You girls are so great with all your answers. I really appreciate it. I need some ideas (quick)! My husband's birthday is coming up in another week or so. I am a SAHM who makes no $$$$. I want to give him something but whenever I buy something I feel like he's buying it because he's the one making the money. I know making a special dinner is a good idea but around here I do some cooking but he's really one to do the fancy "gourmet" cooking. (and he's really good at it, too)
Any suggestions?
Romance is free and the best gift:) Massage? Lapdance or sexy role-playing? Make his night a game by leaving "clues" all around? Trade out sitting with a friend to get the child care for free and go wild:)
First off, from one SAHM to another, I would urge you to stop feeling like you are spending HIS money. Even though you might not bring money into the house you are doing an incredibly important job in raising your kids as well as taking care of your husband and household duties. And if you are like me, you work hard to spend money wisely such as by looking for deals. So acknowledge the importance of your contributions and don't allow finances to classify your position in your marriage.
Now for some ideas. If there is a favorite meal he likes to make or a meal he would like to try buy the ingredients and/or "tools" for him to do it.
Is there something you could rearrange in the house to suit that hobby? For example, my friend who is a professional organizer cleaned out the garage and arranged a work area for her husband. The garage is his domain and had been cluttered for some time and he was overwhelmed at cleaning it out, but really wanted a work area, so she did it.
Is there anything he could use that he wouldn't think to buy for himself? My husband likes to have fires in the backyard during the summer. He commented that he should buy fireplace tongs to help move the logs around, yet he never went out to buy them so I bought them for him the following Father's Day.
What about having the kids make something? I see they are pretty young, but they can make cards. You could buy a crock or a wooden box and let them paint it (use paints with brushes, sponges or stampers) and he can keep cooking utensils in it. It would definitely be a one-of-a-kind gift. :)
Definitly have the kids make him cards and maybe some other personnel gift from the kids - a coffee mug with their pics on it etc. Rent his favorite guy flick, buy his favorite beer etc and favorite snacks. I like the wings idea. Maybe some nice steaks ( you buy them even if he has to oversee the cooking part). Is there some cooking pot or gadget that he would like? That would be a gift that would give back LOL!!
You are staying home raising the kid(s) with NO BREAK - you have earned $$$ even though it comes in a paycheck under his name!! Don't feel bad for buying something you feel he deserves. Take him to a favorite spot, make a dinner he likes, give him a massage. Whatever you decide to do as long as you are paying attention to him and his needs I'm sure it will be great.
First of all, you can do something to show you appreciate him as an individual, your husband.... massage is great. How about an at-home spa day? My husband would feel odd going to a spa brimming with estrogen, but let me tell you his feet need attention! And who doesn't like a facial? Relaxation and appreciation in one nice package.
Enjoy an early dinner with the kids.... maybe take-out so no one has to cook or clean up. (Or.... I also don't know many men who would turn down breakfast for dinner. That's just awesome!) Take time to wear something you know he likes and even put on makeup. Then when the kids go to bed (or to grandma's), you can put on that movie he's been wanting to see for a while and have some quality cuddle time.
As for more tangible gifts: If he really enjoys cooking, what about an herb garden? Does he have something that is a little worn and time to be replaced, like his wallet? You could get him a new one stocked with pictures of his family.
Something thoughtful ..... and a little lovin', and your husband will love his birthday!
after thirty-four years of marriage having to plan party's after party's well the best one I can think of is romantic quiet evening special decortions too fit the occasion, Its not the gourmet food that he is interested in its the desert that is well plan and thought of after the meal. Having the music that he likes and all of his favorite items as decor.He can tell how effort you put into it.
older romantic
Does your grocery store have cooking lessons? They're usually free or very low cost and he might enjoy it.
Get a basket, buy all his favorite snacks and put together a gift basket. As for the party, (depending on what your husband is like), have your kids dress in his clothes, play his favorite music and let them dance. Bake cupcakes, get chicken wings, buy chips, cook pasta pour some alfredo sauce on it, put together a salad. You have food, fun and a gift.
