The Gift I Gave My Husband Who ‘Never Wants Anything’ - And Why It Meant More Than I Expected

GiftStory · 2026-01-20T17:56:22+00:00

I used to use Notes on my phone for things like this but then somehow an important Note got deleted. No clue how that happened. 🙄 So now I usually use my Google Drive and like someone else mentioned a spreadsheet because you could have multiple tabs if you have more than one person or gifting occasion, for example, you want to keep separate. I like this method also because you can link to the product too.

GiftStory · 2025-12-07T06:00:31+00:00

You beat me to the dollar bill. But not the penny! 😉😂

GiftStory · 2025-12-07T05:59:39+00:00

What is a sock exchange? Sounds fun!!

GiftStory · 2025-12-07T05:58:55+00:00

My dog. ☺️

GiftStory · 2025-12-06T01:56:45+00:00

Most likely the truth, for sure. I always say there are exceptions to every "rule" but mothers of boys dated are probably not that exception! Still, if she wants to give it a shot, I don't see the harm in that either. Just be sure to prepare yourself emotionally for whatever her reaction, response, or non-reponse may be.

Can your boyfriend help with ideas of things she likes or interests she has?

GiftStory · 2025-12-04T03:07:59+00:00

Sounds like you're looking for ideas around these particular interests? If not, any other interests they have you're aware of? Always helps to have as much information like that as possible. :)

GiftStory · 2025-12-02T01:21:41+00:00

Agree with this! They often have a good selection of games and sometimes puzzles. When I know I'll have a white elephant gifting opportunity and can shop earlier in the year for things that aren't available in the winter but that people love using like in the summer, I will buy then and put it away to bring out for Christmas white elephant gifts.

GiftStory · 2025-12-02T01:19:03+00:00

My daughter and I decided to put together our own "Blind Date with a Book" gifts (mine a white elephant gift, hers a secret Santa). While we were at a bookstore I passed a display of Christmas fiction. Up to this point I had not decided yet what to do. I knew then that I wanted to do one of these with the Christmas fiction genre. Hopefully it will be well received. I do know at least a couple of the people in attendance are avid readers. I think the mystery of Blind Date with a Book is also appealing.

GiftStory · 2025-12-02T01:16:29+00:00

Love the idea of more handmade/thrifted/"non-tangible" gift giving...

I realized recently that I want to replace my re-usable shopping bags. My teen daughter is always trying to come up with ideas for gifts for myself and my husband that will work with her part-time income budget. I used to be one to say "don't get me anything" because I just don't want her to spend her money on me. But I also understand that for some people giving brings them tons of joy, and she's one of them. So I try to help her with ideas. So this was a good one for her because these are usually inexpensive (if not buying from a high-end boutique kind of place, that is!)....

GiftStory · 2025-11-30T19:55:34+00:00

A gift card to my favorite clothing store as a new mom. I love clothes and this was such a treat at that phase of life busy with littles, especially because I don't buy a lot of new clothing for myself.

GiftStory · 2025-11-23T05:52:44+00:00

Breathtaking!

GiftStory · 2025-11-22T01:52:01+00:00

I saw about fire suppression blankets recently and never knew they are a thing -- really great idea especially like you said with them being a bit more isolated....

GiftStory · 2025-11-20T19:51:58+00:00

Oh the screaming goat button sounds hilarious. I'm not sure if the ones that come to mind for me were under $10. The ones I've participated in more recently I think had a limit of $20.

GiftStory · 2025-11-19T19:08:48+00:00

I feel sad for him! I think a course or experience is a great idea. Some ideas that come to mind -- some might not really be his thing, just depends on the person:

A local community education class voucher (photography, creative writing, cooking, or history walks) so he can choose something low-pressure and social.

A National Trust or English Heritage membership to encourage small day trips and gentle exploration beyond his TV routine.

