I'm turning 30 - what do get, what to do?

[jaflanagan]

So, I'm gonna be 30 next month, and my wife wants to get me something special for my birthday. I'm having trouble thinking of things, mostly because I have a lot of stuff already and the stuff I don't might be too expensive.

So say that you were to get a gift of up to $500, or even $1000. What would you ask for?

My top wishlist item, a new Macbook, is probably going to be too much to handle, even with all possible gift sources contributing.

After that, other contenders include a new set of speakers for the home theater, as observed here (http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Channel-Theater-Titanium/dp/B0002YK9TG/ref=wl_gtwy_ty/002-7733014-6327250?%5Fencoding=UTF8&coliid=IK9LBPSRB0O33&colid=19ZYJ62O4VGW9)

Other considerations include a pretty nice watch, which isn't exactly fun, but it's something I've always wanted to have. Here's an example (http://www.swissarmy.com/Timepieces/Product.htm?category=chrono+classic&product=241122&). Or possibly, this one (http://www.swissarmy.com/Timepieces/Product.htm?category=groundforce&product=24786&).

She had asked me if there were any ridiculous comic based things I would never probably try to buy, but I couldn't think of anything I wanted that badly. But I think it's possible that there's a nice statue out there for me, but I just haven't seen it. Or maybe some original art? Ooh, hadn't thought of that....

What about you folks? Anyone pass the hump and get something good? Hear about it? Been thinking about it through your 20's? If you've listened to the show enough, you probably know something about me. Just let it fly. We're brainstorming here.

[fred]

on the watch thing, I got a really nice silver Bulova with diamonds in the face for Christmas from my wife 2 years ago and I don't go anywhere without it. There's something really special about a nice watch.

[conorkilpatrick]

So, I'm gonna be 30 next month... What would you ask for?

A fake ID saying I was 25.

[fred]

hookers 10 characters

[acomicbookgirl]

I would say a Coach Bag but its your birthday not mine.. I do recall you saying something about Absolute The New Frontier...

[mister-s]

I'd go for a custom guitar, but I like the watch idea. I've never had a nice watch. What about something like a weekend trip?

[fred]

I'd go for a custom guitar, but I like the watch idea. I've never had a nice watch. What about something like a weekend trip?

ooh weekend trip that's something

we went to atlantic city for a weekend about 18 months ago and it was awesome. I mean sure Atlantic City is gross but I had a great time, or so I'm told

but I do wear my watch everyday

I'd ask for money

[fred]

i'm a fickle mofo

[conorkilpatrick]

GIFT IDEAS:

Stan (http://www.statueforum.com/statuearchive/news/data/upimages/1136279515.jpg)

Jack (http://www.statueforum.com/statuearchive/news/data/upimages/1136246807.jpg)

[jaflanagan]

Just cuz I'm making this harder...She bought me a new guitar when we got engaged a couple years back, and we're probably taking a major trip this year. She was thinking of taking me on a skiing trip, but apparently, winter no longer exists.

But this is all good. Except Conor, who is funny, yet not helpful.

[kwok_talk]

not really an "item" gift, but a coworker of mine just rented out a small bowling alley for the night for all of their friends with plenty of pitchers of beer for everyone.

or maybe fitting with the revision3 crowd, just spend the amount on a wii, wii sports, and a crate full of six-packs.

[jaflanagan]

A Wii you say...

They actually just got me a 360 for xmas. Already, I feel like I don't spend enough time with her...er, it.

(by the way, my gamertag is iFanboy 27, if anyone is interested. Please remember that I am in no way good at gaming.)

[tokenuser]

As a guy in my mid (ahem) 30's, I got a watch for my birthday from my wife this year. I haven't worn a watch for years (since before I gto married), but carried a cellphone, and more recently a skeleton pocket watch. When I was last in Europe I was kicking myself for not getting a skeleton Swatch (seriously a Swatch).

When I went back over summer last year, I found the watch again in Lucerne.

I could have bought a much more expensive watch, but something about a self winding, see thru watch (http://www.legends-inc-watches.com/bodysoul.html) kind of appeals. I deal with computers and technology every day, and having a non electronic, highly mechanical watch that will survive an EMP and keep on ticking really appeals :)

I looked at the Victorinox Watches - and the faces for the most part were hard to read, and the watches themselves weighed a ton on your wrist. Make sure you try before you buy and dont just go by the pictures.

