Please help- what would you choose for your birthday?

[BubbleBathandBook]

I am in a very privileged position with this question and I am very grateful for how lucky I am, so I hope this doesn't come across as a braggy post or anything. Genuinely seeking a few ideas here.

Basically it's my 40th birthday coming up in a couple of weeks and our first baby is due 5 days before (c-section booked in). My lovely DH has asked me if there is anything I would like for my birthday. He has apparently been saving up to treat me to something really special, both for my big birthday and as a "having a baby" gift. He has a few hundred quid set aside which he's saved for a while for something (he was apparently planning on booking a weekend away before we were pregnant and before the whole coronavirus).

I initially said don't worry, a healthy baby will be the best present... but DH insists he wants to buy me a gift to treat me. I am not the best at knowing what I want or asking for things even in normal circumstances, and I wouldn't have a clue how to spend the money or what to ask for! But also under Covid-19 and having just had a new baby / c-section it complicates matters and I have no idea how I'll be feeling.

However DH is very keen to treat me and it seems silly to say "no don't get me anything this year" when it could be a lovely thing and a nice treat after a difficult pregnancy.

I would be so grateful to have a few ideas and suggestions for gifts / treats DH could get me. If you were in my shoes, what would you ask for?

A ring, I thibk.

Jewellery. Something simple and silver would be my style.

Jewellery? Painting? Photo session once the baby's here?

Tbh I'd ask him to keep it aside until there was something I really wanted.

Life is about to change massively and what you want now is likely to be quite different to what you'll need/want in a few weeks/months time.

If he's saved hard it would be a shame to fritter it away on something you don't really want just for the sake of it.

I'm with Bike - silver jewellery, either a necklace or earrings, or even both.

Or a piece of art of some kind, either a small painting, or a big, framed print of something I loved.

What are your interests? I would ask for something that lasts and you will get enjoyment out of.
A piece of art/ jewellry/ handbag/ once in a lifetime trip/ something for the garden a sculpture/ structure/ tree.
A course eg jewelry making/ willow weaving/ archery.
Sports equipment.
You deserve it.

I came to suggest jewellery like other posters.
My choice would be a beautiful pair of stud earrings.
Something you can wear to look and feel special.

A silver necklace from Wright and Teague. I have a necklace and a pair of earrings. This is really nice

jewellery.wrightandteague.com/collections/necklaces/products/love-divine-and-flower-heart-necklace

Another for jewellery.
If you want to go traditional (I think) as it's your first born, a half eternity or eternity ring?
I like the idea of earrings too, something pretty that you could wear that baby won't tug once they've developed a grip.

I would also choose jewellery. An eternity ring if you don’t have one, or something with your baby’s birth stone?

I'd choose a piece of jewellery too

Jewellery

I would ask him to keep it to one side and book a nice lodge weekend break when things have calmed down. I think it'd be nice to get away after all this and with a new baby, it can be secluded so you wouldn't see other people. Nice first family break and you can celebrate your birthday.

A nice piece of jewellery seems like a reasonable suggestion.

Matching pendant and earrings in a semi-precious of your favourite colour?

I would ask him to use his imagination and what he knows of me to get me something with at least part of it. I would also like a cake - full sized cutting cake - from local indie cake shop, bottle of proper champagne or English champagne, basket of things I hadn’t been able to have during pregnancy. I would also like a soft warm throw/shawl for baby feeding time.

DH saved up when 2nd baby was born to get me a piece of jewellery with the birth stone of the baby in
He also bought a lovely bottle of champagne

That was for knowing what I would be going through after the last time

I'd want to to go to something in the house that we both wanted but couldn't necessarily otherwise afford right now. So if it were me right now it would be a new floor in the lounge.

But then I'm weird and can't stand presents. It would be my way of making it something of lasting benefit but for both of us and therefore getting out of the whole pressure of presents nightmare.

A piano. (might be better if you play the piano a bit)

A wide solid silver choker or

A wide solid silver wrist cuff
Either with or without amber

It wasn't long after I had my dc that pretty much I stopped wearing necklaces and earrings... babies find them irresistible and try to grab them all the time.

Perhaps an eternity ring? But once your hands have gone back to normal, mine were quite puffy with water retention in the later stages of pregnancy.

Why not combine both ideas and get an eternity ring with your baby's birthstone and have their birth date engraved on the inside?

I plan on doing this for my birthday after I've had time to get some baby weight off!

I wouldn’t do jewellery. Honestly, other than my engagement/wedding rings, I hardly wore any in the early years with small children (they are very rippy and pully with shiny things!).

I would ask for a spa day, to be booked when you feel ready to be away from your baby for a few hours and/or a postnatal massage (with someone properly trained). And then to save the rest for a weekend away when it’s possible to travel again (all of you together), or if you prefer wait until you can manage an adult night away together (for me not til 1-2 years +) or a night or weekend away yourself (9-14 months with both of mine - it was amazing!!).

Thanks for these ideas! @BacklashStarts I love your style!

Fabulous handbag or shoes and as PP mentioned a fine cashmere pashmina. When you are in full Mummy mode and you want to glam up: shoes, handbag, bright pashmina swished over your shoulder and a slash of jolly lipstick = ready for anything!