Birthday present

[ambersalamander]

It's Mr. Salamander's birthday in a few weeks' time and I am totally at a loss as to what I should buy him. I've a few ideas for small pressies, but I've thought and thought about what his big one should be and neither of us can think of anything The only criterion he's specified is that it shouldn't be anything big or bulky because he's got no room and we should be moving house before too long. Books and music are also out, as he's very fussy about both, has too long a list of books he's already got and hasn't got around to reading (as mentioned in another thread, a Kindle would be perfect as he'd save so much space but he got me one for my birthday so it would look a bit weird!), and his sister traditionally buys him the music he wants for his birthday.

I usually do struggle with men's presents, but this one is a particularly difficult one as he is so fussy. I was thinking maybe a "doing something" present rather than a "having something" present but I don't know... anyone got any bright ideas?

[Sultan of Cannock- SRFC]

Ah, presents! Now there's a problem that's caused much argument, disappointment and aggro over the past quarter century in the Sultan household.

Not only is Mrs Sultan extremeley fussy, but also expects me to be a mind-reader and refuses to discuss what she wants. Finally i was angrily told not to buy any birthday/xmas cards/presents ever again. I don't celebrate mine either, can't see what the fuss is about. I didn't even bother with my 50th. It goes for all "celebrations" such as Valentine's, etc, which Mrs Sultan sees as oppotunities for card makers, restaurants, etc, to rip people off.

The kindle that Mrs Sultan bought this year, as with the TV i got last year, are more presents for us all to make use of.

You seem to have a glimmer of hope as at least Mr Salamander is prepared to negotiate properly in the matter. If the fussiness of either/both becoming a problem in future years you might be better coming to kind of arrangement we did but hopefully through a peacefully negotiated method rather than the years of aggro we had.

[ambersalamander]

Mr Salamander is a very reasonable and down-to-earth person, so he suits me perfectly as I am neither He usually knows what he wants, even if he doesn't tell me he wants it as his presents. So, last year, he had no idea he was getting a new car stereo for his birthday even though he'd been on about getting one for months. This time, he's just bought everything he wants, so there's nothing left.

I've got a few ideas now. A friend of mine has a godfather who's good friends with the cyclist Mark Cavendish and will be able to get hold of some signed stuff, which would make a nice present. Unfortunately, my friend is not particularly reliable especially at present, and I am pretty sure he'll forget despite me reminding him a couple of times (he always says "I'll do that tomorrow"). I've also found a very nifty alarm clock/personal weather station which is apparently very accurate. Himself currently turns on an old mobile phone every night before bed, just for the alarm, and turns it off again in the morning. Bah, hassle. And I'm also going to get him a sports massager, since he does so much running and cycling and often needs a good massage, and I'm not particularly good at it because I'm always worried about hurting him. I think this should cover it ;D

[loy PRA]

Worst. Thread. Ever.

[ambersalamander]

Then you're letting yourself down by contributing to it, aren't you? ;D

[loy PRA]

It's just an embarrassing thread.

[ambersalamander]

I'm sorry if you're embarrassed, but you've really no need to be. This part of the forum is for off-topic discussions.