Gift for Husbands Birthday $100 - $150

Hello everyone

Hubbys birthday coming up next week. I’m looking to spend around $100. Problem is he’s stubborn about spending money on himself or buying something nice.

Heres some ideas I need help with please

  • he’s recently gotten into running so thinking a gift card from sketchers as they have a sale on at the moment.
  • running clothes? Where do I find those and what can I get
  • perfume
  • a gift voucher from Watergardens and then he can choose wether to get clothes or shoes…..
  • a smartwatch (has an android phone) that can track his fitness and is waterproof. Is that possible in a $100ish budget?
  • has a big beard. Beard grooming/softening products?

Thank you:)

Comments

  • +2

    how about ask em in person ?

    And what about a super tasty food cooked (would be a better gift than $100 Cash IMO).

    Good Watch is def possible for $100, I suggest get a used galaxy watch 4 (from marketplace) given husband is okay with used stuff (and you too). Older apple watch if iPhone person.

    • +29

      If I ask he’ll say ‘nothing’
      A nice home cooked meal and some special family time is a given….

      • +5

        Get some nice Lingerie and surprise him!

      • +1

        That's what my kids have been asking whole day for my birthday tomorrow and i have been saying "nothing".

        • +1

          Happy birthday for tomorrow. 🎉

        • Happy Birthday!

      • +1

        Don't forget Birthday Deals

        • THANK YOU

      • +1

        If I ask he’ll say ‘nothing’

        To be honest, there's something in respecting his wishes.

        I'm also the sort of person to say "nothing" when people ask me what I want, and I genuinely mean it. I don't particularly like celebrating (especially birthdays, I mean I've made X loops around the sun, whoop-de-doo…)

        I just prefer to spend time with people. Instead of getting me a gift, I would just prefer my mates to come over and hang out.

        I'm always very awkward with gifts and sometimes wish I just did not receive them, e.g. my family buying me gifts that I don't particularly want and now feel pressured to use as to not upset them.

  • +5

    Gift voucher for something like a watch, shoes, clothes, beard products

    Spend a bit more on an experience that you'd both like, like an escape room or Gold class movie, show etc. I find these are the best presents as you both benefit and do something you don't usually do.

  • +5

    Silk negligee.

    • +9

      Wrapping paper is a waste
      .

  • +17

    Don't buy stuff, do things together. Like dinner at Rockpool, Coppertree Farms Dry Aged Hereford 36 month old pasture fed rib eye on the bone 500g $128

    • +1

      Hi, will you marry me? Also CopperTree farms needs to start selling in Melbourne, I want their delicious meats to cook at home.

      • -3

        I'd prefer the David Blackmore Dry Aged Full Blood Wagyu (from 9+ marble score animals) Rib Eye on the Bone 700g $575, but OP's budget tops out at $150

    • +1

      he must have a reason

      New love interest at work?

      • -3

        That or threat of a heart attack. However, that wasnt enough to get mine running so….

        • +1

          Try threat of a divorce, most likely he'll start running in delight.

      • +1

        Don’t check centre console

        • +2

          I understand this reference.

    • Yes in the same way you non-consensually forced me to read your comment.

  • +110

    Wow you guys are really weird and mean

    • +30

      and mean

      Are you suggesting we're average?

      • I liked this

    • +22

      Member Since 10 hours 34 min ago
      Explains your surprise
      .

    • +7

      Wow you guys are really weird and mean

      I think the politically correct term is: "uniquely gifted in the art of stupidity" :-)

    • +2

      err, what did you expect from online forum in 2024? especially OzB lol :)

      but actually some good advice here

      if you want to support / challenge his running - sign him up for marathon or even better some crazy ultra like UTA haha

    • +2

      Comment of the year. I agree with you fwiw

    • +7

      Most of the guys here respond to condom deals by letting everyone know they sleep with their wives only on special occasions, they would probably think that is an appropriate gift.

      • Isn't it the case?

    • Yah.

  • +10

    Only Fans voucher.

    Or if you don't have a sense of adventure> (the real answer is always a Bunnings voucher)

    • +1

      Who needs Only Fans Voucher when you can get the same product for free in p*rnhub?

      • OPs husband. (shhh , she needs to think he's not engaged in free high 'wrist' activities.)

  • Running shoes and clothes? You mentioned about Watergardens shopping center. I guess you live not far from there. You can go together with him to Skechers store, Footlocker and Rebel store to try and buy the shoes and clothes there.

