Birthday gift help pls

[thesunflowergal]

So its my Father's 60th next month, and I have been trying to think of a gift to give him.

Money is pretty tight at the moment, so normally I would make something. But the last homemade gifts have a) been returned or b) complained about. I am so sorry that I make my jam too sweet, but that is now you make it . Even the pictures that my children draw for them go on the fridge, but in the garage Last year I told him that unless he came up with something that he wanted I would not buy him anything, and as soon as he thought of something then I would happierly get it for him. So has anyone any ideas what I can do please?

Thanks Nikki

[Thomzo]

How about organising a family portrait with all the family (if you can get together)? That way you can suggest to your siblings that you all share.

If you have brothers or sisters, how about suggesting you get something together, such as a balloon ride or a driving day?

Does he enjoy gardening? Perhaps a special tree or rose. An apple tree doesn't need to be expensive.

Would he be interested in a steam train ride or a visit to Steam, followed by a family lunch?

Not that I'm a good person to ask. My dad had a wonderful present for his 60th.... ME!

Cheers
Zoe

[citizentwiglet]

Sounds like my dad, Sunflowergirl. I've taken the easy option, and got him Amazon vouchers. Though, admittedly, he does like my chutney so he's getting a jar of blackberry and apple chutney I made late last year as well. (He also doesn't like my jam...).

Zoe, there are some lovely suggestions there, though............

[homegrown]

What about a grandchild voucher.

draw up and decorate a piece of card that says "This voucher entitles the bearer to a fun filled day with his grandchildren included homemade treats, family games and a singalong" or something like that, give it to him a fun way like a cerimoney lrun by the children.

or maybe get his pals together for a non-tech night like an evening like he might have spent as a young boy or man.

just a thought

[Susie]

But the last homemade gifts have a) been returned or b) complained about. I am so sorry that I make my jam too sweet, but that is now you make it . Even the pictures that my children draw for them go on the fridge, but in the garage

No advice, sorry, but grrrrr on your behalf! I like the tree/ rose idea because it's commemorative.

[Sally Jane]

A friend of ours recently celebrated his 50th bithday, and I was able to get him a Practical Wireless magazine (he's into wireless) from the month he was born for about £3 including postage, and also a luncheon menu for a Cunard liner from the actual day he was born for another couple of quid. We also splashed out on a little bar of personalised chocolate (also from ebay) for about £4, so not a bad present, and very personal to him, for under a tenner. He was really pleased with it.
It may be a cheapish solution for 'significant' birthdays for the sort of people who don't appreciate the finer things in life ie home-made jam!

[snapdragon]

knit him a pair of socks? ;)
or a bus pass holder?

[Green Aura]

Sorry Nikki, I know he's your Dad but it sounds like you're trying too hard. He obviously doesn't appreciate your efforts.

Go to the pound shop buy a box of hankies - he'll probably love them and even if he doesn't you won't have wasted time or emotion on them.

[pelmetman]

How about having him round and cooking him a nice meal and maybe a birthday cake.

Sue

[Green Aura]

Sorry if that sounded grumpy!

It just seems rude to reject presents - don't like rudeness.

[thesunflowergal]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. I might go with the rose idea, thanks Zoe. Might make him a cake too Sue, as long as someone else does not beat me to it. They are already going out for a meal, but as its really unchild friendly I can not go, plus I don't think that I was really wanted there. Nevermind it doesn't bother me.

Don't worry Maggie you have hit the nail on the head. Its not the easiest of relationships. What I need infact is to adopt some of the ishers as myt parents? Anyone up for it????

Twiggy. We will have to send each other presents then

[JulieSherris]

Go on then Nikki, I'll volunteer to be part of the family - what role would you like me to take?

As for the gift, I wouldn't spend too much money on it but above all don't spend too much time & heartache over it either!
If they are having a family 'do' in a non-child zone, then well, stuff it! If I was planning a special night out for a celebration, I'd make sure that Leah was welcome because that's what the word 'family' is all about.

Sorry Nikki, I just get a bit cross with families, especially the older members - you'd think that by their age, they would know better, wouldn't you?

[homegrown]

Yes julie you would think they would have, but ishers apart society seems to be going out of its way to teach people to be completely selfish, although somepeople I guess are just born with a natural skill in that area

Sunflower girl, I sympathise my family are like that, we don't have a lot of money which they know but whenever a family function is organised its always at a really expensive place, or they know we go to church every second sunday so they schedule it for that day. We used to go to church every christmas morning and would get to mum's by 10.30 - 11 o'clock but by the time we got there all the presents would be opened and our kids just chucked in a corner for later.

Sometimes your closest family are not even related and I'm happy to be a distant Uncle if you want.