Wednesday 11 March 2009

Tearing my hair out

It's the Ball & Chain's birthday on Friday (the 13th - ha!). He is the type of guy who goes out and buys what he wants or needs, as the thought hits him. None of that "Ooh, I could ask for that for my birthday" or "That would make a good Christmas present" malarky.

And where does that leave the potential gift-giver? Up the proverbial creek without a paddle, or tearing my hair out in my case. And as the 5 year old said this morning after his 8am grilling on what to buy daddy, "Don't buy him anything. He never uses it anyway". Thinking that this was a bit harsh/mature for a 5 year old, I asked him where he got that idea. "That's what you said last year", he replied innocently.

Well actually, now that I think about it, last year (at the B&C's request) we got him a KitchenAid ice cream maker, which attaches to the big stand mixer, which spends 362 days on the pantry floor. Now I stress, this was his request and the last thing I would ever have thought he'd want. He is however, something of a kitchen man, making the kids pancakes, eggs and bacon every weekend, BBQing every meal all summer long, and apparently fancying himself as something of an ice cream expert. He was thrilled with the thing, bought all the (calorie laden) ingredients, made ice cream once, and put the maker back in the freezer. It hasn't seen the light of day since then, and it wasn't cheap either so I'm not giving it away.

His closet is like a museum to past gift ideas: There's the Polo shower gel and after shave cream, still unopened. Xmas 2007. Now I know he likes the smell because he used to wear the aftershave. (Hang on, since when was it okay for men to stop making an effort just because they're married? Must have a word about that.) There's the BBQ apron with "Licensed to Grill" on the front. (I know, I know, but I get desperate for ideas, and he does make a big mess when he cooks.) There are even two books still waiting to be read from this past Xmas. I've read them but he reads about one page a night, so at least they'll keep him going for a decade or two.

I picked the little guy up from school at 11.45am (hanging on for September when he goes all day.) He's allowed one episode of Max and Ruby before I drag him off to find things for daddy. We'll go to the place that sells all manner of cooking things, the book store, the garden centre (I said I was desperate), the nice men's clothes store and the sports store. If I don't come back with something I may find myself having to be creative.

And don't give me that look!

.

17 comments:

  1. Bread Machine? - You'll need something to prop another door open at some point!

    My OH loved his and he's a Kitsch-en type of husband just like yours...

    Never mutter anything in front of children you don't want repeated - They're funny like that, in my experience!

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  2. gosh you should find something suitable there!!!

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  3. Isn't it difficult to get anything for a man who probably has everything.
    Hope you find something suitable.
    Pity about Friday 13th but it is only superstition after all.

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  4. Well, as he doesn't seem to use his presents very much, perhaps you should buy something for yourself disguised as a present for him! Job done.

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  5. My husband is the same way. It is sooo annoying! Last Christmas's gifts are still piled up, unopened in our bedroom.
    Good luck:)

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  6. I have EXACTLY the same problem for this weekend. How dare they just go out and buy whatever they fancy? It ruins it for the rest of us!

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  7. I'd go for a really good garlic press.

    GG

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  8. I think men are the hardest to buy for, if I'm really, really and I mean really desperate I buy a sexy little number for myself and give him a night to remember, it's only a night to remember because it doesn't happen that often!!! I said I was desperate x

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  9. I seem to remember that your OH is rather fond of Starbucks like my good self. get him a loaded Starbucks gift card. He can get cappucinos all over the world, and will think of you his lovely wife every time he grabs a beverage.
    Perfect.

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  10. Hehehe, we are singing from the same hymn sheet, sistah! For my husband's last birthday I gave him a two week holiday in Mallorca. We had the best birthday ever AND I paid for it with his credit card.

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  11. I agree with Lakeland - Starbucks card! Bake him a cake and make a big old fuss of him. They like that don't they.

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  12. It's Friday here - so I hope a good birthday is enjoyed by all.

    In reply to your comment, if I can help the Queenager in any way with her photography, count me in.

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  13. Thanks David. I think just looking at your blog would be a huge help, but I'll make sure I forward any questions she might have. She is very interested in Photojournalism as a career.

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  14. Socks and ties. That's all I can say.

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  15. Well, we sat at breakfast this morning and completely forgot about the birthday until it was almost too late. The Ball & Chain opened his cards, because we forced him to. However, he has an alarming amount of self control and decided he wouldn't open his presents till 'tea time' (which means I have to do a birthday tea). I'm sure he's not reading this but let's just say we were very successful and got everything in the first shop we entered.

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  16. Sounds like you've got it all sorted out just as I am first reading your post... :)
    I know how diffiocult it is to buy a present for someone who already has everything or buys everything he need so I was going to suggest a boring gift voucher or even "recycle" one of his gifts from a couple of years ago and see if he notices! haha X

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  17. I have given up with my husband who is just the same. I buy him books I want to read myself and make him a big cake - that seems to go down well!

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