Birthday Present Bought, but Need an Additional Something

Fredula

It's my husband's birthday in a couple of weeks and he's been saying for a while that he'd really like a griddle pan for when we cook steaks and burgers, so I bought him one in the January sales for his birthday present. We're on a very limited budget, and even the griddle pan itself was bought over budget, but his Mum made a comment which has made me feel the need to buy something else to go with it ("Oh, just what he's always wanted...")

So ideally, I'd like something nice to go with the griddle pan - he likes chilli a lot so I thought I'd make some chilli oil, but we have that in the house anyway. Is there anything foody related/something nice I could get to go with it which will be a nice surprise for him? We are having steak for tea for his birthday so we've already got that. Any ideas would be good Thanks

Valli

buy a gag for mil?

Seriously, you're on a limited budget and you have already spent more than you 'should'.

But, if you insist, a nice red wine to go with the steak?

DomRavioli

Why be bullied into getting something else? You say you're on a budget, and you have the gift they wanted - that is enough, and anyone who says differently obviously doesn't care about your finances or circumstances.

DigForVictory

If you have access to the internet & free printing, maybe print off some recipes for you both to experiment with?

You might want to research "dealing with hecklers" for alternative methods of dealing with your MiL. My instinct would be to drop a cast iron griddle pan on her bunions. (Second instinct, first was a head shot...)

Fredula

Hmm yes maybe you're right. He has mentioned a lot that he would like one (not near his birthday though). Maybe I should just stick to my guns. Although the idea about printing off recipes is good! I might just do that Thanks guys

Katiehound

I'd be wrapping that griddle pan up very specially- think bows etc and attach a poem with it, something silly and funny.

"You said it's you wanted,
I really hope that's true
I bought a special griddle pan
For the best chef I know- that's YOU

If you want something else why not bake him his favourite cake/biscuits/ pudding?

Spendless

I'd ignore m-i-l. People can be funny about household presents as gifts (either giving or receiving them) but if it's something he's been saying he'd like then stick to your guns. If m-i-l thinks he should receive a not for the house gift then she is capable of buying her son something for his birthday that isn't.

themull1

A packet of steak seasoning mix?

jenhug

A1 steak sauce. Yum.

skogar

A good pan is a lovely present. Many years ago my Mum asked me what I would like for a present and I said that what I would really like was a good set of pans although good pans are expensive so could they buy one at a time for my birthday and Christmas presents over the next few years. Those pans are some of the best presents I have had, they still get used almost every day. Much better to have a present that they want, will use and enjoy using.

PlymouthMaid

I would get him either a bottle of wine of some good beer to accompany his birthday steak or nothing at all if it is just because MIL says so. You could also make him a book of vouchers for things he would like such as 'a cuddle', breakfast in bed etc whatever floats his boat from the innocent to the ruder ones if you wanted to. Be careful to take the voucher off him when used though or you may still be having to fulfil the offers 6 years later (How do I know? ha ha )