Any suggestion for a colleague's birthday present?

[Unpredictable Ranger 696]

I hope this is in the right section. Ergo, what I am asking: what should I give as birthday present for a male colleague whose birthday is on May the 23rd?

 

I tried looking for ideas on several websites but UNFORTUNATELY for me, they are mostly catered for Western men (my colleague is purely Asian, unlike me myself who am interracial/cross-gened). Some suggested Zippo lighters which is not suitable at all because my colleague doesn't even like smoking and he also doesn't drink liquor and kinky presents are out of the question due to ethical and moral issues, so, the other present ideas are not appropriate as well.

 

So, any other ideas?

Edited May 19, 2013 by Fluffle Puff

[fimdash 1,196]

What's this guy interested in? You should find out what he likes, and get him something accordingly. Also, make sure it's something he doesn't already have. All in all, I'm sure he'll be happy with whatever you get him. It's the thought that counts

[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 777]

Could we get a bit more information? It's hard to give suggestions if we don't have a rough idea as for where he lives or what he likes. I want to say that he lives in Japan judging by what you said, but he could also easily live in Korea, China and other places within Asia. 

 

Really though it doesn't matter, even if you give him something he has or something truly alien to him, I'm sure he'll like it 'cause it's the thought after all. 

[Unpredictable Ranger 696]

@@fimdash, I don't dare to ask him what he's into, because that will make it obvious who will be giving him the birthday present, as I am still new in the company (which explains that I don't know much about him).

What's this guy interested in? You should find out what he likes, and get him something accordingly. Also, make sure it's something he doesn't already have. All in all, I'm sure he'll be happy with whatever you get him. It's the thought that counts

[Skye Starlight 223]

Socks? Everyone loves socks! (is a reference to the best G3 character minty, who loved socks!)

I know I'd like a jumper right about now... It's getting a bit cold in the southern hemisphere...

If he doesn't have a watch, maybe one of them...

 

If it were a girl, I'd suggest a pendant or other piece of jewellery, but it's a guy...

 

Do you have any knowledge on his interests? Like, even the slightest thing?

[fimdash 1,196]

@@fimdash, I don't dare to ask him what he's into, because that will make it obvious who will be giving him the birthday present, as I am still new in the company (which explains that I don't know much about him).

Ah. Hmm perhaps you could try to find out what he's into from other sources? Try asking around or going on his Facebook page. If you can't find out anything, you could always give him something everyone loves like a Starbucks gift card or a movie ticket.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

Go get something Asian. Curry, noodles, soup, whatever. That will make him miss his homeland, if he's born in Asia. My friends and I don't smoke, drink alcohol, etc as well. We sometimes eat somewhere.

[Love4discord18 269]

I think a movie theatre gift card would be good. Put enough on it for two to go, that way if he has a wife or girlfriend, or just a close friend, they can go with him for free as well.

[Unpredictable Ranger 696]

@@Accellerant, I don't know what he likes, the only thing I know about him is that nobody else bothered to look behind and check if I was okay when we were on our way back to the office in the first week I began working (no, he's not the principal or any other superiors to me). Nothing else.

Could we get a bit more information? It's hard to give suggestions if we don't have a rough idea as for where he lives or what he likes. I want to say that he lives in Japan judging by what you said, but he could also easily live in Korea, China and other places within Asia. 

 

Really though it doesn't matter, even if you give him something he has or something truly alien to him, I'm sure he'll like it 'cause it's the thought after all. 

 

@@fimdash, Japanese are the least people populating Facebook compared to people from other countries.....

@, and I don't know if he's into movies or not.

Ah. Hmm perhaps you could try to find out what he's into from other sources? Try asking around or going on his Facebook page. If you can't find out anything, you could always give him something everyone loves like a Starbucks gift card or a movie ticket.

 

 

I think a movie theatre gift card would be good. Put enough on it for two to go, that way if he has a wife or girlfriend, or just a close friend, they can go with him for free as well.

 

 

@, he already has a watch, an expensive digital one too....

Socks? Everyone loves socks! (is a reference to the best G3 character minty, who loved socks!)

