What do you get for a 55 year old's birthday?

[Technocrat]

Well, it's my dad's birthday coming up, and we've always had something of a strange international positioning. Usually, he's been working abroad, and I'd been being educated in the UK, but now it's the other way round - he's in Britain, and I'm now working in South Korea. At least now I can use Amazon or somesuch to deliver presents.

So, what do you think is an appropriate gift for the older gentleman? What kinds of things do you get *your* parents for their birthdays?

 

[Phlakes]

Just get him wine glasses or something. That's what I usually do.

 

[Ilikemilkshake]

Get him some kind of fancy alcohol, maybe an expensive bottle of whiskey, wine or champagne.
If he's not into alcohol then maybe get him something relating to a hobby he has, if he's into fishing, golf or even DIY or something there's probably something in that area he could be looking for.
EDIT: ooh you could maybe even get him something interesting from south korea aswell (not sure what though)

 

[JonnyBee]

You should give him something he's interested in. Mind you, I usually give my dad a pair of socks and sometimes a history book.

Edit: He collects socks, so he's not dissapointed

 

[Tallim]

Age has nothing to do with it whatsoever. You should have at least some idea of what he likes.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

Don't get him socks. Or hankies.

Depending on your budget:

A 2011 Road Atlas : Cheap, useful and his is bound to be falling apart.
Booze : Jack Daniels Mug? Cheers [http://www.a1gifts.co.uk/gifts/Happy-Fathers-Day-Jack-Daniels-Gift-Set.aspx?source=awin] - Hipflasks or Lighters work well
A Bathrobe: Because you know Mother will have already nicked his.
Slippers: But proper ones, not silly ones.
"Top Gear" DVD: Or any of the Carry On Films.
Chilli Chocolates: Stops Mum nicking them all, and they're really damn good.


Just think of what your mum would tut at, and get him that (He'll do the same to your Mother's Day Presents like "My Fair Lady".)

 

[CJMacM]

Try getting him some neat souvenir from South Korea.
My dad's 56 and for his last few birthdays I just got him cards and say Happy Birthday. He doesn't really have that many interests other than horse races so I don't have a lot to work with.

 

[Nahhnbah]

Warning: The Following reply is in no way serious

Taiwanese hookers? Certainly make him feel young again.

Actual Reply

Something that he'll use, that he genuinely appreciate and enjoy. So gardening tools, a good book, album, concert tickets. Something special.

 

[Rakkana]

My dad loves to cook. So I get him a pan or spices.

Go with what ever his hobby is look for something he doesn't have or needs more of.

 

[Steelback]

Two words.... Mid-life Crisis

 

[Stasisesque]

Age has nothing to do with it whatsoever. You should have at least some idea of what he likes.

This is the only post that makes any sense.

Get him something he wants.

 

[DuctTapeJedi]

My dad's sort of a crazy hillbilly (in a good way, not in the confederate flag-waving, Larry the Cable Guy way) so I usually just buy him pocket knives or something like that. Maybe get him a leatherman. They're pretty awesome...

 

[HolocaustBoy]

a gun with no bullets

 

[leviathanmisha]

My dad liked playing video games with me...so this was never a problem for me...

OT: But yeah, get him something that he likes and that will be potentially useful...dad's like useful stuff!

 

[Snake Plissken]

A coffin.

It'd be the best poor-taste gag gift in history!

 

[Tautimona]

My dad really loves his coffee, so i usually get him a couple of pounds of the crazy fancy quality stuff

 

[7moreDead_v1legacy]

Warning: The Following reply is in no way serious

Taiwanese hookers? Certainly make him feel young again.

Actual Reply

Something that he'll use, that he genuinely appreciate and enjoy. Taiwanese hookers

I quoted and fixed, it was going to kinda be my answer so saved me some typing