Home gift for a man?

snowleopard61

The lovely new man in my life has a birthday coming up and I’m going round in circles trying to think of something special to give him. I have a few little things already but would like to find him something for his flat, ideally something decorative. At the moment it looks distinctly minimalist, more because he hasn’t lived there long and hasn’t much spare cash (neither have I!) than because he’s actively seeking that sort of look (my own style at home, which he likes, is eclectic organised clutter with a lot of old things, some inherited). He has the basics in terms of furniture, bedding and kitchen stuff.

Everything that I can think of to give him seems to have the unwanted side-effect of making the place look more feminine as well as more decorative. I could probably choose a picture that he would like, but unfortunately the tenancy rules preclude him from hanging anything on the walls, and there aren’t a lot of surfaces suitable for standing things on. I’ve seen wonderful wall stickers (e.g. giant treescapes) which would be perfect, except that the same rules would prevent him from using them. There is a lot of floor space, however. He already has cushions (chosen by a family member) and I suspect things like throws would be more of a nuisance than anything.

I would be tempted to make something myself, except that he and members of his family are quite clever at this sort of thing and I doubt I could do as well. He’s very kind-hearted and would be appreciative whatever I gave him, but I do want him to actually like whatever I choose, not just pretend to for my sake.

Any bright ideas? Price range up to about £30-40.

qwiksave

Photos of the two of you either in an album or on a large clip frame which he could lean against the wall? That gives him something that is personal to him from you.

snowleopard61

Thank you, that's a lovely idea. At the moment we've only been together a couple of months, so haven't got a lot of photos, but that's definitely one to bear in mind for the future.

abbysmith99

Its a good idea. Its a perfect gift for him. I think he like it.

carlamarie_2

i dont understand why he couldnt have the wall stickers as they remove (heat them up with a hairdryer) without damaging any walls/paintwork etc. may be worth a call to his landlord to see if its viable?

other than that, does he cook? i know its not decorative as such but you could make him a themed cooking hamper, ie chinese, italian etc which would 'up' his pans/utensils?
or how about a spice rack, you can get some really modern, decorative ones now

or in argos and teh like, they sell batman bath mats. you could maybe get one of them and a set of toothpaste, soap holders and a shower curtain in black to make it masculine.

snowleopard61

Thank you - I've only just seen these suggestions, I'm afraid. However, I have now got something suitable. It's a large candle stand, suitable to stand on the floor or a windowsill, black metal, in a tree design (he likes trees!) with large plain cream-coloured candles to fit. I think it fits the bill well as it's attractive and striking without introducing new colours into the room, and without being at all feminine.

I've got several other things which I know he'll like, but this was the sort of thing I meant, and was pleased to find it.

windyng

Try this site.

It lets you input data about the person and it will personalise the presents.

https://wantful.com/