[ibn-al-xu-ffasch]

Well, you're never too old for a Bowen Black Bolt Statue

http://www.comicstatues.com/images/bdboltst1.jpg

[jadedhalo]

I say go for the Macbook. You won't regret it

[jadedhalo]

oh man, forget what i just said and get this (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK10694&mode=retail&picture=out) instead!!

[kevmann16]

She was thinking of taking me on a skiing trip, but apparently, winter no longer exists.

I just got back from Snowboarding in Whistler, Canada last week and its was amazing again, this year it had record snow fall you should go there for your trip. It has the most runs in North America around 200 I think and the place itself is great, good food and good night life.

Winter no longer exists in Europe for sure this year, a lot of resorts are closed and being from the UK it sucks since I won't get a short boarding break later this year.

Not sure what to recommend as a gift, the wii is pretty cool I never played a lot on games the past few year until I got a wii and I'm never off it when I get a break from work. I want a really good watch as well so I would go that way I think since a good watch can last for years, and you would wear it every day making it a worthwhile 30 birthday gift.

[piscespaul]

I'm turning 30 next month also, and facing the same issue (without the wife)

I really dug this statue

http://comicsinfinity.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FEB070364

[fred]

on the original art front
strangers in paradise original pages
http://www.strangersinparadise.com/store/originalart/index.htm

[fred]

Romita Daredevil #14 page 19
http://www.romitaman.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Piece=3920&Details=1&From=Room

[fred]

Romita Daredevil #18 page 1 splash with DD, Cap, Dr Strange, and Thor
http://www.romitaman.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Piece=3671&Details=1&From=Room

last one
Jack Kirby Captain America #101 page 14 features Red Skull and Cap
http://www.romitaman.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Piece=3670&Details=1&From=Room

[jaflanagan]

So I can't afford the MacBook, but a Kirby page hunh?

[mister-s]

Um, if you're into phones you could ask for a Treo. My wife got me one for Xmas and it's great. I'm watching the new animated Iron Man on it right now. THe blackjack looks cool too.

Or you could go for a DS - a pair of DS' - his and hers.

My gamer tag is m1ster s. Hit me up and we can play some MUA.

[fred]

So I can't afford the MacBook, but a Kirby page hunh?
and only $4700

[fred]

and worth every penny
sell blood

the romita 4 character page 1 splash is pretty special too

[pv_2]

SPOILER ALERT - What I got for my thirtieth was my first, and hopefully last, suprise party. Not that it wasn't fun, I'm just not the type that would choose to walk unawares into the back room of a bar to see my family AND friends AND the woman I was seeing in the same room. Talk about world's colliding. Anyway, I was going to recommend watching your back. But of course, if you like surprise parties, I might have just ruined it by putting it in your head. Sorry.

That aside, I'd recommend putting gift money towards the Macbook - it's pretty sweet. The weekend trip is a nice idea, too.

[piscespaul]

PV
I second that, I've already put the gf and friends on notice...no surprise party for the 30th

[fred]

I would react really badly to that
I hate suprises, large crowds, and yelling
it would freak me out

[paulsharkey]

My girlfriend had an odd suprise party for me a few years ago. It was in an old farm house with just my friends and we spent the weekend there. I'm with fred on the crowds things but having it just be my friends and not family was cool.

[jaflanagan]

I wouldn't mind that so much. She actually did that for me last year in LA. We had no family there, just friends, so it was fun. Scared the SHIT out of me, but I really appreciated the effort. I don't think she'll repeat this year though.

[fred]

I would on one hand appreciate the effort but on the other be annoyed with the people who did it because they obviously don't know me well enough to know I'd be freaked out

[kwok_talk]

When I was a lot younger, I would get surprise birthday parties. Even though I appreciated the gesture, they freaked me out a bit cause I didnt like being the center of attention. So for a few years once I was able to drive, I actually would go MIA on my birthday (just go to various places around town that I wanted to go to) just to dissuade any surprise plans. Kind of mean of me, in retrospect, so I stopped doing that after a year or two.