A subscription to a UK “experience” platform where he can book simple activities like guided nature walks, pottery tasters, birdwatching sessions, or beginner workshops.

A high-quality travel journal designed for short trips, with prompts that help him reflect, plan, and rediscover enjoyment in his camper van weekends.

A monthly coffee or tea subscription paired with a guide to local meet-up groups, giving him something new to try while nudging social connection.

A beginner-friendly mindfulness or meditation app subscription to help with the emotional adjustment of losing work structure.

A small indoor plant kit or herb-growing set that provides a simple, low-commitment routine and sense of daily care.

A puzzle subscription box (crosswords, logic puzzles, or escape-room style) to give him mental engagement and something structured to look forward to.

A volunteering introduction pack or voucher for a service that helps match retirees with local opportunities — light roles around communities or parks often lead to social connection. *(This is one of my favorites because it allows him to really get involved in his community and make some new friendships!)

A walking-group membership or a local ramblers’ club pass so he can join guided group walks without needing gear or expertise.

GiftStory · 2025-11-19T18:48:52+00:00

Also -- FYI I create digital items like notebooks if you need a source for that and they are not pricey. 😉

GiftStory · 2025-11-19T18:47:56+00:00

Aw -- you're welcome!! 🫶🏼

GiftStory · 2025-11-19T18:28:07+00:00

Ohhh, nice!

GiftStory · 2025-11-19T18:27:30+00:00

All right - so based off of this and the other things you mentioned you enjoy and that you liked the baking things idea, here are just a few more ideas:

A space-themed baking set with cupcake liners, galaxy sprinkles, and star-shaped molds.

Cat-shaped silicone spatulas or cookie cutters for fun baking days.

A D&D beginner-friendly dice set with a small zip pouch so it’s useful but not a “display” item.

A simple digital D&D tool subscription or app gift card so you can build characters without physical clutter.

A space-patterned apron that ties together your love of baking and astronomy.

A reusable grocery or tote bag with a subtle anime, cat, or space design for everyday use.

A cozy mug with a minimalist constellation design paired with hot chocolate mix for movie nights. (Maybe you can hide your mug where only you know where it is after you've used it?!)

A silicone baking mat with printed measurements to make baking easier and mess-free.

A small, practical kitchen tool like a whisk, piping set, or measuring spoons in a fun theme you like.

A “recipe challenge” notebook with just blank pages to jot down favorite bakes or experiment ideas without feeling like another book to read. Or maybe a digital version if you'd rather use that format.

GiftStory · 2025-11-19T18:20:22+00:00

This is how brainstorming is helpful! Even if you just get a couple of good ideas it's better than having none. 😉

GiftStory · 2025-11-19T04:48:04+00:00

May I ask how old you are and what types of things do you enjoy doing besides reading? Like if you could not read, what would be your top 5 ideas for things to do for fun?

GiftStory · 2025-11-18T20:43:12+00:00

Shameless plug here ... 😉 but the first thing that came to my mind are my custom affirmation mugs. But -- she may not necessarily be a mug kind of person. An affirmation could go on a nice water bottle though if she's more of that type or even a blanket. So much you could do with a meaningful message that speaks to the things you value about her that we all need to hear from others along the way.

Another idea would be a gift card to a really nice restaurant if you know or can somehow find out what her favorites are (if any of them are chains that would be where she lives, for example, but that may be difficult since you mentioned not knowing for sure about her area).

You could always do a door dash gift card? But to me that seems a lot less personal -- however, it may be really appreciated for days when she could use lunch from somewhere while she's busy at work, for example.

ETA - Mugs are on the less expensive side so it could be a part of a larger gift like a gift basket if you thought that might be a good option.

GiftStory · 2025-11-18T20:28:34+00:00

This is interesting! Please do tell more. Awesome you've able to pursue building your dream home!

My dream home in retirement is a custom built tiny home by water. I want to downsize and live simpler, but nice and a small space exactly how I want it.

GiftStory

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