    As for smartwatch for the price range, I recommend fitness tracker instead. Huawei Band 9 through JB HI-FI but only delivery is available and will arrive after next week … Other online options may arrive longer than that. Huawei Band 9 is the best for android in term of accuracy and also battery will last a week or two. The battery of android smartwatches in general are not that great, may need to recharge every day. The price of Huawei Band 8 locally is not much cheaper than Huawei Band 9.

    Maybe better just buy running shoes and clothes in Watergardens shopping center and eat something nice there.

    • +3

      Good running shoes in any of those stores are $250-300 range, unless they allow single shoe purchase, it is out of the quoted gift budget.

      • Skechers running shoes can be bought even under $100, but I can't comment about quality. Some people said that it's convenient for them (Skechers).

    • +4

      They have already noted his hobbies, etc. and are just looking for other ideas. Nothing wring with that.

      • -4

        They? Is it a throuple? Or maybe hubby is polygamist? I missed that bit

        • +3

          Maybe you are too young to remember, before 'they' was used as a first person pronoun by narcissists it had another meaning

  • +14

    I think I know the type, and they are hard to buy for. I reccomend using the stuff they already have as a guide. If there's a shirt he always wears, check the size and brand, and get more of the same (cut should match, in slightly different patterns/colours). Don't assume that just because something is at Myer or David Jones it's any good or will be what he wants; if his favorite clothes are from target, just go to target. Look for stuff that he owns that's worn out - boxers and underwear for example.

    A nice warm bathrobe/housecoat and a good pair of slippers are good gifts that can last a long time. Not the synthetic-y light ones, but the heavy pure cotton ones.

    Does he have headphones for running? And if he's too frugal for music service, buy him a yr of Spotify/YT Music/Tidal? Also 1yr of media streaming services if there's ones you don't have that have stuff he might like.

  • +10

    Get him some licensed Moo Deng merch.

  • +3

    Bunnings voucher

  • +4

    $100 lingerie set for yourself. That should do it

    • SOP for every birthday. It never gets old. Shallow but perfect for a man husband. It shows how much you care about him and how much you want to make his birthday special. Cringe all you like but that's the best gift for someone you love who has everything.

        • -3

          Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell a lot of negging homophobes here. ;-)

  • +1

    Socks n jocks
    Nothing beats that

  • +6

    Problem is he’s stubborn about spending money on himself or buying something nice.

    I'm the same and dislike it when the Mrs buys me expensive birthday gifts as it's ultimately a waste of money. I'm happy with a couple of $10 t-shirts.

  • -2

    Buy a visa gift card that he can use anywhere he wants online or in store…

  • +5

    Each year my wife has the same dilemma wondering what to get me, despite my protests that I don't need anything. One idea that might help is to ask him to compile a wish list of gift ideas that can help you and other family members (if appropriate). At this time of year, that can also help with Christmas gifts. There is no guarantee that he will get anything on the list, but it might help, especially if he has specific views or tastes for certain things.

    As for running gear, I have found plenty of stuff at Rebel Sport. They do gift cards, but you may prefer to give an actual gift so check their return policy. Running shirts are easy.

    I use a FitBit Inspire 2 to monitor my walking, running and swimming. The battery lasts for a week and you can view all of the data in the app on your phone. The Inspire 3 is a newer version that has been out for a while now. It is lightweight and I would get another.

    Properly fitting running shoes are the best, but are way more than $100. When you switch from an old pair to a new pair, you really notice the difference!

  • +1

    I would suggest a card. Inside is a voucher for x number of hours just to himself, and a couple of pineapples.

    • +1

      How do you fit the pineapples in the card?

      • Put them upside down at the front door.

  • +3

    A variety of something that he subtly likes/enjoys.

    E.g. I like honey. For my birthday recently my partner bought me a selection of different honeys. And some whittakers chocolate.

  • +2

    I disagree with everyone saying a gift card - he doesn't like spending money on himself and a giftcard is basically forcing him to do that.

    You should spend some time to figure out what is something that will elevate his hobby and or life not something token. A smartwatch run tracker is a good idea but a good one is not likely in your price range.

    I'm not a runner but I'd guess some really fancy running shorts could be good?

  • +3

    if hes over 40… pokemon cards lol

  • I don't think you will be able to purchase quality running shoes under $100 but you may be able to get something decent on a sale. Cheap ones will just fall apart too quickly too. Husband will have to select the pair that fits, wide enough etc. and that he likes. I would only purchase shoes if you know the brand and exact fit he likes.

    Shirts and running shorts should be the easier option. You know what he likes, colours, sizes etc. and they would be appreciated … no matter how much he may protest, comfort will make him happy.

    Have a feeling apps, watches etc. would not be as appreciated by your husband as much. He knows his rates, and could quickly work out for himself if he is reaching his goals or not. Can always set a timer that would achieve the same information he requires.