[spiffy]

A suprise party that was actually a suprise would bother me.

I tend to be very good at figuring various things out. I would either figure out about the party before hand or be suprised and then be annoyed that I didn't figure it out before.

Knowing wouldn't bother me though.

[davegraham]

In the area of comic book stuff that you wouldn't buy for yourself...

How freaky would it be to have this staring at you from across the room?
http://cgi.ebay.com/MARVEL-UNIVERSE-ALEX-ROSS-MIGHTY-THOR-LIFE-SIZE-BUST_W0QQitemZ130065102775QQihZ003QQcategoryZ2482Q QcmdZViewItem

You could get this, stick a handle bar mustache on it, and laugh every day for the rest of your life.
http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/scoop_article.asp?ai=6962&si=125

Or get this and... sorry, I couldn't think of a constipation joke.
http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/scoop_article.asp?ai=7096&si=125

This would win hands down if it were life size scale. You could stalk the streets of New York doing good deeds and avoiding registration.
http://www.dolltv.com/products/Hawkeye_Marvel_Archive_Set

Personally, I would go with some original art. A page out of your favorite comic or graphic novel hanging on your wall is classy and geeky.

[spiffy]

Or get this and... sorry, I couldn't think of a constipation joke.
http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/scoop_article.asp?ai=7096&si=125

Is it wrong that I really kind of want this? It's creepy and I have no idea where I'd put it, but I'm a huge Wolverine fan.

[fred]

Or get this and... sorry, I couldn't think of a constipation joke.

through 'I'm the best there is' gritted tetth

damn
admantium
asshole
won't
let
me
poop

[darron]

There's something really special about a nice watch.

Couldn't agree more. Above all else I'd go with that.

But if you do end up going for the watch, figure out a way to get it in Mexico. I got a *****ing Tag Heuer, from a Tag store (in Cabo, which is about as legit as it gets in Mexico), for a substantial amount less than the states. No tax, you see.

I also go to TJ quite frequently. Maybe I can figure something out for ya..hehe. ;)

[acomicbookgirl]

Its your b-day.. What's the one thing you've been dying to do? Go fo the Macbook.... The day I went Mac was the day I wrote off the PC.. :D
Which reminds me.. What do I want for my birthday... I like the watch too... :)

[spiffy]

(by the way, my gamertag is iFanboy 27, if anyone is interested. Please remember that I am in no way good at gaming.)

Is it wrong that I read this on my Wii and then switched my receiver to my 360 to enter it, then back to my Wii to write this?
(I'm Spifferiferfied by the way, for anyone that wants to add me.)

[luthor]

My ex girlfriend bought me a nice watch for my birthday a few years back and it was one of the nicest gifts I've ever received. My current girlfriend disagrees.

That being said, turning 30 is a huge deal. Get something you can remember it with forever. While I'd love a Macbook, you're only going to have that for a few years. A really good watch will be with you forever.

[derek]

Not to derail the thread or anything, but am I alone in my distaste for watch wearing? I haven't worn a watch for about 10 years or so. I just don't like the feel of it on my arm. Plus I can just glance at my cell phone if I need to know the time. I know it's a fashion accessory and all, but I just go without. Alright, continue discussion...

[acomicbookgirl]

Not to derail the thread or anything, but am I alone in my distaste for watch wearing? I haven't worn a watch for about 10 years or so. I just don't like the feel of it on my arm. Plus I can just glance at my cell phone if I need to know the time. I know it's a fashion accessory and all, but I just go without. Alright, continue discussion...

I agree but when you get a watch you really like, its well worth it.. especially if its from a special someone.. :)

[ibn-al-xu-ffasch]

As much as the geek in me screams for you to use this as an opportunity to get cool comic book stuff (statues, figures etc.), I have agree with most of the people here in that you should get a nice expensive watch.

My father got me an Omega Seamaster as a college graduation present a few years ago, and I absolutely love the thing. It looks nice, keeps great time, and is probably the only watch I'll ever need.

I find, for me at least, that if you splurge a little on an expensive quality item, chances are you'll have it for a long time.

