Ian's Birthday

My husband's 30th birthday was just this past Friday and we had a great time celebrating.  However, I realized quickly after thinking of what I could get him for his birthday, that whatever I bought him would also have to come under the category of used. 

Now most of the time it is not quite acceptable to give someone a used gift.  I have always kept the tag attached to the gifts I've given (with the pricetag removed), so that if there was ever a doubt as to if the item was used, it would quickly be dispelled.  So buying a used gift, even for my husband seemed a bit odd.  I also didn't have much time, so I was a bit nervous that I would end up just buying him junk in place of a real gift.  However, after thinking of the possibilities of what I might find, I got excited and headed with Ruth to the local thrift shop.

While we were driving to the shop I thought how it might be nice if I found a nice mug for Ian.  He really likes coffee and we have only a few mugs, after selling most of ours prior to our move.  I also thought, "wouldn't it be great if they had some sort of dad themed mug that Ruth could give him?" Although I knew that at second hand shops it is normally luck of the draw what you end up with, I still had hope.

As fate would have it,  they did have a mug and wouldn't you know it was perfect!  The mug was white with colorful lettering that said "world's greatest dad!"  I picked it up right away and was really excited to see that it was only 50 cents!  I do have to say, it was a bit odd picking up a mug that had originally been bought for another dad.  However, it really is true, Ian is a wonderful dad! 

Next, I looked at the sport coats.  Ian has one that he wears quite frequently at school and has mentioned it would be nice to have a few more.  There were some nice looking ones, however they were all X-L and certainly would not do.  So, I kept looking around.

I soon came to the game isle and found two things that I thought would be great for Ian.  One was an old Monopoly game.  The box was a bit haggard, to say the least, but all of the pieces were there and it would still provide a fun night with friends or just the two of us.  Then I found a plastic zip-lock bag which held 3 wooden peg games, along with the pegs and a pair of dice.  Looking at this zip-lock bag I smiled thinking of Ian playing these games, trying to become the master of these simple, yet difficult to conquer games.  One of them, which was shaped like a triangle and reminded me the most of the ones you see at Cracker Barrel, was called Bible I.Q. game and each peg had a bible verse written underneath it.  I thought "what a great gadget for an Old Testament professor's desk!"

I also picked up a bundle of colored pencils, held together by by a rubber band, that were in quite good condition.  They would be a necessary tool to make Ian's birthday card, since neither could I buy him a card, nor did I have any of my old art supplies (also sold in our move).

I headed to the counter happy with what I had found and sure Ian would enjoy the gifts.  The cashier was busy with a lady looking at watches, so I looked around from the counter.  Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a silver pot on a metal frame.  I knew right off the bat it was a fondue pot, something I was sure Ian would love.  I walked over to have a better look and was surprised to note that it was also in very good shape.  So, without hesitating, I picked it up and added it to my pile.

When everything had been rung up, the lady said "$7.10 is your total."  I liked that, but also liked what I had gotten.  For me, it was the best of both worlds.

When I got home, I wrapped Ian's gifts with birthday wrapping paper I had at the house and put some in used gift bags left over from Ruth's baby showers.  Some of the tissue paper I found was pink, and the two bags I found were green and yellow.  I even found yellow ribbon, which added a nice touch.

Ian and I ended up having a great time on his birthday and I think he enjoyed opening his gifts, which were probably more than he had received on his birthday in a long time.  Our friends watched Ruth and we had a nice dinner out.  Then we came back and enjoyed a very delicious chocolate fondue with bananas and strawberries.

I'd have to say, buying used for my husband's birthday was a success.  Now I just have to see how I am going to swing it for two upcoming baby showers and two weddings.  :)

Stay tuned.