Salanis
PowerDork
4/9/12 12:52 p.m.
So looks like my girlfriend and I will likely get engaged soon. Probably when she comes out to visit me in Europe. Question came up of what a good engagement gift would be for a woman to give her fiancee, analogous to him giving her an engagement ring.
I dislike the usual tradition of guys giving engagement rings. It just feels like a one sided symbol of the material wealth the guy can bring (2-3 months salary). My girlfriend does want a ring, and I actually have one I want her to have. I have inherited my grandmother's wedding and engagement rings, and those symbolize to me the greatest loving marriage I have ever witnessed in my life. Still, my girlfriend understands my feelings about engagement rings and agrees that it makes sense for there to be some sort of mutual exchange.
Which has left us to wonder... What?
We want it to be something simple, lasting, that gets seen or handled everyday. So no cars, car parts, etc. that are just utilitarian things. I don't wear jewelry and usually find watches uncomfortable. We were thinking something like a nice pocket watch and chain might be good though. Any ideas?
Javelin
UltimaDork
4/9/12 1:04 p.m.
Aren't you learning to be a world-class beer brewer? How about a handmade beer stein then? You'd use it forever and cherish it and can display it in the house.
4 answers, and nobody has suggested miata yet? You folks are slipping.
Lesley wrote:
2 camels and an ox?
I am Duke Of Understeer and I approve this message.
Already have a Miata. Knife is another good idea. My only concern would be getting it confiscated going through an airport or something.
I like the Stein idea.
Salanis wrote:
We want it to be something simple, lasting, that gets seen or handled everyday. So no cars, car parts, etc. that are just utilitarian things. I don't wear jewelry and usually find watches uncomfortable. We were thinking something like a nice pocket watch and chain might be good though. Any ideas?
More than you need since it is not your profession but let it be a symbol of your desire to provide and protect.
Pick a size/brand that makes sense for you.
For a "good one" you will own it the rest of your life and maybe write it into your will to pass on.
The Stein would only be cool if it were personalized.
Me personally, I'd want something that won't haunt me if things weren't to work out later on. Then again, if its something that I use on a regular basis, it'll always remind me of her. Thats what the engagement ring is there for, to remind her (and other dudes who want to bone her) that she's spoken for.
My girlfriend has agreed to purchase me a classic mini in exchange for a shiny diamond.
Wait - so you dislike the tradition of having to buy her something, so instead you're giving her something you got for free and now expect her to buy you something in exchange for it?
mtn wrote:
Watch
This is the correct answer. Yes, you said you find watches uncomfortable, but every man needs a good watch.
Nice big silver bracelet like the thick heavy chain or a wheel of cheese
Osterkraut wrote:
mtn wrote:
Watch
This is the correct answer. Yes, you said you find watches uncomfortable, but every man needs a good watch.
I NEVER wear watches. Then I got one from a friend for being a best man at his wedding. Kind of an expensive gift I thought, but its a nice watch, and I do find myself wearing it pretty often whenever I am wearing something nicer.
sachilles wrote:
4 answers, and nobody has suggested miata yet? You folks are slipping.
He's in Germany. The correct answer shifts to Porsche.
If he were brewing wine in Italy, then it would be Alfa Romeo.
France- some french oddity.
Gotta get the countries right.
Salanis wrote:
We want it to be something simple, lasting, that gets seen or handled everyday. So no cars, car parts, etc. that are just utilitarian things. I don't wear jewelry and usually find watches uncomfortable. We were thinking something like a nice pocket watch and chain might be good though. Any ideas?
Pocket watches can be very cool. They are not my cup of tea, for sure. But it's quite possible that her family has a pocket watch much like you have a family ring. Ask her about that- it would mean a whole lot more than if you just went out and bought one.
Osterkraut wrote:
mtn wrote:
Watch
This is the correct answer. Yes, you said you find watches uncomfortable, but every man needs a good watch.
Not true. Not all of us like to wear jewelry.
Since you are giving her a hand-me down, maybe she could do the same for you. Something from her family's past that would have deeper meaning than something store bought.
oops, just saw Alfadriver just posted something similar. Great minds.....
An answer of "Yes" was good enough for me. Just sayin'.
Also - Congratulations!