[conorkilpatrick]

Seriously, I don't know why we're even having this discussion.

Have her get you a crossbow so we can shoot stuff with flaming arrows.

[jaflanagan]

again, he's just not helpful.

All day with the flaming arrows....

[fred]

what about a bazooka? or ied making lessons? a spin class?

[fred]

I can't believe I forgot this. OK there's a company in Brazil that will make your customized porn for $350. You send an outline and $350 and you get to call yourself a screenwriter

kind of

[conorkilpatrick]

If not a crossbow, then JOSH FLANAGAN WITH THE KUNG-FU GRIP!

http://www.andgor.com/Personalized_Figures/personalized_figures.html

[jaflanagan]

That takes a certain level of ego I think.

Shit would be silly when we're able to sell iFanboy action figures.

[fred]

damn it I want the kung fu grip
and I should be able to spin at the waist by pushing down a lever on my back

[fred]

wonder if you can get a bust of yourself

[tokenuser]

wonder if you can get a bust of yourselfNow THAT would be cool ... especially if you can flip back the head, reveal some switches, flick a switch that slides back a panel in the wall that conceals ... a fireman pole, a super hero outfit, a bank of weapons, a comic book collection, etc.

[darron]

My brother got a custom bobblehead of him sitting on the crapper. Pretty funny.

[pv_2]

Not to derail the thread or anything, but am I alone in my distaste for watch wearing? I haven't worn a watch for about 10 years or so. I just don't like the feel of it on my arm. Plus I can just glance at my cell phone if I need to know the time. I know it's a fashion accessory and all, but I just go without. Alright, continue discussion...

You are not alone - the tenets of my personal religion include a) No watches and b) No umbrellas because a) there is always a clock or someone to tell you the time and b) umbrellas are useless in most storms and just as likely to poke an eye out as keep me dry. Suffice it to say, this is a religion of one.

[fred]

dude you should worship a snake

[kwok_talk]

dude you should worship a snake

or a bust of himself...without watch of course.

[jimski]

Josh: have you a love of the video gaming console? My bride got me a PS2 once when that was the coolest possible gizmo to have. The family that pretend-bowls together stays together.

It's gonna be time to upgrade to an HD camcorder soon. If you're rich people.

What about a really rare mint book? Would you get any joy out of having something like that on the wall?

I like umbrellas, because I like having a dry top half and losing something every time it rains.

[spiffy]

What about a really rare mint book? Would you get any joy out of having something like that on the wall?

Thats a good idea. I got myself a copy of The Incredible Hulk #180 last year. Sure, it's beat to hell but all the pages are there and especially the one that matters to me, the first ever appearance of Wolverine. (General wisdom is that 181 is his first appearance, but he's in the very last panel of the comic)

Being a true Wolverine fan I own it just for that and plan on getting it framed along with some other books as soon as I get the time.

So Josh, is there any book you'd just love to get your hands on?

[the-dude-abides]

**** all that noise. Go to to Tahiti or something.

[jaflanagan]

There was a budget stipulation at the beginning. The macbook was my first choice, and it's likely going to be too expensive.

So far, in case you're still keeping track, the contenders are the watch (which I just kinda like the idea of), or a new snowboard/boots/bindings (this might be new here). Or something I've never even thought of.

While I like the idea of owning a rare comic, I can't "do" anything with it, so it would just be another thing I have piling up with all my other things. My collector gene is dying slowly, and only in the face of vast wealth (not bloody likely) would I go for that. However, if I did, I would get Showcase #22, first appearance of Hal Jordan.

[the-dude-abides]

Tahiti. Louisville.

[fred]

pittsburgh, hackensack

[the-dude-abides]

schenectady?

[fred]

schenectady is literally less than 10 minutes from my house

[fred]

schenectady is literally less than 10 minutes from my house
and not a weekend trip destination

unless you're on a crack and murder cruise

[conorkilpatrick]

and not a weekend trip destination

unless you're on a crack and murder cruise

During summer break one year in college I would take the train there to see a girl. It was... an interesting place.

