Friday, August 3, 2012

What do I get for my dad who just eloped?


Hi,

I wrote you a few months ago about a friend's wedding dress, and the suggestions were very useful (several readers called it when they said she'd wind up with a Jenny Packham). 

I've got another, unrelated question for you/your readers:

My dad eloped with his long-time partner (woman, for some reason I feel I should specify that.) He had indicated they would be getting married and that they would be having a ceremony with just the two of them. I assumed I would get a phone call beforehand telling me when it would be happening, but instead I got an email saying, "We're married!" 

We're having a party for his birthday in a few weeks that will be doubling as their "reception" and I'm wondering if I should be getting some sort of a gift for them both? What on earth does one get for one's father after he has eloped? Surely a KitchenAid Mixer or salad tongs aren't exactly appropriate (especially since he got those the first time around...) and please don't suggest nice sheets (shudder.)

Help?

Best,
Attempting to be adult about a very juvenile situation

*****

I need a little info about your dad:

1) City or Country?

2) Sweet or Savory?

2) Mac or PC?

4) Beethoven or Neil Young?

*****

Hm,

Country, savory, Mac, Neil Young (though Pink Floyd would be perhaps more accurate.)

*****

OMG I LOVE THIS GAME.

Obvs you should get them.....


The Wild Unknown Mirrored Prism from Catbird ($65)


Or.....


Sign up for shop updates from Herriott Grace and buy them a little salt bowl ($45 CDN) for good luck.

19 comments:

  1. Can't wait for someone to suggest the obligatory picture frame.

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  2. i like the salt bowls for good luck...quirky, sentimental, unfussy.

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  3. My cousin got my husband and I a custom prism from The Wild Unknown and we TREASURE it. It's beautiful and contains sand, rocks, a feather and a piece of birch-bark (collected at our wedding) with our wedding date printed on it. I think it's a stellar gift idea.

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  4. What about a gift card to a nice restaurant? I know that's kind of boring-sounding but we got one for our wedding and I loved it! it wasn't "stuff" that takes up space and it was to a place I probably would have never tried. It was fun to go on a little newlywed fancy date!

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    1. I second this. Seems much more personal and appropriate.

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  5. A great bottle of wine they can enjoy on their anniversary.

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  6. There's nothing necessarily juvenile about eloping with a long-term partner. If you have hurt feelings, own them and decide to talk it through with him or not.

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    1. yeah, I was wondering what was juvenile, too. I think it sounds really no-fuss and awesome, and whatever gift you give them will be so appreciated!

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    2. i don't think she meant them eloping was juvenile, but the situation she is in is juvenile...like she can't believe she has to be asking this type of thing. at least, that's how i read it.

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    3. Anon 11:41, I read it that way too. And also, I think she's a bit pissed off that she only got an email.

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  7. Perfect suggestions! Enough said.

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  8. Mainly, I like the questions you used to deduce what types of gifts would be appropriate.

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  9. Neil Young concert tickets? :) get them something they can enjoy together.

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  10. I'd go with salt bowl, good luck to the new couple & just so cute. but since HG may not update in time (i think she does every couple months?) you can find a handmade alternative on etsy- with a scoop!

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  11. Does he own a record player? Buy him an original print Floyd - or the record player...

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  12. I'm a little late chiming in here, but am I the only one who thinks that maybe you don't need to give Dad a gift? You are throwing them a party/reception, right? Why not "shower" them with love there, give some heartfelt toasts to show how happy you are that so-and-so is now part of your family bla bla bla, give them a card wherein you write something heartfelt and leave it at that?

    I don't know, maybe I'm way off-base here, but I feel like all that is gift enough for a parent who eloped? I know my parents wouldn't expect any gift from their kids, but maybe that's unusual.

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