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Why don't you match her contributions and take a quick vacation. Something you both can enjoy.

Otherwise if you need something get a membership to the gym, or like someone else said a time machine.
 
remember she wants to get you a gift

which means she does not want you to save it. i know i would think it would be rude if i gave 500 and they just "saved it"

id reccomend a great dinner and a weekend getaway

or use that gift money towards an engagement ring and yea that would be sweet ( you did say you were getting married probably right?)

or get a portrait, photoshoot of you two as a couple


i would not get anything electronic as they have ZERO sentimental value


come to think of it, shouldnt she be deciding the gift and not you? lol i hate money as gifts persoanlly as it screams to me that they have no idea what id appreciate or like.

insist she pick out the gift. thats what i would do!
 
Tell her to give you the money, and that what you get will be a surprise. Buy something selfish (ipod nano, etc.), and spend the rest of the money on something you can do together. That way, she doesn't think you're spending all the money on her, when she gave it to you, and you get a great day with her and a little present for the next couple of months to a year. :D
 
So my bday is the 15th and my gf keeps asking me what I want. She said she's willing to spend $400-500 on a gift so I'm throwing the question out to you guys. If you could get anything from the Apple Store for $400-500 what would it be? I have a MBP laptop and not much else from Apple but am curious what else would be worth it to get (not an iPhone...had to switch back to the Blackberry for work related reasons and will be waiting for the 3G version). Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

If it were me, with $400+ at the Apple Store, I'd get an iPod Nano and a Time Capsule.

Another fun choice is the iPod Touch. It's in the budget. And unlike the iPhone, doesn't have future recurring costs, so it's a "pure" gift -- not a gift that keeps on taking :)
 
If I were to get a really nice computer speaker system which would you guys recommend?
$400-500 can buy you lots of goodies. I hope my suggestions help you get the best. :)
You suggested you would like to have a good set of computer speakers.
Suggestion1: $109
Harman Kardon Soundsticks II. I got these as my birthday gift a month back and I must tell you, these are one of the best in this price range. They look stunning as well.
4116YT828DL._SS500_.jpg

So you are left with around 400$ more.
I saw you suggested you download lots of divx and xvid movies.
Suggestion 2: $60
Philips DVP5982 USB direct 1080p DivX multiformat DVD player
3ad590b809a022a4cfff6110.L.jpg


Left with $340 odd.
Suggestion 3: $75-$100
Get her a decent Fossil watch. That would cost you about $100.
ES1739_main


Left with $240:
Suggestion 4: $140
Logitech Harmony 880 Universal remote. This would serve you guys well if you have a good home theater / DVD player / Cable box etc etc ..
51DGYVDFE1L._SS500_.jpg



Left with $100:
Suggestion 5: :)
I thought I would suggest a Digital picture frame which you guys could use to cherish memories and times spent together. I would say use this for a romantic times together.
BUT, If I was you I would use this for buying her roses and a romantic dinner at some place both of you like.

Hope this helps...and yes Happy Birthday in advance ! ;)
 
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In the interest of your relationship, and I would recommend spending it on an activity or something that you can both use and share;)
 
Okay since this thread has been so much fun I guess I will update it with what I decided:

1. Slingbox Solo - $155
2. Airport Express - $99
3. Bose Companion 2 - $99

Figured I'd save her some money and get three great gifts for less than $400. I appreciate all the suggestions and definitely agree that "memories are worth more than material things." But we go out all the time and just got back from Hawaii so I take care of her well in that regard! Thanks for the help guys...and thanks mods for not closing the thread after a little bickering early on LOL.
 
my birthday is also the 15th. Yay for tax day babies. :)

I think your choices are good... but IMO, it's nicer to be surprised. :)
 
1. Slingbox Solo - $155
2. Airport Express - $99
3. Bose Companion 2 - $99

Bose: Buy Other Sound Equipment

I think the speakers are a good choice but bose isnt the brand you want. Sure the quality is good but you are really paying for the name and could get a similar quality for half the price!

Just my 2 pence! ha
 
What about Wireless headphones? I know that was the best gift I got my bf. Now I don't have to listen to his war movies while I'm trying to sleep. Plus he likes his music WAY louder then I do.
 
Have her get you an :apple: gift card for whatever amount she was going to spend. Then hang onto it until June/July and put it towards your 3G iPhone when it comes out! :D
 
Time Capsule.

Final Cut Express and a cheap DV cam so you two can make love movies.

hah i concur with this, or just tell her all you want to do is spend the day with her and go out to dinner. thats quite a bit of cash. go on a weekend getaway. theres other things then electronics. i would rather have a memory then some object but thats myself
 
Shure e530's. Then listen to self help tapes for a couple hours to help you forget about the fact you dropped $500 on headphones (it might work ;)). After you forget about how much you spent, you will not regret the purchase.
 
When is her Birthday? I don't want to know the answer. However, I hope you know and are ready. The exchange rate should be similar to the dollar to euro.
 
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