A challenge...help me celebrate 25 years with Paul without breaking the bank...

[WillParkinson]

I can't go into details (PM me if you need to know specifics) but I can't afford to buy anything for Paul for our 25th anniversary in April. I still want to do something nice for him, though, and haven't a clue. I think I'm so used to 'buying' affection it's become second nature and now I'm lost without it.

Thoughts would be appreciated.

[Behind the Aegis]

1. How about a collage of pictures?

If you have photo manipulating programs, you can make your own. A poem or short story? It may sound "cheesy," but what about "coupons?" You know, for hugs, kisses, things like that.

[Sherman A1]

2. Good idea

Photos are inexpensive & they are timeless. A few years back I took both of my eldest nieces out just after Thanksgiving and did pics for them to give to their parents for Christmas. I shot the photos, the developing & frames where up to them. They still hang on the walls at their house. Later that year I did a shot of all the grand children for my MIL and she just loved them.

I will say that the best gift anyone can give to another of course is their time. It is truly the only thing we have, everything else is really just "stuff".

[cate94]

3. You don't need to have money

to say "I love you!" The photo ideas are great but I also think that you need to think about what Paul would like.

Say "I love you" in whatever you do... cook him a meal that he loves, go for a walk in the park or watch a movie he wants to see (but you don't really care about). Does that make any sense?

Things don't matter as much as letting him know how you feel about him. Still. Make the day special and all about Paul.

[William769]

4. In a situation like this.

I would do a nice candle lit dinner, remissness about the the past 25 years & & have a toast to the next 25.

[joeybee12]

5. A romantic night at home...

Away from all distractions? Congrats!

[Rowdyboy]

6. April is such a beautiful time and picnics are romantic as hell-at least to me....

Or go camping. A night under the stars can be oh so sweet and you'll just need the one sleeping bag!

[mitchtv]

7. surely you can bake him a cake

that's what I do when I am broke\I have an amaretto love cake recipe to die for

[yardwork]

8. Write him a letter or a poem telling him how much he means to you.

Talk about all the things you've done together for the past 25 years. Remember jokes. Trips you've taken together. People you both love. Tell him something you've never shared with him before.

[Fearless]

10. +1

First off, you know him better after 25 years than I could, but I agree with yardwork. At least that's what I would like of course. Just think about who he is and what he would like and try that...

Cooking his favorite meal (only if you're a good cook please!!)
A romantic evening at home
Letter or poem
Collage

All great ideas!

Also some days I'd kill for a massage!

No doubt anything that you do will be meaningful to him if you put thought and effort into it!

[queerart]

9. Congratulations! (First Order Of Business)

I think the poem idea, or a nice dinner with a written history of your relationship that hits the highlights is a stellar idea....

Or, you could do a online photo album... with comments added to the photos like with Flickr (http://www.flickr.com)

Or even a website/blog dedicated to you and your honey, whereas others whom might not be able to speak to you both on a regular basis could just visit your website and get updated on the latest concerning your lives.

Google offers free blogs @ (https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=blogger&passive=1209600&continue=http://www.blogger.com/home&followup=http://www.blogger.com/home<mpl=start#s01)

The nice thing about the blog is that you can add video, your own ideas, photos of the wonderful meal you cooked your sweetie last night (and there are free templates out there to get your blog career going)

... and who knows? Your blog might turn into a hybrid of (Joe.My.God, Julia Child, & the Huffington post)

I think there is a bright side to this situation, as it brings out your creativity... and your gift will be truly from the heart.

Just so you know that I understand things... I never allow anyone to buy me a gift, ever... and I have been that way all of my life. I don't think these (or any) occasion is the correct time to open ones wallet (more money spent=more love). Special times have become so tainted, and perverted with the "things bought", that the whole meaning of the moment has been sadly lost in our modern age. That stand has instigated a few kerfuffles, especially with my child & grandchildren... and since I also never allow anyone to buy/send cards to me (holidays, birthday, thank you).... what I get instead, is priceless. My one grandchild (who is just shy of 17) just sent me a drawing (as a thank you for a birthday gift-money of course at that age) that was so fucking cool.... it warmed my jaded heart. The drawing now sits on my refrigerator (God love it, I've turned into my Grandmother)... and each and every day I see it... it makes me smile. Of course when the next drawing comes, from either my child or grandchild... the present drawing goes in file 13, to make room for the next feel good piece....

Besides in the end... it won't matter what you give/make your guy... as he loves you, and I'm sure he is aware how lucky he is to have you....


.....and fuck it... if all else fails.... serve him a McDonalds Happy Meal naked with a bow tied around your "modesty", and make up a card that enables him one night of what ever he wants.... (as we all need to try everything at least twice just to make sure we don't like it)