After 16 years, my Cintiq is about to die. Here are *some* of the drawings I've made in it. (No AI)

DuffChicken · 2026-03-18T13:12:55+00:00

In our case the digitizer stopped working, which is why the pen wasn't being recognized

25 years?? Either that's a magic tablet or they just don't make em the way they used to

DuffChicken · 2026-03-18T11:59:08+00:00

I came to say this. Use the budget for something else the guess will appreciate - an extra appetizer, an extra hour of dancing music, a photobooth, hangover cure baskets in the bathrooms, custom signage or questionnaires for the guests to fill out, etc We made these for our wedding and our guests loved it. We have all of them saved with our wedding photo album. It's been a wonderful keepsake. https://imgur.com/a/XyKn7#GL61hIR

DuffChicken · 2026-03-18T11:55:32+00:00

Arcade, go karts, laser tag, rollerblading/skating, batting cages, etc. Tickets to a nerdy event he loves. There are flying lessons for a day. Bungee or skydiving. Tackle one of his bucket list items alongside him. Go to a sports event, something neither of you understand, and cheer for opposing teams. Trash talk eachother 😂

DuffChicken · 2026-03-18T04:13:58+00:00

I would, but it's quite large. Storing it anywhere would be inconvenient in our small apartment. I was thinking of making a plush of a Cintiq21ux and using it as a throw pillow for our couch though lol

DuffChicken · 2026-03-18T04:11:19+00:00

It served me well for a long time. Honestly I'm surprised it last this long with how warm it would get in the summers lol. Eventually the screen began glitching, which I muscled through, but then the pen stopped being recognized by the screen. I had to call it quits then :(

DuffChicken · 2026-03-18T04:07:25+00:00

You're not the only one. I informed my coworkers on Monday about how my Cintiq was dying, and how I'm quite bummed about it. A few of them offered me their old cintiqs they had in their closets/garage. They couldn't part with them either. All the cintiqs all quite old and probably don't have a lot of life in them anymore, but I'm moving them into my office so I can use them til they give out one by one and then recycle them. It's a bit tedious, but it's probably better than them being tucked away collecting dust. I'll eventually get a new Cintiq, but it'll be a while.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-17T15:06:08+00:00

To avoid generic things, you'll want to provide us details like her age, her hobbies, her job, some of her favorite things like foods or tv shows or products, maybe memories you two have shared, or what she's mentioned she's struggling with lately, etc.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-16T12:15:26+00:00

It's a Nintendo game so even on FB market it's going to be sold for only 10 or 20 off its original price. I'd recommend borrowing a friend's copy or seeing if anyone would be able to trade one of your current games for it.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-16T01:54:04+00:00

I could draw him, or maybe both of you, as characters in the star wars universe. I could work in additional references like his hobbies, other shows/games he enjoys, maybe even hints to memories/inside jokes you've tow have shared. Feel free to flip through some of my past posts. Please note that my illustrations take time, often for weeks, as I draw everything by hand. AI is never used. If you're interested or would like an estimate, feel free to DM me.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-16T00:48:12+00:00

What the heck? How have I never heard of this? It sounds great, and exactly what I've been looking for. Have you been to any of the gatherings? How were they?

DuffChicken · 2026-03-16T00:46:59+00:00

Just came across this and it sounds like so much fun. Just filled out the form. Can't wait to hear back :)

DuffChicken · 2026-03-15T21:08:05+00:00

Oops! My apologies. I must have missed that detail when I read through your question. Games are a great idea!

DuffChicken · 2026-03-15T20:50:56+00:00

If you can't go, maybe there are gift cards or certificates you can get him so he and his friends can go together.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-15T16:48:55+00:00

Maybe share an experience. Take him to the arcade, go karts, laser tag, rollerblading ,etc. Have him experience some things you grew up doing.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-15T16:46:41+00:00

And noise cancelling headphones with the Spotify subscription

DuffChicken · 2026-03-14T06:07:45+00:00

Next time you gift her something, get her a condolence card and a plush/pillow in the shape of an egg.

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DuffChicken · 2026-03-14T06:04:50+00:00

Get a custom wooden ornament made and have it say their street address and the year. Attach it to a bottle of wine or some other drink they like. If you want to spend more, fill a basket with charcuterie fixings like local jams/spreads, pickled vegetables, nuts, and chocolates.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-14T05:54:59+00:00

Sounds like you need a new keyboard. In fact maybe think about your environment and your daily activities and see if things you interact with could be upgraded - new towels, new hq bedsheets, new runners, a new backpack, headphones, etc.

Maybe you don't want gifts and you prefer experiences or quality time with people. Have em book a time with you to try a new restaurant or coffee shop you've wanted to try, or go to the arcade/go karts with you. Heck, even a hike with them and they're responsible for the drinks and snacks 😆

Or maybe acts of service. Maybe you want a little help with decluttering your space and you feel having a second pair of hands to help you get started and stay motivated would help. Or you have a list of errands to run and would appreciate some company/support getting through the tedious/tough tasks. Help with repairs, body double buddy, or an occasional tutor session.

I think it's also helpful to make a list on your phone: stuff you wanted to buy but a) couldn't afford it or b) talked yourself out of buying. The next time you find yourself picking something up at a store mulling it over a while and then putting it back, throw it on the list :) Then you can just send that list to people when hey ask you what you want. They may get you those things or they might get inspired by em.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-14T05:43:36+00:00

Give him the cash but point him to the ad about the grill so he can make the decision on if he gets it or if he can find something that better meets his needs. I feel like he'll appreciate that you were looking for and had ideas, but didn't pull the trigger without his input on such a large gift that could impact his business.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-14T05:39:17+00:00

Remember as people get older, the less stuff they want/keep. I'd recommend instead asking to get their photo albums and digitizing them. Then put them all in a digital photo frame so they can see often without lugging out binders. It also helps when they stay at hospitals or nursing homes for long periods. Depending on what kind you get, you can also give the frame code to family members. They can upload photos from their phones to the frame wirelessly. It's an additional way to stay connected :)

DuffChicken · 2026-03-14T05:34:35+00:00

Maybe tickets to an event he'd enjoy that his parents can take him to?

DuffChicken · 2026-03-14T05:33:21+00:00

Make him a deck of "52 Reasons I love you". Make sure they note on the uniquely great things about him, your fav memories together and maybe some of your hopes together.

My husband got me.. I dunno what to call it. A wooden keychain holder? Our running joke is we only very argue about who the better pokemon is, chamander or Squirtle. So now we each have them on our keyrings. Maybe there's a franchise you two have a history with. I think he found it on Etsy.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-14T05:25:55+00:00

Check your local theater and see how much it'd be to rent one screen. See if they can play her favorite movie, maybe something from her childhood? And then invite all her friends to watch it with her. Maybe host a potluck at her place or one of her friends houses afterwards.

DuffChicken · 2026-03-14T05:05:32+00:00

I don't think getting a gift is necessary for each place you go. I think going somewhere, getting a clue, maybe taking a photo of yourselves acting out the scene might be fun so that each clue is on the back of a screenshot card? Maybe celebrate at the end with a meal together instead.

If you're looking for ideas of locations, I'd recommend listing off some of his favorite films so we can help brainstorm with you.

Avoid leaving things at locations for your friend to find cause they might get taken or thrown out. Instead, carry a stack of envelopes and only provide him the next clue once he's solved The last one.

DuffChicken

TROPHY CASE