Thanks for the suggestions! I will look into them for sure. Since you are a fan of dessert drinks please try this one yourself... It is ridiculously sweet and smooth. You can usually find it for around 15 to 20 bucks or you can get the cute mini version for like 5 bucks. It is a true dessert all by itself and it takes on a very different feel if you serve it slightly warm. I prefer it ice cold but it's great both ways. You can eat the fruit inside too!
@Waterbear thank you for the suggestion of the Ume plum liqueur! I've seen it at the local Korea and Japanese grocery store, but wasn't sure I'd like it. I'll have to pick up a bottle and try it, your description is very intriguing . Slightly warm and sweet sounds yummy! Thank you!
Other Patrick mentioned it already but I just bought my groomsmen sunglasses as a gift. I also considered a wallet, since guys seem to never buy a new one for themselves. I know knives were mentioned, can't go wrong there.
Looks like you are already well set with the suggestions, Grace. I pretty much echo what others have said, and it really depends on your intended spend. What a lovely thing for you to do, and I am sure whatever you decide on will be greatly appreciated. Personally I am not a fan of the gift card option, but hey, I get a lot of people like the flexibility there. I am sure you'll come up with some amazing, but if you're still hunting around for ideas, let us know. As a related aside, I think a lot of people might classify some of us into the 'hard to buy for' category, but at least speaking for myself there are SO many easy options (like this thread has pointed out) which are always welcome. Honestly, just a little thought goes a long way, and it is definitely all about that - the thought and message behind it - than any value of the gift itself. Some of my most treasured gifts cost nothing; like the wonderful artwork SBers have used to decorate parcels.
Stevie, I love receiving boxes with art drawn on them too! Lots of great ideas, even though I think I will go with Scotch and a nice hip flask, a nice pocket knife was a close second. Please the keep the ideas coming! This is great for future reference, and I'm genuinely interested in hearing what gifts surprises and delights guys . @Alebrije Chanel's Bleu is a wonderful fragrance! Thank you for the suggestion ! I wish more guys would wear cologne (splurging for the richness of a parfum/EDP is even better). Guys, ladies really appreciate a nicely scented man (not over powering, just a warm subtle dose). It makes us take notice and adds interest. Dior's Sauvage, Frederick Malle's Monsieur, Narciso Rodriguez Bleu Noir, L'Envol de Cartier, Explorer Mont Blanc just to name a few. I collect vintage women's parfums, but love some of the warm spicy men's fragrances (love wearing Sauvage and L'Envol). @Patrickg2k and @patrickvaz thanks for the emphasis on sunglasses, I hadn't thought of that! Many thanks for these great ideas!
See if you can find a scotch from different countries like Iceland or Finland. There's always the Tenga
While technicall not a 'whisky' (though I see now they are using it in the branding/name - maybe it has just now reached the aged where it can be called that), definitely worth checking out Flóki. https://www.flokiwhisky.is/spirits Different and delicious. It's been a while since there was an update, but since it has spurned a lot of conversation here, might as well highlight this thread for further discussion, http://skullbrain.org/bb/index.php?threads/a-wee-dram-the-whiskey-appreciation-thread.40968/ As well as another Chris favourite, http://skullbrain.org/bb/index.php?threads/mmmm-hendricks-gin.43200/
Okee Dokee! As a surprise for all of your help and fun and jokes, I thought I'd raffle off a little pocket fish knife to everyone who made a comment ABOVE. I'll cover domestic shipping, but alas, International folks (not in US) will have to foot the shipping if you are interested in the prize. I'm really sorry I can't cover international shipping costs, as I'm not working at the moment, so I have to watch the piggy bank . The prize is It's not an expensive item, but it is well made and super cute. @ungawa222 will draw a lucky winner (if an International SB'er is selected, a domestic SB'er will be selected as backup if International shipping fees proves to be too expensive). Good luck guys and gals in the running (in order of appearance)... Roger blakewest Waterbear EtR_Wolf patrickvaz Anti Social Andy (International) MonstaIslandCzar nico000 akum6n Philpenn jl (International) noeleaser zindabad gatiio (International) Alebrije (International) Patrickg2k ultrakaiju (International) gatchabert Many thanks again for your suggestions, and a big hug for Mike who's helping to pick a random winner!
@Mr. Humphreys have you considered a subscription to a magazine (perhaps Outside, based on your description of him being a gear hound, etc. : https://plus.outsideonline.com/outsideplus/ ) or my other suggestion would be an annual subscription to Audible. If he travels, hikes, etc, there is nothing like a great audiobook to keep you entertained. You're taking him for a meal at the end (lovely) and I'm guessing you don't want to arrive empty handed (maybe a small succulent - hard to kill and when potted look lovely and would fit in with minimal decor) but some people are less about 'things' and more about experience. A magazine showing up every month, or every other, or the choice to download an audiobook once a month, may be a nice alternative. Whatever you opt for, I am sure he will appreciate the effort and sentiment.
Ah! Hadn’t seen the drink suggestion (Choya), Grace. I wonder if I can find it here in Germany. Sweet cold drinks are the best! And thank you for such a sweet gesture having a cool lotto. That’s the best SB spirit around here
Hello all, and thanks to Grace for tagging me to be the drawmaster on this one! Some good Friday fun, and what a COOOOL freaking prize! Delightful... Without further delay, then... the randomly-selected winner is... @EtR_Wolf! COME ON DOOOOWN!!
@Mr Fox EXCELLENT suggestions! I know he subscribes to Outsider, but I like the idea of an Audible subscription for my friends who have long commutes (something to add to my birthday and Christmas lists! ). Thank you! @gatiio you should be able to find Choya in the EU. Even Amazon EU carries it... https://www.amazon.com/Choya-Wine-U...eywords=choya+plum+wine&qid=1625252452&sr=8-1 Good luck finding it! I've yet to try it, but it's on my shopping list, the next time I head out to Japantown for groceries Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! CONGRATULATIONS @EtR_Wolf Please DM me your address, and I'll send out your prize A HUGE thanks to @ungawa222 for taking the time to pick the winner! Lots of hugs sent your way! THANK YOU everyone for all of the great suggestions and fun! Feel free to keep adding more ideas, they are super helpful!
Whaaaattttt!?!?!?!?!?! What a fantabulous surprise!!! Thank you @Mr. Humphreys for the fantastic little fish knife!! I'm already thinking that I'll keep it in my car so that I can use it whenever we're camping or when I'll need to cut, slice, or maybe even stab something.. I always loved going fishing with my parents growing up, so I am drawn to fish as well, so this is actually a very welcome and pleasant surprise! ❤ It's much appreciated! ❤ ❤ Thank you Grace for doing this awesome giveaway and thank you @ungawa222 for drawing a winner! ❤
Amazing, congrats to @EtR_Wolf for the excellent win. And sincere thanks to Grace for throwing up this super lottery. What a delightful surprise. (and to Mitch for having those lucky picking fingers) @gatiio I didn't realise you were still in Germany actually, especially after the last year of logistical hiccoughs/hiccups.
Congrats @EtR_Wolf And thanks again, Grace! I’ll look for it out here through importers Yup. Moved right before the pandemic and quite happy out here. The crappy part is that most of my collection stayed in Chicago, so who knows when I’ll get to get back and pick it up. :=(
Thanks @ultrakaiju and @gatiio ! It was most definitely a delightful surprise! ❤ And @gatiio , whenever you do make it out to Chicago again, send a message. Maybe we'll be able to get a few of us ol' CASK'ers together for a lunch, or trip to Rotofugi, or something like that?