I made sure OH had a nice 65th yesterday, took him to a lovely art exhibition followed by an Indian restaurant. He only got one card with 65 staring out of it, from his sister, and he put it face down 
He had a number of messages from the colleagues he left behind last week which was a nice thought.
Excellent ideas! Frankly this is the type of present I’d also like for my birthdays too, I have enough objects. Experiences and time are a much nicer gift. I have too many “objects” I don’t even use/wear or like that much. If my OH would think of buying a watch or jewellery, or God forbid, a dress - then he’d have to consult me beforehand which obviously will spoil the surprise.
This Old House is far from being finished, so when my b’day came around, I requested that we finally get rid of a gigantic beam sticking out of the wall–it needed sawing off, planing, sanding, and a coat of sealant. That was my present, and a jolly good one!
Need some help here – what do you give as present to a 20 years old, male, swiss (a nephew of my hubby), whom last year appeared at the family dinner in rags, with long hair and beard, smoking pot, … and when I met him last week to celebrate that after his IT practicum the company offered him a job and he was clean shaved, well dressed, and laid in front of me a full (very sensible!) career path with high aspirations?
He has me as a ‘role model’ on how to be wild and unruly, yet still have a successful business career. (I didn’t know this, his mother told me – and it bloody puts a lot of pressure on me! )
ideas, please? For youngsters, I tend to prefer paying for courses, more than buying objects…
What sort of price range?
Courses? Mmmm…
max about 1000 - 1500 CHF
Depending on location, there are similar services offered on the Anneau du Rhin near Mulhouse in France.
A girlfriend of mine (who has boys on their 20’s ) suggested 'a cooking course 
A “cool” cooking course would be a good idea such as Asian street food so lots of stir fries with ginger, chili etc.
Quick, inspirational things he can then cook himself.
Although maybe he doesn’t like that sort of food and it may not be available here anyway.
A basic cooking course where they can learn how to chop veggies, make an omelette, do a thin, medium and thick white sauce. Skills that they will use for a lifetime.
A few decades back my high school year was one of the first for girls to take some “shop” courses and the boys to take “home economics “ stuff.
I decided to take typing and cooking. The boys all laughed at me, the girls just smiled. And after all these years the skills I learned in those two classes are those that are still with me..
3 posts were split to a new topic: Tiptopf Reader Fury
I like the idea of a course for Asian street food. I’d like to do one for learning proper knife techniques.
At his age I’d say something adventure style. Paragliding, canyoning, parachute jump, that kind of stuff. If he’s more of an “take it easy” type, a sailing plane flight might be just for him.
Or some “style yourself and dress up” course, he seems to enjoy that now. Your job would be to pay for a tailor made suit if you’re willing to expand the budget.
Right. Or a hot-air balloon ride … flight … drive (as one “fährt” in a hot-air ballon)?
Some of the stalls at the street food festivals have flyers for courses. Not sure whether they run anything other than cooking courses but perhaps they do other related stuff like knife courses.
That idea also occurred to me or perhaps a statement watch, engraved on the back, that he will carry with him through his career. Although perhaps posh watches need a bigger budget?
A much bigger budget! I am looking for one for my OH…I still have a lot of time so I’m not sure. But I do know he loves watches. Many people like a nice watch but they’re not wearing one so..
I hardly ever wear a watch anymore. I’ve got my phone, which also monitors my blood glucose levels 24/7.
That one made my chuckle 
My mom asked me when I defended my public doctorate, what I wanted as a ‘memory’ for the ’ cum laude’ that I got – I could choose between a watch, or a car.
I said “a car!”
and she bought me a Lotus. This one.
yep, she had a sense of humour…
Well, if not the course, I think I would go for a tailored suit, more than a watch – that’s also very personal, and maybe not appreciated at this age…
We’ve bought a watch for literally every family member (our parents, siblings, even a 18 y.o. nephew got one) and I was surprised almost all of them still wear them. You probably know the dilemma what to bring to people back home? And it can’t be chocolate every single time. 
Especially since they literally go out of their way to make our holidays pleasant. (well it is not that, that I take for granted, I do love my family)
