Don't get me anything for Xmas

[PAULJ5555]

So asking the old man if there was anything that he wanted for Christmas just to help him get something he wanted and not something that I wanted to give him.
He pipes up don't get me anything, I don't need anything.

I am obviously going to get him something, maybe pay for a nice meal and tickets to the cinema, its not something you need but will be something nice to get.

So what do you lot do any ideas.

[louismchuge]

I've just done exactly that with my dad; has everything he needs, bought him a decent dinner out

[Shakermaker]

Alternative, if he has a garden shed/DIY tools somewhere, see if there's anything that needs replacing from that lot even if he doesn't tell you he wants it, a new wheelbarrow or a replacement coal shovel - that's the kind of present that my dad likes to get.

[anonymous-user]

I'm pretty much in the position of your dad. Speaking for myself, I'd love people to buy me a bottle of good wine/something that just a bit more expensive than I'd be comfortable spending myself.

[RizzoTheRat]

My father's a nightmare to buy anything for. Neither of them need anything, my mother's happy with flowers, toiletries, chocolate etc, but I never have a clue for my father. A nice bottle of wine used to be an option but he can't drink alcohol any more

[fullbeem]

ALways find it difficult with dad. His birthday is also in the week between Christmas and NYE.

Recently he has cut down on the drinking of whisky. WTF am i supposed to do now.

Steak dinner out it would seem

[Spare tyre]

I do this with my parents and they do it back

I put money in an envelope in a drawer, add to it each birthday and xmas

Then when they end up buying a new bike, iPad etc I ask how much was it, then raid the envelope


Makes much more sense to us

[Cotty]

PAULJ5555 said:

So asking the old man if there was anything that he wanted for Christmas just to help him get something he wanted and not something that I wanted to give him.
He pipes up don't get me anything, I don't need anything.

You could decide not to go against his wishes.

I don't want anything so told my family last year not to bother about me. I suggested that if they really want to spend their money then spend it on my nephews.

[Nom de ploom]

I'm terrible to buy for and I know it. not that I glibly have everything I want but when someone asks me its like...dunno.

set of mini cooper car mats?

yes. that exciting.

[Dog Star]

As an aside: never ever fall for this line if your other half says it.

It's a trap.

[anonymous-user]

Dog Star said:

As an aside: never ever fall for this line if your other half says it.

It's a trap.

this

[LordHaveMurci]

How about a charitable donation on his behalf, sponsor an endangered animal or starving child?

[Bristol spark]

I haven't bought anything for my old man for years, and he doesn't buy me anything.

We do the same for birthdays including cards.

It makes life much easier for both of us


Just wish i could get everyone else to agree to this!

[FlyingMeeces]

LordHaveMurci said:

How about a charitable donation on his behalf, sponsor an endangered animal or starving child?

I was thinking that. Maybe especially if you can find one that relates to him, his history, or his own interests.

That, or see if he'll let you take the pair of you on a bit of a trip - hotel/golf/whisky, villa/port/waterskiing, select as appropriate. If he doesn't want to accumulate more 'stuff', fair play, but there's other gifts to give.

[DoctorX]

Same issue. Credit for his Kindle, magazine subscription or food gifts normally works.

[Rich_W]

My Dad for as long as I can remember gets a book he fancies and iTunes vouchers. Christmas and Birthday.

We have simple tastes

[TheExcession]

PAULJ5555 said:

So what do you lot do any ideas.

Socks - really really really good quality socks. The type of socks the people who climb Everest might wear.

I've still got a couple of pairs of Bridgedale's that are just about serviceable some 8 years after they were initially bought!

Trust me, older people really love decent socks!

[Jasandjules]

LordHaveMurci said:

How about a charitable donation on his behalf, sponsor an endangered animal or starving child?

Yup I was just thinking this. Donate to an animal rescue centre or buy bales of hay for donkeys.

[checkmate91]

I just used to buy my father gentleman's things: pipe dibbers, zippo brass lighters, that sort of stuff. I once bought him a victorinox penknife in a red leather belt pouch for which he simply said "thanks". After he died (in 1994 so some time back) my mother gave me his favourite battered old Keeperware jacket (barbour competitor, no longer on sale) and the penknife was in one of the pockets. Even the person who wants for nothing will still enjoy a heartfelt, if needless, gift.

[albatross]

Come on PHers...Cocaine and hookers..it's obvious!