Sometimes ideas don’t turn out as planned.

Let me explain. You may want to get yourself a cup of tea, or something stronger and settle in. This may take awhile.

Every year I struggle with what to get my husband for Christmas. I really enjoy giving an unexpected gift, but he doesn’t always make it easy.

A couple of years ago I came up with what I thought was a great idea: a destination present. After some research, I found The Harry Houdini Museum, which was within driving distance and would be a surprise!

My next problem was thinking of a good way to wrap the gift. How do you creatively wrap an experience?

I saw the above picture of Houdini on the website and was inspired. I remembered I had saved some hardware off a purse I had thrown away thinking they may come in handy…

Then I remembered the Sock Monkey my niece gave me…

On Christmas morning, I was so excited for him to open his present. When I handed him the present I explained in a rush, “It’s more of an experience.”

This is what he saw when he opened the bag.

I was confused when he looked confused and embarrassed. Our children looked embarrassed. I realized I maybe was too good at surprising! Sock Monkey did not resemble Harry Houdini- at least not enough.

To add insult to injury, the museum wasn’t open anymore.

Lesson learned: Sometimes fun isn’t as functional as one would hope.