Ideas/Opinions for a gift!

[Mashira]

Hello ladies!

I've spent the last half hour or so looking through the 'WELLLL' thread by NicoleBen and somewhere in there I found an idea. Amber St. Clare had the loveliest idea of doing something special for the FF to coincide with the proposal. I have absolutely fallen in love with the idea as I would really like to show FF how special he is to me, and how much I love him. I know that men do not (traditionally) get engagement rings, and in a way they have to take on the majority of the 'engagement burden'. (To clarify: FF and I do not have mixed finances, are not living together. Also, by 'burden' I mean paying for the ring, coming up with the 'perfect' proposal, all of the pressure etc...)

So, I have been brainstorming what I could do (and have ready) for the proposal to give to him/show him how special he is to me. I really loved the idea of a scrapbook, however FF and I don't have many pictures together. I have saved up a lot of little things (ticket stubs, wrapping paper, concert wristbands) and was wondering if this would suffice? I've not seen too many scrapbooks without photos. We of course have pictures together, but FF is not fond of his looks in pictures so he avoids them when possible I was thinking of doing it comic-style as FF LOVES comics (particularly X-MEN) and is an avid collector.

So, what do you think of the scrapbook idea? Also, do you have any other ideas you wouldn't mind throwing into to mix?

 

[Eskiez]

I have thought about the same thing and have the same problem! I am a photographer, so I am usually behind the lens, not in front of it. But I have thought about giving my BF a "starter" scrapbook with some of the momentos thus far and blank pages to fill with our future together. Hope this helps!

 

[CourtLynB]

I think the scrapbook idea is adorable. If I were crafty and had pictures and some momentos I'd think about making one. My BF did make me a picture book for valentine's day. He used shutterfly, picked all the pictures he wanted, wrote the captions, picked all the page backgrounds, did the layout and then they printed it and sent it to him. It's bound and everything, reminds me a little of a children's book. It was super sweet and chronicled all our vacations to that point.

I hadn't heard of an engagement gift for the guy until my friends started talking/getting engaged. I know my BF wants a really nice big watch, but he won't buy it for himself. So I'm going to save my pennies and buy him one. I'd like to have it ready for when he actually proposes, but I want to have the date engraved on the back. Maybe I'll tell him I have it and I was just waiting for the date.

 

[diamondbuggy]

I really like the scrapbook idea, it's cute!

I bought my BF a ring. Nowhere near as expensive as what he's spending on mine! It's just titanium and it's more about the thought. I'm keeping it ready for when he proposes so he can get something too! I think they call it a MANgagement ring.

 

[kateydid05]

A good friend of mine who is about a decade older than I am always tells me that after a guy proposes, the woman is supposed to give him a watch as a gift. I forget exactly the reason behind it but I think it has something to do with "time is ticking away before the wedding day" or something to that effect. Either way, I like the idea of giving him a gift as well when he proposes

 

[amc80]

What about doing a shadow box instead of a scrapbook? It seems like it might work better with the type of things you have...

 

[peach_tea_for_me]

Such a sweet idea, and same for the shadow box! I don't think gifts always have to be elaborate or expensive, especially when you'll be getting ready to cut so many wedding related checks. This would fit the bill perfectly. So creative!

 

[amc80]

I really do like this idea. My bf has already told me he would like a watch...and a 60" LED tv. Ha.

 

[slg47]

I asked my BF if he wanted a watch and he replied NO but he really wants a fancy chair, so I am getting that for him as an engagement gift!

 

[RhubarbPie]

Hey ladies -

I started a similar thread the other day: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=146892

I'm also interested very much in this topic as I REALLY want to do something for him so he knows just how much I love him and that I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together. So I'll be following this thread closely!!

 

[Mashira]

I didn't know you started a similar thread! Thanks for the link Thanks for your input ladies!

So... I may sound like a complete dunce, but what on earth is a shadow box?

 

[Amber St. Clare]

Mashira--

I'm glad you liked my idea. I've long felt that males get short changed in the becoming engaged process!

 

[Amys Bling]

I have heard of getting the guy an "engagment present" of a watch. I knew he was eyeing a TAG watch so I surprised him with it. He was touched that I thought of him and surprised him. I was really excited to give it to him as well!

 

[beezygal]

I always wanted to make a scrapbook with my bf. We've collected all the stuff and the stuff have been sitting around for a few years.

Well, I got my bf a guitar amp, which he LOVES.

Amys: what's with guys with Tag? My bf has always wanted a Tag. He finally got himself a F1 Tag when it was on sale last christmas.

 

[Amys Bling]

I don't know, my FI was never into watches, but TAG- that he would wear! lol, I think they market it as a "man's" watch using a lot of athletes for their ads..... who knows?!?!?!