I would like to buy a birthday present for a man in his fifties. He recently had a large gold chain that was given to him by his ex wife stolen while overseas. I'd be happy to get him a replacement, but it could look a bit "me too" and I don't particularly like the pimp look. He has a non prestige watch, but I'm reticent to enter the prestige watch territory as there seems to be a bit of snobbery in folks that are interested and knowledgeable. My true upper limit would be $10k and if I laid out that sort of cash, I'd want whatever it was to be the best in its class. A watch would not be, not at $10K. There'd always be some jackass saying "oh only the entry level version" or some such claptrap.
What I am looking for is a durable gift that will have meaning. He used to fly planes recreationally, but has let his license lapse. One of his cars is his passion, a very very expensive Mercedes convertible.
Ideally, I'd like to spend $1k - $2k because he is so over the top protective of my interests that I do not think he'd be able to handle much more.
I am thinking a solid gold keychain for his toy. Does anyone know where I could get one? (At the best possible price, of course!)
Any other gift ideas would be very welcome. I don't want to go into electronics or anything remotely novelty.
I think in this zone the dollars aren't really that important, which I think you have acknowledged, but it is the meaningfulness of the gift that matters.
While I think a watch would be a good gift, I understand it has limitations in what you get for the money.
I would be inclined to suggest something "one off".
This could be a hand made/crafted item or an antique/vintage item.
Some ideas might be a tool that he would use regularly. I inherited a splendid set of carving knives from my grandfather, and I find myself thinking of him every time I use them.
I have similar affection for some wood crafting tools my father gave me.
Another idea might be a beautiful pair of hand made boots. I have heard of a boot maker in Marrickville in Sydney that makes beautiful stuff. If I received such a gift I would think of the giver whenever I wore them, and they would likely last the rest of his life - I believe you would be looking in the $1000 range.
Would a possibility be something like a subscription to the theatre/opera/symphony that you could attend together? Those kind of things can be very rewarding as you make a regular outing to do something worthwhile together.
Let us know what you end up with.