  • +5

    Stay away from Sketchers, I've heard many people say they're a physio's dream. Asics are a better brand that a lot of runners wear. Can you find a cheap pair at DFO?

  • +3

    He sàid nothing so just his favorite meal at home.

  • +1

    Print some photo albums of adventures together over the years (if that’s not something you already have)
    My husband likes bags, like backpacks, shoulder bags, totes etc but not crazy expensive ones, brands like bellroy, Oakley, northface
    Mine also likes plants like indoor plants and fruit trees
    Fitness t shirt or running jacket
    I also cook a nice breakfast and make coffee and get juice (which we don’t normally have)
    If he drinks maybe a nice whisky or whatever he’s into
    Concert or show tickets can be fun, like a comedian, band or musical depending on his preferences

  • +3

    I feel your pain - my husband's birthday is around Father's Day and he is impossible to buy for.

    Our daughters get him singlets (he wears them every day), salted cashews and tomato chips every year as a given, then we all try desperately to think of something else.

    A belated gift this year is a ticket to the Matildas/Brazil game.

    Sporting tickets are usually a hit and we've also bought concert tickets for both of us as my birthday is only a few weeks later.

    Does he drink? One daughter is looking into a craft brewery experience for him or a winery voucher where you get involved in the making.

  • +2

    $100. I myself would prefer a nice dinner out rather than a physical possession.

  • I suggest experiences, especially things you can do together.

    Good luck with whatever you choose!

    • +1

      Agree with this..
      Just go and do something with your hubbie together the idea of a gift is making him uncomfortable so get something you two can experience even if it's going to the movies gold class as a splurge etc.
      Me and my wife buy stuff for each other all the time.. but all I really want is to hang out with her…
      With young kids and opposing hours of work it's like the hardest thing to have

    • Agreed, a nice experience is a far better gifting option than something tangible. You know him best, so have a look around and see what cool things you could do together.

      Fishing charter is a good option as mentioned, there are also things like swimming with dolphins, escape rooms, art/cooking classes, archery, farm stay/nice Airbnb somewhere in the country, couples spa session (hot springs as an example) etc.

  • Brooks has a sale on their shoes. Glycerine 20 are a great show on sale for $149.95 at the moment. Glycerine GTS 20 same price if he needs more stability support (over pronates).

    I'd personally vote for an experience of some sort rather than stuff.

  • Lots of great suggestions here.

    May I also add a pair or earphones for when he goes running?

    • +1

      Good one. Check out shokz bone conduction style. I switched to them and will never go back for running. So comfortable that I often forget I'm even wearing them.

  • +2

    Get a tatt of his name on a part of your body, darl.

  • A nice dinner out.

  • You might be able to get a pixel watch 1 for close to $100.

  • +1

    May not turn up in time (So, maybe an XMAS present)
    A road ID bracelet engraved with name & emergency contacts - https://www.roadid.com

  • +5

    Don't buy things. Take him somewhere for dinner .. if in Sydney go to Melbourne for the weekend. Eat at some of the best restaurants.

    Experiences are remembered. Things are forgotten.

    • +1

      don't think you go to "best" restaurants in Sydney or Melb for under $100

      • Depends. some do price fix lunch for a fraction. You get 2 courses with a glass of wine.

        • +1

          You said Dinner not lunch on your first post.

          • @Homr: zzzzzz

            you complained and I gave a 2nd option.

  • It doesn't seem like what you buy really matters. I'd spend time with him undistracted which would weight 100x more than any gift you buy him.

  • +2

    Things my running friends have loved: good quality running socks (feetures), shokz bone conduction headphones (the Openrun, or even openmove, not the individual buds but the wraparound style), good running hat, running belt to store phone and keys while running, and a running workshop/ coaching session.
    If you want an experience then it depends where you live, in Sydney I am always surprised by how many people haven't been to cockatoo island or walked across the harbour bridge and been inside the pylon.

  • +1

    Don't buy any running stuff. Most runners (like me) are very specific in what we like and what works for us. If you want to buy something unless you know exactly what he likes rather give a voucher so that he can choose.

    But whatever you do don't get a voucher for Skechers.

  • +1

    Keep the money for yourself and go out. Leave him alone for the day, money well spent in his eyes.

    • +2

      As a husband, I couldn't think of anything worse, I'd much rather spend the day with my wife than alone.
      Each to their own.

      For me, I'd like a birthday to be full of fireworks and merry folk.

  • +6

    Sketchers are not for running; they are the shoe of choice for flat-footed, non-sporty types who can't afford better shoes (Asics/Saucony/NB/Brooks…) and DFO-scouting FOBs…

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