Up Close and Personal

My husband Russell's birthday is approaching and if you know me, I am terrible at waiting to give a gift. Yep. You might have guessed, Dear Readers, I already gave him his present. (No, not THAT!) I gave Russell a pair of binoculars. You see, inspired by our friends across the pond, Russell is a want-to-be bird watcher. I am also interested in learning more about birds and our local area which is the best thing about bird watching. Bird watching is done outside! You can be a peeping Tom from the window too but bird watching is best outside. Since Spring is fast approaching, I figure give him the binoculars now so he can enjoy them and the pressure of keeping a secret is lifted from my mind. 

Anyway, Russell has been asking for binoculars since summer and I have (pretended) to be adamantly opposed to purchasing them, just so I could surprise him near his birthday. The other reasons I gave Russell the binoculars for his birthday are 1. someone lost a pair in a field and 2. it gets Russell exercising. I did not rush to purchase binoculars when he first asked for them because I wanted to make sure they would get used and not become a cloths hanger like a rowing machine or an elliptical. (No judging, just saying...) This gift will allow Russell to get up close and personal to the many of rock star birds that flit in and out of our yard and maybe even learn who he is seeing and hearing. We joined our local bird society and hope to join in on some birding walks this spring and summer. Our younger daughter, Mia, and I plan to explore our local area as much as possible this summer so we will also get to enjoy the binoculars.

Binoculars are an "outside" the box sort of gift that could motivate someone you love to get up, get out and get exploring. Other "outside" the box gift ideas?  Cooking lessons, dance lessons, drawing lessons, or even a homemade coupon for one day out to a local park. Share your "outside" the box gift ideas in the comments section. 

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