I know I'd like a jumper right about now... It's getting a bit cold in the southern hemisphere...

If he doesn't have a watch, maybe one of them...

 

If it were a girl, I'd suggest a pendant or other piece of jewellery, but it's a guy...

 

Do you have any knowledge on his interests? Like, even the slightest thing?

 

@@Sky Warden, no sure it's a good idea to get him a food treat because I don't know what he likes to eat; also because I am afraid of going out with males.

Go get something Asian. Curry, noodles, soup, whatever. That will make him miss his homeland, if he's born in Asia. My friends and I don't smoke, drink alcohol, etc as well. We sometimes eat somewhere.

[Love4discord18 269]

@fluffle puff, Everyone loves movies =3 i, honestly, dont know a single person who does not like movies. But i understand that you wouldnt want to waste the money if he didnt like them.

 

It was just a suggestion =3

Edited May 19, 2013 by Love4shadow~

[Sky Warden 2,243]

 

 

@Sky Warden, no sure it's a good idea to get him a food treat because I don't know what he likes to eat; also because I am afraid of going out with males.

 

I see. We Asians are cultured and careful about male-female relationship. I don't know. Why don't you just go get some friends and make a surprise for him? As much as I know, it's not the gift itself which makes the victim person happy, but the "YAY! Happy birthday ****! Now you're one year closer to death!" greeting which does.

 

What he doesn't usually wear? A hat? An umbrella? Sometimes giving people things they don't usually use means that you care about them. Hmm.. may not working.

 

Give him a freaking robot. That won't work either.

 

Hmm... what's his study? We need more information about this guy.

[Unpredictable Ranger 696]

I didn't know you're Asian, @Sky Warden. Anyway a hat as present sounds good, but I don't know his size (might get a small/big one that won't fit his head). He studied Information Technology, anyway gadgetry would be a bad idea because they cost so much (and he would probably have better gadgets than what I might be getting for his birthday).

[Stellafera 3,836]

I like to get people stuff that makes them laugh. Work off their quirks and figure it out from there. Just something that seems like a gift for them rather than something generic.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

 

 

I didn't know you're Asian, Sky Warden.

I thought I've given the clue to many times.

 

 

Anyway a hat as present sounds good, but I don't know his size (might get a small/big one that won't fit his head).

Go get a rope and use it to measure his head while he's not looking.

 

Not must be a hat. What daily things he usually doesn't wear? If he doesn't wear a hat, give a hat. If he doesn't wear a pair of shoes, give him a pair. But make sure that the daily thing you give is important. Giving an umbrella if he doesn't have any is great, even though I doubt that guy doesn't have an umbrella.

 

 

 

He studied Information Technology, anyway gadgetry would be a bad idea because they cost so much (and he would probably have better gadgets than what I might be getting for his birthday).

My guess is correct again. I must be a freaking oracle.

 

Well, it's true. If you're not a Information Technology student, then don't give anything Techy. He usually knows things about it better. He's a rich boy right? If so, don't give anything expensive.

 

A restaurant is the best thing I suppose. Go to McDonalds or whatever. You don't have to go just with him. Get some other friends with you. Treat him.

[Unpredictable Ranger 696]

@@Stellafera, the one you said "Just something that seems like a gift for them rather than something generic." as in..... origami? I don't know if he appreciates art because he doesn't look like an art lover.

 

@@Sky Warden, any other ideas how to get a reasonable-sized hat, apart from the sarcasm (which you striked-out in your reply)?

Edited May 19, 2013 by Fluffle Puff

[Sky Warden 2,243]

 

 

@Sky Warden, any other ideas how to get a reasonable-sized hat, apart from the sarcasm (which you striked-out in your reply)?

 

What sarcasm? I don't even know.

 

Well, there's no other way than asking. Randomly guessing is another alternative. That rope was definitely a joke anyway.

[Unpredictable Ranger 696]

My apologies, I mistook that joke you posted as sarcasm. Though I do think that a hat would be a great birthday present for him, since that he doesn't wear a hat but he'll be placed somewhere that he might need a hat..... but I can't measure him because the last thing I want is for everyone to remember me as "the new staff who measured a male colleague's head for his birthday"...

