(Part 3) Top products from r/Gifts

He sounds like a younger version of myself! Technical and adventurous in equal measure. My girlfriend and I tend to organise surprise activities or adventures we can do together as gifts which I love - it doesn't have to be in any way extravegant but having someone put time and thought into something like that it amazing.

You could get something to do with nature and organise a trip or local walk that would suit his natural photography hobby. I love to learn about new things and how stuff works so if he's anything like me, something informative that fits his photography style like a guide to local wildflowers or bug guide. I don't know much about parkour but I do rock climb and a beginners bouldering or climbing session might also be fun and something you can do together.

For a more traditional gift Randall Munroe from the web comic XKCD has a couple of cool books that might be of interest - Thing Explainer and What If. Also the book CODE is a pretty good book for an inquisitive programmer and it isn't tied to any particular language, skillset or programming level.

Not tech related but the first anniversary is considered the “paper” anniversary (technically that’s for weddings but whatever). You could look for a nice print or, going with the cooking motifs, get a copy of The Joy of Cooking (https://www.amazon.com/Joy-of-Cooking/dp/0743246268) and write a nice personalized note in it. It’s a classic and would be a good addition to any cooks kitchen.
Happy anniversary!

Just some fun ideas. Not sure what type of stuff she is into. Maybe you could tell us a little more about her.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/484691591/teal-druzy-necklace-geode-necklace-druzy?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=&ref=sr_gallery-2-10

Modern Calligraphy: A Beginner's Guide to Pointed Pen and Brush Pen Lettering https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998906204/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0gI0BbAK1NYYQ

Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345803787/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YkI0Bb2D8J8WF

This place is super fun and you both could go. I have done this several times with friends and even my husband enjoyed it. https://boardandbrush.com

https://www.lushusa.com/gifts/christmas-gifts/

I personally have not used this cookbook, but I had a friend once that loved it. May be worth a look for your husband - the description (as well as several reviews) state that it does a great job at explaining things in detail

There is also this book by the same author that is apparently more basic and focused on learning proper cooking techniques.

If you want to get something she'll use then i'd try to go with whatever type of toy she plays with the most often. Most kids have a lot of stuffed animals but don't often actually play with them - same goes for dolls a lot of the time.

I have two 10 year old nieces and one spends most of her time playing with monster high dolls so for her i'd try to get a doll or set that she doesn't already have.

The other one spends a lot of time playing with playmobil and lego friends doll sets so in her case i'd get her a new playmobil or lego set.

A lot of girls this age are into craft kits. If you think she'd like that maybe go with something like this or this.

How about:

• This Crash Course US History Timeline Poster ($12)
  
• This Crash Course US Government Poster ($10)
  
• This beautiful book of illustrated maps ($25)
  
• Rad American Women A-Z ($17)
  
• Literally anything related to Hamilton
  
• A "On This Day In History" Calendar ($9)
  
• The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation ($15)
  
• A History of America in 100 Maps ($23)
  
• Something under "history classroom" on Etsy
  
  Also: Have you tried having a look at what she's pinned on Pinterest? You might find some helpful ideas there. Good luck!

Seeing as she likes to read, would you consider a comic book? "Bone" by Jeff Smith is age appropriate, has strong female main and secondary characters and is overall a great read. I bought this several years ago for my 9 year old cousin and she devoured it.

Here is volume 1, of 3 on Amazon

And depending on your budget here is the complete story in one volume although this is in the original black and white, I think it loses something not having the colour.

My mom is currently reading and really enjoying "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty. Your mortician friend may already have it, so maybe have someone ask her? It's pretty new.
http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Gets-Your-Eyes-Crematory/dp/0393240231

loves meat eh? this one might be more in line with that then :)

and no worries! Hope I was able to help you get on the right track!

I'm not a cat person, but omg I LOVED this book: http://www.amazon.com/Jennie-Paul-Gallico/dp/0140019421/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382113268&sr=1-5&keywords=paul+gallico

All of these books by Samuel C. Florman are great in their own right, but will really click with an engineer with a more artistic mindset.

The Existential Pleasures of Engineering
Engineering and the Liberal Arts
The Introspective Engineer
The Civilized Engineer

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2017: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

It's a classic book that the author comes out with a new edition every year. If they haven't started there already it's a nice thoughtful gift.

You dad sounds like he would love Nick Offerman's (Ron Swanson) book "Paddle Your Own Canoe"

http://www.amazon.com/Paddle-Your-Own-Canoe-Fundamentals/dp/0451467094/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418134129&sr=1-1&keywords=paddle+your+own+canoe&pebp=1418134130597

Hiking socks, you can never have enough cozy socks. For a gag gift, you can get her a Go Girl. There is loads of books on hiking experiences. Here is one my mom seemed to like. Maybe books about going off the grid? Hope i was able to help.

Maybe a National Geographic Map for an area she likes to hike nearby? They are pricey but wonderful.

A book on the National Parks.

Anything from this store dedicated to rustin cabin decor.

Some flannel pajamas for curling up in front of the fire.

http://www.amazon.com/J-R-R-Tolkien-Illustrator-Wayne-Hammond/dp/0618083618

The Way to Cook by Julia Child - 1993 It's a classic. I use it once a week.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Way-Cook-Julia-Child/dp/0679747656/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413930864&sr=8-1&keywords=the+way+to+cook

Ah! My 9 year old niece loves reading but she also likes writing her own stories. What about a nice notepad and pen set. Or there are lots of activity books which a bit more grown up for kids. I know you said you didn't really want to get him a book. But these are a little different.

Example:

Q&A a Day Kids: Link

Failing that there is a range of Science Experiments which appear to be based on the Horrible Henry books: Link