Friends 40th birthday present - ideas please

[nancybotwinbloom]

My best friend is 40 this week and I have a few bits already for her that I have bought and kept but I have to get her main present.

I want to get her something she can keep.

Can I ask for some suggestions please and if anyone knows of any good sales I can get her something from so I can get her something really nice.

I have a budget of about £100.

I'm usually good at presents but I can only think of a watch and I am not sure if she'd like it.

Tia

I suppose it depends what she likes...

... If she likes a particular alcohol you can get bottles engraved with a message (I'm getting a fancy and expensive bottle of whisky for my DH from me and the kids for his 40th)

What is she into? For milestone birthdays, I've done engraved charm, posh pen (can also be engraved with initials), silk scarf, antique locket meaningful to the recipient, first edition of significant book...Loads of options depending on who you're buying for, really!

I'll probably need to don my flameproof suit now, but I don't think £100 is enough for a keepsake watch, sorry!

I've seen a watch in the sale for £129. It was £349.

I've sent a pic to her mum who said she'd like it so I'm halfway to ordering that.

A silk scarf and a charm are also good ideas which I'm going to look at now.

She's into designer brands.

She likes Chanel perfume but she has so many bottles of the same perfume already.

@pasturesgreen your probably right. That's why I'm hesitating buying the one I have seen.

Do you want to see the watch?

Yes please

Sorry it's £109 not £129.

Does she like watches though?
My favourite 40th birthday gift was a very expensive bottle of Moroccan Rose bath oil.
It gave me months if decadent pleasure.

A book or books if she reads. Folio books.

Egyptian cotton beware.

I don't know if she likes watches. I literally know everything else about her but I am just stumped at this present.

She does like a bath though. In fact she's always in the bath.
I didn't think of that. I've just been fixated on something she might like to keep.

Bath oil is a good shout.

Can you recommend some bath oils please?

I bought my friend a pendant and a bracelet from a local jewellery maker. Etsy can be great for finds.

Have a look on Fb or insta fir a company called Art and lyric.
You think of something personal to your friend, maybe something she likes, a lyric to a song that fits or us relevant and they chat to you about doing a personalised drawing that can be framed. It will be unique.
I haven't made it sound great but have a look at some if the work theyve done for previous customers.

Something expensive, look it up. Something shed never buy herself. Is Space NK still going. That's where my bath oil came from.

The watch is lovely!! I would get that but you know her better than we do!!

What colour jewelry does she mostly wear? White, yellow or rose gold.. that might change whether the watch is likely to be worn.

She isn't a big jewellery wearer. She has a few Vivienne Westwood pieces,
Earrings and stuff but I wanted to get her something she wouldn't buy for herself.

@notacooldad

Thanks I will look at that now

@notacooldad

That Instagram for your recommendation looks great I'm saving that.

I've asked them for some prices

Is she into bags? If so, a personalised bag from IKnowtheQueen (although you might not have time if her birthday is this week). I have one and bought one for a friend for her 40th as I love it so much! I’m always complimented on mine when out. Wilbur & Gussie clutches are also lovely and you can sometimes find them in the sale for your budget.

What about a really nice good quality leather purse?

You always need cash/cards and receipts and she'd use it every day.

I've ordered the watch.

I've also asked the person on Instagram that was recommended down thread to do me a piece.

I will post a photo it when it arrives. It's going to have a Maryln monroe background (her fave) and our fave song together as a strap line.

I'm more excited about the picture as I know she will love it. That's going to be a personal pressie just off me.

The watch off my husband and daughter.

Thank you for all of your suggestions. This thread is being saved for Christmas as there are so many good suggestions for presents I can use for friends and family.

Xx

My friend is into classic novels and I bought her a version of Pride and Prejudice which featured her as the star and I could add myself and other family/ friends into it too! This is the company, they do other personalised gifts too. www.sweetandnostalgic.co.uk/pride-and-prejudice-personalised-novel-5762-p.asp