 

Any other ideas? Sadly though, the hat suggestion is a good one, actually.

[Pachirisu 42]

How about a nice silk tie? You don't need to worry about the size and it has a lot of uses...work, social events, family gatherings etc.

 

All guys can find a use for a tie.

[FriendshipBlaster17 54]

Well, I was thinking of a Brony gift basket, featuring MLP DVDs, buttons, plushies, pony figurines, pony T-shirts, pony stickers, pony art, pony hats, and pony necklaces. 

[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 777]

@@Accellerant, I don't know what he likes, the only thing I know about him is that nobody else bothered to look behind and check if I was okay when we were on our way back to the office in the first week I began working (no, he's not the principal or any other superiors to me). Nothing else.

 

Well, you could always offer to take him out to dinner as a gift. I know you mentioned that you weren't really tuned to the idea of giving him food because you don't know what he likes but if you have him tell you where he would like to eat, problem solved! Besides, I'm not sure about you but the greatest gift of all is a free meal 

 

 

Well, I was thinking of a Brony gift basket, featuring MLP DVDs, buttons, plushies, pony figurines, pony T-shirts, pony stickers, pony art, pony hats, and pony necklaces. 

 

A good idea, but this probably isn't the type of colleague that would like this 

Edited May 19, 2013 by Accellerant

[Unpredictable Ranger 696]

He has wayyyyyyy too many ties.....

How about a nice silk tie? You don't need to worry about the size and it has a lot of uses...work, social events, family gatherings etc.

 

All guys can find a use for a tie.

 

 

Looks like I might have to stretch my budget (treating the entire group of people) because treating one person for a meal is very.... anxiety-inducing..... any other ideas?

 

And you're right about @FriendshipBlaster17's reply, @Accellerant. Just because I'm asking this on a MLP forum, doesn't mean the birthday boy is a brony.

Well, you could always offer to take him out to dinner as a gift. I know you mentioned that you weren't really tuned to the idea of giving him food because you don't know what he likes but if you have him tell you where he would like to eat, problem solved! Besides, I'm not sure about you but the greatest gift of all is a free meal 

 

 

 

Well, I was thinking of a Brony gift basket, featuring MLP DVDs, buttons, plushies, pony figurines, pony T-shirts, pony stickers, pony art, pony hats, and pony necklaces. 

 

 

 

A good idea, but this probably isn't the type of colleague that would like this 

[Sky Warden 2,243]

@, as an Asian computer engineer (a.k.a. Information Technology), I don't really like stuff like hat, watch, tie, socks, shoes, etc and won't be WOW if I get one as a birthday present. I don't know about him. Well, coffee (translate: the beverage from heaven) won't be a good preset though, even though most engineers like it very much. I still recommend you to take him to a restaurant and get some food.

[Unpredictable Ranger 696]

@@Sky Warden, when you say food... what does that translate to -- do you mean a treat at fast-food restaurants like Pizza Hut or some cafe/bistros like Dome or Starbucks (ewww) The Coffee Bean.... or Asian delight places like Sushi King, a Bali restaurant, Thai cuisine house (etc.)?

[Sky Warden 2,243]

@@Sky Warden, when you say food... what does that translate to -- do you mean a treat at fast-food restaurants like Pizza Hut or some cafe/bistros like Dome or Starbucks (ewww) The Coffee Bean.... or Asian delight places like Sushi King, a Bali restaurant, Thai cuisine house (etc.)?

 

I don't know either. I quite enjoyed that birthday party of a friend of mine in that fast food chicken restaurant with a funny laughing old man with white beard picture on it.

 

Engineers (especially computer) usually have questionable nutritions. That's why food may be a good offering.

[Unpredictable Ranger 696]

Wait, why did you post that face (forever alone Yao Ming pic), what do you mean by my reply that you replied that? I don't know what the new (combined) meme means.... anyway another colleague advised me to NOT give any birthday presents to that guy because the advice said that I can only give birthday presents if I have known the person long enough (probably maybe about two years later), is it so?