Help Needed for present

Hi guys/ gals,

Need some help.

Its my best mates birthday next weekend and he is hitting a landmark 40th. And I dont have a clue what to get him.

His interests are hill walking and reading if that helps. He likes most cultural things too.

I have a budget of about £50 (although I guess £40 makes more sense!).

Suggestions please and be quick!

If he likes hill walking - WAINWRIGHT

Viagra. (somebody had to)

You could get him the complete set of 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Books 1, 2 and 3) if he likes reading and culture!

But- buyer beware! Murakami is regarded as an ingenious novelist but not one for fans of logic and tying up loose ends. Not one for people who need explanations and exposition!

"Anyone who says the artist's field is all answers and no questions has never done any writing or had any dealings with imagery...You are confusing two concepts: answering the questions and formulating them correctly. Only the latter is required of an author."- Anton Chekhov

As a result reviews fall between the brilliant and derisive. I find myself in the former camp- if you're going to act on this recommendation, best give some careful thought as to which camp your friend will fall into.

Two suggestions for a hill walker
1 A good book on weather for walkers. There are a lot around which are very useful.
2 An emergency shelter. Can be got in good outdoor shops Try
http://www.tauntonleisure.com/survival-gear-amp-whistles/c142
look at their storm shelter. These are great when walking, not just for emergency, but also when you stop for a cuppa or for lunch (if you stop for lunch), pop up the shelter and get inside, stops you getting chilled whch happens very quickly when you are out on the hills (voice of experience).

He sounds a right laugh

You could buy him 50 pounds worth of Kendal Mint Cake

Mint

If I'm not too late:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/nov/22/supermarket-whisky-wars?newsfeed=true

Now its not out until the 8th Dec - so you might have to get him an IOU. However - if he'd accept a "wait 2 weeks and it'll be really exciting" - 40 year old whisky is pretty cool.

Obviously - it is a slightly left_of_centre make - and the real distillery is being kept anonymous - but apparently it is pretty good.

That's what I was going to get my housemate for his 25th at any rate.

The Millenium Trilogy

GG wrote:The Millenium Trilogy

Now why did you suggest that? I cant remember ever mentioning on here about it being my fave show.....curious!