Thoughts and suggestions welcomed: I’m attending a birthday party of the new(ish) boyfriend of a friend. It’s also the first time I’m meeting said boyfriend. What type of present should I bring? I really have no idea of what kind of taste he has (outside of women) and the party will be catered.
Thanks!
I’d ask the friend of the guest of honor for suggestions. She may be able to point you to something.
Robin
Age range? profession?
35 - maybe it’s his 35th. He’s a writer. I did ask his GF what I should bring and she told us not to. So that makes it even more difficult.
A bottle of wine is always welcome. Or some sort of spirits that the guy wouldn’t ordinarily pick up for himself.
I suggest manzanilla, a sort of sherry produced in Sanlucar de Barremeda, a Spanish coastal town north of Cadiz. It’s straw-colored, bone-dry, not fortified with alcohol like other sherries, and is just great to drink with tapas.
Now, if he really doesn’t want presents, he can crack it open on the spot and pour it for his guests. Which lets you neatly off the hook.
If you were told not to take a present, maybe you shouldn’t.
If you’ve just gotta, though – a nice pen?
Darn, I just replied and it didn’t work. Anyway - therein is the rub, because he’s a VEGAN (I just typed “Vegas”) and that killed the “wine and cheese” idea. I don’t know if vegans drink wine. I think I’m just going to buy some flowers.
I wouldn’t bring a present. Just because it’s a birthday party doesn’t mean you’re supposed to bring a gift, especially since you’re not friends with the birthday boy. It’s not like a wedding, where it’s traditional to bring a gift even if you don’t know the bride and groom. Just show up and wish him a happy birthday.
If you absolutely want to bring a present, I would suggest a bottle of wine. (On preview I see you have concerns about veganism, but I’m fairly certain vegans can drink wine, since there aren’t any animal products in it.)
How 'bout a cabbage?? 
OK there is such thing as vegan wine, it’s just you have to search for it.
If it helps, my aunt is a vegan and can consume more wine in one sitting than I can in a lifetime. 
I suppose you’d want to read the ingredients first, but even if he doesn’t drink it, there might be folks at the party who will.
But I think flowers are nice, too. I am assuming these are ok for a guy.
Or you can call your friend and say, “I know you said no presents but as I am bringing one anyway, is there something in particular he’d like?” I have actually done that before and I usually do get a response.
Or how about some sort of vegan-friendly food? Dessert for the party or something?
Not everyone is as much of a tosspot as you, Ike, dear.
How about a copy of that new book Eats, Shoots and Leaves, as he’s a writer?
That’s a good idea. Thanks, Miss Evie. Just so you know, I just got my charter membership card for D.O.W.A.G.E.R.S.
(dames over wanting a gentleman (to) eventually retire (from) singledom)
Have a nice weekend away from the city with Milburn, dear–I hear Jethro and Elly Mae will be housesitting?
How about just a card with a personal note inside?
Or a gift certificate to a restaurant he and your friend enjoy?
Yes - they’re taking care of the hound …
Thanks everyone for your suggestions!