help please with 60th birthday gift

misty-mitts

An old schoolfriend and I keep in touch through email, but very rarely meet in person. It is her husband's 60th birthday shortly, and we've been invited to the family picnic they are holding to celebrate the occasion.

Normally we don't buy presents for each other, but as it is a special occasion, and we are seeing them on the day, we don't want to turn up empty handed. However, we can't think of something suitable to bring. It's more a token than anything, but a bottle of wine or similar seems a bit impersonal.

What would you do in this position please?

C_J

How about putting together a page of "things which happened 60 years ago" - news items, the number one chart single, people who might share the birth date (or at least the year) then printing it out and framing it? Most of that info will be readily available on the internet.


I've also got hold of a scanned copy of the local newspaper on the day someone was born (the local history department of the local library is usually very helpful indeed, especially if it's miles away from where you live). Libraries often have local newspapers on microfiche and they will print out an A4 copy of a front page and post it to you for just a couple of pounds.

abuzz

I think you should talk to your friend and ask indirectly about her husband's likes. May be this could help you to get some idea. Or a handsome card with a beautiful bunch of flowers may also look good.

misty-mitts

Thanks to those that responded. I make cards anyway, so he'll be getting a personalised hand-made one, we're in the process of getting the front page of the local paper on the day he was born, and we'll use that to wrap round a nice bottle of wine for him, and all of that will be just the ticket!