Present ideas for kids dad (separated).

[Deleted User]

I'm a bit stuck for ideas and wondered what other mum's do for their children when its your ex's birthday.

My son wants to give him a voucher from the local model shop. Its a great idea and we've done that. But from my daughter (or really its from both of them), I have no idea. I don't think its appropriate for me to buy him toiletries anymore, same for clothes. I could suggest his fave chocs, but am thinking of £10 per child.

What do you do? His birthday is Wednesday!

daisiegg

My husband usually gets wine, chocolate, and/or a CD or T shirt from his daughter (although she is 16 I still think they come from her mum, not least because the 16 year old couldn't buy wine!). You say you don't feel comfortable buying him clothes but surely a generic t shirt would be ok. Or give daughter £10, take her shopping and say she has to pick something for her dad?

pigpen

Nothing.. same as he gets for me.

When it is my birthday/Christmas I give my mother or OH £20 to give to the children to buy something for me.. the first year my oldest daughter cried when my mother gave her the money saying she was worrying about not being able to get me anything.

iammumtoone

You don't say how old your children are. I would let them choose the present. If you intend to spend £10 let them choose something for about a fiver each.

I don't get anything which annoys me as it means my son can't give me a present and he loves birthdays and presents. The first year we split my friend got a mothers day card for my son to give me (i'll never forget that lovely thought). I let my son choose something for his dad, its normally something useless lol but at least its something he has picked.

[Deleted User]

They are son 6 and daughter 5. Son has picked the model shop voucher as that appeals to both him and his dad, so very apt. Might do the same for daughter, great idea, give her the £10 to choose, might be a 5 year old's taste, but it is from her, not me!!!

Thank you.

Simple really when you say it like that, honestly i never think of the obvious.

flutterby_lil

I agree with the taking daughter shopping post and letting her pick, ideas might be socks, set of hankys, teddy, slippers, chocolate, lynx body spray and shower gel set, hamper with pringles, cheese, crackers and a chutney? take her down these isles in the supermarket or give her the ideas and tell her to choose but at least she will have picked it.

msb5262

How about doing some cooking? My kids have often made cookies/a cake/some buns for their dad...and if you don't feel it's right for you to sort it out, do you have a friend or family member who'd do it with them? I know my mum would have gritted her teeth and helped my children do this even though she's less than keen on my ex! It's really important for kids to understand that making an effort is a key part of giving a present. If you can, get the children to make birthday cards for him at the very least.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for all your ideas, great ones too. Will get DD actively involved.

The cards i've had sorted for ages, some lovely drawings too.