My husband has a (bought used) 2001 Expedition and has been looking for something new (also used) for a couple years now. We found something awesome and he couldn't stop talking about it, even looking at all the accessories that they make for this thing online that night. The next day he left for Coast Guard training for the week without getting it. He works so hard and really deserves it so with a LOT of help, I grabbed it and have a few ideas of how to surprise him with it. The sales guys are going to tell him it's been sold but they can get him something like it when he gets back if he has a chance to call. But how should I surprise him, can you help me with a vote?

INTERESTING--If I leave it in the driveway for him to see when we pull up from the airport.

EDUCATIONAL--If I put the keys in a gift box that I give him at the airport.

AGREE--If I pick him up at the airport with a bow on it.

HUG--If you just think I'm so awesome. lol ;)

Another option, put the keys in a box of Cracker Jacks.

What about if you make him search for it?

What kind of puzzles does he like? You make up a puzzle like that for him, which will give him directions to go find it. Most likely, he won't want to deal with something like that the first night so surprise him with it in the morning, along with his favorite breakfast.

So, is this something that this community can help you design?

Ideally, it would be at some friends' house (who you've sworn to secrecy). The distance would be determined by how far away you think would be enjoyable, and who would be willing to cooperate.

Another option would be to leave it with some friends, who you text once he has solved the puzzle and is on the way. This way it can be left at (almost) any location of your choosing because you have someone watching it.

OR!!!!!

If he's a letterboxer and even if he isn't, tell him that's a new box you want him to go with you get.

So pre-plan parking car in parking lot of trail and in the box is his keys. And act all "what is this????" and then walk about to parking lot and ask if keys will unlock anything.

Just a suggestion

Or do a scavenger hunt! You are a letterboxer, you can create a scavenger hunt.

And maybe ask a few letterboxers to help!

Damnit, if you lived close I would totally help!

See how excited I am for you!

3 posts!

csk

I clicked agree, but I also like the idea of a series of clues to make him find it, as if it is a letterbox. It would be funny to find it sort of at dusk in a hidden area of a cemetery.. scary ... hehehe.

It would be funny to find it sort of at dusk in a hidden area of a cemetery.. scary

Some places lock their cemeteries at night. It would be scary if it got locked in the cemetery overnight.

While other people have offered some fun ideas, I would just like to say, I object!!!

I think you know your husband best and you came up with 3 really good options. I also think the poor guy has probably spent his whole training week worrying about someone else buying it before he gets back, and then if he calls to check on it, the sales guys are going to totally dash his dreams! He'll be so disappointed. Now on top of all that worry and disappointment, when he finally comes dragging home, should he have to work a puzzle or go off hunting clues or scavenging? I say No! No! Please don't do that! Put the poor guy out of his misery!!! Give him the car! He works so hard and really deserves it!!!!

You've got a great plan. You found a way to get the car, keep it a secret, and get the sales guys on board. You came up with 3 great ideas. I clicked AGREE for the airport with a bow because it's the biggest surprise - he gets it right away, without warning, just boom! there it is, and he can jump behind the wheel and drive. And you can get a nice picture! But your other ideas are fine too.

And I also clicked HUG because yes, you are SO awesome!!

I love that suggestion!! There was a box planted recently very close in our area and to my surprise he was ALL over it!! Was his idea to get out there (even tho I already knew of it, I just let it happen). I always thought he was a noxer until recently!!

See, I already knew you guys were awesome, but the ideas are even better!!

YEEEEE!!!

You can even "name" the box something like "His new wheels" or something like that.

Csk

Agree w/ you, Raven.
He'll probably be tired and want to get home.

What I might do:
Park in the airport lot.
Heading for the car, key in your hand, (he'd notice the difference if he saw the keys.)
"Where the heck did I put that darned car ?"
"It's around here somewhere." But don't be too close to the new car. He'd surely recognize it.
Use the button on the key that helps locate the car.
Hand him the keys.

Some places lock their cemeteries at night.

Yikes, now that would be very scary !!!

My husband proposed to me using a series of letterboxes.... Planted a letterbox using an assumed name and sent the clues to my e-mail.

BB

DS, I think you meant that it WAS scary!

Yes, it WAS scary.. yes, I was having flashbacks...

HUG--If you just think I'm so awesome. lol ;)

Heck we thought you were awesome before all of this! Be sure and share how it worked out.

So so sweet! I know he will be thrilled no matter how you surprise him! =)

Based on some of the litter we have found, the scariest part are the people you're locked in with! The live ones, I mean. (But not MB of course.)

I ended up going with this idea because I was just so much of a wreck all week trying to pull this off that all I could manage was to make a huge blue bow. Glad I did because his flight was delayed while so many others were canceled. It was dark out when he got in so he had no clue why this annoying person parked in front of him of all the rest of the available curb space. He was so surprised!! His reaction was super adorable.

SOOO glad that's over!! I was so worried he would be mad. His coworkers (he's also a local cop) saw the truck in the yard while he was gone and stopped by to see what's up and then told me I get the wifey of the year award! XD

Just found your post. Congrats to hubby for the car/truck of his dreams, and for making the best choice by finding you to love. Happy that it turned out so well. Before seeing that it already happened I was going to suggest wearing your bathing suit covered alluringly to surprise him with later on, lol...ahhhh, romance...glad to hear its still in style...
OD