There’s an unforgettable episode in the first season of Modern Family. It’s Claire and Phil’s anniversary but Claire confesses that she’s an epic fail when it comes to buying presents. Phil of course, retorts.
At the end of last month, I was faced with the same dilemma.
Can I just say firstly, I’m faced with the doubly difficult task of having Father’s Day and Mr Surfer’s birthday landing 2 weeks apart.
Admittedly, Father’s Day, I can usually get away with. Daycare has me covered with the twin ions’ assigned gifts (Hand drawn tennis socks…love it!) and their annual “How well do you know your daddy?” interviews (“How big is your daddy?” “Like a volcano…” “How strong is your daddy?” “Like a volcano…”).
And when he says, “I don’t need anything for Father’s Day…” I will ignore all passive aggressiveness that eludes in that tiny statement and take great advantage of its literal context.
No presents? You got it, dude!
Besides – I convince myself – Father’s Day comes with the generic marketing, money spinning ploy.
We all know though, birthdays are a different story.
This year, I was ready to give up, do my usual Claire Dunphy and make him some “Bow Chica Bow Wow” vouchers (along with buying some practical ones from Bunnings, of course).
Then, I remembered the previous weekend as we were walking along the beach, Mr Surfer grabbed my hand and sighed, “Gee, I could sleep for a week.”
Barely finishing the sentence, off he charged again chasing the two little rockets before completely disappearing out of our sights.
So, what should’ve bee glaringly obvious, took a little brain burp on my behalf before paying attention to that quiet plea for respite.
Finally, I got it. And not too long after I found a quiet, reasonably priced nearby boutique hotel that surprisingly had a Saturday night available during the busy long weekend.
I specifically requested early check in and for the room furthest away from the main road, traffic and other humans.
Booked.
And off Mr Surfer went on a much-needed staycation.
He surfed, he went to the movies, he got some sleeeeeeep.
One decent night’s sleep isn’t going to make a dent on the years of sleep deprivation but some is better than none.
Most importantly, what returned home was an extremely appreciative husband who thinks my selfless act totes makes me THE BOMB.
Best birthday present. EVER!
Are you good at getting presents for your spouse? What’s been the worse present you’ve bought? The best?
Awesome wife! I told hubby about this and he said he doesn’t want the same thing UNLESS it’s in a band camp or he can play music all day. Okkkaaay.
Now THAT is a total genius at work! No need to even find babysitters.
DAMN STRAIGHT you are the bestest wifey ever!!! Such a fabulous idea. My hubby deserves one of those too but not sure when he’ll get one without me in tow! x
OMG I wish I had thought of doing that (hubby’s birthday was a few months ago). You are the BEST wife. That will get you brownie points forever!
Aaah. I have the same if not worse problem, hubby’s birthday is usually the same weekend if not days apart form fathers day! A massage voucher was probably the best thing he’s gotten. He is already trying to steal my voucher I haven’t used, that’s a bit cheeky!
You are definitely the bestus spouseus Grace!
What a perfect gift! My hubby’s birthday is around Mother’s Day, I’m thinking next year, I book a staycation for both of us and find someone to have all three girls for a night. 🙂
OMG YES! That is the best present ever!! PS, you had me from the Phil Dunphy meme. Robot dog. LOL.
That’s great Grace and very thoughtful. Bet you are so in the good books.
I love this! I still think he should’ve taken you!!
Wow – sleep. Had I known, it would’ve saved me a lot of trouble. Then again, with the cost of our boutique hotels, my gift would have been…the garage! Sleep tight!
Awesome present. I would love to receive one like that. Though I just had 8 days in Bali. I may not have caught up on any sleep but what sleep I had was uninterrupted!
My hubby wants expensive things he knows we can’t afford…but he does love the latest gadget so I often buy him a ‘toy’ of some kind.
What a great idea Grace! Well done!
Gosh that is the BEST present ever….Hubby always ask for another 12 hours sleep….I have never thought to give him a night to himself. I am so going to keep this one in mind for next year, or even better yet for a Xmas idea.
Funny how sleep can make a person feel so much better.
Happy Birthday to Mr Surfer/Happy Fathers Day to Mr Surfer.
Surfing is one hobby I haven’t tried! But going to the movies sounds magical.
I totally get your point! If they say they don’t need anything it’s for something, isn’t it? Haha, sometimes I also find something in the last minute, but I’m running out of ideas for the next year!
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