70th Birthday Present

[thussain]

I want to buy my Dad a present for his 70th birthday - something he'll keep & remember rather than the DVD / book / food present I normally give him. He seems to have everything & doesn't want anything. He's been ill recently so doesn't go out much and has stopped doing a lot of his hobbies. I'd like to spend up to �100. Any ideas appreciated.

Thx.

[Breezy23]

Does he have a garden?. Perhaps you could buy some planters and fill with a mixture of flowering shrubs which would be lovely to look at, may tempt him outside when the weather gets better and if you chose well (with professional advice) could be something that would be there for years to come with minimal upkeep. Maybe even some David Austin old English roses if there is enough space in the flower beds.

[nickmo]

Try a family portrait photo session, or one of you alone if no family. The planters a nice idea too, of course.

Does he like animals? Sponsor a pen at a local dog & cat rescue in his name. Most centres offer this sort of thing and he can always get along to see who is there and he knows it is helping out too on his behalf.

Plant a tree in his name. Several charity organisations do this and it will be a thing for the future of the familiy too (without meaning to be morbid). Tree for All is aimed at kids but really good for everyone and has sites across the UK http://www.treeforall.org.uk/ or http://treesforcities.org/ for sponsored trees in the inner cities. Can also do this for overseas sites too. Just search websites for options.

Or, is there any old photo that he really likes and wishes could be seen 'more easily' or better? Have one restored and nicely framed as a keepsake.

[Clanad]

Perhaps a relative of his that grew up with him could tell you about an important event in his (your father's) younger days. We all have those things we cherish from our youth. With that knowledge you might be able to find a relevant antique item related to the event. I found that my father was well known for his pair of mules when he farmed as a really young man. I located a pair of hames... wood and brass devices from horse and mule harnesses, had them refinished and gave them to him for his 75th birthday. It's the only time I ever saw my father come close to tears... just an idea... Best of luck and Happy Birthday to your Dad!

[kazza12345]

what about a hot air balloon trip?

[Dougie69]

For my dad's 70th, I got him a newspaper from the day he was born. It came in a really smart presentation folder so that it could still be read, and had a summary of interesting events from that year. My dad was well chuffed. Prices start at about �40

The website was: www.historical-newspapers.co.uk

[theo_wyvern]

dependant on hobbies i tend to go for phtos etc related to that

[thussain]

Thanks for your ideas everyone. I eventually bought him a piece of the moon!

... and some driving gloves as he suddenly remembered something he wanted.

I got the inspiration from a website that sold hot air balloon trips & old newspapers - so I couldn't have done it without you!

Thanks again.

[smurfchops]

Too late now I know ... maybe for his 71st ... people of that age usually have everything they need so it is a problem. How about a trip on the Orient Express? Great day out, we went from Victoria to Bath.

[SheilaB]

Too late for this year, but I bought my father-in-law an old photo of the village where he grew up. It was taken when he was a teenager so he was able to recognise the old shops, pubs etc. Not so helpful if you were born in the suburbs or big town like me, but he was delighted as it brought back happy memories and plenty of stories to tell.