Inspiration Needed

[ChrisKH]

Mrs KH is 45 in less than a month and I have absolutely no idea what to get her or do. Over 29 years I have tried to be original and different but it's now becoming extremely difficult. She doesn't drink, doesn't like surprises (eg parties), likes eating but is on a diet, doesn't like cycling (sicko) particularly, loves shopping, likes going out and socialising (though we rarely can).

Any ideas on a possible present, event, show, etc. for this year? I would love to take her away, but the only way that's going to happen is if the boys go with us. Sensible and inspired suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Arch]

Mrs KH is 45 in less than a month and I have absolutely no idea what to get her or do. Over 29 years I have tried to be original and different but it's now becoming extremely difficult. She doesn't drink, doesn't like surprises (eg parties), likes eating but is on a diet, doesn't like cycling (sicko) particularly, loves shopping, likes going out and socialising (though we rarely can).

Any ideas on a possible present, event, show, etc. for this year? I would love to take her away, but the only way that's going to happen is if the boys go with us. Sensible and inspired suggestions would be appreciated.

If she likes shopping, why not a city break for a weekend? Depending on budget, either within the UK - somewhere pretty like Bath or um, York (although we've got all the same shops as anywhere, all cities seem to be the same these days), or Edinburgh, or Eurostar to Paris or something? Somewhere that she could have a few hours to herself to shop, while you take the boys to something more their style. Or if she's on a diet, how about spa hotel sort of thing for some pampering to go with it? Less suitable for the kids I guess. Has she got a best female friend who might like to chip in and go with her for a day or weekend? I know that leaves you out though.. Unless you fancy a spa day? or.. Day at the races somewhere? Chance to wear a fancy hat and sip champers?

I'm afraid I can't think of much that's original - the best things like that can only really come from someone who knows the person well...

 

[Landslide]

My parents have got to the stage where there's very little in the way of material goods that they want or need, so this time round for my dad's birthday I got him some theatre tokens which he can use on whatever production takes his fancy. From what you noted on the MIL thread, mebbe you could also present her with a "babysitter voucher" too?

 

[domtyler]

A huge, non-surprise party. Fill a local hall, have food, drink and a band.

Invite everyone she has ever known and everyone she is related to.

 

[tdr1nka]

RE; the MIL thread I'd suggest you pay a baby sitter and do something simple and thoughtful that makes her happy.

 

[walker]

a new ironing board

 

[surfgurl]

Have a look through her wardrobe or through the carrier bag collection. Are there any shops that appear to be a favourite?
Go and get some gift vouchers so she can choose some nice things. While you are there buy some kind of accessory like a scarf in her favourite colour. By buying an accessory you won't be in the dodgy territory of buying clothes in the wrong size.
Get the kids to ask her what she really wants. She may reveal something to them that she won't to you.
Give the kids some cash and send them off to buy a present from them. She will really appreciate gifts from them, not a joint present from all of you. (The Surf offspring made me cry when they bought me a little gift for my birthday)
Does she have any hobbies? Something related to those or some money or gift tokens to spend on a hobby?
Would it be possible for the kids to go and stay with someone overnight? That way you could go off on a minicity break somewhere?

 

[Arch]

a new ironing board

OT, but has anyone else seen that ad for the JML ironing board cover, where it says "Treat your ironing board to a new cover!". I don't even HAVE an ironing board, but if I did, I don't think I'd be treating it to anything. Next they'll be saying "take it out to dinner"

Sorry, I digress...

 

[ChrisKH]

a new ironing board

Cute. I got that for her when she was 17.

 

[rich p]

Get a babysitter and do something just for the wife. She may feel a break from the kids is a break indeed. I know MIL is useless on the b/s front so I'm suggesting David Walton or BigTallFatBloke as good Essex neighbours!

 

[frog]

somewhere pretty like Bath or um, York

I see a career move here.

Sue Archer - Personal Shopper to the filthy rich

'Miss Archer, I have Gucci on line 6'

'Tell him to bugger off! His last ironing board cover was crap!'

 

[ChrisKH]

How about a Rabbit

Funny you should say that; we're currently looking after her sister's two guinea pigs.
















What, not that sort of rabbit? I'm 44 and keep calling Justin Timberlake 'Justin Timberlog' for goodness sake..............

 

[sheddy]

Has she seen the Lion King on stage ?

 

[Aperitif]

Get a babysitter and do something just for the wife. She may feel a break from the kids is a break indeed. I know MIL is useless on the b/s front so I'm suggesting David Walton or BigTallFatBloke as good Essex neighbours!

Not the mad locksmith - the kids will be driven bonkers.

And surfgurl:

Have a look through her wardrobe or through the carrier bag collection. Are there any shops that appear to be a favourite?

again...but...

...as it is Mrs Chris... there is bound to be a bag collection in a bag somewhere...

 

[domtyler]

What about treating her to a brand new top of the range, 60" Plasma and surround sound system?