"i'm a guy - i don't buy cards or presents".. really?

He's not alone but he's not in a majority either.

Wouldn't dream of a present for male friends. Wouldn't expect anything either.

I'll buy them pints and do them favours, but gifts? Big no.

I might send a personal WhatsApp as opposed to going via the group....

For a 50th I'd see if people are doing a group gift I could chip in for...(example if he's a golfer and all chip in for a new club). Otherwise no gift. No sense in giving a 50 year old man a gift unless really needs it and it's quality. Perhaps a card, particularly if dinner is being put on ... Basically don't show up empty handed, a bottle of what he drinks for a 50th is very appropriate.

Bunch of my mates all chipped in back in the day and got me a PlayStation. Never forget it. And we all played it at my gaf. Lads should defo be okay with getting their mates a present. It's just not something you're expected to do and rightfully so.

If it's a work colleague, I give nothing. I've enough to pay for without contributing to some dose I work with simply because I work with them. We have created a world where appreciation is judged by the "value" of the gift, and not the thought. Christmas is a fine example of it. Outside of my immediate family, I wouldn't buy many people presents, regardless of the birthday. Only a select few who have proven they're genuine nice people. And usually something they need, want or will get a giggle from. The last one is the main choice.

For years, one of my then-social groups used to give tenner presents, with the intent that they were to be inherently stupid, inappropriate or reminiscant of childhood. That usually resulted in a mini-Lego set. Everyone loves Lego.

But cards?! I hate them. Such a complete waste of resources to print a for-profit only mass produced cack. Hallmark laughing their holes off at the fools buying this tat. Having a card for every occasion is the height of stupidity and gives a great view into how people view gifts. Aside from Valentines, birthdays, anniversaries (mainly ones I'm involved in, and only the major ones for family members), and that was mainly to prevent any grief from not getting them, I don't buy cards. I actually can't remember the last time I bought a card for someone.

Flowers is another one. Here, have a bouquet of inevitable death to remind you how special you are. Potted plants would be better, at least they have a chance of them staying alive. People are so stupid and love their superfluous tat.

Valentines day card? 🤮 If you think cards are stupid and a con, how do you not see Valentines day as the biggest con in history?

I hate that day, usually its the couples who go all out getting presents and going out to dinner on the 14th, who fight like cats and dogs throughout the rest of the year.

When you reach a certain age it's pointless buying presents apart from for your kids wife,partner , eg we all have Xbox consoles ,TVs,cars , even people on welfare have 4o inch TVs and Nintendo switch's , game consoles smartphones, etc my family gave up buying presents when we reached the age of 40 ,

If you want to be nice to someone take me to a concert ,play, pub,restaurant and you pay for everything

But I think it's sexist crap to say only women buy presents I suppose 10 years ago he was saying no one wants to watch women play football on TV it's ridiculous

Now millions watch women play soccer on TV

If I had kids I buy em presents till they age of 20. Then say you are an adult I,LL help you with a deposit on a house or a car when you need one

Eg you don't need another pair of trainers ,you don't need to buy the latest iPhone

Using old phones laptops pcs helps the environment

Society changes women can do almost any job if they want to

How convenient i.m a mean Scrooge oh I'll just say men do,nt buy presents

Women seem to do most of the housework childcare

How much is a card 2 or 3 euro. I'd buy a card if it makes make girlfriend happy what's the harm ?

This is it. I think healthy male friendships are measured on a lot of very important things but buying gifts for each other is just a bit....superficial and a bit much?

Most guys don't like a fuss on their birthday and just appreciate a happy birthday, a couple of pints and that's it. Job done.

Cash when you're low? no worries get me back when you can. Need help with lifting something heavy? I'll be there Sat morning. Just broke up with a significant other? No problem I'll drop everything and I'll do my best to make you feel better.

A gift on the day of your birth? Sure why's that important, you have that every year.

I see some women having birthday weekends. WEEKENDS. The level of effort, time and money involved is too much.

I never get cards for people for birthday or christmas. I'd get my family presents for christmas but none of my male friends. Actually I got one of them a present a couple of years ago but they never used it so not going to be arsed.

I'm the exact same.

The only person over 18 that I give a present to is also your wife 😋

Present and cards for a male pal? Not a chance. Nor would I expect any different.

Few pints and some good company beats some cheap tat.

Jesus if my mates started sending me cards and presents for my birthday I'd assumed they'd either lost the plot or were under pressure from the missus for some unknown reason. I personally hate getting a load of shite I don't need nor want landed on my for my birthday just because. So sending me a gift or card is actually demonstrating that you don't know me at all. A few WhatsApp messages or well wishes from my family are plenty. My friendships are not measured by how much useless shite we can buy each other.

That being said I have no issue buying gifts and cards for my female friends because guess what, they appreciate that kind of thing. Lads in general either couldn't give a **** or as demonstrated by many lads in this thread do not appreciate the gifts, and nor could I, so why bother?

On the contrary, the amount of thought that goes into being the kind of man who doesn't participate in celebratory charades is quite staggering. One has to look deep within himself and ask tough questions - once we have done this and decided to abstain for the good of us all, we are then at peace with oneself and those around us. Those who just go into a shop and purchase dispensable items are the thoughtless ones.

😂😂😂I guess there's many 'thoughtful' guys out there so

If you are buying someone something for their birthday then most likely you know whether they drink alcohol or not. And if i'm in a bar and buying someone a drink then i ask them what they want.

A 'drink' includes a non alcoholic option if they would rather, but you'd prefer to wag your finger and go off on one about a drink culture, as mentioned above, is on the wane anyhow.

damn straight Dial Hard, I mean what exactly are we celebrating at birthdays, that we are now one year closer to dying?

People should respect the wishes of those who choose not to celebrate