[fred]

It's funny because it's fairly decent where I live. No street crime, well no sidewalks on which to commit crimes. Then you drive literally 10 minutes west and you need a goddamn bullet proof vest. In the Capital District though it's pretty much like that all over. If I drive 10 minutes north I get Albany which oddly is better than Schenectady but I still don't like going there. 10 minutes East - Troy - same deal. I buy my comics in Troy but I go there for nothing else.

During summer break one year in college I would take the train there to see a girl

was she a prostitute? I didn't think they had regular girls over there.

[conorkilpatrick]

was she a prostitute? I didn't think they had regular girls over there.

Nah, she didn't live there, she lived... in a town whose name I can no longer remember, but it was very near Saratoga Springs. Schnectady was just the closest stop that the train from NYC made.

[fred]

it's much nicer [in general] out towards Saratoga

[the-dude-abides]

prostitutes SUCK

[kwok_talk]

What did you ultimately get?

[jaflanagan]

Tuesday February 27, 2007.

We'll know then.

[k33k3r]

Just cuz I'm making this harder...She bought me a new guitar when we got engaged a couple years back, and we're probably taking a major trip this year. She was thinking of taking me on a skiing trip, but apparently, winter no longer exists.

But this is all good. Except Conor, who is funny, yet not helpful.

Winter still exists here in PA. We are expected to get a foot over the next day. Argh!!! Makes me hate that I can't work from home.

[fred]

Winter still exists here in PA. We are expected to get a foot over the next day. Argh!!! Makes me hate that I can't work from home.
we're supossed to have 18-24 by thursday am

[baxter]

Winter still exists here in PA. We are expected to get a foot over the next day. Argh!!! Makes me hate that I can't work from home.

I think we're going to end up with more. I've been sitting here watching it and it isn't letting up. Guess I'm not going tow ork tonight. :(

[k33k3r]

Nevermind they just told me to leave and not come in tomorrow. This amount of snow still sucks especially when you drive a civic....

[kwok_talk]

I've been watching the snow out my window at work all morning. I wish they would let us go. I heard rumors that we might, and I just think about the video games I'd play or comics I'd read if I got off work early.

[pv_2]

Visibility is extremely low here as well - all drifting and blowing snow - but I doubt we're gonna get sprung early today either. This could be the one time per year it takes me three hours to get home instead of 45 minutes. Such is the way.

[fred]

my boss just told me that I can work from home tomorrow

[jgg0610]

Josh, I'd go with the trip. You can always get "stuff" but the memories of a trip are something that you will always carry with you. In my case, that's what my wife did for the 30th birthday.

[fred]

Josh, I'd go with the trip. You can always get "stuff" but the memories of a trip are something that you will always carry with you. In my case, that's what my wife did for the 30th birthday.

that's true. I still have scars from my trip to atlantic city

[fred]

most of them are on my liver

[jgg0610]

that's true. I still have scars from my trip to atlantic city

I've got them too but mine are more mental. I lost a contact lense half way through the trip and had to wear glasses the rest of the trip that had a perscription that was at least 10 years old and UGLY!

[fred]

I blacked out on my first visit to the city

do I have any idea how I got back to the hotel? no

did I find my pants? eventually

[humphrey-lee]

A 21 year old Russian "exchange student"?

[fred]

what no links?

[paulsharkey]

So I'm back.......... wait no one missed me? I turned 27 a few weeks back and what I got was a broken computer. My pride and joy Mac note book died. Oh.. I also got into a fight with a man with a comedy mustache while I was wearing a tux. In other words don't get what I got. On the upside my friends got me an American splender book, so it's not all bad.

[k-dizzle]

It is so blown out of proportion now it dosent matter.

[darron]

Tuesday February 27, 2007.

We'll know then.

Mine is two days before yours. Natch.

[fred]

do you have a lactating buddha?

[paper]

The Dairy Lama. On backorder.

[fred]

nice dude
that's right up my alley

[k33k3r]

That is probably one of the weridest spams I have ever seen on a message board.

[himalaya-crafts]

do you have a lactating buddha?

Hey,

I am really sorry but what do you mean by lactating Buddha???

[fred]

it's so pointless

TITS ON BULL!!!!!!!!!!!! BUY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (http://sucker.com)

[jaflanagan]

No need to continue this.