it wrong no matter what you get. His richness is kind of irrelevant, I know people with very little money who are totally ungracious and unappreciative of presents that arent absolutely perfect. The fact that he already owns evrything he could ever want means I really wouldnt bother making that much effort.

I certainly wouldnt spend £50 on something that will not get used, looked at or appreciated. Get a token gift like a photo of the family in a frame and leave it at that.

My absolute pet loather is people like this, who dont appreciate anything

This is supposed to be the latest in coffee makers (they have an email/phone number for purchase in the uk). Many of my parents' friends are similar to the man you have described and they enjoy having the latest kitchen gadget before everyone else even if it's not expensive.

Also, this company does really fantastic lecture series on different topics. My father is always raving about them.

Some original art bought online from somewhere near him (no idea if this is possible)? The value of something like this is far higher than its price.

Some silver cufflinks?

A CD (or CD set) of some really beautiful music. Something to play on the outrageously expensive sound system I bet he owns. If he has a record player how about a record of something beautiful/meaningful to him (an old second-hand one might appear more of a 'find').

I have to say a book does sound good. How about some Buddhist tract on renouncing all wordly goods to achieve nirvana?

He's not a twat Custy. He's not perfect, but he's a good man. He's just a complete PITA to buy for.

Name a ROSE ?

Whats his name?
Can you get him something like his name - ie a plant or herbs or rose?
How about some vintage postcards - of say his hobby or where he lives/has lived.
What is he to you? - anything of shared memories of you all?
I got myself a cherry chomper -(destoner) and I love it as I love cherries but hate stoning them!

I bought our v wealthy friend a silver tooth pick for his birthday. He loved it. He rang me on the morning of his birthday to say how much he loved it and had already used it that morning. To pick the smoked salmon out of his teeth.

Tee2072 Fri 18-Mar-11 19:01:10
If he's going to disdain it anyway, how about a packet of crisps and a pint of Stella and spend the rest of the £50 on a night out for yourselves!!!

Like this suggestion!

Get a cartoon artist to draw a cartoon portrait of him, from a photo ? My brother has one of himself and it looks great.

Is he an expat? Is there something he misses form home country; could you recreate or summon up a taste from his youth?

Buy the man a star/small planet - then he can gaze at it if he wants