DP's birthday

[Malibeau]

It's DP's birthday on the 8th and we are very early days in our relationship (4 months). We have been friends for over 10 years but most of those years we didn't actually see each other due to living in different parts of the country.

I have no idea what to get him or indeed what to do. I would like to surprise him with something nice but I can't think for the life of me?? It's made me realise how little I actually know about him quite ashamed to say.

I can safely say he is football mad and only wears clothes from Topman - that's it...

If I start asking him 20 questions now it will seem a bit rushed and obvious. I think we've focussed more on having a laugh and a drink and just enjoying each others company, more than actually getting to know each other properly.

Maybe it seemed like we knew each other because we've been mates for so long, but when I actually think about it, I don't know if I do know him

Could you get him an experience type gift instead? Like beer tasting day or a trip somewhere fun like a theme park or Go Ape?
If you would prefer to get him something to open then maybe a few smaller things would be better than having to think of just one gift. A nice tshirt or two from Topman and something he likes to drink? I think really personal sentimental gifts should wait until you have been together at least a year

When me +dh hadn't been together long I bought him some daft lounge pants and a Toblerone!! He was very happy!!

Take him out for dinner? I'd keep it low key.

Nice meal or pay for a hotel somewhere together?

Bet you know more than you think. Does he like puzzles or crime shows? Maybe take him to an escape room then dinner with a token gift.

Do you normally do pubs together? Maybe a brewery tour or wine tasting experience.

Does he have hobbies? Could get equipment for that.

Perhaps he loves his car/bike. Maybe something vehicle related.

Just think about what kind of thing he tends to enjoy when with you and his focus.

I bought my fiance a book after a month or so together for his birthday. If he likes football could you get him a shirt maybe of his team or tickets to a match depending on who he supports? If premier league it'll be really expensive.

Thank you for the ideas everyone. I've rounded up a few items - a crime thriller novel, World Cup sticker tin with 20 sticker packs included (don't ask ), and a Man Utd quiz book just for fun. Will probably throw in some aftershave and a shirt and then go out for dinner. How does that sound?

That sounds like a lot to me. The gifts you already have are thoughtful. The aftershave and dinner on top might be a bit much after four months. I don't do that much for my partner of three years.

Obviously you are a generous soul. Maybe I'm a bit tight

@DanielCraigsUnderpants hmm you might be right. I am very generous even without birthdays though, springing little surprises on him maybe I'll skip the shirt. We don't get to go out much as I have my 18 month old DS around most of the time so I'm quite keen to take him out..!

Yeah I think that's a lot as well; maybe not the shirt or aftershave but the rest sounds good

By 8th, I think it's too late for the WC stickers.

They are lovely gifts and if you take him out for dinner (esp if you don’t often get to do out) that would be a really lovely way to celebrate.

Have a wonderful time out with him. I bet you the time you spend together will be the bit he appreciates most

If I just got my hubby 20 packs of stickers he'd be well chuffed 😂🙈

@greenlavender why will it be too late?

My dp got underwear, shorts, shoes, paintings, a light he wanted and a childfree night in

23 years in a relationship have taught me that men are dead easy to buy presents for. It's always the same, a bottle of single malt whisky. Even if they rarely drink, they'll enjoy a wee dram occasionally.
Get them another bottle for Father's Day. And another at Xmas.

No man has ever said "Oh no! Not another bottle of fine malt!"

I'd say an experience gift if you know what kind of thing he'd like.
Or in the early days when DH and I were seeing each other, we'd have a night in a hotel and a meal out (I actually loved that quality time more than any gift I could've opened )

When I'd only known my DP a few months I got him a big tub of wine gums ( his favourite) and a spa day !!! ( so I could go !!)